November 11, 2025

Find your purr-fect match at Big Run Kava Bar … pg. 5 Magic, mischief and misfits … pg. 11 The Post’s promise to solutions journalism … pg. 15

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VOLUME 116, ISSUE 13

THEPOSTATHENS.COM

NOVEMBER 11, 2025

Conestoga Hut Project to shelter homeless, some residents concerned FIONA PETTICREW HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER The Gathering Place, a peer-support organization located at 7 N. Congress St., is moving forward with its Conestoga Hut Project, a proposal that would provide temporary shelter to three homeless individuals in Athens.

some expressed safety concerns during the Oct. 20 Athens City Council meeting. Residents of 15 N. College St. said they would feel unsafe walking home at night with huts located near their home.

The three micro-shelters on wheels will be built in The Gathering Place’s fenced parking lot, which has 24hour surveillance. The project is being funded by the Sisters Health Foundation, along with community donations and partnerships.

“We understand what the project is trying to do, and we support that,” Allison Perry, a senior studying early childhood education and business, said at the meeting. “I think it’s more about where they are trying to put them. We live in a house of all girls. We’re not very good at defending ourselves if something were to happen.”

Ginger Schmalenberg, the executive director of The Gathering Place, expressed the need for these huts, as she said she has seen the challenges faced by homeless people worsen. The Gathering Place serves about 400 people annually and sees between 30-40 visitors daily, many of whom experience housing insecurity, addiction and mental illness.

Schmalenberg emphasized all Gathering Place members undergo background checks due to the number of members who have experienced abuse or some form of trauma, and it does not accept those who have committed violent crimes or crimes of a sexual nature.

Schmalenberg is also involved with the non-profit Co-Create, established by the Athens County Foundation to combat the housing situation in Athens.

She said while she has been at The Gathering Place, she has not seen anyone break the rules or come on the property past hours.

“Co-Create was started because of the housing situation that we were starting to see,” Schmalenberg said. “13 years ago, when I worked here, you maybe had one or two unhoused people a year that I would see that would come here. It was so easy to get them housing, but now we have served 120 people in the last six months.”

“When people say, ‘I feel unsafe because of the location,’ but they’re in a solid house with lockable doors and windows, and the people I serve who are not housed also don’t feel safe … why is their safety more important than someone who is unhoused?” Schmalenberg said.

Schmalenberg said those selected to live in the huts are current members of The Gathering Place and will receive ongoing support for mental health and recovery needs. Megan Benjamin, a senior studying social work and a student intern for The Gathering Place, said stable shelter is a crucial first step toward recovery and independence. “In order to thrive, you need the most bottom, basic portion of the pyramid,” Benjamin said. “You need a place to stay. You need food and water. How are you supposed to go to work and be a productive part of society when you didn’t have somewhere warm to sleep, food to eat, water to drink? This is an opportunity, and having this gives them the opportunity to be able to get a job and get enough sleep to go work a shift.” Although many residents and advocates have praised the initiative,

Mockup of what the Conestoga Huts look like.

Benjamin said of the 45 nearby residents whose doors she knocked on, 34 provided feedback. Among those responses, 94% expressed support or neutrality toward the huts, while 6% were opposed. Pete Wuscher, a long-time member of The Gathering Place, said if he had it his way, there would be an entire street for the huts, named Conestoga Avenue, and said he thinks the initiative will benefit the whole community. “I know that the majority of the community is receptive and improving, there still seem to be dissent from here and there, and I think that those people could maybe just try to understand what it’s like to be poor and even near homeless and what a struggle it is, and what an amazing thing The Gathering Place is doing in the city,” Wuscher said.

FP074825@OHIO.EDU

The front of The Gathering Place, which houses community services, on North Congress Street, Nov. 9, 2025. (MEGAN VANVLACK | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

Athens residents raise concerns regarding gas prices FINN SMITH | NEWS STAFF WRITER A Facebook group titled “Boycotting Athens gas stations!” has 2.8k members and serves as a forum for local residents to express concerns about high gas prices in the Athens area. Users on the site often post pictures of the gas prices in Athens, as well as neighboring cities and towns that are much cheaper. Many of the members advocate driving to places such as Parkersburg, Lancaster and Chillicothe to save money on gas. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average price of gas in Ohio during October was $2.91 per gallon. Steve Pierson, an Athens resident

and member of the Facebook group, discussed how high gas prices are a burden on Athens residents, citing Athens County being the most impoverished county in Ohio, according to the Ohio Capital Journal. “Athens County is identified as one of the poorest counties in the whole state of Ohio,” Pierson said. “A lot of those people are working jobs that don’t pay as well, they may be minimum wage jobs or lower wage jobs, and the cost of fuel is the same for them as it is for the person that makes $250,000 a year, and a gallon of gas price is the same for everyone, but it’s a bigger chunk, a bigger percentage of that low income driver.” Continued on page 3

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NEWS

Police blotter: Alleged theft,

happenstance arrests, school fights KAITLIN HOGG NEWS STAFF WRITER 31 Fri ________________________

Your money is my money Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office took a report after a caller told deputies his ex-girlfriend charged his debit card. The caller told deputies he did not want to file any charges, but he wanted the situation to be documented. Attempted fraud? Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with a man regarding an attempted fraud. Deputies took a report, and at the time the media release was published, the case was under review.

1 Sat _________________________

Thief! (allegedly) Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office spoke to a woman on Taylor Ridge Road in Glouster regarding a theft report. The woman told deputies her license and joint bank account card were stolen by her ex-husband, who lives at the residence. However, the accusation was denied, and with no leads or probable cause, there was no need for an investigation. No one is here Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Torch Road after receiving a trespassing report. On the scene, deputies did not locate a trespasser, and patrol was resumed.

2 Sun ________________________

Four-wheeler theft Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Happy Hollow Road in Nelsonville after a report of a four-wheeler theft. On the scene, deputies took a report, and at the time the media report was released, an investigation was pending. Burglary! Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Brimstone Road in Coolville after receiving a burglary report. Deputies made contact with the homeowner on the scene, and at the time the media release was published, the case was under investigation.

3 Mon________________________

Warrants of the week The Athens County Sheriff’s Office has warrants of arrest out for Bryon Casteel and Eddie Hartley. Casteel is wanted for failure to appear as required by recognizance, criminal damage, possession of drugs and the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Hartley is wanted for criminal damage and domestic violence. Anyone with information on either man is to contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately.

Stroke of luck While on patrol near state Route 13 and Sand Ridge Road in Millfield, deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office observed a driver go left of center. A traffic stop was conducted, and during the stop, deputies realized a passenger in the car had a warrant out for his arrest. The passenger was taken into custody and subsequently transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. The driver was given a warning for a lane violation.

4 Tue ________________________

School is for learning, not fighting! Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Athens High School after a fight broke out. Deputies took a report after speaking with all involved parties. Those darn snakes, they scare me! Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Mansfield Road in Athens after a caller complained there were snakes in his basement. Deputies on the scene could not find any snakes and resumed patrol.

5 Wed ________________________

Unruly kids Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Green Meadows Trailer Park in Chauncey after reports of an unruly child. Deputies on the scene spoke with both the juvenile and her parents, and her parents eventually drove her to school. Just leave them alone! Deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office took a report of telecommunications harassment. Deputies made contact with both parties, who were each advised to block the other person.

6 Thur ________________________

Just walking! Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call from The Plains regarding a child walking alone near McDonald’s. On scene, deputies were able to make contact with the child and the child’s mother, who told deputies she was driving behind the child, as the child wanted to walk on the sidewalk. Theft under investigation Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Marion Johnson Road regarding a theft. At the time the media report was released, the case was still under investigation. KH303123@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM

U.S. Weekly Headlines: Democrat election success, government shutdown ZOE WEYAND | FOR THE POST 3 Mon _________________________

Trump threatens Nigeria over Christian persecution claims President Donald Trump said he ordered the Pentagon to plan for a potential military action in Nigeria on Nov. 1 after claiming “Islamic terrorists” are persecuting Christians, the Associated Press reported. Previously, Trump announced Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” which Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pushed back on, emphasizing the country’s religious tolerance. According to AP, Nigeria does face insecurity from extremist groups; however, attacks cannot be attributed to just religious persecution, as there are varying motives. Although Christians are facing attacks in Nigeria, the majority of victims from armed groups have been Muslim.

4 Tue _________________________

Top Israeli military leader arrested over leaked video Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, a top lawyer in the Israeli army, was arrested after leaking a surveillance video of severe abuse of a Palestinian prisoner. Tomer-Yerushlami admitted last week she approved the leak, which was released last year, leading to a forceful resignation by Israel’s political leaders, the AP said. Tomer-Yerushlami was then found on a Tel Aviv beach, where she was arrested. This contributes to a long line of top officials who have been forced out of office or left to be replaced by Israeli loyalists.

5 Wed _________________________

Democrats sweep elections across the nation According to the AP, in the first elections after Trump’s 2024 win, Democrats dominated across multiple states. Notable wins include the New York City mayoral race, the governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and ballot measures in Colorado, Maine and California. Democrats are now hoping this trend will continue through the midterm elections next fall, but AP recommends taking caution, considering many of these major wins were in already blue or leaning-blue states. AP Voter Poll finds more Americans prioritize the economy In a new poll by the AP, voters show they value affordability more than issues of immigration and crime. During this time of high inflation and

slow hiring, Trump has been highlighting his deportation efforts and cracking down on crime via the National Guard. However, few voters said these issues were a top concern for them. Rather, six out of 10 voters in Virginia, New Jersey and NYC said they felt they could not get ahead in the economy, while one-quarter reported they were “falling behind.”

