City council meets, discusses Hispanic Heritage Month, Imagination Library
By Kaitlin Hogg | Sep. 16Athens City Council met to discuss ordinances, financial reports.
LOCAL
COVID-19 hospitalizations surge as vaccine eligibility tightens
By Abby Waechter | Sep. 16COVID-19 hospitalizations in Ohio nearly doubled last week, and two respiratory illness outbreaks were reported in Southeast Ohio. As winter approaches, new federal restrictions are limiting access to the COVID-19 vaccine, sparking concern among health experts, students and providers across the state.
Police Blotter: To-go box break-in, driveway confusion and puppy lockout
By Drew Roberts | Sep. 16This week’s police blotter includes reports ranging from a suspicious vehicle that turned out to be parked in its owner’s driveway to a dog that accidentally locked its owner out of a car.
Invasive ambrosia beetles continue to threaten trees across Ohio
By Finn Smith | Sep. 16The invasive Ambrosia beetle continues to harm trees such as pawpaws across the Midwest. The insect infestation has caused local farmers to burn large chunks of their tree population, and invest in preventative measures. A lack of research and funding into Pawpaw trees and Ambrosia beetles has played a part in the lack of information growers have on how to handle the ongoing issue.
The Outdoor Museum at The Ridges is an educational hidden gem
By Cameron Crego | Sep. 10The recently-opened Outdoor Museum at The Ridges provides visitors a chance to connect with nature and learn about the wildlife at The Ridges and in southeastern Ohio.
SB 1 could affect classroom discussions, debate
By Fiona Petticrew | Sep. 9Senate Bill 1 could potentially make discussions in class more restrictive and limit creative thinking, which is the very thing the bill claims to do.
Medicaid cuts pose potential threats to rural Ohio hospitals
By Finn Smith | Sep. 8The One Big Beautiful Bill Act contains almost $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid. These funding cuts are expected to hit rural areas hard, potentially causing hospital closures. Reports show that two hospitals in Southeast Ohio are in danger of closing.
Police blotter: Stolen pants, lawn mower theft
By Kaitlin Hogg | Sep. 8Police blotter: Noise complaints, activated alarms and civil disputes.
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease confirmed in Athens County deer herd
By Kaitlin Hogg | Sep. 8EHD in whitetail deer population: symptoms, what to know and what to do if a sick deer is spotted.
Mamaw’s Porch 'n Politics gains social media attention in Southeast Ohio
By Finn Smith | Sep. 5Jackson County resident and longtime political advocate, Lisa Parker, has created a Facebook page titled Mamaw’s Porch ‘n Politics. The page represents her Appalachian community and brings a liberal perspective to all those listening.
Southeast Ohioans discuss poor infrastructure, lack of funding
By Finn Smith | Sep. 4A recent round of grant funding aimed to improve infrastructure by the Ohio Department of Transportation failed to include any projects in Southeast Ohio. Many local Ohioans express their disappointment and frustration with elected officials and the state government for lack of funding and support.
Athens City Council debates property sales, construction delays
By Mary Kate McNamee | Sep. 3Athens City Council met Tuesday evening, weighing property sales, sidewalk closures tied to ongoing construction and updates to housing code.
UAOU begins contract talks with university after delays
By Mary Kate McNamee | Sep. 2The United Academics of Ohio University is beginning negotiations with the administration in pursuit of its first contract.
Blotter: Sheriff’s deputies go on a wild bull chase
By Emily Stokes | Sep. 2Wild bull chase, diseased deer, unattended children, this week on Blotter
Alden Library enters planning phase for major renovation project
By Kaitlin Hogg | Sep. 1Ohio University is partnering with a global architecture firm to reimagine Alden Library. Construction is expected to start after June 2026.
Human interest staff promote Athens' hotspots
By Gina Napoli | Aug. 28Whether a student is looking for a new outfit or delicious meal, there are a variety of places down Court and East State Street to explore.
UAOU hosts ‘cheer-in’ after university canceled bargaining meetings
By Mary Kate McNamee | Aug. 27United Academics of Ohio University members and students held a “cheer-in” Wednesday at Baker University Center to support their bargaining team during negotiations with university administrators. The event followed frustration over two abruptly canceled bargaining sessions, as faculty push for a contract they say will strengthen job security and improve education quality.
Police Blotter: Cows on the loose, guns blazing, smoke detectors
By Finn Smith | Aug. 26Police Blotter: Athens County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio University Police responded to loose cows, gunshot reports, runaway juveniles, smoke detector tampering and more for the week of August 20–24.
City of Athens reveals new TikTok page, AI chatbot Benny the Athens Brick
By Kaitlin Hogg | Aug. 26Athens enters the digital age further by creating both a TikTok account and a new AI chatbot, “Benny the Athens Brick,” for its city website.
What to know about campus health insurance
By Kaitlin Hogg | Aug. 26Ohio University requires Athens campus students to carry health insurance, either through the university-sponsored plan or a personal provider. This semester, the university plan costs $1,422, with coverage running Aug. 20 through Feb. 19.
