Over 1,200 report Athens power outage
By Suzanne Piper | Apr. 3AEP Ohio is assessing over 1,200 power outages in Athens, stretching 10 miles.
LOCAL
Senate Bill 56 restricts public consumption, home growing
By Fiona Petticrew | Apr. 1Senate Bill 56, which went into effect March 20, bans the sale of intoxicating hemp without a dispensary license, as well as public consumption. The bill restricts home-growing, changes definitions and expunges those convicted of minor misdemeanors in relation to cannabis.
Bigfoot sighted at The Ridges
By Alexandra Hopkins | Apr. 1A Bigfoot sighting at The Ridges called professional hunters from across the region to gather in anticipation of a potential sighting.
Buddy’s announces closure, Senate Bill 56 impact
By Fiona Petticrew | Mar. 30Buddy’s Lounge announced its closure today on Instagram, after serving the Athens community for three years. Senate Bill 56 forced the storefront to close, as the sale of intoxicating hemp has been made illegal without a dispensary license.
Coalition of Ohio organizations to fight elder abuse
By Finn Smith | Mar. 27Attorney General Dave Yost, in partnership with the Ohio Bankers League and Ohio Pharmacists Association, is launching an initiative to combat elder abuse. Elder abuse is a rising issue in Ohio, with one in 10 Ohioans age 60 or older suffering from abuse.
Playa Bowls opens its Athens location, brings long lines
By Bridget Deshler and Maria Saunders | Mar. 23Playa Bowls in Athens opened Friday, with people lined up for special deals.
New federal funding policy to limit housing support programs
By Laynee Eslich | Mar. 19HUD refers to new ideologies for the CoC Program, presented by the Trump administration. Facilitating change from the Biden-era “slush fund” that prioritized housing-first, HUD Secretary is increasing regulations on the application process for organizations.
World’s largest natural gas generation facility planned for Ohio
By Finn Smith | Mar. 17Portsmouth is expected to be the site of the largest natural gas generation facility in the world, generating 9.2 gigawatts of power, as part of a Japan-U.S. trade deal.
Athens City Council declines to advance police drone grant
By Laynee Eslich | Mar. 17The Athens City Police Department was one of nine municipalities selected for grant technology to be used by first responders. Athens Police Chief Nick Magruder said emergencies could be viewed from these drones for a more effective response.
Workforce expands, diversifies in Southeast Ohio
By Finn Smith | Mar. 3Following the closure of Pixelle Specialty Solutions' paper mill, many lost their manufacturing jobs. Now that emerging manufacturing companies are moving to the region, workers and employers will have to deal with transferring skills.
Rezoning at The Ridges moves forward, plans shift timeline
By Kaitlin Hogg | Mar. 3Athens City Council will consider rezoning nearly 27 acres at The Ridges from educational to residential use.
East State Street Cool Digs closes after 13 years
By Fiona Petticrew | Feb. 27Cool Digs has closed its doors on East State Street, due to slow sales and increased supplier and shipping costs. Sara Quoia Bryant, the owner, speaks on her experiences with the store and the city of Athens.
OneOhio Recovery Foundation funds opioid programs statewide
By Finn Smith | Feb. 26The OneOhio Recovery Foundation is using money collected from opioid settlements to invest in opioid prevention, treatment and recovery projects.
Chamber of Commerce holds first state of Athens address
By Avery St. George | Feb. 25The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce organized a state of the Athens address to discuss the 2025 year in review from city and county departments.
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.
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.