6 Thur _________________________

FAA reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 major airports According to the AP, the Federal Aviation Administration is cutting flights across airports spanning more than two dozen states to keep air travel safe during the ongoing government shutdown. Reductions started Friday by 4% and will increase to 10% by Nov. 14, impacting all airlines. American Airlines said they have cancelled 220 flights each day between Friday and Monday to reach 4%. The FAA reports air traffic controllers, working without pay since Oct. 1, are exhibiting signs of strain and fatigue, making this reduction necessary for passenger safety.

7 Fri _________________________

Supreme Court allows Trump to block transgender and non-binary people from choosing sex on passports The Supreme Court gives Trump another win as it allows him to enforce his policy of blocking people from choosing their passport gender identity. The win allows the policy to continue while a lawsuit plays out, the AP reported. Since the start of Trump’s second term, over two dozen Supreme Court decisions have allowed Trump to carry out his policies, including one banning transgender people from serving in the military. Trump falsely accused boat crews of being narco-terrorists According to a series of interviews by the AP News, the U.S. military strikes on drug boats were carrying drugs, but were not narco-terrorists as Trump claimed. Residents of coastal Venezuela and relatives of the smugglers remain upset the men were killed without due process, something they had been promised when caught previously. So far, the U.S. military has blown up 17 vessels, causing over 60 deaths, with at least three of the vessels coming from Venezuela, according to the Trump administration.

ZW211923@OHIO.EDU

NOV. 11, 2025 Continued from front page

The reason for the high prices is not known, but Pierson said it could be due to a lack of competition in the area.

Swank also discussed the rise of gas prices on busy Ohio University weekends such as move-in, move-out, Homecoming and Halloween.

Other options include the Kroger on East State Street, Sunoco on Court Street and the Shop Mart on Stimson Avenue.

“It’s very predictable,” Swank said. “They go up, and then when all the visitors leave town on Monday or Tuesday, they go back down a little bit. And that’s what fires people up, because they feel, and I’m not saying they are, but they feel that the stations are in collusion … people have actually said it’s price fixing.”

Athens City Council member Alan Swan, D-4th Ward, has lived in Athens since 1979 and worked in the school yearbook business. His job often took him across the state, from New Philadelphia to Steubenville.

According to Swank, it has been an issue in Athens for a long time. Swank said in recent years, however, people have become more aware of issues from social media, such as property taxes and gas prices.

“The only thing, I guess, is just basic economics, competition,” Pierson said. “Right here in town, I can think just Speedway and Go Mart, right in town.”

“I drove about 30,000 miles a year, and I like to buy local as much as I can, but rarely in those 34 years did I buy gas in the city of Athens,” Swank said. “And the reason was because gas in the city of Athens is always, always, always higher than some place I could get gas along the road when I was going from one of my yearbook schools to another.”

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NEWS “Social media has taken the place of the corner pub in terms of people sharing information, this, that and the other,” Swank said. “And it spreads much, much, much quicker than people who can fit in the corner pub.” Many members of the group call for changes to be made by local officials, but Swank said these elected positions do not make regulatory decisions. “I worked for the city of Athens for 14 years and nine years for the city of Nelsonville,” Pierson said. “I can tell you, I was never involved in any administrative discussion on how to control the price of gasoline.” Pierson stated the Facebook group is a place where people can express their frustrations, believing many people will

not actually drive to farther places to fill their tanks up. Swank continued to discuss what locals can do to advocate for lower prices and figure out why there is a discrepancy in gas pricing. “It’s my opinion that locally, there is no governmental body that can do anything about this,” Swank said. “So my suggestion would be to contact either the Attorney General’s Office for the state of Ohio in Columbus, or the Consumer Council in the city of Columbus.”

@FINNSMITH06 FS227223@OHIO.EDU

Swank calculated the average price of gas in Athens and compared it to other areas in the state using GasBuddy, an app that finds local, cheap gas stations. According to Swank, on Nov. 3, the average price of gas in Athens was $2.99, whereas prices in Chillicothe averaged at $2.79. “For every five-cent difference based on 465 gallons a year, that’s $23.25, so if you get up to a 20-cent difference, that’s $93 a year,” Swank said.

MEGAN VANVLACK | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

James Carville Join James Carville with Mark Turner for a discussion on his life and career as a longtime political strategist and campaign manager, featuring clips from “Carville: Winning is Everything, Stupid”

Monday, Nov. 17, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Baker Center Theatre Open to the public; reception to follow NO REGISTRATION required. Seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. A recording of the event will be available on the Scripps College YouTube channel after the event. Questions may be directed to Erin Roberts at roberte1@ohio.edu. Scripps College of Communication

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THEPOSTATHENS.COM

NEWS

Ohio to potentially save $2.4 billion in property taxes BRIDGET THOMAS | FOR THE POST On Oct. 22, the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 186, a measure designed to prevent sudden jumps in property taxes. The bill was passed along with House Bill 335, another property tax relief proposal. Both aim to fix problems left by the current property tax law, House Bill 920. According to the Ohio Capital Journal, House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-District 78) touted that Ohio will save over $2.4 billion between the two House bills. In 1976, Ohio enacted HB 920, giving Ohio property owners some relief from inflation. The law limits how much money local governments, such as cities, municipalities, villages or townships, can raise through outside millage. This is done through a reduction factor, which is determined by Ohio’s Office of Taxation every year. A mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value. In Ohio, county auditors reappraise property values every six years. The assessed, or taxable, value is 35% of the property’s appraised value. The assessed value determines how much a local government can collect in property taxes. Governments can collect up to 10 mills without voter approval, called inside millage. Any tax increase beyond that requires voter approval and is called outside millage. The reduction factor from HB 920 only applies to outside millage. Therefore, even if property values rise with inflation, the amount of taxes collected from outside millage stays the same as what voters initially approved. Taxes from inside millage, however, can increase with inflation. HB 186 focuses on the portion of property taxes that fund local school districts. The bill caps how much money school districts can collect from property taxes, limiting increases for school districts affected by what is known as the 20-mill floor. The 20-mil floor ensures every school district collects at least 20 mills from property taxes. If a district does not have enough voted millage to reach that level, extra mills are added automatically to meet the 20-mill minimum. Districts above the 20-mill floor have already passed

The front of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 21, 2024. (Jack Tatham | For The Post)

levies that allow the government to generate funds from taxpayers, but those at the 20-mill floor rely on unvoted taxes to reach that funding level. HB 186 aims to ease the financial pressure this system places on property owners. It would prevent school district taxes from increasing faster than the rate of inflation. The change would mainly affect districts on the 20-mill floor so homeowners would not see sudden spikes in their taxes. State Rep. David Thomas (R-Jefferson) said the state would cover any funding gaps for school districts until their next property reevaluation. After that, local voters would decide through levies how much money their schools should collect from property taxes. Athens County Auditor Jill Davidson explained the potential impact HB 186 will have on Athens schools. “The schools are held somewhat harmless, but that would only be for that first year,” Davidson said. “My understanding is, going forward, the schools will lose that benefit of the backfill.”

State Rep. Elgin Rogers Jr. (D-Toledo), who initially was a co-sponsor for the bill, voted against it when it made its way to the House floor Oct. 22. He said the bill’s effects would mostly impact homeowners in districts that are already on the 20-mill floor. Rogers also pointed out voters would have more control over school funding should HB 186 and HB 335 become law. “If you think your school is doing great, or you think your school should not be receiving the money, now your citizens and homeowners and voters will have a direct link to approving levies or rejecting levies based on that,” Rogers said. “Voters who are experiencing levy fatigue are more likely to not vote for levies when they’re going back and forth each year to try and generate money.” HB 186, along with HB 335 and three other property tax bills, is now in the Ohio Senate. If passed, the legislation will go to Gov. Mike DeWine, who can either sign the bill into law or veto it. BT037924@OHIO.EDU

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HUMAN INTEREST

Big Run Kava Bar, Feral Ladies Cat Rescue host adoption event ELIZABETH TALAGA COPY CHIEF The regular calm, cozy ambiance of Big Run Kava Bar, located at 72 N. Court St., was mixed with meows Saturday for the Find Your Purrfect Match Adoption Event with Feral Ladies Cat Rescue. Feral Ladies Cat Rescue, based out of Hocking County, is a team of seven women who work to foster, fundraise and hold adoption events for feral and rescue cats. Shaylee Tucker, owner of Big Run, said hosting events for locals to come and hang out is a big focus of kava bars around the nation. “It’s very important to us,” Tucker said. “It’s very important to me. We moved to Athens kind of right when we opened the bar, and I just really wanted to get close to the community, so I felt like these events was a way to do so.” Kava bars are designed to be spaces for people to socialize and connect with others without alcohol. Big Run hosts weekly events to engage with the people of Athens.

The front window of Big Run Kava Bar on Court Street, Nov. 9, 2025, in Athens. (MEGAN VANVLACK | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY) Athens residents pose with one of the cats for adoption, during the event held at Big Run Kava Bar. PROVIDED

“Our first cat adoption event was last month,” Tucker said. “It kind of was turning out to be my favorite, but we have trivia every Wednesday night and it’s a really nice way of seeing a lot of my regulars all at one time.” For Feral Ladies Cat Rescue, adoption events such as the one at Big Run are essential.

Little Wing

“When we foster from our homes, we need to get out in the community and let the community know who we are,” Elizabeth Hoskins, who founded Feral Ladies Cat Rescue with her friend, Annie, said. “We do a lot of Facebook and stuff like that, but these events are definitely promoting for us.”

