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Local leaders, construction industry defend data centers before Ohio lawmakers
Sen. Brian Chavez says legislation could clear an Ohio Senate committee within days, even as witnesses split on NDAs, sales tax breaks, and transparency rules.
Articles by Nick Evans
Local
Big tech defends data centers before Ohio lawmakers
Tech giants faced skeptical lawmakers and fierce public opposition over nondisclosure deals, tax breaks, and power grid impacts.
Local
Bipartisan JobsOhio oversight bill gets first hearing
The bill would require JobsOhio to pay fair market value for future liquor franchise extensions worth billions, after lawmakers questioned whether the nonprofit truly delivers statewide economic benefits.
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Ohio Senate advances photo voter ID amendment measure
Democrats and some Republicans say the fast-tracked amendment either goes too far or not far enough, with voting rights groups warning it could be challenged as a poll tax.
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Data center opponents give Ohio lawmakers an earful
Residents demanded a data center moratorium, citing water contamination risks, secrecy through NDAs, and inadequate state oversight during the committee's only public hearing.
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Ohio photo voter ID amendment prompts pushback across political spectrum
Voting rights groups and voting-restriction advocates both opposed the amendment at a hearing, citing concerns the measure lacks a free ID provision and leaves absentee voters unprotected.
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Ohio lawmakers begin hearings on data centers
Seven in ten Americans oppose data centers in their neighborhoods, but Ohio regulators are weighing how to allocate costs as 77 new facilities are planned by 2030.
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Columbus public safety leaders say they were abused by OSU doctor
Gahanna's public safety director says he was assaulted by Strauss in the Student Health Center, not as a student athlete but during a medical visit for a cycling rash.
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Ohio lawmakers consider joining other states to test psychedelic-assisted treatments
Rep. Pizzulli chairs a committee studying ibogaine for PTSD and addiction, with $50 million in federal backing, but some lawmakers question whether Ohio should fund it.
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Ohio’s governors race features political newcomers promising rosy visions of the future
Both candidates promise lower costs and taxes, but Ramaswamy hasn't explained how to fund $6.6 billion in property tax cuts while Acton targets voucher rollbacks.
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Property tax repeal campaign behind goal as deadline for 2026 ballot approaches
The campaign wants a roughly 200,000 signature cushion to account for rejections, but it might not meet that goal by July 1.
