Issuu

Former Athena Grand building reopens as Goodwill ... PG 3 Takeaways from MAC Media Day 2026 ... PG 6 Guide to upcoming Athens events and festivals ... PG 9 THEPOSTATHENS.COM

AUGUST 20, 2026

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 1

ILLUSTRATION BY ABBY DOENCH DESIGN DIRECTOR

US Headlines Blanche confirmed as AG, wildfires in western US cause evacuations, ICE electric shock gloves

Tips to navigate move-in day

BRIDGET THOMAS FOR THE POST

ins and move-outs.

9 Sun _________________

Todd Blanche confirmed as Attorney General On Saturday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general. The vote was passed in the Republicanled Senate, 50-49, confirming Blanche’s role in the Justice Department. Blanche was opposed by two Republican senators and all Democratic senators. Blanche is President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, who has led the Justice Department in an acting capacity since Pam Bondi’s departure in April, according to the Associated Press. The confirmation was a long process in which Republicans worried that Blanche’s close ties to Trump would interfere with the responsibilities of the head of the Justice Department. Blanche promised in writing the Justice Department would abandon Trump’s $1.8 billion compensation fund aimed at assisting Trump allies, according to the AP. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA, served as the deciding vote after Blanche’s promise swayed him, claiming Blanche is the best option for the position to push Republican ideals. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., argued against the confirmation, stating now is the moment when the U.S. most “needs an attorney general above reproach, who is clearly dedicated to ending corruption.”

10 Mon __________________

Wildfires continue across western US and Canada as residents evacuate Wildfires in the Western US and Canada have left some residents waiting for evacuation orders, while others are actively evacuating. Over 20,000 people are leaving their homes in Canada in areas such as British Columbia, which declared a state of emergency on Saturday, according to the AP. Three wildfires in Spokane, Washington, were reportedly not growing on Sunday after being contained by fire crews. The rural town of Malden, south of Spokane, was urged to evacuate Saturday immediately, but by Sunday, the order was downgraded to be ready to leave quickly if necessary. Malden dealt with harmful wildfires in 2020, losing its fire station, post office, city hall and library, according to the AP. On Friday morning, two people were killed in a helicopter crash in Utah as they responded to wildfires. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash, according to the AP. continued pg 3

LIBBY SHOEMAKER HUMAN INTEREST STAFF Whether it is in a dorm or off-campus housing, move-in day can be exciting but chaotic. As Ohio University students move into their spaces, upperclassmen, along with the move-in crew, offer tips on how to move in efficiently and transform spaces into a home. Many Bobcats moved into their new dorms and housing Aug. 15, after filling out the early arrival application. Hearing from those who have experience in the OU movein process provides insight into what to expect for future move-

Joy Hudson, a sophomore studying psychology, shared some of her experience along with things to avoid during the moving process. “I had a lot of family members that helped me move in, and I would probably argue too many,” Hudson said. “I think sometimes if you have too many people helping you, and … if you have a roommate or multiple roommates that are also moving in at the same time, having too many people can be a little bit overwhelming and stressful.” Limiting the amount of helpers on move-in day is something Hudson prioritized this year, bringing only one person to support her. In the dorms, space can be

filled quickly between people and moving bags. Hudson added that she learned packing light is most efficient when it comes to living in the dorms. “I made a deal with myself essentially that if I couldn’t fit it in my car, then it couldn’t come,” Hudson said. “Because that’s about the amount of space that you’ll have living in a dorm, or to live in it comfortably.” Hudson also recommended purchasing storage containers and IKEA packing bags for movein, especially if the dorm hall lacks an elevator. Before moving into a living space, the university recommends staying organized to ensure the moving process goes smoothly. continued pg 12

Negotiations continue between OU, UAOU KAITLIN HOGG FOR THE POST Negotiations between the United Academics of Ohio University and Ohio University are still ongoing during the 2026-27 academic year, following over a year of previous negotiations. The negotiations began after the faculty union was approved in May 2025 by the State Employment Relations Board. However, there was no smooth transition into the union, as OU filed a lawsuit against SERB nearly a week after 70% of staff voted in favor of the union. The lawsuit is still underway,

with the official notice of appeal stating, “The University appeals SERB’s decision where it failed to conduct the necessary investigation into the University’s post-election objections.” A decision on the lawsuit is still being awaited. This is the first time since the university’s founding in 1804 that there has been a faculty union. Joe McLaughlin, an English professor and union bargaining member, said that the group filed a compensation proposal on Oct. 29, 2025, and that proposal has yet to be acknowledged by the university.

McLaughlin is one of nine OU faculty members on the UAOU negotiating team. On Thursday, Aug. 13, UAOU posted a photo of a group of UAOU organizers to their Instagram page with the caption, “This morning, Ohio University faculty showed up at the board of trustees meeting to deliver our open letter, signed by more than 1,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members and allies calling on the board to support a fair contract for faculty.”

Photo by CAMDEN PAELTZ | FOR THE POST

continued pg 2

Athens City, County part of potential data center talks

UPC drag show, series of events during OU welcome week

KAITLIN HOGG FOR THE POST

GINA NAPOLI MANAGING EDITOR

Both Athens City Council and Athens County Township Trustees approved one-year moratoriums on data centers after Saadia Holding LLC, a New York-based manufacturing firm, reached out to both the city and county and expressed interest in potentially building a data center. The moratoriums pause the approval of zoning permits, halting the development of data centers in the area for up to one year. According to the Ohio Consumers’ Council, there are over 200 data centers in Ohio alone, with most of them being in central Ohio. That number places Ohio fifth overall for most data centers out of all 50 states.

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Connor LaVelle, Athens County planner and floodplain administrator, said in an interview on July 29 that anything related to Saadia Holding and their interest in the Athens area was preliminary. However, LaVelle also said that “three or four months ago,” the Athens County Regional Planning Commission “established a subcommittee just to begin discussions of data centers and their impact on Ohio, and then also looking at what impact they could have on Athens County.” LaVelle said that the meeting with Saadia Holding was a short Zoom call, and the company did not have any site or building plans for a potential data center. LaVelle also said the meeting “was not very deep.” continued pg 2

The Drag Collective isn’t the only group performing. Athens drag queens Rock M. Sakura, Kazma Knights and Evelyn Everything will also perform. “(The show) is honestly one of the coolest performing experiences because there’s easily 800-plus students there,” Chris Nevil, or drag queen Kazma Knights, said. “Hearing everybody screaming and having a good time is so invigorating. When students come up to me, or the other performers, and say this is their ‘first ever show,’ they’ve ‘never felt so safe’ or they’ve ‘never felt so accepted’ … that is what makes it all worth it.” Nevil was born and raised in Athens and started his drag

career in 2017. He said the UPC show is not only lively, but also an opportunity to make new students feel comfortable and accepted. “What I look forward to the most is getting to expose a little bit of Athens to the new students … I always take a little time on the mic to welcome them to Athens and tell them that they’re valued,” Nevil said. “Being able to welcome them to the town that I grew up in and I’ve lived in, to tell them that they’re welcome there and that we’re equally as excited to have them there.” Elena Valentine, a member of the Drag Collective and Athens resident, is drag queen Orion Vega. The 23-year-old said they began their drag journey back in 2021, after frequently visiting drag shows and Pride events hosted in Fremont, Ohio.

continued pg 12

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UAOU/continued from pg 1 The caption went on to say, “Our community is paying attention and we expect Ohio University to invest in the faculty who make its educational mission possible. We’re at a pivotal point in bargaining. It’s time for OU administration to come to the table ready to make real progress toward a fair first contract.” UAOU also posted a link in the caption for those who want to add their names to the open letter. Dan Pittman, senior director of communication for University Communications and Marketing, said in an email that “Ohio University and the

United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU) continue to make meaningful progress toward OHIO’s first faculty collective bargaining agreement since its founding, and the University remains focused on reaching an agreement that supports faculty while advancing OHIO’s academic mission and long-term institutional success.” Pittman also said in his email that specific negotiation details between the university and UAOU are confidential, as per Ohio law, but the university will continue posting updates to its websites as appropriate. For those who want to learn more about the ongoing negotiations, more information can be found on the university’s labor relations website.

As it stands now, negotiations center around compensation for all staff, and greater job security and better working conditions for non-tenured staff, according to McLaughlin. McLaughlin also said UAOU has adapted to negotiations by having more people involved in its organizing committee that is “planning events, doing media campaigns, trying to ramp up pressure on the administration to get this done, to treat faculty with more respect and to invest more of its resources directly in students’ educational experience.” The next two meetings between UAOU and OU are on Aug. 24 and 26. McLaughlin said he hopes the university will be able to meet with UAOU more than three times in

September, as UAOU has proposed several dates to negotiate. When asked if UAOU was satisfied with the direction of negotiations last academic year, McLaughlin’s answer was a succinct “absolutely not,” as he did not feel UAOU and OU met often enough for agreements to be met and the union’s needs to be addressed. Pittman, however, said in his email that “the University remains committed to approaching all negotiations thoughtfully, respectfully and in good faith.” The Post will continue to release updates as more meetings and negotiations are held between OU and UAOU. KH303123@OHIO.EDU

Athens Data Center/continued from pg 1 “They were mainly trying to get a grasp on what the permitting is like,” LaVelle said. “I think they were trying to also understand what are the jurisdictions that provide local permitting and local authorities, because it is sort of an interesting area where there’s different layers: township, city, county.” The Post reached out to Saadia Holding for comment regarding their intentions, but did not receive a response. The company does not have an available phone number or working website. The property Saadia Holding is interested in is located just northeast of The Plains, across the street from Athens High School. There have been many different groups involved with the potential data center, as the property crosses the border between Athens and Dover Townships and is in Athens County, but with a small portion owned by the city of Athens. The property is currently owned by NML Gallia LLC. The moratorium from Council does not cover the Saadia Holding-proposed data center as the location is outside city limits, but the one issued from the Athens Township Trustees does. Data centers have become a hotbutton issue not just in Ohio, but across the country. Many people in Ohio oppose them due to their potential impact on the environment and their disruption to the local community. One issue many share surrounding

Saadia Holding LLC, a New York-based holding company, has inquired about permits for building a data center on nearly 300 acres across US-33 from Athens High School in The Plains. The land, currently owned by NML Gallia LLC, abuts River Road and crosses between Athens and Dover townships, which have different zoning regulations. Satellite imagery from Google Earth, graphic by ETHAN HERX | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY.

data centers is their water intake. According to Oscar Carson, the superintendent of Athens County Water and Sewer District, Saadia Holding would most likely require an initial 100,000 gallons of water to fill up the data center in Athens, and then an additional 20,000-30,000 gallons monthly to top it off. Carson said that the county would be able to allot the water to the data center and that it would not be a problem for Athens residents, as Saadia Holding was looking at property near the water tower. However, Carson did say adjustments

would potentially need to happen depending on the size of the building. While water might not be a problem, Carson also mentioned sewer lines would potentially need to change. “Sewer would be the issue because it’s down on River Road itself, so they would have to extend the line to access the sewer,” Carson said. “But I don’t see that being a problem.” LaVelle mentioned he has received lots of feedback from concerned citizens, and regardless of whether the data center is built, it is a good opportunity for community members to learn more about the processes that go into it.