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A report on feral cat populations by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals estimates between 60 and 100 million stray cats live in the U.S. Athens is home to a portion of these cats. Feral Ladies Cat Rescue started with about five cats, and now there are around 70 cats in its care.

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“We have seven fosters and we do multiple events a month,” Hoskins said. “... We help people with their vet bills if we can. We do a lot of TNR-ing in our community.” TNR stands for trap, neuter, return, which involves catching a cat, getting it neutered or spayed and then returning it to the wild. TNR is an effective practice for helping to curb cat overpopulation. Saige Eversyn, who does public relations for Feral Ladies Cat Rescue, attends the adoption events to encourage people to learn more about adopting a cat. “Me being out here, I feel like that makes their job a little bit easier, so they can just focus on the cats,” Eversyn said. “But being with the organization, it’s a very good decision that I made.” Eversyn said organizing an adoption event takes a lot of coordination to

ensure all the moving parts come together. “(It’s) making sure all the board members are able to attend,” Eversyn said. “If they’re not able to attend, we have to figure out who’s going to grab their cats, and also speaking with our fosters. We have multiple people who foster for us, so making sure that they’re able to bring their cats. If we’re limited on cats, we have to figure out which cats we can bring.” With each adoption event, Feral Ladies Cat Rescue also hosts a fundraiser. “So a lot of times, people in the community will donate,” Hoskins said. “... People will donate baked goods,

that’s our main fundraiser right now.” At Saturday’s event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., four kittens were adopted. Feral Ladies Cat Rescue posts cats available for adoption on its Facebook page. “The rescue provides everything for the fosters,” Eversyn said. “The only stress you have is just taking care of the cats, just making sure that they’re isolated and you do everything right with them. But they make everything really easy, and they’re a great group of people.” ET029322@OHIO.EDU

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CAMPUS EVENTS

Social Engagement & Student Org Events

Events for Students, by Students Discover what’s happening across campus—concerts, guest speakers, club meetings, and more. The Student Org Events Calendar has something for everyone.

SCAN

to see what’s happening this week

MEGAN VANVLACK DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Spark of Creation vitalizes OU musical theater seniors Seven seniors performed songs from various musicals, featuring artistic themes and songs familiar to the students. FIONA PETTICREW HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER Paintings, sculptures and beautiful music. This is what patrons of the Kennedy Museum of Art were greeted with Thursday evening, as seven Ohio University seniors performed at Spark of Creation. The performances featured nine songs from various musicals, including “A Chorus Line,” “Wicked” and “Ordinary Days.” Spark of Creation was named after the opening song of the night, from the musical “Children of Eden.” The musical is based on the Book of Genesis, as Eve sings about the unknown possibilities of creation. The theme was in line with the event, as it celebrated “the wonder of art and the human spirit that yearns to create it,” according to an Instagram post from OU’s musical theater program. The evening included performances from Amy Pilgrim, Billy Elias, Julia Germer, Madison Keally, Madison Russell, Grayce Roderick and Sylvia Witt. Melissa Brobeck, assistant professor of instruction, ended the evening with the song “Till There Was You,” from “The Music Man.” Brobeck said the seniors worked hard throughout their college careers, in performances and in studies. “(The event) is a nice time to showcase their talent and their hard work,” Brobeck said. “Plus, it sounded just really delightful to perform in a museum, which you don't typically get to do.” Shelley Delaney, emerita professor of theater and vice president of the Friends of Kennedy Museum of Art Board, said there have been live performances at the museum before, featuring small ensembles and the OU School of Dance. Delaney said she knew something was missing from the Kennedy Museum and decided to contact the performing arts. She called the musical theater department to see if faculty would be interested in showcasing their students at the museum.

said it would be the seniors she was working with, I knew it was perfect, both for their timing in terms of the arc of their learning and training and getting ready for next steps and all of those things.” The students are currently preparing their senior showcase materials. Brobeck said a portion of them will travel to different parts of the country where performing arts thrive. She hopes the seniors take what they’ve learned in their four years of school and apply it to the real world of performing. “I think for most of them … you can't say for sure ... but I think a lot of our students go to New York or Chicago or Atlanta or Los Angeles,” Brobeck said. “I think they're getting ready … to book work immediately after school and then make plans to give it a go.” The musical theater students are also gaining confidence and learning about themselves and each other. Delaney said acting and performing skills give students the opportunity to understand each other on a deeper level. “While you're learning about yourself, you get so much better social intelligence and emotional intelligence about reading other people,” Delaney said. “You read the room, you read the human being.” Jim Pilgrim, one of Brobeck’s voice students, said he often attends events to support the musical theater students and enjoyed the Spark of Creation event. “These people, with no microphone, no music, perform these songs and put so much of themselves into it, it's wonderful,” Pilgrim said. “I love to watch these performances, I’m proud of them.” Pilgrim said he loved Elias’ rendition of “Venice” from “Elegies,” and “At the Ballet,” from “A Chorus Line,” performed by Russell, Pilgrim and Keally. “You're acting well, but it's all great because they're coming here and they're putting it all right here,” Pilgrim said. “They don't leave anything, they don't leave anything, they give it all.”

Brobeck was the first to jump at this offer. “Melissa was the first one to say yes,” Delaney said. “I particularly love this senior class … when Melissa

FP074825@OHIO.EDU

NOV. 11, 2025

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HUMAN INTEREST

Mane Avenue Salon rises through the ranks in Athens COURTNEY MIERS FOR THE POST For decades, hair salons and barber shops have served as a gathering place for people from all walks of life. No matter what service a customer is searching for, hair stylists strive to make their clients feel welcome and confident. For stylists at Mane Avenue Salon on 22 W. Stimson Ave., uplifting Athens residents is not only a goal, but a priority. Andrea Leedy, owner of Mane Avenue, has been working in the cosmetology industry for 18 years. Leedy said she always had a goal to open her own business. Mane Avenue opened in February. Leedy said the people around her play a large role in her success. “We have a really good clientele from the local community and the university,” Leedy said. “They’re supporting us.” The price for a women’s haircut at Mane Avenue ranges between $45 and $47, depending on the stylist. Comparatively, women’s haircuts at Attractions Salon, located at 19 N. Court St., cost $35 to $40.

Leedy works alongside her two friends, Rhawny Riley and Tricia Carano. The three stylists have known each other for 18 years, Leedy said. Carano, who has been a stylist for 24 years, said she enjoys forming relationships with clients. “I like working in a college town because there's so much diversity and so many different people coming from so many areas,” Carano said. “We’re able to stay current with trends. A lot of new people come in every year, we’re constantly getting new clients." Riley is a stylist from Shawnee and has worked in the beauty industry for 20 years. Like Carano, Riley said connecting with clients is important. “You’re there for weddings, funerals, all the things,” Riley said. “You really get to know each other. They want to know what’s going on in my life and I want to know what's going on in theirs. You form really good relationships.” Whether a customer needs a root retouch, highlight or balayage, Mane Avenue stylists are ready to help. Riley encourages young cosmetologists to step out of their comfort zones and learn about the industry.

“Educate, educate, educate,” Riley said. “You learn the basics in cosmetology school. To get out of cosmetology school and just start doing hair, you’re not going to learn that way. You need to find somebody, try to assist somebody, which is what the three of us did.” Leedy also said studying other stylists techniques can be helpful for people in search of their creative spark. “Keep working toward your goals,” Leedy said. “Put in the effort and just keep going for it.” Mane Avenue hours of operations depend on the times stylists are available. The salon offers hair extension installations, haircuts, colorings, root smudges, balayage, Brazilian blowouts and more. Leedy said the best way to schedule an appointment is on social media, through Instagram or Facebook. “Come on in, we welcome everybody,” Leedy said. “Just DM us.” CM190423@OHIO.EDU

Students host recess, encourage creativity at Jackie O’s Ohio University students in COMS 4050 teamed up with Passion Works Studio and Jackie O’s to host Recess, an event full of childlike wonder. JEN FOSNAUGHT | FOR THE POST Ohio University students in COMS 4050: Communication Strategy in Meetings and Event Planning encouraged Athens locals to feel like kids again through their recess event, offering ways for adults and kids alike to engage in play. Recess was hosted at Jackie O’s Taproom on 25 Campbell St. Guests used both the indoor and outdoor spaces to hang out, and the area was decorated with Passion Works Studios puppets and art. Guests of all ages were encouraged to interact with different stations. At these stations, attendees colored, wrote stories, completed activity worksheets, created art and took photos. The activities were playful, as students encouraged every adult attendee to reminisce on their childhood memories. Jenna Smalley, a senior studying communications and a student in the class, organized the event and said the childlike theme was valuable. “It's something that in our adult lives we don't tap into to reap the benefits of,” Smalley said.

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“The hardest part is coordinating all of the groups because we've split up into different groups that are all doing different things,” Rather said. “We have a marketing team, I’m on guest services (and) we have an entertainment vendors team.” Despite the challenges, Rather said, the class taught valuable skills.

“It’s the nostalgia. It's tying back to all of the good things about childhood and just expressing yourself through art.”

“A great lesson that Candice has taught us throughout the semester is that we can expect that something unexpected will happen and we can remain calm and keep rolling,” Rather said.

The recess event was in the works for months, with planning beginning early in the semester. Candice Rios Wenmoth, professor of the course, guided her students through the process of creating an event from scratch.

A new collaborative, non-alcoholic beverage brought the event together. The Passion Pops beverage was crafted by Jackie O’s employees, and the label was created by Passion Works artists.

