Childcare fraud concerns spike in Ohio
By Mary Kate McNamee | Feb. 17Gov. Mike DeWine told investigative reporters in Ohio not to enter childcare facilities after concerns of fraud were raised.
LOCAL
Road salt shortages sweep Ohio, residents forced indoors
By Kaitlin Hogg | Feb. 17Road salt ran low in Athens after late-January storms as demand surged across Ohio. A 500-ton shipment Feb. 12 restored local supply.
New SNAP work requirements put pressure on Southeast Ohioans
By Liv Jacobs | Feb. 17Changes to work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) went into effect in early February. These changes pose many problems for those living in rural Ohio, specifically the Southeast region.
Athens News ends print publication after nearly 50 years
By Laynee Eslich | Feb. 13The Athens News printed its final edition Jan. 14, ending nearly five decades of free weekly distribution.
Athens City Schools prepare staff for potential ICE interactions
By Bridget Thomas | Feb. 11Athens City School District is working to train and prepare teachers and support staff on procedures in the event of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity near schools.
Seismic events in Southeast Ohio reach high in 2025
By Laynee Eslich | Feb. 10ODNR reported 173 tremors in the past year in Southeast Ohio. Nine earthquakes have been reported in the region since the start of 2026.
Tensions surrounding Nelsonville city councils continue
By Finn Smith | Feb. 10Nelsonville’s government remains in limbo as the voter-approved decision to abolish the city charter and move to statutory government was repealed in the Fourth District Court.
Bald eagle comeback results in four nests in Athens
By Fiona Petticrew | Feb. 9The American bald eagle population is thriving in Ohio, with around 964 confirmed nests. Wildlife professionals discuss their comeback and explain how they are being protected in Ohio.
DeWine awards $10 million school bus safety grant across 371 districts
By Fiona Petticrew | Feb. 4Gov. Mike DeWine, along with his Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group, created a list of safety recommendations and features for districts to purchase and equip with their awarded funds.
Fruth Pharmacy closes doors
By Finn Smith | Feb. 2Fruth Pharmacy closes all locations amidst growing concerns of pharmacy deserts in rural parts of Ohio. Pharmacy deserts, a 10-mile area that contains no retail pharmacy, pose threats to rural residents' access to care.
Athens 2040 Plan to receive 5-year update
By Alex Passero | Jan. 29The 2040 Plan, Athens’ comprehensive vision for the city, is set to be updated to reflect the community’s changing needs.
Ohio plans to strengthen rural healthcare, address doctor shortage
By Finn Smith | Jan. 29To address healthcare issues experienced in rural areas, Ohio is implementing the Ohio Rural Health Transformation Program. The project plans to expand access to care and bring more physicians to rural areas.
Gallia County health officials warn of Xylazine use
By Finn Smith | Jan. 28The veterinary sedative known as xylazine has been detected in over half of the states in the U.S. The highly dangerous drug has been detected in drug markets in Southeast Ohio, with Gallia County being one of the first counties to openly discuss the issue.
Ambition drives fight against maternity deserts in Southeast Ohio
By Suzanne Piper , Ranjini Shank , Daphne Graeter , Alexandra Hopkins and Gina Napoli | Jan. 27Across Southeast Ohio, ambitious leaders seek solutions to resolve the maternity desert crisis.
Bobcatz bar opens as newest addition to Athens nightlife
By Liv Jacobs | Jan. 27A new bar, Bobcatz, is making a name for itself as a relaxed alternative to Athens’ lively nightlife.
Chick-fil-A packs Athens’ coop, some say it's unneeded
By Drew Hoffmaster | Jan. 27Chick-fil-A announced in a press release that 25 to 30 new locations are being built in Ohio by 2027, one of which will be in Athens. The expansion effort will also bring locations to parts of Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Northwest Ohio.
‘Operation Buckeye’ raises concerns for OU students
By Laynee Eslich | Jan. 27The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deployed agents throughout Columbus on Dec. 16, 2025. Two Ohio State University students were arrested for protesting the border control’s attendance at a school function.
Pike County nuclear site experiences cleanup, new development
By Finn Smith | Jan. 22The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a historic producer of U.S. nuclear energy, is undergoing mass decontamination and decommissioning. Local organizations are now working together to initiate new projects on the site to bolster energy production and create local jobs.
Athens City Council draws capacity crowd after Pledge of Allegiance debate
By Mary Kate McNamee | Jan. 21Athens City Council chambers filled to capacity Tuesday night as residents gathered to speak following controversy over whether the Pledge of Allegiance should be included at council meetings.
McCarey discusses plans, intentions for first term as City Council president
By Kaitlin Hogg | Jan. 20New City Council President Micah McCarey reflects on his first weeks and shares goals for council and community engagement.