LaVelle also said that he understands people have concerns and encourages them to reach out and share their feelings on the matter. “When people are rightly concerned and want to share those concerns, it’s important to know which jurisdiction to go to,” LaVelle said. “They’re also always welcome to bring their concerns to the Athens County Regional Planning Commission.” The Athens County Regional Planning Commission meets on the second Thursday of every month at 8 p.m. on the first floor of the Ohio University Innovation Center. KH303123@OHIO.EDU

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US Headlines/continued from pg 1

Blotter: Towed cars, vandalism and hang up call

BEN PENNINGTON | FOR THE POST

KAITLIN HOGG | FOR THE POST 7 Fri ___________________

Suspicious activity Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Slab Road in Shade regarding a suspicious activity complaint. Deputies on the scene searched the area and assured the homeowner nothing was amiss.

11 Tue __________________ Trump signs executive order to space out childhood vaccines, against medical advice On Monday, Trump signed an executive order recommending the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine be separated into three single vaccines given at separate doctor visits. Trump’s belief that the three vaccines should be separated has been discredited by the medical community, according to the AP. Public health experts worry that by spreading the vaccines across multiple doctor visits, children risk getting infected with a disease in the time between visits. Childhood vaccines have been extensively studied and safety tracking continues while the vaccines are being administered, according to the AP. Trump expressed his belief that separating the vaccines will help hinder the rising rates of autism spectrum disorder, while the medical community has found no link between vaccines and autism, the AP reports. 12 Wed __________________ Secret Service advised Trump not to fly on Air Force One on trip to Turkey On Tuesday, Trump downplayed his use of a decoy plane on his trip to Turkey last month, claiming the threat did not scare him. Trump snuck onto an airport catering container, which transported him from Air Force One to an alternate plane that he took to Turkey, according to AP. Trump did not acknowledge the risk faced by others left on Air Force One, such as White House officials, support staff and reporters. The threat by Iran and Trump’s decoy plane was kept secret for weeks until the Washington Post reported on it, according to the AP. There have been many instances where presidents have kept details of overseas trips secret, but the details surrounding this trip being kept secret for weeks afterward are unprecedented, according to the AP.

13 Thur _____________________ ICE plans to give officers gloves able to deliver painful electric shocks Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers may soon have gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks to deal with combative individuals. According to a notice published by the Department of Homeland Security, ICE plans to spend nearly $20 million on “conductive and de-escalation devices” for officers and agents, according to the AP. These devices are known as G.L.O.V.E., which stands for Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter. Some prisons and police departments have used the gloves in recent years, according to the AP. Civil rights advocates worry about the use of these gloves, as they claim ICE agents have repeatedly been under fire for their use of force with little oversight. John Peters, the president of the Institute for the Prevention of InCustody Deaths, said the gloves are an effective tool for dealing with resistance from individuals, the AP reported. 14 Fri ___________________ Israeli settlers siege of Palestinian homes draws criticism from US Israeli settlers surrounded three homes on the outskirts of Qusra, a town in the occupied West Bank. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee referred to the settlers as “terrorists” Thursday, a title US officials typically reserve for Palestinian militants, according to the AP. The Israeli military condemned the settlers’ actions on Tuesday and declared Qusra a closed military zone, but dozens of settlers returned the next day, according to the AP. Huckabee, who has been a longtime supporter of the settlements, condemned the rising settler violence, calling the actions “disgusting”, according to the AP.

BT037924@OHIO.EDU

Former Athena Grand building rebranded, Goodwill opens LAYNEE ESLICH NEWS STAFF WRITER Goodwill took over the Athena Grand location, a local movie theater on East State Street that closed in January 2025. After nearly 20 years in business, the Athena was unable to recover from the effects of COVID-19, according to a previous report by The Post. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, movie ticket sales plummeted by 81% in 2020 and have been slow to recover, remaining well below the 1.6 billion movie tickets sold in 2002, its peak year. The Athena Grand also had competition with other local theaters and businesses, such as The Athena Cinema, a local theater owned and operated by Ohio University on Court Street, and Movies 10, located in the Fun Barn on 14333 US Highway 33. On June 25, the new Goodwill held a ribboncutting ceremony, where representatives from Goodwill of South Central Ohio, Athens Mayor Steve Patterson and Athens Area Chamber of Commerce gathered with

Athens residents to celebrate the opening. Bill Parker, vice president of community engagement for Goodwill of South Central Ohio, said the second store offers another convenient location for locals to donate and shop. Parker also mentioned Goodwill’s initiative to increase sustainability. “I think something that we’d like people to be aware of is our sustainability,” Parker said. “We are a major recycler of electronics and IT products through a project called Dell Reconnect.” In cooperation with Dell Technologies, the program has “recovered and recycled over 650 million pounds” of used electronics since its launch in 2004, according to a Goodwill of South Central Ohio information packet. Parker met with OU’s director of sustainability and the mayor of Athens to speak about the possible ways Goodwill can provide free services for people to dispose of unused items. Along with IT products, Parker said most people are not aware Goodwill also accepts books for the shelves

Fine then, call the cops Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Nelsonville after receiving a 911 hangup call. Deputies on the scene spoke with all involved parties, who said they had been involved in a “minor verbal dispute.” It was determined all parties were safe and no further action was necessary.

8 Sat __________________

Active warrant Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a McDonald’s in The Plains following reports of a suspicious individual. Deputies located the individual, Gregory Denney, on arrival and determined he had an active warrant out for his arrest. Denney was taken to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. Breaking and entering? Deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to State Route 550 in Athens after what appeared to be an active breaking and entering. On the scene, it was determined the people were allowed to be on the property and showed texts between them and the homeowner granting them permission. Once it was decided no crime was occurring, patrol resumed.

9 Sun _________________

Hope no one’s missing a car Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Rolling Hills Drive in regard to an abandoned vehicle. Upon arrival, deputies were unable to locate the car’s owner. The car was eventually towed, and patrol resumed. Vandals! Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded following a complaint of vandalism near Jacksonville. Once on the scene, deputies took photos of the damage and spoke with the caller. A report was filed.

10 Mon __________________

Warrants of the week The Athens County Sheriff’s Office announced warrants of arrest for Stephen Watts and Brett Koon. Koon is wanted for possession of drugs. Watts is wanted for having weapons while under disability, possession of drugs, trafficking in drugs and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. If anyone has any information about either individual, they are to contact the sheriff’s office immediately.

Sheriff’s Office responded to the Go-Mart in Coolville following a shoplifting event. The manager of the store spoke to deputies and said they only wanted the shoplifter to be barred from the store. A report was taken, and deputies cleared the scene. Patrol was then resumed.

11 Tue ____________________

What’s the WiFi password? Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Euclid Avenue in Buchtel following a 911 hang-up call. It was verified by deputies there was no emergency and the call was the result of cellular issues. Tree in the road Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office were patrolling when they located a tree in the middle of Lemaster Road in The Plains. The tree was removed from the road by the units.

12 Wed ___________________

Arrested Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were on patrol when they noticed an individual in the Athens City Schools bus lot. When deputies attempted to make contact with the individual, they ran, but were subsequently caught by deputies. The individual revealed themself to be Devon Sargent of Chauncey. Sargent was charged with breaking and entering, as well as vandalism due to cutting and attempting to steal electrical cords. Sargent was taken to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. Call your son Deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to state Route 681 regarding a well-being check. The deputies found the woman, whose son contacted them. She said she would call him back.

13 Thur ___________________

Runaway The Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a missing teen complaint at Cherry Street in Glouster. The juvenile was located and returned home to their parents. Protection Order Report Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office spoke to an individual over the phone who wished to file a violation of a protection order in Athens County. A report was taken by deputies, and at the time the media report was released, an investigation was underway. Fighting Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Depot Street in New Marshfield in regard to a dispute. Deputies on the scene spoke with the individual who called, who then told deputies that all involved parties had separated.

Shoplifting Deputies with the Athens County

and recycling, and lithium-ion batteries to be safely stored through Dell Reconnect. “We also find that when people understand how we work as a nonprofit and what our missions are about, we are finding more and more support because awareness is real important to people,” Parker said. The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce congratulated Goodwill of South Central Ohio for their new store location in a post via Facebook on opening day. The post sparked over 200 comments, some expressing locals’ frustrations with the new store. Some users expressed distaste for the corporation and shopping options within the area. “How about a little more variety of shopping experiences in this community?” one commenter wrote. The only Yelp review of the new Goodwill points out the high prices in comparison to the chain’s other thrift stores, stating, “Give the students a break!” A report by Bank of America found that second-hand

shopping transactions are up 22% from one year ago. Another report from ThredUp, an online consignment and thrift shop, found revenue in the second-hand apparel market doubled from 2020 to 2025 due to younger shoppers. As COVID-19 brought on higher rates of online shopping, consumers turned to online resale platforms, such as Depop and ThredUp, to make their second-hand purchases, further feeding into the second-hand apparel market. ThredUp’s 2026 Resale Report projected that the second-hand apparel market will reach almost $400 billion by 2030, turning shoppers into entrepreneurs. Now, many people go to the thrift store to find economic value rather than use in the clothes, according to Forbes.

KH303123@OHIO.EDU

According to the official Goodwill website, the organization not only provides sustainability through selling donated items, but also funds occupation placement programs. “Our organization has, what we call, a workforce development team,” Parker said. “They work with people who have had disadvantages, second-chance employment type things for people who have been incarcerated, people with disabilities. The new Athens Goodwill will incorporate a space in the store for a workforce development representative to meet with people in need of a job and help them build skills to find one. LE211424@OHIO.EDU

Parker does not see this as an issue in Goodwill stores, naming the resale market as a “win-win” because Goodwill made their sale and the buyer was able to make money off of it as well. However, Goodwill’s ultimate goal is to help those with disadvantages and disabilities, Park said.