“I wanted this (course) to really feel like a uniquely comms-oriented class,” she said. “The tactic that I’ve taken is that planning an event is like telling a good story.”

“For quite a while we’ve been talking with Jackie O’s about the idea of a fizzy water or a non-alcoholic soda of some sort,” Patty Mitchell, director and founder of Passion Works, said. “This class had just been incredibly proactive.”

Students were responsible for creating the event’s theme and setting up activities, food, drinks, live entertainment and decorations. Courtney Rather, a senior studying animation, said organizing the event was difficult.

The students’ goal was to create a non-alcoholic beverage people of all ages can enjoy. The drink went through multiple test phases, from root beer to hop water and ultimately landed on two fruity seltzers:

pink lemonade and blueberry açai. “It's been a journey to finally land on these sodas, but I think it came full circle and I think it worked out exactly how it was supposed to,” Smalley said. The event incorporated other forms of local collaboration. Rios Wenmoth said Snowville Creamery created three special ice cream flavors for the event: buttermilk vanilla, vegetarian honey lemon sherbert and vegan strawberry basil. Rios Wenmoth said 100% of the ice cream proceeds were donated directly to Passion Works. Cutler’s Restaurant and Bunch of Grapes Tavern, the Barbara Gerald's Institute for Storytelling and Social Impact and OU fraternities Beta Theta Pi and Alpha Epsilon Pi collected monetary and supply donations. “It has been a full community effort,” Rios Wenmoth said. “People have shown up in a really meaningful way.” Rios Wenmoth said her COMS 4050 course is also hosting two live storytelling events at Donkey Coffee on Nov. 21 and Dec. 5. JF127523@OHIO.EDU

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Everything to know for Football’s game against Western Michigan CHARLIE FADEL SPORTS EDITOR Ohio (6-3 overall, 4-1 Mid-American Conference) controls its own MAC title destiny as it heads on the road Tuesday night for a huge matchup against Western Michigan (5-4 overall, 4-1 MAC). The Bobcats are in a great place as they head into the final stretch of the season, sitting tied for first place atop the MAC after they pulled off arguably the biggest win of their season last Tuesday at home over rival Miami. That huge win over the RedHawks sets the stage for an even bigger game against the Broncos. Whichever team comes out victorious in Kalamazoo will be a near-lock to take one of the two spots in the MAC title game. With that being said, here is everything to know about Western Michigan. HEAD COACH Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor comes into this matchup in his third year at the helm of the Broncos. He currently has just a 15-19 overall record with Western Michigan, but this year has been his best yet in Kalamazoo, as he has his team at 4-1 in the MAC. Before taking the head coaching job at Western Michigan, he spent time at both the college and pro levels. He was an assistant for both the Carolina Panthers and the New York Jets, and he also spent time as the offensive coordinator for Louisville, most recently.

QUARTERBACK There is a new face at quarterback this year for the Broncos in duel-threat redshirt sophomore Broc Lowry. Lowry is an Ohio native, hailing from Canfield, just outside of Youngstown. He spent his freshman season at Indiana, where he redshirted, and last year he played in 11 games but threw just eight passes. This year, he has been enjoying a breakout season, establishing himself as a legit threat to run and pass the ball in the MAC. Through nine games, he has thrown for 1,314 yards and seven touchdowns with

just one interception. On the ground, he has been very effective, going for 591 yards and eight touchdowns.

RUNNING BACKS Headlining the running backs for the Broncos is redshirt junior Jalen Buckley. So far this season he has just 351 yards and two touchdowns on the ground as the presence of Lowry in the running game has negatively impacted the rushing numbers for the backs. His backups have been decent this season as well, as senior running back Devin Myles has gone for 214 yards and two touchdowns, while Ofa Mataele has 181 yards and three touchdowns this season.

WIDE RECEIVERS Lowry has a solid group of weapons to complement him in the efficient Western Michigan passing game. Graduate student Tailique Williams has transferred in from Georgia Southern and has been the number one option so far, as he has gone for 403 yards and two touchdowns. Baylin Brooks and Aveon Chenault have been the second and third receivers in the offense this year, with Brooks going for 276 yards without a score and Chenault racking up 225 yards and two touchdowns on the year.

DEFENSE While the offense has been solid, the defense has been at the heart of Western Michigan’s success this year. The Broncos boast the second-best defense in the MAC in both points and yards allowed. Linebacker Sefa Saipaia Jr. has been the leader of the defense, leading the team in tackles with 55, and he is second on the team in tackles for loss with 5.5. The alpha dog off the edge for Western Michigan is Nadame Tucker, one of the MAC’s best edge rushers. So far this year, he has been dominant with 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. Those are eyepopping numbers, and he will be a huge problem for Ohio if it cannot contain him.

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Ohio falls in home opener against Columbia LONDON DEMARCO FOR THE POST Ohio Women’s Basketball (1-1 overall) struggled in its home opener against Columbia, earning its first loss of the season with a score of 92-74. With the exception of the first few minutes of the game, Ohio trailed behind Columbia throughout. The Bobcats started the game strong on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they did a great job of passing the ball into the paint for the easy layup. Defensively, they did not let Columbia into the paint without some solid resistance. Ohio took an early 9-3 lead, but afterward, it all fell apart. The Bobcats got their lead by playing the passing game and finding easy shots, but after they got a lead, it seemed the game plan switched up. Ohio shot the ball, drained its first three of the game and then afterward, they did not lay a shot. Defensively, after the Bobcats’ good start, they gassed themselves out, and Columbia picked up offensively. A mix of bad shooting and poor defense led Columbia to a 9-2 run to take the lead. The momentum from that Columbia run helped it catapult to a 23-18 first quarter lead. Ohio’s shooting problems got worse in the second quarter. It missed easy chances that would have been crucial to getting back in the game. At the same time, Columbia’s guard Riley Weiss got hot and finished with 13 first-half points. With Weiss heating up, Columbia extended its lead to 10 points at the end of the first half. Ohio needed a good third quarter in order to climb out of its deficit, and unfortunately, this was its worst quarter. Columbia’s defense was dominant in this quarter, and the Bobcats didn’t score their first points in the half until almost six minutes in. The Lions’ offense was very consistent as well. This quarter was dominated by Columbia as it outscored Ohio by 16 to end the quarter with a 76-50 lead. “Our third quarter is just something that we struggle with,” guard Aliah McWhorter said of her takeaways from the game. The Bobcats tried to fight in the final quarter of the game, but the deficit was too much. They got Columbia’s lead down to almost 15, but the Lions did not let up. It was a great way to end the game for the Bobcats with a last-minute push, which they can hopefully bring into their next game. The Bobcats fell to Columbia 92-74. Overall, Columbia took advantage of Ohio’s missed shots. It was especially able to take advantage of the Bobcats’ fouling, as 30% of their points came from free throws. The Bobcats are back in The Convo this Tuesday against Morehead State as they try to get back in the win column and pick up their first home win of the season. LD004224@OHIO.EDU

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Celeste Sloma finds her escape, voice with Ohio The Ohio goalkeeper leaves the program after a successful four years. JACKSON HUXEL | FOR THE POST Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. It combines stamina, heart, vocal leadership and gritty toughness. The Bobcats have incorporated all those traits into their game over the last four years, compiling a 35-29-14 record, including a Cinderella run in 2023 that culminated in the program’s first MidAmerican Conference championship. One of the vocal leaders during this run was senior Celeste Sloma, a twosport athlete in soccer and basketball at Worthington Kilbourne, who chose Ohio. She chose Ohio because of head coach Aaron Rodgers and his devotion to his players. “I chose soccer because it was an escape for me, where basketball kind of added more stress and more on my plate,” Sloma said. “Aaron’s son first saw me because he had the same trainer as me, and after talking with them, I could tell they were down to earth, wanted to know me as a player and I knew I’d mesh super well.” In her freshman year, she started nine games in place of all-MAC goalie Sam Wexel. She finished the season with a winning record, two shutouts, 28 saves and a save percentage of 75.7%. “I was very intimidated,” Sloma said. “I didn’t really have any expectations to play. It was a really good experience to get that playing time at a young age in college. You grow up and play club or high school, but nothing prepares you for college soccer until you’re in it.” Sloma had a historical sophomore season, leading the Bobcats to their first conference championship with back-to-back shutouts over Eastern Michigan and Akron to give them the final seed in the MAC tournament. She finished the season with the fourthmost saves in program history with 97 and eighth in save percentage at 81.5%. “I was feeling really confident going into that season after playing well on my summer team,” Sloma said. “All the credit in the world to the team, flipping a switch with two games to go and winning the tournament fueled our momentum by the doubt of other

teams. It was such a surreal experience that I can’t put it into words.” In her junior year, she continued to be an enforcer in the net, leading the team to an 11-5-3 record with 10 shutouts, which was good enough for second in MAC, 63 saves and a save percentage on 82.9%, the second highest in program history. “I think a lot of my growth came in my last two years, trying to be the best vocal leader and support beam I could be for the team,” Sloma said. “I have so much respect for the coaches who’ve supported me throughout the years and my teammates who I’ve grown alongside.” As a senior this season, the team finished 5-9-5 with Sloma finishing fourth in the MAC in saves with 68 and sixth in goals against with 1.053. The story of the season was missed opportunities as the team lost seven one-score games, but that didn’t break the team’s spirit: constantly smiling and appreciating every game like it was their last. “With a majority of our team being seniors, we never wanted to look at the hardships as a down movement,” Sloma said. “After losing two crucial players early on, we learned to do it all for each other. Being able to end the season on a win was special to us because, unless you’re in the championship, you always end the season on a loss.” Over her four-year career, she slotted herself into the program’s record books with the third-most saves in program history with 256 and fourth in save percentage at 80%. She became the program’s new average goals against leader at 0.96, and shutouts leader with 23. “Being in an atmosphere where you support and go through the tough times together has really been important to my and the team’s growth,” Sloma said. “This program and the university have done so much to help me grow. I’d say anyone coming into this program will be in the most loving, supportive environment where you’ll be encouraged on and off the field.”

