US Weekly Headlines: cuts to SNAP benefits, government shutdown continues
By Avery St. George | Nov. 4This week’s headlines involve major changes to SNAP benefits as the shutdown continues, Trump’s alleged nuclear testing plan and more.
POLITICS
US Supreme Court case could overrule local bans on conversion therapy
By Finn Smith | Nov. 4Chiles v. Salazar, a Supreme Court case discussing conversion therapy bans, recently had oral arguments. The case could upend local bans on conversion therapy, such as the one in Athens, due to it being a violation of freedom of speech.
Tom Hayes, Jim Koenigsaecker premiere film ‘Voyage of the Handala’
By Fiona Petticrew | Oct. 31Tom Hayes and Jim Koenigsaecker premiered their film “Voyage of the Handala” Oct. 27 at Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival in Spain, bringing awareness to the conflict occurring in Gaza.
Ohio Attorney General supports nitrogen hypoxia for death penalty
By Bridget Thomas | Oct. 31Ohio House Bill 36 would allow nitrogen hypoxia as a form of execution for prisoners awaiting capital punishment. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost spoke out in support of the bill in front of the House Judiciary Committee earlier this month.
Hot Box to feed SNAP recipients amid government shutdown
By Annabelle Thomas | Oct. 30Hot Box Chicken Fingers & Tots will provide free meals to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients starting Nov. 1, when all federal food aid is set to halt due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Daphne’s Dispatch: Analyze local election candidates in Athens
By Daphne Graeter | Oct. 28From policies and budgets to education and public safety, the people whose names are on the upcoming Nov. 4 general election ballot have been deeply involved in the city of Athens’ business.
Athens County residents to vote on multiple levies in upcoming ballot
By Finn Smith | Oct. 28Multiple levies will appear on Athens County ballots in the upcoming general election this fall. The proposed taxes are aimed at providing funding for emergency medical services, the 911 and EMA center and the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Meet the candidates in Athens County’s Election
By Alex Passero | Oct. 28From Nelsonville’s mayor to the Trimble School Board, plenty of local positions are up for election.
Ohioans prepare for 2026 gubernatorial race
By Finn Smith | Oct. 28Ohio is preparing for a gubernatorial race in Fall 2026, as Gov. Mike Dewine’s second term nears the end. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Dr. Amy Acton are leading the charge for their respective parties.
US Weekly Headlines: Policy change for Pentagon officials, government shutdown continues
By Mary Kate McNamee | Oct. 28Key developments this week as Washington scrambles during the prolonged government shutdown, Trump imposes new tariffs and ceases aid to Colombia and policy changes for Pentagon officials seek to eliminate any miscommunication between Congress.
Heidi’s Hot Takes: Local elections deserve student votes
By Heidi Bartolone | Oct. 27Local elections decide rent prices, transit routes and campus safety issues that shape daily student life. When students skip the polls, others determine their future for them.
City Council hears public debate over temporary housing shelters
By Avery St. George | Oct. 21The Athens City Council heard from over 25 community members with comments regarding an ordinance that provides temporary shelters for unhoused individuals on North Congress Street. The public comments expressed several concerns, including safety, winter weather, substance abuse and misinformation.
DeWine ensures no more ticket quotas, OUPD ticketing will not change
By Fiona Petticrew | Oct. 21Senate Bill 114, signed by Gov. Mike DeWine, ensures no law enforcement agency will be allowed to encourage officers to reach a quota on citations and arrests. The Ohio University Police Department will ticket as normal, as they did not have a quota before the bill, but will continue to hold high standards for parking violations.
US Weekly Headlines: No Kings protests rage nationwide, CIA covert operations confirmed in Venezuela
By Finn Smith | Oct. 21U.S. Weekly Headlines: Protestors in cities across the country gathered to express discontent with the Trump administration. Trump revoked the visas of six foreigners due to comments made against Charlie Kirk, and the CIA was confirmed to be conducting covert operations in Venezuela after recent maritime attacks against alleged drug smuggling boats from the country.
Guide to navigating Election Day as a college student
By Avery St. George | Oct. 16Early voting is a great resource for college students who won’t be in their hometowns on Election Day. In November 2024, almost 45% of Ohio voters cast early ballots -- either in-person or through absentee voting.
SNAP overhaul reduces benefits, tightens access for students
By Drew Hoffmaster | Oct. 14President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed July 4, bringing changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
US Weekly Headlines: Airport delays, shutdown negotiations
By Elizabeth Talaga | Oct. 14Plus the Nobel Peace Prize winner, immigration enforcement in Chicago.
Soph’s Soapbox: Entertainment media influences political opinions
By Sophia Anness | Oct. 10Entertainment media has a place in politics, and it influences people more than they realize.
City Council approves five ordinances, opioid education funding
By Laynee Eslich | Oct. 8Acting as council president Monday, Councilmember Micah McCarey led a meeting where Athens City Council unanimously passed five ordinances. Measures included joining the national opioid settlement, leasing the former fire department building and updating rental permit requirements.
House Bill 460 would allow concealed carry in government buildings
By Finn Smith | Oct. 8House Bill 460, sponsored by Ohio Republican Reps. Thaddeus Claggett and Bernard Willis, proposed legislation that would allow elected officials to carry concealed handguns in government buildings across the state.