ETHAN HERX DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Metal Mondays | Know what’s happening at OU, but don’t let it get you down JACKSON MCCOY | FOR THE POST College is one of the most daunting experiences young people can face. The maelstrom of new people, cavernous lecture halls and sudden onslaught of freedom is both exciting and extremely overwhelming. When you mix the chaos of college with the current turmoil faced by higher education in Ohio, in addition to the issues Ohio University itself is facing, arriving at OU can feel like walking into a sinking ship. ise, OU is not going down any time soon, and you are going to have plenty of fun. Enrolling at OU comes with lots of necessary background students should be aware of, from its Appalachian setting to the ongoing professor unionization battle, but being knowledgeable about Bobcat current affairs shouldn’t stop anyone from making the most of their years in Athens. There are a number of important facts students should know about Athens and OU to help contextualize their new home. OU is in Appalachia, a large region of America that spreads from

parts of New York down to Mississippi. Appalachia is often solely defined by its economic underdevelopment and poverty, the presence of extractive industries and hard-to-traverse geography. However, the region is much more than any of those things; although they are realities, Appalachia has a wealth of culture and natural beauty that begets affection, and no one subregion is the same. Southeast Ohio, the corner of the state where Athens and OU are nestled, is not immune to the struggles of Appalachia but also has the beauty and community that comes with it. It is important, if you’re a student, not to look down on or shy away from the greater Athens community off campus. Economic hardship shouldn’t be the only thing you see, but you also shouldn’t ignore it; come to campus with empathy and without judgment. There is a natural tension between campus and the Athens outside of campus. Students often come to OU with preconceived ideas about what Appalachia is, and they are never kind. Stereotypes

about Appalachians being dumb and poor are widespread. Students must abandon these ideas and embrace their new home. Go to Strouds Run and have a beach day, shop at the Athens Farmers Market and engage with the parts of town not seen on campus.

advantage of office hours is paramount; your professors will be one of the main reasons you succeed in college. Volunteers and faculty with UAOU are frequently present on campus, particularly under Alumni Gateway on College Green; ask questions and engage with them.

After absorbing the base knowledge of what Appalachia is and where OU exists within it, understanding campusspecific issues is a good next step toward being a knowledgeable Bobcat.

Additionally, ongoing challenges with Senate Bill 1, also known as the Advance Higher Education Act, will continue to shape the OU experience. SB1 is an Ohio law that regulates identity-based services and curriculum on several topics, including race, sexuality and climate change.

The most prominent issue on campus right now is the ongoing unionization battle between United Academics of Ohio University and OU’s administration. UAOU is the professors’ union at OU and is organizing in response to stagnant wages and budget cuts. Repeated layoffs of faculty and administrative bloat have led many OU professors to fight for a better contract. OU has continued to use students’ tuition money to finance its union-busting tactics. Remembering this when you’re in class and taking

SB1 already shut down OU’s Pride Center, Multicultural Center and Women’s Center, and also changed how professors are evaluated and created post-tenure checkins for them. After SB1 passed, massive student-led protests took place at OU. Students found common ground, uniting in support of their freedom to learn and freedom of expression. All of these hefty topics and issues should galvanize student involvement on

campus, but they shouldn’t keep anyone from having a good time. The four years we get on campus are supposed to be fun. While the political machinations of state education reform and unionbusting are happening in the background, still meet friends, go out and make memories in the foreground. The highs will be high, and the lows will be low; don’t let things you can’t control drag you to the bottom when you should be having the time of your life. That doesn’t mean you get a pass to be ignorant of what is going on, but it does mean you are allowed to have some grace. Spend your four years building friendships while also standing up for what’s right on campus. Jackson McCoy is a senior studying journalism and environmental studies at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to share your thoughts? Let Jackson know by emailing him at jm049122@ohio.edu.

Aiden’s Add-On | Let’s rethink those wrap-up posts, LinkedIn warriors AIDEN RYAN | FOR THE POST As the summer ends, the LinkedIn wrap-up posting frenzy begins for Ohio University students and faculty. Even as our campus’s brightest “LinkedIn warriors” — those who frequently share professional content online — take to the site, many digital spaces seem more interested in the business of being interesting than in any real academic or social business at all. A manager at my job once told me, “Aiden, comparison is the thief of joy.” She wasn’t wrong. In other terms, we must discover new ways to advocate for ourselves online while lifting others up as well. In the United States, 30% of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 years old use professional apps such as LinkedIn. It’s possible to use LinkedIn and be academically independent. In all honesty, I use the platform quite a lot. However, a mentor once told me to post intentionally, showcasing outcomes over ordered steps. It’s nice to see the events leading up to an

accomplishment, but reevaluating how we post can create healthier and more intentional relationships with professional social media sites. Think about the way a LinkedIn post is structured. The ideal length of a post is about 1,300 to 2,000 characters. By doing this, users create a significant opportunity to share their personal and professional accomplishments. It’s a great tool to showcase those accomplishments to potential employers. But being a LinkedIn warrior has its disadvantages too. Imagine the same post multiplied by a person’s number of connections. Using the idea that the average LinkedIn user has around 500 followers, even a fraction of users posting about summer internships and recent job opportunities completely floods a person’s feed. The frequency and intensity of posting is a critical part of the process. This not only impacts a person’s mental health, but it curates a rigid idea about what success looks like. More posts and

images being shared online at greater frequencies disrupt an individual’s sense of direction in their own life. Although social media sites like LinkedIn can be beneficial to receiving future jobs, internships and opportunities, it is important to balance fulfilling tasks and social media updates. Athens is far from a rat race with individuals scurrying to the top. Instead, Athens contains a diverse area of dedicated professionals, each one on a unique path, who ultimately collaborate to create new work, art and movements. This sense of comparison is manufactured, driving views on sites which are passive at best. It’s important to acknowledge personal accomplishments too, especially when it comes to local involvement. There are multiple opportunities to do this while meeting new people and growing personal connections in the process. For example, there are countless student organizations at OU focused

on any interest a student could think of.

our sense of self-worth with comments and likes.

From athletic groups to environmental activism, OU student organizations are a great way to avoid digital social comparisons and celebrate others in a casual setting. If you’re not sure where to start, OU offers a quiz to help you better determine where to head this involvement sign-up season.

We all do challenging things, and the idea that someone is more or less capable than another student cannot be true. LinkedIn exists for a purpose, but it is up to us to determine what this purpose is and how frequently we interact with it.

Some of those groups are involved outside of campus too, making it easier to explore Athens County. Consider the Center for Community Impact, which offers volunteer and internship opportunities to build lasting sustainable change in the surrounding region. On Aug. 22, for example, the center is working with local partners to complete the annual Hocking River Sweep, which cleans up trash along the Hocking River within Athens’ city limits. Make no mistake, our need to share stories and accomplishments with others is a part of our humanity. But social media can easily exploit this need, creating comparisons where there were none before. It conflates

In the coming months, we must solidly steer the ship of our own academic journey before we measure ourselves by other means. The final wrap-up doesn’t have to be a battle, fellow LinkedIn warriors. By engaging in intentional posting about opportunities that serve our interests, we all can empower ourselves while celebrating others’ work online.

Aiden is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Aiden about his column? Email him at ar260223@ohio.edu.

Abby’s Angle | Breaking up isn’t a college requirement ABBY SHRIVER | FOR THE POST Prior to college, everyone has advice to give: which dorms to avoid, which classes to take, which bars have the best deals and to break up with your high school partner. People constantly reference the “college experience,” implying those in relationships won’t fulfill it with a partner. Urban Dictionary gives two definitions of the college experience. One says, “a rite of passage, a time to grow up, a time to meet new people and a time to discover your passion,” while the other definition says, “living in the dorms, drinking, drugs and a f--- ton of sex all the time.” The second definition implies college must be done alone, a solo journey of fun, friends and whatever else comes your way, especially at a notorious party school like Ohio University. With this comes a lot of pressure and panic that may make your relationship feel like it has an expiration date of mid-August. It’s normal for people, especially adults, to doubt young love. Starting college

is a major transition, and uncertainty about whether a relationship can survive is normal. Here’s the most important thing: don’t make a major decision just because others tell you to. Only you and your partner know your relationship and what it can withstand, and OU doesn’t require you to be single — it’s worth giving it a shot. Last fall, my boyfriend and I had just celebrated three years together and embarked on freshman year at colleges an hour and a half apart. During our freshman year, we made new friends, joined new organizations and spent a lot of time apart. We learned how to be our own people from miles away, and at the end of the year, our relationship had never been stronger. It is possible to have a fulfilling, meaningful and fun college experience with a long-term partner, whether you are long-distance, medium-distance or even on the same campus. College is about learning

who you are and taking whatever path is needed to get there. This may mean a demanding class schedule, extracurriculars, travelling and time away from your partner to grow as an individual. If your partner doesn’t respect the need for individuality and independence during college, that’s the biggest red flag. Lisa A. Phillips from Psychology Today, who wrote a book on young love and relationships, discovered couples who stayed together during college were distinguished by their commitment to each other’s personal growth. Encouragement and selflessness are crucial. If your partner can uplift you during a difficult transition phase, one of the most common times couples break up, it’s a green flag for a healthy relationship. “If the relationship is supposed to work out, it will,” Phillips said. Soulmates may be an unproven phenomenon, but there is something to be

said for letting a relationship unfold and develop instead of ending it because you’re afraid of the future. There is no universal formula to a happy and healthy relationship, but communication, honesty, trust and effort will almost always do the trick. Dr. Akeem Marsh, a psychiatry professor at New York University, said college relationships are different because “students come into college with more varied expectations for relationships.” If one person in a relationship wants to hang out with friends, prioritize alone time and focus on school while the other partner demands a three-hour phone call and constant texting every day, it won’t work. All it takes is communication, a factor essential to all relationships, to establish boundaries and goals. If you’re reading this during Welcome Week and haven’t done this with your partner yet, don’t worry. There is no time better than the present to

communicate. Your college experience is yours to define. Whatever that is, whether it be navigated alone or with your partner, is your choice. If your partner makes college life more difficult, don’t be afraid to fly solo. But if you can grow, learn and have the college experience with a loving and supportive partner, there is no need to pick between love and the college experience. If you’re reading this today with a long-term partner while in college, wondering whether or not you made the right decision to stay together before starting school, give it a chance. You don’t have to end something good simply because others expect you to.

Abby Shriver is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Abby about their column? Email/message them at as064024@ohio.edu / @ abbyshriver_

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Oh Well | Sustainable students are cool CASSIDY MCCLURG | FOR THE POST On top of all the stressors of college, discovering new versions of yourself always becomes the biggest stressor. It’s easy to lose yourself when you don’t allow yourself to grow. With events on campus, organizations and class, it’s easy to give in to trends that make you lose your individuality. Consumption has been a hot topic this year with people going analog. Overconsumption is consumption that exceeds normal needs. Instead of repeating timeless pieces, consumption promotes buying new pieces in accordance to a certain style. TikTok has become a space for people to make “Get Ready With Me’s” and product reviews that now lead to TikTok Shop. Most are concerned with

the pressure to overconsume when dressing ourselves to decorating cars for specific occasions or seasons. An article from the West Michigan Environmental Action Council said, “A lot of these videos will also stick to cheap items … Cheap items increase consumption even more as they are more accessible to the average viewer.” For those who scroll, it’s easy to give into the creators promoting each cheap item to the latest trending aesthetic. Back-to-school shopping occurs every year. As incoming freshmen enter Ohio University, they may want to have a new look for going out or even Halloween weekend. Halloween weekend at OU has brought in locals, students and tourists since 1974 for a Halloween block party.