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Hockey: No. 1 ranked Ohio sweeps Kent State ANNABELLE GRACE | FOR THE POST No. 1 ranked Ohio (13-1) swept its weekend series against Kent State (7-6-1). Ohio boasted a complete team that scored often and had the fewest goals against in the league. On the other hand, Kent State failed to continue its six-game win streak heading into the weekend.

FRIDAY Senior Garrett Alderman started in goal Friday night for Ohio. The Flashes struck first with a quick shot, then another on a perfect pass into the crease. Alderman stopped both with ease. “Our first 10-12 minutes, we were sloppy,” head coach Barry Schutte said. “I liked how we finished the first period.”

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Despite the slow start, Ohio outshot Kent State 22-7 in the first. Ohio freshman Lance Mengel found the back of the net with a shot from the goalie’s right. Alex Mazzuca provided the assist. Five minutes later, alternate captain Luc Reeve scored. He fell because of a check on his initial shot. Still, he was able to scramble up and put away the puck off a rebound. The Bobcats ended the period up 2-0.

“I Fine You $10 for Stealing”

Overall, the second period was the Bobcats’ strongest. The Flashes took an early penalty, and the man advantage allowed junior Noah Holt to score on a wrist shot, once again from the goalie’s right side. Blake Dustin and Laker Aldridge made the assists.

New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia served as a night-court judge for one night in January 1935 during the Great Depression (1929-1941). One night, a woman appeared before him who was guilty of stealing food so she could feed her hungry children. Mr. La Guardia heard the case, and then he ruled: “I fine you $10 [approx. $237 in 2025 due to inflation] for stealing, and I fine everyone else in this courtroom, myself included, 50 cents [approx. $12 in 2025 due to inflation] for living in a city where a woman is forced to steal to feed her children.” The money collected in the courtroom was used to pay the woman’s fine, and the leftover money was given to her.

Ohio dominated possession as Kent State only managed four shots. A short fight broke out with four minutes remaining. Aldridge took advantage and scored. Reeve earned his second point with the primary assist, and Hollander Thompson had the secondary assist. Kent State reset ahead of the third period. The team scored three goals, piling the pressure on Ohio. The Bobcats controlled the puck until a big hit left one of the Flashes injured. Kasper was ejected while Aldridge served the major penalty in his place. “We had a huge kill by some guys,” Schutte said. “And then, unfortunately, our guys that weren’t killing were not ready to execute when they stepped on the ice. (Kent State) was opportunistic, so give them a bunch of credit.”

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After a tight game the previous night, Ohio aimed to return to its strong defensive form. All three goalies ranked in the top 15 for save percentage before the weekend. Senior Matt Zazon started in goal and ended up earning a shutout in a 4-0 win. Neither team started particularly strong, although the Flashes had a sequence of three chances against Zazon. With 13 minutes and 14 seconds remaining in the period, the Flashes took a slashing penalty. Messy passes prevented the Bobcats from generating any real offense on the power play. Kent State almost scored after an excellent forecheck right in front of Ohio’s net. Zazon made two impressive saves. “In the first, there were two or three shifts where we were a little sloppy, and he made two big saves,” Schutte said about Zazon. After a scoreless first period, the Bobcats piled on the offensive pressure in the second. Kent State’s Cole Bianchin was penalized for boarding. Once again, Ohio was unable to capitalize on the man advantage. Although Kent State’s goalie was caught out of position throughout the period, the defense still kept Ohio away from the goal. The Bobcats killed a penalty, which flipped a switch in their game. They had two shorthanded breakaways. At full strength, freshman Nick Mahy made a neat pass between the legs. Mazzuca scored. Celebrations from the crowd signaled a second Ohio goal, this one by Reeve. An early whistle meant the goal did not count. At the end of the second period, the Bobcats led 1-0 and 31-11 in shots. The Bobcats continued to control puck possession. Kent State goalie Matthew Weiss made a beautiful glove save. Halfway through the third period, Reeve shot the puck for a goal that counted this time. Aldridge picked up the assist.

To cap off the successful weekend, Zazon made a sliding glove save. Right off the next faceoff, Drake Nabozny cleared the puck up the ice. Kent State had pulled its goalie and a lucky bounce led to an empty net goal. Reeve snagged his third point for the night and Zazon earned his second shut out of the season by the end of the game. The Bobcats have a chance to prove themselves against tough opponents in the upcoming weeks. Friday and Saturday, they face Maryville University (5-6). Then, the team heads on a road trip to Chicago.

Note

If only politicians would raise the minimum wage and have it rise with inflation, fewer families would need to use food banks. They could buy their food with their own money.

David Bruce paid for this ad, an anecdote retold in his own words

SATURDAY

Reeve and Aldridge earned another point each when they assisted senior Tommy Kloepfer’s goal. Unlike the night before, the Bobcats played aggressively the entire 60 minutes. The Flashes defended the crease well. One of their players even stepped off the ice due to a foot injury following a blocked shot.

Hint, Hint: ecks payable to:

Source: Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, Jewish Wisdom: Ethical, Spiritual, and Historical Lessons from the Great Works and Thinkers (New York: William Morrow and Company, 1994), p. 399.

Matthew Parker for the Flashes scored seconds after the Bobcat power play ended. This goal opened the floodgates for Kent State to claw its way back into the game. Undisciplined play led to another penalty against the Bobcats. Again, the Flashes scored. As the clock wound down, Kent State managed a final goal. It wasn’t pretty, but the Bobcats pulled out the 4-3 win.

“Our schedule between now and Christmas is all nationally ranked top ten teams,” Schutte said. “We’re going to have to get rested and be ready to put our best selves out there, because they’re real physical. They fight you for it, every inch of the ice.”

JOHN FOUSS | FOR THE POST

AC309223@OHIO.EDU

NOV. 11, 2025

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ENTERTAINMENT

LFC’s ‘Puffs’ leaves audiences roaring with laughter AUSTIN YAU | FOR THE POST The Lost Flamingo Theatre Company put on its version of Matt Cox’s play “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic,” at Arts West on Nov. 8-9. The 13-person cast and production crew put on a show that had the audience laughing hard and participating along. “Puffs” is a parody of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. Similar to the books it parodies, “Puffs” also follows a trio. This trio consists of Wayne Hopkins (Theo Davis), who was raised in New Mexico by his Uncle Dave. Oliver Rivers (Laura Church) is a math prodigy from Oxford, Ohio, and Megan Jones (Ava Torok) is the daughter of a witch locked in WizPriz and would rather be in the Snakes house.

with Ron and Hermione (two mops). The play uses many opportunities for audience engagement, ranging from clapping, the narrator throwing out objects to the front row and cheering for Cedric (Casey Johnson) during the Three-Wizard Tournament. The small cast uses its size to its benefit, with cast members playing multiple roles. The cast adapted to each character with ease. Actors changed accents, outfits and adapted their behavior to clearly show they were different characters while still being humorous. As a comedy, the jokes are the most important part and “Puffs” delivered on the comedic aspect.

The trio and the fellow first-year Puffs’ story gets some extra context from the narrator (Kylie Stewart). The play spans all seven years they are at the school and what the group gets up to.

The comedic element around not being able to use any specific “Harry Potter” branded things was quite entertaining. One of those highlights was referring to Slytherin as “people who spit their gum on the sidewalk and say it’s fine because it’s biodegradable.”

Of course Harry Potter (Caroline Padden) is still there, running around

As expected, there were jokes about book and character titles, such as when

they tease year three as being serious in reference to Sirius Black. There is also a bit at the end where they joke about being cursed children in reference to Rowling’s play. One of the crowd’s favourite characters was J. Finch Fletchley (Bossch) who is portrayed as an outof-it character actually considered imaginary by fellow Puff Leanne (Quincy Thomas). Bossch was a great example of one of the unique humour aspects in this play. While Bossch’s main role was J. Finch, Bossch also adopted the personality of the stereotypically obnoxious frat bro Zack Smith, complete with bad knockknock jokes. The unique elements of all the characters were portrayed well by the cast making each new character meaningfully different and still entertaining. Although the set and props were minimal, they were quite well done with items being thrown in at various spell-castings and the narrator hitting a stage crew member with the

comically heavy fifth year book. The costumes were quite fun with students having the classic British school uniforms, but with little flares that accounted for their own personality. One of the most impressive costumes was for Mr. Voldy (Casey Johnson), with long skeletal fingers and a makeup job that made Johnson look like he lacked a nose similar to the character he was portraying. Putting on a parody can be challenging but the LFC did a great job with it. The jokes hit and had the crowd laughing almost the whole time. References to the original IP were well integrated and not overblown. LFC will be continuing its current season with a production of Zoe Senese-Grossberg’s play “Boy My Greatness” on Nov. 15, also at Arts West. Tickets are $5 cash for anyone who wishes to attend.