With Athens being known for its party culture, wearing costumes and bar hopping is common. Students prepare by buying costumes while the city prepares safety precautions. It is easy to order costumes online and give into the controversial sexy corsets, but because of Athens thrift stores, it should be easier to be sustainable this Halloween. Charlotte Wolf, a sophomore studying environmental science and sustainability, said there is a “pressure to have a very cutesy and aesthetic room.”. Wolf praises the resources that allow students to avoid buying cheap plastic dorm furniture and give in to fast fashion. “We have that whole sustainability office,” Wolf said. “I think that donating furniture at the end of the year is awesome because it helps

people save money and it’s reusing and recycling, which is super-duper important.”

with money, having the ability to go to Athens thrift stores is very important as well.

OU defines sustainability as “the capacity to simultaneously benefit people, the planet and prosperity now and in the future.” With an action plan in place, a newsletter is sent out to students to share events, sustainable crafts and other ideas to encourage students to support the community and environment.

Aside from clothes, OU also encourages recycling dorm furniture, food and clothing at the end of each semester. Bins are placed in the lobby of each hall and during move out, students can donate furniture they will not use.

“I also think that there’s a pretty solid thrifting culture,” Wolf said. Thrifting is a big culture in Athens which allows students to continue sustainable efforts. Thrifting Halloween costumes, event outfits and more will certainly battle any overconsumption by students. Ohio Thrift opened a location in Athens last year, allowing locals and students to have options to get secondhand toys, clothes and electronics. With some students struggling

Although it can be exciting to shop cheap for the latest event, it can be better to find a gem at the thrift store. Donating old clothes gives you space to grow while giving someone else something new. OU and Athens have plenty of resources for students to recycle and reuse. Oh well, dumpster diving is already popular.

Want to talk to Cassidy about their column? Email cm303824@ohio.edu

Natalie’s Notes | Learn to be independent outside the dorm room NATALIE SADDLER | COPY CHIEF College is one big dumping ground full of people trying to find themselves. When you are finally left alone in your dorm room, with family waving their goodbyes, uncertainty fills the silence. Yet, you have the world at your fingertips, and you should never settle for what you see or who you meet during the first weeks. The first people you meet are probably your roommate and dorm room neighbors. Whether you leave your door open or explore the building, the first friends you make in college could live nearby; however, do not let this be your end-all, be-all. Involvement outside the dormitory is vital to success in every aspect of college. According to the University of Houston, around 93% of firstyears who interacted with the Student Affairs office reported a positive correlation between involvement and the likelihood

of continuing their studies. Additionally, joining clubs provides a better experience and elevates a positive environment. An article from The Daily Cardinal says, “Chances are, most people are just as nervous as you are, but taking the first step to joining a club can lead to life-changing friendships and experiences that’ll stay with you forever.” Working for The Post has changed my journalism career in so many ways. Yet, I was still a nervous freshman, scared of the unknown. My vulnerability and just “going for it” mentality helped me discover friendships, success and a step in the right direction. From one college student to another, clubs matter. After three months in school, the honeymoon phase can wear off. The people you surround yourself with during that time may or may not show their

true colors, and it is very easy to lose that friendship spark. At the end of the day, you only have yourself. Independence in college is important and healthy when building friendships. A TED Talk by Valentina Madrazo discusses the importance of encouraging independence in college students. In her speech, Madrazo explains how independence begins in youth. “Parents must integrate autonomy into their youth to enhance future generations,” she said. Although not every person comes from a household that encourages this, that doesn’t mean independence is impossible. For example, all your friends are busy, but there is one activity you have been dying to do. Do not wait for them to say “no” or “I am busy.” Just go do it. I have so many regrets from my freshman year, including not taking chances to do

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something by myself. The dangers of dependency are real. Madrazo addresses this, emphasizing how children and young adults have no idea how to fold laundry, cook for themselves or socialize. A Substack article by Steven Mintz notes how college is no longer a transition into adulthood, but rather an “extended period of developmental incompleteness.” Instead of coping with dependency, put on your headphones, listen to your favorite album, grab your student ID and take a walk. Possibly extend your walk to grab coffee from Starbucks or Donkey Coffee. You don’t need someone to be by your side 24/7 to have friends. If your friends cannot be apart from one another, chances are they do not know how to be alone. Additionally, exercise of any kind is important. Whether it’s a brisk walk on the bike trail

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or heading to Ping Recreation Center, moving your body is great for mental health. Never set standards that are not realistic goals. By this, do not set up a version of yourself that is not the true, authentic person you are. These “canon events” pushed by our social media algorithms are not what college is about. There is no “perfect college experience.” Rather, be happy to be a mess. The more you explore and engage, the more fun college can be. So, join the random clubs you see at the Involvement Fair, and do not let people hold you down. Make sure to check your BobcatConnect for different clubs, meetings and organizations you can join. Freshman year is the time to explore more than just your dorm room, because friends come and go, but your best memories of your adventures never will.

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Takeaways from MAC Media Day 2026 OWEN LIPSTREU SPORTS EDITOR LONDON DEMARCO ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR The Mid-American Conference kicked off the 2026 college football season at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, at the 2026 MAC Football Kickoff. This season looks to be a year to reset, with a ton of fresh faces in the building for Ohio, but first-year head coach John Hauser and his staff have put in the work this offseason, as the Bobcats hope to be back in Detroit again in December. Hauser attended the July 22 event, alongside Athletic Director Slade Larscheid and a pair of studentathletes: redshirt junior safety DJ Walker and junior running back Duncan Brune. All four were available to the media, as well as MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. High hopes under Hauser Hauser was hired as the interim head coach in December and led them to a 17-10 win over UNLV in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl. Immediately following the game, the question on everyone’s mind was whether the university would bring Hauser on fulltime. However, on the field, the players seemingly already had an answer, led by Walker. “Coach Hauser is my guy; he recruited me here,” Walker said. “He’s the reason why I’m here. He got me here, so I felt like I owed it all to him to try to get him this job. I just told all the guys, ‘Hey man, let’s just start screaming hire Hauser, and see where it goes.’” The university saw eye-to-eye with Walker and hired Hauser once the season ended, making this his first full offseason to train, recruit and adjust to having seen both sides of the football at all times, but his adjustment seems to be going well through the summer. “We’re emphasizing a lot of the same things, and I love the fact I get to go over to the offense now and have a relationship with the whole team now,

which is exciting for me because I think getting to know those guys has been the biggest thing this spring,” Hauser said. “It just takes time, right? I coach them a little different than some other guys. They’ve got to get used to me, but it’s been really good.” Off-Season Turnover Not a Deterrent: This past offseason has not been great for Ohio, as graduation and the transfer portal have left the team struggling. Ohio lost over 10 offensive players to graduation and the transfer portal, and nine defensive players as well. Now, only one returning offensive starter from last year and five returning defensive starters remain. According to ESPN, Ohio University ranks 129 out of 138 in returning production. Hauser worked diligently to sign many transfers from across college football to fill holes created due to offseason movement. “I think the transfers are all over the place on our roster right now,” Hauser said. “I am very excited about the transfers we got and how they adapted to our program.” The offense specifically saw a lot of transfer action this spring. The front office has worked hard to revamp the receiver and tight end rooms, as those were the two positions hit the hardest in the offseason. “We lost a couple of guys, but I feel like the coaches did a great job of finding the right guys that fit our offense,” Brune said. “I feel like we are on a really good track.” Player leadership With all of the new faces in the locker room and many young players, the biggest challenge Ohio faces is finding leadership from veteran players to help pass along the culture that has built up the program over the years. Hauser hopes experienced transfer players can come in and be role models to the younger players this season. Defensively, veteran players have stepped up to help build chemistry in this new revamped look in 2026.

Running back Sieh Bangura (5) during the Bobcats game against Eastern Michigan, Oct. 25, 2025. (JOHN FOUSS | PHOTO EDITOR)

Walker has played a big part in helping bring together the defense off the field. The efforts from veterans have already shown to be working, with the defensive players starting to form very important and much-needed bonds. “We go by the ‘two lob crew,‘” Walker said. “... I think we’re definitely really deep in the secondary this year with new transfers.” College football changes need merit Every year there are rumblings that change is coming in college football and in the MAC. The MAC made a big splash in February, adding Sacramento State to the conference as a footballonly member. The Hornets were welcomed to their first MAC Kickoff on Wednesday, and this expansion will help the MAC improve and grow with college football, but it may have been a little aggressive by the conference to move west. “For right now, the move with Sacramento State was, I think, advantageous,” Larscheid said. Steinbrecher also talked about total expansion within college football, touching on both a College Football Playoff expansion and the rumors of the Big Ten and SEC receding from the NCAA, along with what that could mean for the MAC and college football as a whole. “I expect the CFP Management Committee will meet throughout the fall as we examine the possibilities to do what is in the best interest of college football,“ Steinbrecher said. “Whatever direction college football ultimately chooses, our responsibility is to protect what has made the sport special: meaningful regular season competition, championship opportunities, institutional identity and the connection between teams and their community. Expansion should enhance college football, not simply expand it.”

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Ohio looks to capitalize on roster retention in 2026 JACK MULDOWNEY SPORTS STAFF WRITER Ohio kicked off its 2026 campaign on August 8 as it traveled to Lexington, Kentucky, to take on the Kentucky Wildcats in a scrimmage. It was a tough early test for the Bobcats, but regardless of that match’s result, there is a lot to be excited about for Ohio Volleyball this season. The Bobcats finished last season with a disappointing 14-17 overall record, but an inspiring 12-6 record in MidAmerican Conference play helped them earn the third seed in the conference’s tournament. Although they were taken down by Bowling Green in four sets in the tournament’s opening round, the 2025 season laid the groundwork for a potential leap in 2026. After being elevated from interim to permanent head coach just before last season’s MAC Tournament in November, Coach Kenzie Brinkman looks to build on last year’s positives in her first season with the permanent tag. Headlined by a bright list of returning contributors, Brinkman has fielded what looks to be a very competitive roster heading into 2026. Last season’s MAC Freshman of the Year and All-MAC First Team honoree, middle blocker Bailey Blair, is back for what should be a standout sophomore

year. As a freshman, she led the team with 360 kills and tallied 51 total blocks. Returning to join Blair is senior middle blocker Emily Waddell, another 2025 All-MAC First Team member. Waddell laid down 250 kills last season alongside a monstrous 106 blocks. Outside hitter Gentry Brown, who racked up the team’s third most total points last season, is also returning for her senior year. A star on both sides of the ball, Brown racked up 260 kills and 248 digs in 2025. Big-time spiker, senior opposite hitter Torre Kildow, is another player back on the court after racking up 242 kills last season. Even further, a good core of last season’s production from all over the court will be returning. Two of the team’s top three in assists last season, setter Bryn Janke and defensive specialist/libero Kendall Hickey, are back to set the table for the likes of Blair and Brown. Hickey lived up to the specialist title in 2025, as she led the team in digs with 335. Between a crew of experienced returners, newcomers and even some unproven returners ready to step up, the Bobcats head into this season with intriguing potential to make a further run into late November and potentially December this season. High-major opponents will highlight the Bobcats’ non-conference slate this