@AUSTINYAU_MEDIADVENTURES AY490124@OHIO.EDU

Cult classics defined by movies old, new LEANNE ABEL | FOR THE POST Many have heard the term “cult classic,” but few could clearly define it. When it comes to movies, a cult classic is one that builds an almost obsessive following with fans who can recite every line, know every scene, and never tire of watching it. These films often feature experimental storytelling, science-fiction elements or other qualities that set them apart from mainstream cinema. This is helpful for the other part of cult classics that require the movies to be rejected from society in some way. As science fiction movies are not often universally loved, this helps them become classics more than traditional movies. Those interested in cult classics believe they understand the movie more than most people, which makes them appreciate it more. That said, it is almost impossible to predict what is going to be a cult classic before it comes out. There are hundreds of examples of cult classic movies, but some are more famous than others. “Fight Club,” one of the most widely recognized cult classics, sits in the more complex corner of the genre. With its twisting plot and unreliable narrator, many viewers find themselves needing a second viewing to fully grasp it. The film’s protagonist lives with two distinct personalities that remain separate until the very end, making the story difficult to follow on a first watch. The portrayal of the narrator’s multiple personalities is a display of unfamiliar storytelling, and one the audience does not understand until the very end. The main character’s second personality, Tyler Durden, has become one of cinema’s most iconic figures. Many fans idolize him for his confidence, charisma and ability to lead, even though his actions are deeply manipulative and destructive. Despite these flaws, Durden

endures as a symbol of masculine rebellion in modern film culture. Durden’s declaration telling people their lives are up to them is incredibly impactful and something people remember for a long time. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is another film fans worship. The film premiered in 1975, and it was a box office disaster. The raunchy-uniqueness scared away the masses, but was a hit with a small few. The 1970s culture was still incredibly conservative. Although only time will tell, 2022’s “Pearl” is on track to become a cult classic. It is goth, unsettling and includes an eponymous main character. The movie is a “Wizard of Oz” parody, adding to the depth. Additionally, the main character descends into madness, a staple in cult classic movies. “Pearl” is a prequel to “X,” so it already has a following. There are many metaphors and other figurative language elements that contribute to the uniqueness of the feature film and make it a good contender for a cult classic. Another possible cult classic is “Cocaine Bear.” The movie has one thing required for a cult classic: a lot of people dislike it. The movie has been called flawed, disastrous and tiresome. Some thought the movie was trying too hard to become a cult classic, which is what might turn it into one. The lack of seriousness of the movie is what draws some viewers in. The plot may not be as confusing as cult classics tend to be, but the idea of a cocaine bear is one not seen in every movie. Despite such terrible reviews from bloggers, the movie scored 65% on Rotten Tomatoes. There is no way to know what movies will turn into cult classics, but these films keep people watching.

ALAINA DACKERMANN | DIRECTOR OF DESIGN

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Kendrick Lamar leads 2026 Grammy nominations, surprising snubs EMILIE DEOREO | FOR THE POST The 2026 Grammy nominations were announced Friday, kicking off music’s biggest awards season with plenty of excitement and a few disappointments.

XANDER STAUFFER FOR THE POST

Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with nine nominations, reaffirming his place as one of the industry’s most celebrated artists. While some familiar names dominated, others were noticeably missing.

Lamar faces strong competition from Bad Bunny, whose album “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” and single “DtMF” earned nominations in both top categories. He also competes against pop icons Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish, all of whom secured recognition in both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Carpenter’s “Man’s Best Friend” emerged as one of the year’s major pop contenders as her single “Manchild” joins Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Eilish’s “Wildflower” and Doechii’s “Anxiety” in the Record of the Year race, a lineup that promotes the Grammy’s increasingly genre-blended nomination landscape. In the Album of the Year category, the field is equally varied, with both Lamar and Bad Bunny

Perhaps the biggest surprise came in the Best New Artist category. KATSEYE, the multinational K-pop girl group formed through HYBE and Geffen’s global competition, made history as one of the first K-pop acts to appear in a general category. It joins an international lineup of emerging artists including Olivia Dean, The Marías, Addison Rae, Sombr, Thomas, Alex Warren and Lola Young. While new names made waves, several established artists found themselves on the outside looking in. Lorde’s “Virgin,” widely regarded as one of the year’s most introspective and artful pop albums, failed to earn any nominations.

Despite the success of Role Model’s chart-topping single “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” and Lorde’s critically acclaimed summer album “Virgin,” both artists were completely shut out from nominations. Producer Jack Antonoff, long considered a Grammy favorite, was left off the ballot for Producer of the Year despite his work on several major projects that were nominated. Lamar’s dominance comes as little surprise. His latest album “GNX” earned nominations for both Album of the Year and Record of the Year with “luther,” featuring SZA. The collaboration also appears in the Song of the Year category.

and international artists.

Role Model’s streaming success and radio appeal were not enough to secure recognition either. Antonoff’s absence was another unexpected outcome, suggesting the Recording Academy may be shifting focus away from familiar industry fixtures. competing alongside a mix of established legends and rising stars. Notable Album of the Year nominees include Justin Bieber for “SWAG,” Gaga for “MAYHEM” and Tyler, the Creator for “Chromakopia” and Leon Thomas for “MUTT.” Thomas’ “MUTT” earned him both album recognition and a “Best New Artist” nomination. The brother hip-hop duo, Clipse, also reunited for “Let God Sort ’Em Out,” marking a celebrated return for the two that also landed them a spot in the top category. The Song of the Year nominees reflect a diverse mix of writers and influences. In addition to Lamar’s “luther” and Carpenter’s “Manchild,” nominations went to Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Eilish’s “Wildflower” and Bad Bunny’s “DtMF.” Also recognized was “Golden,” a standout from the hit animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” a strong nod to the Grammys’ growing recognition of Korean

Meanwhile, two of the music world’s most powerful names, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, were not eligible this year, having released no new material during the eligibility period of Aug. 31, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2025. Their absence leaves space for newer and more international voices to dominate the field. The nominations signal a continued evolution in the Grammys’ approach, one that embraces artists pushing the boundaries of genre and geography. From Lamar’s socially conscious lyricism to Bad Bunny’s global reach and K-pop’s growing prominence, this year’s lineup captures a moment of experimentation and cultural crossover in popular music. The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, Feb. 9, from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. This year’s ceremony is on track to be one of the most surprising award shows yet. ED584021@OHIO.EDU

Disney’s ‘Zootopia’ franchise revamps with sequel RUBY JOHNSON | FOR THE POST

Jr. will still voice Finnick, the fennec fox who’s Wilde’s partner in crime. Jared Bush, the chief creative officer for Walt Disney Animation Studio’s, shared on X the film is using recordings from the first film to continue Lister’s legacy as this character.

The final trailer for Disney’s “Zootopia 2,” which releases on Nov. 26, came out Sept. 29. After nearly 10 years of waiting, audiences finally get to see the next chapter of “Zootopia.” The film stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman who are reprising their roles as optimistic rabbit Judy Hopps and sly fox Nick Wilde. The cast also welcomes Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan as a snake named Gary De’Snake.

Along with the trailer and cast announcements, fans got their first behind-the-scenes look. In a collection of interviews about the film, the crew talks about how the story came to be, and how Hopps and Wilde are still the central focus in the plot.

Jared Bush and Bryon Howard wrote and directed “Zootopia 2” with producing from Yvett Merino and composing from Michael Giacchino. With this trailer, audiences are introduced to amphibians, birds and reptiles. According to Disney’s official movie website, Hopps and Wilde are back as partners trying to solve the mystery of De’Snake’s sudden arrival to Zootopia. Hopps and Wilde must go undercover to investigate, and they find new, unspoken parts of the city. De’Snake’s introduction in the trailer is him explaining to Hopps he has to “set things right” for his family, so they’re able to return to Zootopia. This line is given seconds before Wilde hits De’Snake with a frying pan, an easter egg for Disney’s 2010 film, “Tangled.” The antagonist in this film seems to be a lynx named Milton. He is situated in a dark office, with his lynx henchmen, similar to Mr. Big in the first film.

“This is a mystery film,” Head of Story Carrie Liao said. “But then at the core of it is their relationship.”

As well as this, viewers can see him trying to get a new character, Mayor Winddancer, to work with him on catching Hopps and Wilde. Throughout the trailer, audiences see new settings like a marsh, a desert and an underground reptile haven. Fans get to meet new characters, such as Nibbles Maplestick, an upbeat beaver voiced by comedian Fortune Feimster. Dwayne Johnson, Auli’i Cravalho, Josh Gad, Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song have all been confirmed as a part of the film’s star-studded cast. Shakira is reprising her role as Gazelle and Robert Irwin is playing a new character, Robert Furwin. It’s been announced late actor Tommy “Tiny” Lister

Although Hopps and Wilde are extreme opposites, they still complement each other and come together as the loveable duo watchers know. The franchise isn’t restarting, only revamping. From the trailer, audiences can already see “Zootopia 2” will follow its prequel’s theme surrounding the injustices and prejudices towards different communities of animals. However, it is still up in the air if viewers will learn why animals like De’Snake had to be cast away, forced to make their own little safe haven. Hopefully, all remaining questions surrounding this world will be answered with this sequel. RJ519724@OHIO.EDU

NOV. 11, 2025

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Editor-in-Chief | Jackson McCoy Managing Editor | Sophia Rooksberry Community Standards Editor | Alexandra Hopkins Director of Business Strategy | Abby Waechter

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Local & Campus News Editor | Maggie Amacher Regional News Editor | Suzanne Piper News Staff Writers | Kaitlin Hogg, Finn Smith Human Interest Editor | Gina Napoli Asst. Human Interest Editor | Emma Snyder-Lovera Sports Editor | Charlie Fadel Asst. Sports Editor | Owen Lipstreu Sports Staff Writers | Brandon Gross, Jude Hannahs Opinion Editor | Daphne Graeter Asst. Opinion Editor | Clara Leder Entertainment Editor | Sophia Anness Asst. Entertainment Editor | Nyla Gilbert Copy Chief | Elizabeth Talaga Slot Editors | Carly DeLuca, Peyton Ann Hodge, Maia LeClair, Natalie Saddler

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Send us your letters Have you ever find something in The Post thought-provoking, questionable or even infuriating? Let us know! We are always interested in hearing about the way our readers respond to our content. Letters should be fewer than 500 words. All letters must be signed by at least one individual; anonymous letters will not be accepted. The Post does not accept letters soliciting donations or news releases. Please include your year and major if you are a student. The Post reserves the right to reject submissions or edit submissions for clarity, vulgarity and Associated Press style. The Post is an editorially independent media outlet run by Ohio University students. We distribute the paper free of charge in Athens, Ohio, when classes are in session. Editorial page material represents the opinions of the editors, columnists and letter writers. Opinions expressed are independent of Ohio University and our printer. IN PERSON Baker Center 325

Daphne’s Dispatch Course selection is flawed DAPHNE GRAETER | OPINION EDITOR The registration process for general course selection at Ohio University is flawed. Undergraduate students face uncertainty and constraints when selecting classes, as they need to excel and advance in their education. There should be no reason why students should have to struggle to enroll in required courses. Students looking to schedule classes feel overwhelmed when their required courses close before their scheduled registration time. The times to schedule for the upcoming semester can differ for students based on the credit hours they’ve completed thus far. Some students can complete courses through College Credit Plus, a dual enrollment program, before enrolling in college. It allows students in grades seven through 12 to earn both college and high school credits by taking collegelevel courses.

studies, spoke about the stressors he felt while trying to schedule necessary classes for the upcoming spring semester. “I think it’s the same stresses for everybody,” Davies said. “It’s just making sure you get into the course, and I don’t think we have enough courses for certain majors.” Davies and Hopkins both said there is a lack of variety in the courses offered for their majors, and I’d have to agree with them. At OU, students use the Degree Audit Reporting System. It’s used to analyze degree requirements for a major, minor or certificate according to the catalog year. Students look at their DARS to understand which courses to take each semester. “I know so many people who had to request permission (for classes), I also know some people are taking alternative classes to fulfill the BRICKS requirement,” Hopkins said.

Kira Hopkins, a senior studying exercise physiology, completed four CCP classes during her time as a high school student, providing her with more credit hours her freshman year of college than the average student. She compared her registration time to her peers with the same major who were set to register for classes days after she did.

The requirement is for undergraduate students to complete 38 hours of courses over five categories, one of which is the capstone. This category requires a minimum of two hours and is for students to complete while implementing and applying their skills acquired from their previous years of education.

“I know some people who had wildly different pick dates from me, by four days,” Hopkins said. “I just can’t imagine that we have that many different amounts of credits.”

For upperclassmen, capstones are the perfect opportunity to showcase their ability to problem-solve and apply their knowledge. Although these courses can push students outside of their desired field of study into a related area, it’s extremely disheartening to be unable to enroll in a desired capstone because the course has closed.

There is anxiety surrounding course scheduling due to the uncertainty in making the wrong decision in class selection, particularly because such a decision can delay a student’s graduation. Carson Huxtable, a sophomore studying marketing, is set to schedule classes Nov. 10 and spoke about the common frustration among students in the business school trying to enroll in the course called Integrated Business Cluster. This course is 12 credit hours and four courses in one, and Huxtable said he’s having a hard time finding other classes that don’t conflict with Cluster. “Everyone’s having this problem,” he said. “I know some of my friends schedule (classes) tomorrow, and they’re like, ‘Everything’s taken.’” Huxtable said with Cluster specifically, the section he was hoping to enroll in reached full enrollment Friday. Fletcher Davies, a sophomore studying communication

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For standard students who don’t receive accommodations, did not enroll in CCP courses and are not in the Honors College, enrolling into courses for an upcoming semester is met with loads of uncertainty. Even speaking with advisers within our colleges of study may not help when it comes to getting enrolled in a full class. “It should be a lot easier to get a hold of people for help,” Davies said when referring to advisers. He said the waiting period between meeting with an advisor and scheduling classes adds a recurring stressor each time he’s had to schedule classes. Working toward earning a degree presents students with hundreds of moments of uncertainty. This could be about an exam grade, a group presentation or a seat in a lecture hall. When scheduling classes for the upcoming term, there shouldn’t be uncertainty about whether a student can enroll in a course required for graduation. Daphne Graeter is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Daphne know by emailing her at dg422421@ ohio.edu.

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Alex’s Addendum | ‘Frankenstein’ dissects experience of grief, love ALEXANDRA HOPKINS | COMMUNITY STANDARDS EDITOR Over two centuries apart, Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus” and Guillermo del Toro’s recent adaptation tell the same story of love and grief. I first read Shelley’s “Frankenstein” in 2021. It was my senior year of high school, and I was in the midst of applying to college. At the time, I had never moved, had kept the same friends for years and was perturbed by the idea of attending college. I had experienced loss in 2018 and was unfamiliar with a major change that wasn’t associated with grief and struggled to understand my relationship with it. “Frankenstein” and the portrayal of Victor Frankenstein’s grief pushed me to confront how I dealt with and viewed my own grieving. Following the death of his mother, Victor said, “Yet from whom has not that rude hand rent away some dear connection? And why should I describe a sorrow which all have felt, and must feel? The time at length arrives when grief is rather an indulgence than a necessity … My mother was dead, but we had still duties which we ought to perform; we must continue our course with the rest.” Grief is unexplainable and differs based on the person and experience. Although the five-stage theory of grief has been debunked as a psychological fact, it can

be used to understand and explain the complexities of grief. Victor loses his mother and becomes a man driven by anger and resentment toward the gods for taking her away. In grief, he becomes stuck in a bargaining stage, and when faced with the impossible result of his solution, The Creature, he falls back into anger and denial. Victor becomes the modern Prometheus, the man who defies the gods to create life, yet, for the rest of the book, the young scientist cannot seem to escape the vexations of grief and death, most of which is largely caused by his ultimate solution. “Frankenstein” helped me quantify my own grief from losing a family member. Shelley’s portrayal showed me that without intentionally spending time in it, it could take me over. It showed me that by staying in isolation, I might lead myself to madness. Even when another death in my life occurred suddenly, I knew not to run, but to stay in it until I understood and was ready to accept it. Shelley’s depiction of Victor’s grief offered me both comfort and warning, so when Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” movie adaptation was confirmed in 2023, I anxiously waited in hopes it would live up to my expectations.

Toro’s “Frankenstein” is everything an adaptation should be. It stays true to the core themes of Shelley’s work while weaving in new meanings that expand the source material. It also revised an aspect of the original story that failed to resonate with me, The Creature’s ultimate desire for a romantic companion. I consider myself largely unconcerned with romantic relationships, and throughout my life, I have felt much less motivated by them than I see in others. In both the book and the movie, The Creature and Victor hunt each other across continents. In the book, The Creature’s motivation for this, initially, is to ask Victor to create a female to accompany him in his exile. To me, this request always felt askew in the greater story. The Creature had just observed the cottagers as a family and developed a filial bond with the patriarch of the family. He knew “all the various relationships which bind one human being to another in mutual bonds,” yet he desired only a companion. Toro’s “Frankenstein” revised the Creature’s want, not just for romantic companionship, but for any companionship at all. Without “friends and relations,” The Creature had no concept of his origin and this loneliness drove him to seek vengeance in the

same way it drove Victor to madness. The Creature grieved what he did not have: love in any form, romantic or otherwise. In the book, I understood The Creature’s desire for a romantic partner on a conceptual level, but in the movie, I felt his longing for any companionship heart-wrenching, horrifying and painfully realistic. Although I have friends and family who love me and a comfortable sense of self, Toro’s Creature portrayed something much larger: a basic and innate desire for community and understanding. While Shelley’s tale forced me to confront my own relationship with grief, Toro’s rekindled my faith in love. “Frankenstein” (1818) and “Frankenstein” (2025) ultimately tell the same tale; Victor is consumed with grief in the same way The Creature is consumed by his lack of companionship. Grief and love will always be intertwined in the human experience and the need to connect will always exist, even in the face of despair. Alexandra Hopkins is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Alexandra? Email her at ah875121@ ohio.edu.

Emily’s Evidence | Mac Miller’s ‘ROS’ exposes beauty of “almosts” EMILY STOKES | FOR THE POST I’ve begun to understand there is a silent beauty and growth in “almosts.” There’s no gold sticker for being in limbo between what we want and what we ask for. Throughout his discography, Mac Miller grapples with this issue, making fans internationally connect with his lyrics as he describes the indescribable. In Mac Miller’s “Rain or Shine,” also known as “ROS,” he confronts the realities of the vulnerability of connection and explores how loss is a necessary part of love. College culture promotes a space where students are constantly on the drive to find where they fit, whether it’s a friend group, a relationship or even a career path. One thing I’ve realized through my efforts to solve the struggle of loss is that it’s never linear. In the same breath, I’ve learned no matter what you lose, you’ll always be glad you put yourself out there and tried, even if it means you end up with an “almost.” In “ROS,” Miller explores the concept of a time limit and how our interactions with others can be on a ticking clock and we might not even know it. Miller somberly frames this idea, but it can also mean appreciating the little things, like telling a friend you love them or holding the door open for a stranger. Other songs like “Someone like you,” “Soulmate” or “Objects in the Mirror” also reflect this optimistic but vulnerable state, where Miller addresses

common internal thoughts many young adults face but don’t always express.

according to Appalachian State University.