Get to know Ohio’s Offensive Line OWEN LIPSTREU SPORTS EDITOR Ohio went through an excessive amount of changes this offseason, including the official hiring of head coach John Hauser. The implementation of a new head coach into an offseason that already appeared to be heading toward a rebuild is no easy task, especially when you lose all five of your starters on the offensive line. Last season’s group up front was headlined by team captain Davion Witherspoon, who transferred to Arkansas. The other member of the starting five with eligibility remaining was Jordon Jones, who transferred to Troy this offseason, meaning Ohio was forced to build from the ground up with this unit. The headliner to the new group is a transfer from Gardner-Webb, CJ Dawson II. He is one of a handful of transfers that the Bobcats brought in, but he has risen above the pack according to Hauser and will look to

lead the team up front. “Dawson has kind of solidified himself as a starter, kid from the portal, so that’s exciting,” Hauser said at MAC Media Day. Ohio, as it did in 2025, attacked the portal for experienced players to fill needed roles immediately, while also bringing in some younger players as well, who can learn Hauser’s system and get acclimated with being a Bobcat this season. The Bobcats has one lineman from last year’s group that looks to get a bump in playing time in graduate student Tigana Cisse. Cisse is heading into his third year at Ohio, playing in six games last year. The transfer portal saw two crucial additions from the Football Championship Subdivision ranks to help bolster the roster. The Bobcats look for big things from a pair of tackles, redshirt freshman Trumain Lawson from Long Island University and senior Sandro Malicevic from Eastern Illinois. The tackles are the key to any steady offense, and even though

season, as opposed to the four they took on last fall. Butler, Stanford and Penn State will be the team’s toughest draws. However, considering the fact that a handful of returners got a taste of high-major competition last season, the Bobcats project to be much more competitive in these looming matchups. As for the all-important MAC schedule, a team full of returners that put together a 12-6 conference record last season looks primed to improve that win total. With several players ready to make leaps and build on last season’s in-conference success, the Bobcats should stay highly competitive and possess the talent to make a jump up from the third seed in the MAC Tournament come year’s end. No matter the results, a tough nonconference schedule will prepare this team and have it in prime position to be at the top of its game come conference play in late September. Regardless of who is put in front of them, the Bobcats have a talented core of experienced players who will only improve as they head into whatever the 2026 season throws at them. This fall should be an exciting one for volleyball in Athens.

@JACKMULDOWNEY1 JM760224@OHIO.EDU the battle for the starting spots pushes into the fall, Ohio will keep its option open after faring well last year with its FCS transfers. The veteran presence throughout this room in 2026 will be key for rotational changes but narrowing down the starting five come kickoff in Lincoln on September 5. Hauser and offensive line coach Ron Crook will have their hands full sorting through all the names. Ohio may lean into the experience that worked last season and look to graduate students Cassius Hulbert, Josh Waite or Ben Maldonado to fit the roles, but it could also switch it up from previous seasons and let the fresh legs get some reps throughout the season as well, including guys like freshmen Mike Montgomery or Colton Crosley. Fall camp will answer a lot of questions, but one thing is for sure: Hauser has plenty of players capable of handling the snaps; now the hard part sets in: finding which five mesh well together and work well with probable week one quarterback Nick Poulos.

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Football offensive backfield outlook in 2026 LONDON DEMARCO ASST. SPORTS EDITOR On Jan. 4, Ohio University’s star running back Sieh Bangura, a redshirt senior studying business administration and coaching education, declared for the NFL draft after a breakout year of 1,392 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns and 5.8 yards per carry. He led the MidAmerican Conference in all three statistics. Just 11 days later, on Jan. 15, after being granted another year of eligibility, Parker Navarro entered the transfer portal. That move ended a two-year era that was one of the best in Ohio University football history, including the Bobcats winning their first MAC championship since 1968. Those two losses for Ohio football led to many questions

and speculation about the future of the Bobcats’ backfield. Fast-forward seven months after Navarro left, the quarterback question still is not answered, but might be soon. The Bobcats narrowed down the starting quarterback role to two players: Nick Poulos, a graduate student studying business, and Levi Davis, a freshman studying psychology. Poulos started his collegiate football career in 2022 at Chaffey College, where he put up strong numbers. His performance was satisfactory for him to enter the transfer portal, where he would continue his career at El Camino College and make just two starts while putting up strong numbers in both games.

Poulos transferred to OU in 2024, where he became Navarro’s backup while having limited playing opportunities. Comparatively, Davis’ career is slightly shorter than Poulos’ career. Davis had a strong high school career at Olentangy High School in Ohio, where he played varsity football beginning his freshman year in 2022. In the winter of his junior year, Davis committed to OU. This quarterback competition is a classic veteran-versus-newcomer battle. There is no official confirmation of who will be the starter this upcoming season. However, according to head coach John Hauser, Poulos is in the lead. “We don’t have a Week 1 starter yet,” Hauser said at MAC Media Day. “I love the competitiveness we have at

Get to know Ohio’s receiving core OWEN LIPSTREU SPORTS EDITOR Ohio struck gold in recent seasons when recruiting receiving talent, with two wide receivers having over 100 yards in each of the past couple of seasons, Coleman Owen and Chase Hendricks. Owen graduated following the 2024 campaign, which set the table for Hendricks' breakout season last year. The previous two seasons, the Bobcats were led by Parker Navarro, who used his mobility to elude defenses and make big plays to these star receivers. He also found success in his safety nets, the tight ends. The run-heavy effort for Ohio’s offense calls for strong tight end play. The previous two offseasons, the Bobcats saw two talented players take the same path, departing Athens for Columbus and the Ohio State Buckeyes. This change hurts continuity for the program but opens the door for the next man up. Who left Ohio’s top two receiving weapons of 2025 both saw their careers in Athens come to an end in the transfer portal. Star receiver and slot weapon Chase Hendricks went to play at the University of California, while Rodney Harris II joined the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Hendricks led the team in 2025 with 71 receptions, 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns, as he and Navarro developed connection. Harris II had a quiet but noteworthy year for the Bobcats, with 30 catches for 419 yards and two scores, one of which was the game-sealing score in last year's Battle of the Bricks against Miami University. As previously, these were not the only losses for Ohio. Its third-leading receiver, tight end Mason Williams, will be playing at Ohio State,

the quarterback position. I think we got some guys that can play the position. So, Nick (Poulos) is ahead–he’s done a really good job. I’ve seen him up in the office a lot this summer, which I love.” The running back room experienced fewer questions and less speculation despite the loss of Bangura. The Bobcats have one returning running back, Duncan Brune, a junior studying civil engineering. Brune put up strong numbers last season for a backup running back, with 585 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. While Brune will take on the starting role this season, the Bobcats brought in a strong transfer to team up with him. Victor Rosa, a graduate student studying strategic selling and sales leadership, transferred from UConn and

following in the footsteps of former Bobcat Will Kacmarek, who made the move the prior offseason. Losing top three receiving threats can be a challenging test for any head coach, but especially a first-year man like Ohio’s John Hauser. Hauser and his staff put hours of work into camp this year, emphasizing the culture that brought the team four consecutive seasons of nine or more wins, which included 2024’s Mid-American Conference title.

the Ohio offense this year. “Riley Neer had a great spring for us at wideout,” Hauser said. The tight end position still has question marks for the Bobcats, as their returners have only taken special teams and blocking snaps, not running many routes to this point. However, the introduction of a new group on the offensive line, having experienced blockers at tight end should help this group grow throughout the year.

Who’s back Losing the top three receiving targets never leads to an easy offseason, but there are some familiar faces in the receiver room for the Bobcats. Two names to keep an eye on are redshirt sophomores Dom Dorwart and Riley Neer. Dorwart saw his role expand as the 2025 season progressed, being used as a threat down the field. He ended the year with 11 receptions and 119 yards. This is a small sample of what’s to come in 2026 as Dorwart looks to expand his role and find the end zone for the first time as a Bobcat. Neer has had limited opportunities so far during his time in Athens. However, during the spring game, he seemed to have a strong connection with expected starting quarterback Nick Poulos. This wide receiver room has a lot of veteran experience, but look for Neer to be a breakout player in

Who’s new Redshirt freshman Preston Bowman is a name to know around Athens this fall. The Pickerington North graduate and Kentucky transfer made noise all offseason, striving to be the next playmaker for the Bobcats. “Preston Bowman's done a really good job coming in and showing he can be explosive,” Hauser said after the spring game. Ohio will be looking for answers to who will fit into roles all year, and Hauser was transparent all offseason about the grind that a roster overhaul can have on a program with big aspirations. However, making small changes will continue to be key for him and the Bobcats as they prepare to take the field.

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Intramural sports at OU LONDON DEMARCO ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Ohio University’s football team at Yager Stadium, Oxford Ohio, Oct. 19, 2024 (AUDRIANNA REED | FOR THE POST)

had 155 rushing yards and two touchdowns last season. Ohio also has two redshirt freshmen, Irving Brown, studying business analytics, and Mike Taylor Jr., undecided, in hopes of having them learn with Brune and Rosa. The Bobcats’ offensive backfield faced many changes this offseason and lost talented players. Despite this, Hauser and the entire coaching staff are working to strengthen the backfield and get it ready for the 2026 season. Only time will tell how well the backfield and team is prepared for the upcoming season as the Bobcats try to return to Detroit for the MAC championship game.

As the 2026 fall semester prepares to kick off, a majority of Ohio University students search through the school’s hundreds of clubs and activities in hopes of finding one for them. One of the most popular activities for students hoping to make connections on campus is intramural sports. According to OU, intramural sports are “scheduled sports leagues or events between OU students, faculty and staff who create teams together or participate as individuals.” Intramural sports have been a staple on campus for decades, growing in popularity while also advancing to meet the interests of today. OU offers intramural sand volleyball, soccer, pickleball, flag football and more. “Intramural sports are a great way to connect with people who have similar interests in a specific sport you’re passionate about,” Preston McNeely, a sophomore studying pre-law history, said. “I was able

To sign up for IMLeagues, visit the IMLeagues webstite and sign in using an OU email. “At first, IMLeagues was difficult for me to navigate,” McNeely said. “But after taking time and closely following the instructions the app gives you, it got easier and easier to understand. Adding video tutorials for new users would make the app better, I believe.” There are two different kinds of intramural sports to join: leagues and events. In leagues, participants have five weeks of games followed by three weeks of round-robin play and two weeks of playoffs if they are in a competitive league. If they are in a recreational league, participants play five weeks of games with no playoffs. There are men’s, women’s and coed leagues to join. Intramural events are either a single day or take place over a weekend, typically running as a tournament. If a student is passionate about sports and looking to get involved on campus, registering for an intramural

(TALITHA MALOY | FOR THE POST)

to meet friends of friends through my intramural team while also being able to meet new people I connected so well with (and) that I would’ve never crossed paths with otherwise.” Intramural sports registration is managed using an online platform called IMLeagues. That is where participants will register for teams, receive game schedules, view individual sport rules and track their teams’ scores throughout the year.

sport might be beneficial. McNeely said students should not let passions for certain sports fade after moving to campus. “All I’ve ever known was soccer, having played from the time I could barely stand up until high school varsity soccer,” McNeely said. “I knew without the sport in my life I would feel a piece of me was missing. That is the reason I took the intramural route.” LD004224@OHIO.EDU

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Passion Works, BIBIBOP begin construction on Court Street FIONA PETTICREW HUMAN INTEREST As freshmen and returning Bobcats stroll down Court Street this year, many will notice the construction occurring next to Brenen’s Cafe and The Over Hang. BIBIBOP Asian Grill is currently being built at 40 S. Court St., while Passion Works Studio’s new home is being constructed at 65 N. Court St.