“Objects in the Mirror” largely deals with addiction, whether addicted to a more literal substance or to a figurative idea, like a relationship. I think it can also be viewed as a homage to the gap between what we try to suppress in the past and the experiences that are left in the future.

Just as students connect to Miller’s music for its relatable themes and ability to describe common human experiences, students share winter blues in common.

As the saying goes, objects in the mirror are closer than they appear; they can never fully be erased, which relates to the idea of our past building our future piece by piece. We are all mosaics of everyone we’ve ever known, and have to find a way to carry our lessons from one another in a larger effort of personality. There’s a hidden beauty in these “almosts:” we carry them with us, even when we don’t want to. In truth, we are all mosaics of everyone we’ve ever known, and it’s our job to use these tiles to define our human experience. Being in your 20s boasts many milestones, each one more celebrated than the next, but at the same time, we don’t always talk about the navigation of happiness in college life. With more time to reflect among the cold weather and spending more time inside, seasonal depression and the winter blues specifically get us stuck thinking about what could have been. It’s easy to feel behind, overwhelmed and hopeless. Nearly 25% of college students feel seasonal depression,

Shorter and darker days can further seasonal depression, along with social isolation, according to OhioToday. Ohio University offers resources for coping strategies as well as individual and group therapy through Counseling and Psychological Services. If you are feeling the effects of seasonal changes past regular CPS hours, check out the Let’s Talk Hours program in the Living Learning Center Room 160, Sunday through Friday, 5-10 p.m. Above all, make sure you are taking care of yourself and others this season. Everyone you meet is sorting out their mosaic for the first time. With love, Emily Emily Stokes is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Have something to say? Email Emily at es542222@ohio.edu

GO:OD AM (10th Anniversary) Tracklist “Doors” “Brand Name” “Rush Hour” “Two Matches ( feat. Ab-Soul)” “100 Grandkids” “Time Flies ( feat. Lil B) “Weekend ( feat. Miguel)” “Clubhouse” “In the Bag” “Break the Law” “Perfect Circle / God Speed” “When in Rome” “ROS” “Cut the Check ( feat. Chief Keef)” “Ascension” “Jump” “The Festival ( feat. Little Dragon)” “Royal Flush ( feat. Vinny Radio)” “Cable Box” “Carpe Diem”

NOV. 11, 2025

15

OPINION

Letter from the Editor

CROSSWORD

The Post commits to solutions journalism ABBY WAECHTER | DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS STRATEGY At the end of the previous school year, The Post’s executive editors, including Jackson McCoy, Sophia Rooksberry, Alexandra Hopkins and myself, applied for a grant from the Solutions Journalism Network to expand the reach and impact of solutions-based storytelling in Southeast Ohio. After a competitive review process, The Post was awarded $7,500 to pursue a reporting project of our choice centered on solutions journalism. Our newsroom is choosing to focus on one of the region’s most pressing and persistent challenges: the opioid epidemic in Southeast Ohio. Although this crisis has long been documented through statistics and breaking news, our goal is to go beyond the numbers. Through this project, we aim to tell stories about the people and organizations confronting the problem head-on – the local leaders, recovery advocates, treatment centers and families searching for pathways to healing. We want to understand not only what’s being tried, but also how it’s working, what results are emerging and what lessons can be learned along the way.

SUDOKU

This approach, known as solutions journalism, focuses on rigorous, evidence-based reporting about responses to social problems. It’s important to note this approach is not advocacy, nor is it sugarcoating reality. Instead, it’s a method of journalism that asks how communities are addressing challenges and what can be learned from their efforts. Solutions journalism emphasizes the same level of accountability and skepticism as traditional reporting, but it widens the lens to include innovation, progress and the complexity of real-world solutions. As a newsroom of student journalists, we understand this project is an ambitious undertaking. We are balancing coursework, internships, jobs and the demands of a 24-hour newsroom. But we also believe The Post’s mission extends far beyond campus lines. For more than a century, The Post has covered life at Ohio University, yet we know it’s just as important to move beyond campus lines and into the communities surrounding us. Covering Athens and the Greater Appalachian region means understanding our neighbors’ histories, struggles and resilience.

JACKSON PENNINGTON | FOR THE POST

Athens County, home to more than 63,000 residents, continues to face the effects of the opioid crisis, with an overdose mortality rate of 24.7 deaths per 100,000 people between 2015 and 2019, according to the Appalachian Regional Commission. Behind those numbers are stories of loss, recovery, persistence and hope. We intend to tell those stories with care, empathy and depth. To carry out this work, The Post has assembled a dedicated team of more than 20 student writers and editors who will contribute to researching, interviewing and telling these stories. Their collective efforts will ensure our reporting reflects a diverse range of voices and perspectives from across Southeast Ohio. This collaboration represents the best of what student journalism can do: combining curiosity, compassion and accountability to serve a community larger than ourselves. Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, The Post will produce 10 solutions stories under this grant. Five will focus on the opioid epidemic in Appalachia and five others will explore additional challenges affecting our region. We will measure impact, highlight community collaboration and acknowledge limitations where they exist. We are publishing this letter to the editor to hold ourselves accountable to the community we serve, to make clear our intentions, our process and our commitment to seeing this work through. Our goal is not just to inform but also engage readers in conversations about what’s working, what’s not and how Southeast Ohio can continue to move forward. We also know we can’t do this alone. We are not experts. We are learners, neighbors and storytellers who want to do this the right way. We aim to approach this work with humility, not intrusion, and to collaborate with those who have lived these experiences. If you are working on a response to the opioid epidemic, have a story to share or want to guide us toward more responsible coverage, we invite you to reach out. This project is as much yours as it is ours. We are grateful to the SJN for believing in student media and the power of local storytelling. Their support reinforces what we at The Post have always believed: journalism can do more than expose problems; it can illuminate the progress being made toward solving them.

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In the news

Make Respect Visible Week, live performances and pickles MARIA SAUNDERS | FOR THE POST TUESDAY, NOV. 11 Classes are not in session and university offices are closed for Veterans Day. The annual Veterans Day parade is happening from 10:15 a.m. to noon through uptown Athens. The parade is followed by guest speakers. All are invited. Admission: Free WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12 THRIVE is hosting a volunteer fair from 3-5 p.m. in the third floor Baker Atrium. Various organizations and community members will be in attendance to discuss future volunteer opportunities. Admission: Free The next Science Cafe is from 5- 6 p.m. in Front Room Coffeehouse on the fourth floor of Baker. The topic is “The Strong Force Awakens: A Neutron Star Story.” The first 50 attendees will receive free coffee. Admission: Free THURSDAY, NOV. 13 OU’s School of Dance seniors are performing their Capstone Dance Concert at 7 p.m. in Shirley Wimmer

Dance Theater, Putnam Hall 134. There are also shows on Nov. 14 and 15. Admission: $10 Tantrum Theater presents “Inherit the Wind” in Forum Theater located in the Radio and Television Building on 35 S. College St. The show starts at 8 p.m. There are also performances on Nov. 14, Nov. 15, Nov. 20, Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. Admission: $10-25, free rush tickets for OU students with student ID FRIDAY, NOV. 14 The Center for Student Engagement & Leadership is sampling pickles at its Brine Time Pickle Day event. Everyone is invited to try special pickle flavors and other pickled items from 6-8 p.m. in the third floor Atrium in Baker.

SATURDAY, NOV. 15 The Athens Art Guild is hosting a Holiday Shoppe from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to shop handcrafted gifts from over 40 local artisans at the Athens Community Center on 701 E. State St. There is also music, food, raffles and door prizes. Admission: Free Lost Flamingo Theater Company is performing “Boy My Greatness” at Arts West on 132 W. State St. at 7 p.m. There is also a performance Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. Admission: $5 at the door, cash only ACRN is hosting Battle of the Bands at The Union Bar on 18 W. Union St. Bands are performing starting at 8:30 p.m. and doors open at 8 p.m. Admission: $11 for 18+, $8 for 21+

Admission: Free Ohio hockey plays Maryville at 7 p.m. in Bird Ice Arena at 23 Oxbow Trail. Admission: $5 for children 17 years old and under and OU students, $10 for adults OU Opera Theater opens “Carousel” at the Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium at 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, NOV. 16 The Athens Art Guild is hosting a Holiday Shoppe from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to shop handcrafted gifts from over 40 local artisans at the Athens Community Center on 701 E. State St. There is also music, food, raffles and door prizes. Admission: Free

Admission: $13

ABBY WAECHTER DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS STRATEGY

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN DEAL MOVES FORWARD After the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, a bipartisan Senate group reached a deal to reopen the government. The measure, which funds operations through Jan. 30, passed its first procedural hurdle in a 60-40 vote. It includes full-year funding for programs like SNAP food assistance, guarantees back pay for federal workers and sets up a December vote on health care subsidies, according to NPR. The bill still faces a divided House, where several top Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries, have vowed to oppose it for not extending Affordable Care Act tax credits.

SUPREME COURT DENIES SAME-SEX MARRIAGE APPEAL The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear former Kentucky clerk Kim Davis’s appeal challenging the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, according to NPR. The decision leaves same-sex marriage protections intact, despite ongoing state-level efforts to restrict them. Davis, who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, was previously jailed and ordered to pay damages for violating constitutional rights.

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