Passion Works Studio has been serving the community since 1998, leaving colorful collaborative art pieces around town as a reminder of their mission and work. They’ve outgrown their current studio and are looking forward to moving into their new location, which will bring more artistic opportunities and space for artists and visitors. Kelly Shaw, a production artist at Passion Works Studio, said they

purchased the building in April, thanks to the support from their “A Work of Passion” comprehensive campaign. They’re more than halfway to their goal of $5 million to renovate and expand their programs. “We do a lot with anyone’s contributions and folks that volunteer even, or collaborate with us because of their areas of expertise,” Shaw said. Shaw has been with the nonprofit since last November as a staff member but has collaborated with Passion Works for years as an artist in residence. Shaw said she mostly worked with the Honey for the Heart Parade, which is one of her favorite things about Athens. Sadie Hagerty, a junior studying vocal performance, has been to the Honey for the Heart Parade and said Passion Works has a great message. Hagerty helped create some art with Passion Works, and said she appreciates what they do in Athens. “I’ve gone to their studio,” Hagerty said. “I’m excited that it’s going to be more prevalent and upfront on Court.” Shaw said there are many collaborators on this project, sometimes having trouble fitting everyone in one conference room. Space is one of the issues they face in their studio, which the new location will accommodate. Shaw said many of the core artists will appreciate the new breakroom to enjoy their lunch in, as they now have to stagger their lunches to save room. She also emphasized the welcoming feeling Passion Works provides will be the same in the new building, and anyone who comes in will be able to see and feel the mission of Passion Works, which is to create and support inclusive communities through individual exploration and the collaborative art process.

Professor bubblemaker performs a bubble show at the pawpaw festival at lake snowden, sept. 13, 2025, In albany, ohio. (MEGAN VANVLACK | FOR THE POST) A banner for Bibibop Asian Grill at 40 S. Court St. in Athens, Aug. 15, 2026. (ETHAN HERX | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

“The greater accessibility point is huge,” Shaw said. “In the architectural design, we’ll be building bathroom facilities that can be used by folks with any kind of mobility challenge or need for their care that we don’t have in this space. That is a really big part. We work on large-scale projects a lot, and that is part of what we love to do. And so we’ll have more space for that”

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20

Pitch Perfect- Movie on the Lawn 8PM | West Green Lawn

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

Baker Bash

7:30-11PM | Baker Center

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23

Involvement Fair 3-6PM | College Green

CSEL MONDAY AUGUST 24 10X5 Hypnotist Dale K 7-9PM | Baker Center Ballroom

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25

Petting Zoo

5-8PM | Morton Field, South Green

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

Comedian- Emily Wilson 7PM | Baker Center Ballroom

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

Bobcat Block Party & Fireworks Show 5PM | Paw Print Park

OHIO.EDU/WELCOME-WEEK

“(The new building) could support us (by) having more space and places to get things, and maybe we can invite more people to see our studio,” Conner said. They have plans to expand the selection of art media for artists to use, including printmaking and working with clay, according to Shaw. The new building also has parking, making dropoff and pick-up easier for those who are usually driven to the location on State Street. Shaw said they plan to open the new building in 2028, although none of their operations will be slowing down throughout the process. As for the new BIBIBOP, many Bobcats are anticipating its opening, while others are waiting to try it for the first time. With the influx of chain restaurants on Court Street, Hagerty prefers supporting a local business first and feels as though there’s still a good amount of local places open compared to a larger business. She’s never tried their food, but said she thinks she will like it. “My friends have gone to BIBIBOP a lot, so they’ve been very excited,” Hagerty said. “I’m getting hype from them.” Allison Foltz, a junior studying English education said she’s also never tried BIBIBOP, but said the experience may be exciting for her. “It’s honestly nice when there are small businesses that give Athens its charm, but there’s a lot of need for chain restaurants,” Foltz said. Foltz said she enjoys seeing the Passion Works artwork integrated throughout Athens. She said she couldn’t imagine the city without the organization, and thinks it’s cool to see the location on Court Street. For those who wish to support or learn more about Passion Works Studio, one can visit its website or current location at 20 E. State St.

Katie Conner, a Core Artist at Passion Works, is excited for the opening of the

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Athens Hacks, Resources for new, returning Bobcats CASSIDY MCCLURG FOR THE POST

SCHEDULE

new location. She mostly works with watercolors and metals, although she recently changed things up and painted a flower on a purse.

Ohio University enrolled over 17,000 students in the fall of 2025. That means the newest round of fall students have to navigate a new world. From campus resources, extracurriculars and party culture, new Bobcats have so much to learn. Campus resources It is important to know OU prioritizes safety on campus. CATCAB is an accessible transit service on campus that supports students and faculty with mobility limitations. Through proper registration, students can use CATCAB to safely arrive at their destination. Ohio University Police Department is the university’s full-service police agency responsible for all cases on campus and enforcement of criminal laws. Students are encouraged to call 740-593-1911 if they need to report to OUPD. To further report on campus, students are encouraged to issue a CARE report to express concerns about a student. Through OU’s Office of the Dean of Students, support is given to any student in need to navigate resources. For students, OU provides compliance training each year to ensure students follow laws and regulations to meet expectations. Striving to create a safer campus and community, compliance training is a great resource for understanding how to be a proactive student. Student organizations OU offers over 400 student-led organizations that allow students to express interests and dive deeper into their major by connecting with peers. These are a great way to socialize and find a place at OU. Bobcat Connect is a hub for students to search and join organizations. Students can attend the Involvement Fair on Aug. 23 to meet representatives from these organizations. Some student-led organizations are student resources, acting as centers for

support open to all students. The Post and other student-led media outlets are great ways to hear student perspectives and the buzz around campus. Culture If students want unfiltered honesty from peers, the best place to go is social media. For Apple users, YikYak is an anonymous forum where students can share relatable and relevant posts about what’s going on on campus. Though anonymity can encourage distasteful or inappropriate posts, it is a good resource for students to understand the culture. Still, YikYak should be used with caution. In addition to YikYak, social media pages have been created to uplift students with inside jokes and references to student life. The studentrun account, Ohiouchicks, is a direct affiliate of Barstool Sports and IT GIRL. Without being affiliated with OU, there is a freedom to host events for students based on popular shows like Love Island or make inside jokes about college dating and local bars. Having outlets like this that humorously showcase college life allows students to not feel isolated. The Northerner shared that Northern Kentucky University has an account boosting student morale. “The NKU Barstool account allows students to know they are not alone in their feelings about college and that everyone is struggling in their own way,” said NKU freshman Mallory Bane. Discovery Each of these resources is just a beginning to a student’s time at OU. Learning new things about campus and Athens never ends — it is best to do some self-exploration to know what resources and hacks best fit one’s lifestyle at OU.

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Summer-in-Review: Entertainment’s best releases Here is what you may have missed while Spider-Man was working out his new swinging technique in theaters. NYLA GILBERT COMMUNITY STANDARDS EDITOR With releases of recordshattering projects like Sony Pictures’ “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” this summer has been filled with must-see content. From blockbuster films to highly anticipated music releases, here is what the entertainment sphere had to offer this summer. There was a long list of films that kept moviegoers captive to their local movie theaters. Films like “Michael” and “The Devil Wears Prada 2* started the summer off with a stylistic bang. “Michael” earned the title as the first-ever biopic to gross over $1 billion. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” grossed over $600 million worldwide, with a storyline highlighting the importance of traditional print media and the impact they have on the culture of industries like fashion. Horror got a new-age power-

up with the releases of Kane Parsons’ “Backrooms” and Curry Barker’s “Obsession,” both films created by Gen Z directors. Both films created discourse about the importance of independent films, young creatives and human-focused storytelling in the entertainment industry. A craving for human-focused creative stories was, hopefully, well satiated with the releases of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey.” All taking the source material of their characters and predecessors, and creating a new take that is smashing records. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has grossed $1.8 billion worldwide in its second weekend, with Forbes expecting it to hit $2 billion relatively soon; it’s already shattered “Avengers: Endgame’s” box-office record. “The Odyssey” also crossed the $1 billion threshold, with it on a trajectory to be Christopher Nolan’s highest-grossing film.

“Scary Movie” saw commercial success with its newest next-gen update, with the beloved characters Cindy, Brenda, Short and Ray reuniting in the newest spoof of the latest “Scream” films. With the Wayans family back in the creative chair, there is destined to be more crazy hilarity to come for the franchise. “Supergirl” might have lacked narrative-wise, but the acting and action were enjoyable. Despite this, the $170 million budget film made $126 million globally — missing the mark dramatically to be considered a box office success. On top of breakout film releases, this summer was filled with notable music moments. Brooklyn native JÄY-Z previously made headlines for his controversial disses to artists Nicki Minaj and Kanye West, along with many more, during his performance at the Roots Picnic Festival. Despite this, the biggest moments of the

Guide to upcoming Athens events BRIDGET DESHLER FOR THE POST

Brady Dotson attempts a trick during a competition at Skate Jam, in Athens, Sept. 20, 2025. (JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST)

Many people familiar with Athens know about its endless small-town festivities and year-round events. However, new Ohio University Bobcats might not be aware of all that goes on throughout the year quite yet.

If a student has a passion for skateboarding or is looking to support the local Athens skatepark, the 6th Annual Skate Jam is Sept. 12 from noon to 9 p.m. An Athens staple, the event has live music, local food trucks, drinks and a skate contest. It costs $10 to attend. The weekend after Skate Jam, from Sept. 18-20, is the Annual Ohio Pawpaw Festival.

Weekend passes for the festival start at $60; a Fridayonly pass is $20, Saturday-only is $30 and Sunday-only is $20. Ohio University Family Weekend Family Weekend is hosted by OU, inviting students’ families to visit and explore Athens. This year, it’s the weekend of Sept. 25-27. The university offers a wide range of activities including sporting events, concerts and performing arts. Homecoming Week

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OU Homecoming Week is Oct. 5-10. It includes a week of celebrations and ends with a parade on Oct. 10. Homecoming is a chance for alumni to visit Athens. Activities include the Yell Like Hell pep rally at the Scripps Amphitheater and the Homecoming football game Oct. 10. Alumni and students can enjoy performances from the Marching 110 and reunite with old friends. Honey for the Heart Parade Passion Works Studio has its annual Honey for the Heart Parade in October. Passion Works brings together people of all abilities and talents to create art and build an inclusive community. It provides opportunities for those with developmental disabilities to make environmentally friendly artwork and gain a creative purpose. During the parade, Passion Works showcases its art through costumes and puppets. In previous years, over 2,000 community

members helped with the Honey for the Heart Parade. The parade runs through Court Street before the Athens Halloween Block Party. Halloween Weekend One of the most well-known festivities for OU Bobcats is Halloween weekend. This year’s events are Oct. 30- Nov. 1. The block party features local live music and students dress up throughout the weekend. Students living in residence halls who would like to bring guests for Halloween Weekend must pay $50 per non-OU student.

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Phoebe Bridgers just released her newest album “Lost Weekend,” which includes 16 tracks with a 52-minute runtime. This marks her first solo record in six years. Charli xcx’s “Music, Fashion, Film” album was released July 24, just in time for her Lollapalooza performance, where she performed her viral songs “Party 4 u,” “House” and “Track 10.” Ariana Grande also released her new album, “petal.” Entertainment has seen some of its best and brightest be on their A-game this summer. With so much hope in the air, hopefully 2026 can usher in an even better entertainment lineup in 2027.

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Athens food guide EMILY FRANK FOR THE POST

Rise and Grind’s coffee truck is often parked near Alumni Gateway and open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., with varying hours on the weekends. They serve espresso-based drinks, lemonades, Red Bull infusions and refreshers. Prices range depending on drink sizes, with a themed latte costing $6.75.

Pawpaw Festival

The three-day celebration offers a variety of entertainment including live music, food vendors, workshops and activities based around the Pawpaw fruit.

Gracie Abrams’ “Daughter from hell” embodies true young adult angst that can only be described as the journey of your early 20s. Another artist who thrives on telling stories that encapsulate the turbulence of a person’s early 20s is Olivia Rodrigo, whose summer release of her album “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” has fans speculating about what songs are about her ex-boyfriend, “Enola Holmes” star Louis Partridge.

Court Street Coffee has multiple locations throughout Athens including a shop at 67 S. Court Street, on East State Street and at Holzer Health Clinic. Each location has different hours, with the uptown location open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The menu includes coffee, tea and baked goods, with prices ranging between $4 and $7.

Skate Jam

The drive to the festival is about 20 to 25 minutes. Shuttle information has not yet been released for this year’s festival, but in the past, shuttles were available at Baker University Center free for students to take to the festival.

R&B singer Brent Faiyaz released the director’s cut of his album “Icon,” along with music videos and visualizers for many of the album’s tracks. Role Model released “Chuck Timely & The Hour Glass,” embodying the singer’s country and folk influences with his indie-pop swag.

New students arriving on campus might wonder where they can get a cup of coffee or enjoy one last meal with their families before saying goodbye.

Athens has multiple traditions, from OU Homecoming weekend to Halloween block parties.

The festival celebrates the Pawpaw fruit, a native fruit to Ohio with many trees in Southern Ohio. The festival is at Snow Fork Event Center in Nelsonville, just outside of Athens.

night came from him bringing many legendary musicians to the stage, including Rihanna, Beyoncé, Clipse, Pharrell, Jeezy, Usher and The Dream.

Rise and Grind opened a permanent store at 23 E. Stimson Ave., which is open between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. They also have a food menu provided by Jackie O’s, according to a previous report by The Post. Brenen’s Cafe is located at 38 S. Court St. and serves various caffeinated drinks, baked goods, and sandwiches. Open weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., breakfast sandwiches are served until 11 a.m., with deli sandwiches served throughout the day. Sandwiches are served with a side and cost around $11. Brenen’s also offers a meal plan option, with cards costing between $165 and $825. Ginger Asian Kitchen, located at 28 S. Court St., serves sushi, sashimi, customizable rice bowls, lo mein, soups, salads and a full appetizer menu. It is open throughout the week, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. An Athens staple, Bagel Street Deli, is located at 27 S. Court St. With a large menu, it is often suggested that customers read the menu online before they go into the

ETHAN HERX DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY.

shop. The menu includes bagel sandwiches, soups, salads and coffee. Bagel Street Deli is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mr. Hibachi Japanese Grill and Sushi is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and located at 19 S. Court St.. The restaurant offers sushi, sashimi, hibachi, stir-fried udon noodles and has an appetizer menu containing fries, mozzarella sticks, shrimp tempura and veggie tempura. Near Court Street, at 17 1/2 W. Washington St., sits Donkey Coffee and Espresso, serving espresso, smoothies, baked goods and more. During the school year, the cafe is often open from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. Located at 6 W. State St., Casa Nueva is closed on Tuesdays but open the rest of the week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for dinein and carryout. The breakfast menu is served until 2 p.m. and contains breakfast burritos, pancakes, biscuits and gravy. The lunch and dinner menu includes enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos, tacos, salads and more. Hot Box Chicken Fingers & Tots serves various hot box combinations including slaw, garlic toast, chicken tenders, french fries, tater tots and signature sauces. The restaurant also serves chicken sandwiches, chicken and waffles and homemade southern sweet tea. It is open daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and located at 74 N. Court St. There are plenty of places to eat off of Court Street too. Star of India is located at 128 W. Union St. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and later from 4:30 - 9 p.m, the restaurant offers a variety of Indian cuisine. Siam Thai has a menu with appetizers, soups, noodle dishes, curries and more. The 102 W. Union St. establishment is closed Mondays. Tuesday to Friday, it is open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., reopening from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Weekend hours are Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 9 p.m. @E.G.FRANK7 EF687124@OHIO.EDU

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ELIZABETH TALAGA EDITOR-IN-CHEIF Virgo season is upon us in this post-eclipse week. The Venus-Saturn opposition peaks Aug. 21, creating potential conflicts in relationships, personal desires and even finances. For Aug. 17-Aug. 23, keep these things in mind. Aries Set your boundaries and stick to them, Aries. You might find yourself overly frustrated with people or situations, but remember to remain grounded in your boundaries. Don’t let others walk over you, instead welcome those uncomfortable conversations about respect and personal limits. Taurus Take care of yourself this week, Taurus. Except misunderstandings, seemingly harmless conversations that boil into something ugly. As you fight exhaustion and deep emotions, it’s important to understand yourself and remember your values.The end of the week could bring an epic burnout. Remember to give yourself grace. Afford yourself the time and space to relax.

Gemini Oh Gemini, it’s time to take a close look at the people around you. Take a step back this week. People you normally rely on might become distant. Don’t take it personally; there are battles at play that don’t involve you. While you might find yourself gravitating toward holding the weight of others’ feelings, remember to pay attention to your own needs. Be a shoulder to lean on without sacrificing your own mental state. Cancer With Mars in Cancer, pay attention to your professional life. Now is not the time to pick up your co-worker’s slack. This weekend is the perfect time to establish that work-life balance you have been putting off. Be reasonable in your expectations. Don’t drown yourself in work, but don’t blow off deadlines for downtimes. Address the most pressing deadlines, then settle down for some quality time with those you love. Leo Trust your gut, Leo. This week brings an onslaught of anxious-thinking and situations you can’t find an answer for. Remember that things are never what they seem to be. Don’t

CROSSWORD

let yourself get swept away. If someone offers you everything you ever wanted on a silver platter, remember that some things are too good to be true. Virgo Start the party, Virgo, it’s your time to shine. But before you light the candles, keep your head down for an unsettling week. Personal relationships meet gossip and gossip meets a quarrel. Rumors and secrets could plaque your friend group, putting you in the middle. Keep yourself safe. People you thought you could trust could become unfaithful. Libra Patience is key, Libra. Take a breath or two, and don’t be afraid to engage in clarifying conversations. Relationships, romantic or otherwise, might need some extra attention this week. Don’t stray away from difficult conversations, but don’t engage in screaming matches. Be patient with yourself and others. Verbal fights won’t solve anything, but a level-headed discussion about expectations, boundaries and the future could refresh relationships that have felt strained or one-sided.

Scorpio Don’t let them rain on your parade, Scorpio. That big professional or personal announcement you have been sitting on might bring some unwanted, negative attention. The opinions of others don’t diminish your accomplishments, and you might find it beneficial to take some time to yourself this week. Sagittarius Pay close attention to those you work closely with. Even your romantic relationship could start to feel unbalanced in work loads or priorities. Communicate with colleagues who aren’t pulling their weight, and take some time to tap into your own emotions. Now is the time to prepare for an upswing in your professional life. A promotion or career change could be in your future, make sure you know where your professional priorities lie. Capricorn Emotions are running high, and no, there is nothing you can do about it, Capricorn. You cannot shoulder the burden of everyone else’s emotional struggles nor should you ignore your own. Don’t let guilt stop you from putting your own

mental health first. Take a step back this week, and recognize you cannot fix everything. As you move through the end of the week, it’s important to examine your commitments. It might be time to finally re-evaluate what you direct your energy toward. Aquarius Aquarius, it’s time to go back to the basics and put one foot in front of the other this week. You might find it difficult to prioritize tasks or check off that to-do list. You cannot accomplish everything at once, no matter how hard you try. To combat this energy, make time for something creative or mindless. Remember that baby steps can still get you to the finish line. Pisces Your impulsive and spontaneous nature is your detriment this week, Pisces. Crunch the numbers before making that purchase, and don’t let an evening activity lead to morning dread. Think through the choices you make this week. As you enter a period of heightened romance, stay true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to go after what you want.

SUDOKU

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Comics for Friends

ABBY DOENCH DESIGN DIRECTOR

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Live music brings life to Athens LIV JACOBS FOR THE POST Athens is home to a diverse pool of music, carrying sounds from all over. Whether it’s pop-punk, heavy metal or indie rock, there’s a tune for everyone’s preferences. For those hoping to catch a live performance, popular spots such as The Union, Casa Nueva and Donkey Coffee are always a good starting point. All three give the spotlight to whoever is willing to claim, or reclaim, the stage. The Union, located at 18 W. Union St., is a go-to venue for rock-and-roll or grungestyle music, hosting live bands every week. Bands on tour coming through Athens, along with groups formed on Ohio University’s campus or in Athens, take the main stage upstairs. With set lists designed to flow through the night, the stage is lively for concertgoers. Some Bobcats enjoy visiting other establishments such as Casa Nueva and Donkey Coffee for a different vibe. Casa Nueva, a Mexican-style restaurant and cantina, has housed many acts over the years. From Athens locals getting in on the open mic and trivia nights, to hosting Caamp on their return home, the stage at Casa is rarely quiet. Jane Hoover, booking coordinator for Casa Nueva, described the atmosphere as “Athens’ living room.” The blend of Athens residents and passing crowds of OU students continues the need for a broad set of acts. For those looking to immerse themselves in the Athens music scene and want to practice their moves, Casa also hosts monthly dance nights. Common themes include “‘80s Night,” “Beautiful People” and its “Say Gay” night. “(“Say Gay” dance nights) are always honestly so beautiful to just see so many queer people, in varying ages too, because it’s a safe spot for students and community members,” Hoover said. Similarly, Donkey Coffee offers its space for hosting acts of all sizes. The cafe not only features local musicians but also showcases local art, hosting open mic nights and designated space nights for anyone interested in performing. The popular spot aims to support smaller artists, particularly those who haven’t had a chance to perform, regardless of genre. Dave Deibi, the art director for Donkey Coffee, strives for a welcoming atmosphere, prioritizing newcomers.

Hourglass performing during Locals Only show, Jan. 28, 2026, at The Union. (JOHN FOUSS | PHOTO EDITOR)

“We love to be their first stage,” Deibi said. “We want people to be able to join the community of musicians in this town and contribute the passions of their art.” What makes live music unique is its setting. It’s not always a stage or venue like what these businesses offer; sometimes a campus green, or even a house, is what brings music to life. These more intimate shows are where listeners truly love experiencing the music. People love being up close with the band as well as the community surrounding Athens and its music scene. Ash Stevenson, a junior studying biology, believes house venues are what drive the scene. Although they may be small in number, they carry an atmosphere that can’t be captured on a normal stage. “I wouldn’t say there’s always a huge turnout,” Stevenson said. “But I think that’s a good thing because it hones in your audience quite nicely.” House shows can be hard to navigate to at times. Luckily, Bobcats won’t have to go far, as Athens is home to multiple house venues, hosting shows multiple times a year. The Slab is a house-show venue built in the do-ityourself style. Established during the 2025-26 school year, The Slab has held a few but memorable shows. When its second show, titled “SlabFestT,” took place, the venue quickly became a favored spot among students as music lovers flocked to hear bands such as Green’s Edge, Guy Music and Airbag. Founders Cayden Anthony and Joshua Beltz are excited to share the space with others in the upcoming year. “We have a lounge area outside with a bunch of couches and lamps,” Anthony said. “Between sets, people who want to take a break will go over there and sit down and talk with their friends and stuff like that.”’ This year, “Slabstock” is set to be the duo’s next big event. Some familiar sounds such as The Lounge Club and Tsujigiri will be performing, as well as first-time Athens visitors like Rose On The Avenue and Split Point. Beltz and Anthony take pride in bringing bands from outside the local scene and giving their audience the best experience possible. This year, The Slab plans to host fewer but more powerful shows than last year. “The Halloween show is going to be brutal,” Beltz said. LJ934424@OHIO.EDU

Athens, Ohio University, full of free entertainment options KENDALL DAVIS ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR For new and returning students alike, the beginning of the school year is an opportune time to discover new things to do on campus. Given that college can be a costly time in life, Athens’ plethora of free entertainment options may prove to be beneficial to students looking to save money. Baker University Center

For the fall semester, the museum will have two exhibitions: Telluric and Material Matters. Admission to the museum is free, which makes it a great addition to the artistic community in Athens and an easy way for students to get involved. Aside from viewing art, visitors can also make their own art as a part of Open Studio events, which take place on select Sunday afternoons.

Perhaps one of the most easily accessible free entertainment options on campus is the wide range of events that are hosted in Baker University Center throughout the year. From art exhibitions to lectures, there is something for everyone.

KMA also hosts other free events, such as Porch Songs with Emily Singer and Friends, a free music performance and FriendsGiving, an event a bit farther away at Zenner House that celebrates 30 years of KMA.

To kick off the year, the University Program Council is hosting the Welcome Week Drag Show on Aug. 29 from 6-9 p.m. The drag show will feature performances from drag performers Rock M. Sakura, Kazma Knights, Evelyn Everything and more. Additionally, the show will include performances from the Drag Collective, a dragfocused student organization at Ohio University.

Alden is a wonderful, free resource and it also often features museum-like exhibitions.

Also in the creative realm are Marti & Stewie craft nights. Held every Thursday from 7:30-10 p.m. by the West 82 food court, these craft nights feature a different artistic activity each week. Students can enter for free with their OU student ID and access free art supplies for the weekly craft. Kennedy Museum of Art For those willing to travel a bit further off-campus, free events happen frequently at Kennedy Museum of Art.

Alden Library

(Travel Stories) is a free photography exhibition on display on the third floor of Alden in the Fine Arts Library on view through September. That exhibition showcases photos taken by two OU students who participated in the exchange program with Chubu University in Nagoya, Japan. On Sept. 13, Alden will open a new exhibit — Life Before Ohio University: Manasseh Cutler. The exhibit, located on the fifth floor of Alden, celebrates the life of Manasseh Cutler, a figure who was key to the establishment of OU. On the day of the exhibit’s opening, there will also be a living history presentation from 11 a.m.-noon that is a first-person portrayal by a historical interpreter. Fitness resources

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A great benefit of being an OU student is free access to Ping Recreation Center. Ping includes three floors of gym equipment, basketball courts, racquetball courts, group fitness rooms, mindfulness spaces and more. A standout element of Ping is the group fitness classes. Those are taught by an instructor and include cycle, cardio dance, yoga, boxing, pilates and cardio sculpt. Students must register for those classes, but they are completely free to attend. Most classes occur several times a week. OU students also have free access to the Aquatic Center Open Swim, the Bird Ice Arena Recreational Skate and the Outdoor Tennis Center. Off-campus Though OU has many great free resources, the Athens area as a whole also offers free events. A standout example of this is Donkey Coffee’s Open Mic night, which takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. Open Mic night is an opportunity for anyone to perform or watch for free. Other locations like Casa Nueva and The Union occasionally host similar free music events. Several bars also host free bingo and trivia nights. New events spring up in Athens often, so it’s best to tune into local social media and pay attention to flyers posted on-campus to learn about new entertainment in Athens.

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UPC drag show, events during welcome week GINA NAPOLI MANAGING EDITOR The Drag Collective isn’t the only group performing. Athens drag queens Rock M. Sakura, Kazma Knights and Evelyn Everything will also perform. “(The show) is honestly one of the coolest performing experiences because there's easily 800-plus students there,” Chris Nevil, or drag queen Kazma Knights, said. “Hearing everybody screaming and having a good time is so invigorating. When students come up to me, or the other performers, and say this is their ‘first ever show,’ they've ‘never felt so safe’ or they've ‘never felt so accepted’ … that is what makes it all worth it.” Nevil was born and raised in Athens and started his drag career in 2017. He said the UPC show is not only lively, but also an opportunity to make new students feel comfortable and

accepted. “What I look forward to the most is getting to expose a little bit of Athens to the new students … I always take a little time on the mic to welcome them to Athens and tell them that they're valued,” Nevil said. “Being able to welcome them to the town that I grew up in and I’ve lived in, to tell them that they're welcome there and that we're equally as excited to have them there.” Elena Valentine, a member of the Drag Collective and Athens resident, is drag queen Orion Vega. The 23-year-old said they began their drag journey back in 2021, after frequently visiting drag shows and Pride events hosted in Fremont, Ohio. “All of us are unique,” Valentine said. “We are wanting to have new members both within OU and outside of OU … making sure that people know they are really truly accepted for who they are.”

Move in day tips/continued from pg 1 Ally Schatzer, assistant director of marketing and communications for housing and residence life, shared her tips from the move-in crew. Before unloading the vehicle, Schatzer recommended removing all items from plastic packaging to save space and limit trips to the dumpster. Multiple students moving in can make the atmosphere on campus hectic. Schatzer said that organization and planning can decrease the stress of arrival. “When your vehicle is in the unloading zone, we recommend the student have their OHIO ID and phone ready and head inside to check in,” Schatzer said in an email.

“While the student completes the check-in process, family and friends can begin unloading the car.” Schatzer said coordinating different times with roommates to move in during a student’s dedicated block of time can decrease traffic in the room. A dolly, a platform on wheels for heavy items, can make lifting and transporting items easier, Hudson added. After move-in is complete, students are finally settled on campus; some away from home for the first time. Decorating the new space with photos, lights and other personal items might make it feel more comfortable.

ETHAN HERX DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY.

If a student cannot make it to the drag show, other welcome week events include a movie on West Green lawn starting at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Baker Bash at 7:30 p.m. Friday and OU’s annual involvement fair on College Green at 3 p.m. Sunday. All Welcome Week events listed on the OU website are free to attend and hosted by the Center of Student Engagement and Leadership. Movie night on West Green showcases “Pitch Perfect,” with Baker Bash offering students a free meal and an opportunity to explore the student center.

purchase enough decorations, Walmart and Marshalls on East State Street are a short drive from campus. Students who do not have access to a car can always order items online, utilizing OU’s updated mailing addresses for dorm halls. Instead of packages being delivered to a student’s residence hall address, Bobcats will now address all mail and packages to their Green’s mail room. This is to prevent confusion with delivery and to ensure all packages and mail reach the intended student. East Green mail room is located in Jefferson Hall, West Green mailroom is located in Ryors Hall parking garage and South Green mailroom is located in Nelson Commons. For upperclassmen, move-

If students find they did not

The involvement fair invites OU’s 550 student organizations to share their interests with new Bobcats on campus. Christopher Moyer, a junior studying multimedia and arts production, is a transfer student from Illinois and said he looks forward to exploring the tables on College Green. “I want to join something that gets me out of my dorm at least a couple times a week and meet new people,” Moyer said. “From the transfer standpoint, we've done college. We got used to the curriculum part. Now it's that dorm life that we need to get in day tends to look a little different. Following dorm life, the jump to apartments or a house can bring some new living changes. Maddie Saiter, a junior studying marketing, discussed her new living situation and some tips to make it feel like home. With more space, decorating can become expensive. Saiter said she and her roommates turned to thrift stores. “We decided to go the thrifting route and thrift a lot of our stuff because it’s so cheap, it’s so unique, a lot of it’s one-of-a-kind sometimes,” Saiter said. Saiter mentioned the thrift store, Little Wing Curiosity Shoppe & Thrift Store, located at 1006 E. State St., offers a variety of pieces. Saiter said

used to and learn about.” No matter how new Bobcats choose to spend welcome week, Dupuy said it is important for people to escape their comfort zones and explore involvement opportunities on campus. “Ohio University is a school that has so many different things going on, so many different communities,” Dupuy said. “I think it’s really important for new people coming in to know that no matter who you are, you have a space at this school.” @GN875322@OHIO.EDU command hooks and guidance from a hardware store worker is beneficial when hanging decorations. “I go to the local hardware store, and I find the nearest person and ask, ‘Hey, if I’m wanting to hang up something on my wall that’s this big and this weight, what do I need to do that?’” Saiter said. “And then they’ll take you right over to the nails.” Move-in day provides students the opportunity to create a new space to be comfortable throughout the transition back to school. “Make your space yours, but don’t forget to pause and enjoy the moment,” Schatzer said. “If you have family or friends with you, take the pictures, share the meal and soak it all in together.”

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