Issuu

Aiden’s Add-On: Corporations can’t take care of your vote... pg. 5 Ohio explodes in 31-point first half to win Homecoming game... pg. 6 Athens celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month... pg. 11

US Headlines The Nation’s top stories sourced from AP News.

New Supreme Court term begins, CNN bought by Skydance, Fort Hood shooter execution to be livestreamed BRIDGET THOMAS FOR THE POST Monday, Oct. 5 _________ New Supreme Court term begins Monday marks the beginning of a new Supreme Court term. The court will hear cases on climate change, assault weapon bans, immigration, voting and religious rights, according to the Associated Press. The court will hear an appeal by energy corporations Suncor and ExxonMobil, who face lawsuits in Boulder, Colorado. Local officials claim the energy companies should help pay for damages relating to climate change. The Supreme Court will also hear two cases on immigration. One is on the legality of the Trump administration’s decision to deport people to a third country when it is not possible to send them to their native country. The second is regarding the administration’s mandatory detention policy for illegal U.S. immigrants, even if they have been living in the country for multiple years, according to the AP. Tuesday, Oct. 6 _________ Trump announces his super PAC will pay for political ads President Donald Trump announced Monday television advertisements glorifying him will no longer be paid for with taxpayer money and will instead be paid for by his super PAC. The change comes after the ads garnered backlash for being paid for using federal funds, according to the AP. Trump announced this on his social media, where he defended the ads and blamed the “Radical Left” for the criticism. The ads cost at least $1.5 million in federal funds, according to the AP. The White House did not say anything about reimbursing taxpayers for ads already aired. Legal experts warn that Trump may have violated federal statutes with his ads, including one against congressionally appropriated funds used for “publicity or propaganda” and another limiting partisan political activities of government employees, according to the AP.

continued pg 3

THEPOSTATHENS.COM

OCTOBER 13, 2026

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 9

Lost Flamingo Theatre Company does

Photo by (ETHAN HERX | PHOTO DIRECTOR)

‘The Time Warp’ Again

celebrating 51 years of the iconic film.

Oct. 14-17, the Lost Flamingo Theatre Company performs its annual shadow casting of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at The Union Bar and Grill, celebrating vulnerability, friendship and the legacy of Tim Curry.

CAITLYN VANCE ASST HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR

It is astounding, time is fleeting, as Lost Flamingo Theatre Company presents its shadow cast production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at The Union Bar and Grill this weekend for the 23rd. year.

continued pg 11

New DHS student visa regulations halted, future uncertain AUDREY FUSILLO FOR THE POST A temporary injunction was granted Sept. 14 to put the Department of Homeland Security’s new student visa regulations on hold. The regulations would eliminate the Duration of Status rule for non-immigrant students, exchange visitors and foreign media visas, complicating visa regulations for students completing an education in the U.S. The new regulations were

set to go into effect Sept. 15. They would establish a fixed period of admission, giving non-immigrant students and exchange visitors admission into the U.S. for only the duration of their academic program, which could not exceed four years. According to a DHS press release, the new regulations were put in place to combat “rampant visa abuse” within the U.S. and strengthen national security continued pg 3

Cychlorphine cases appear, pose threat to the region

Nelsonville charter council remains legitimate

JOSELYN DUFF FOR THE POST

KAITLIN HOGG | CAMPUS & LOCAL STAFF WRITER

A new drug called cychlorphine has been reported in different parts of the country, including across Ohio. The synthetic opioid poses a threat to public safety due to its high potency and difficulty detecting it through standard drug screening methods. Kate Cottrill works at the Athens City-County Health Department as the regional public health coordinator for preparedness and response

for the southeast central region of Ohio. She said cychlorphine is potentially the newest synthetic opioid substance the U.S. is currently encountering, and might make its way to Athens. The U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy noted in a press release in April 2026 that Ohio is one of three states in the country with the most reports of cyclorphine identified. There have been no confirmed B:10.25" cases of cychlorphine in T:10"University. Athens or at Ohio

S:9.75" continued pg 2

Nelsonville remains divided between the legitimate governing charter city council, and a statutory city council. According to Nelsonville City Council President, Cameron Peck, the statutory council has not been “proven to be legally correct.” The official Nelsonville city charter was adopted in 1994 and became effective in 1995. Issue 23 was the ballot initiative aimed at dissolving the charter and

establishing a statutory form of government. The issue passed in November 2024 with about 70% of the vote, according to a previous report from The Post. However, Ordinance 5425 passed on Aug. 11, 2025 and said Issue 23 had a lack of a transitional plan and authority. The ordinance officially repealed Issue 23, declaring it null and void as of when it passed. continued pg 2

S:2.75"

THEPOSTATHENS.COM

Cychlorphine/continued from pg A1 O’Bleness Hospital, when treating his patients.

Cottrill has seen reports of cychlorphine in both Cleveland and Columbus and commented on the likelihood of the drug reaching Southeast Ohio.

“Most of the urine drug screens that are used in clinics like this will not detect them, and they have to be sent away,” Meyer said. “The urine specimen has to be sent away for an extensive test called mass spectroscopy, which will identify the analog.”

“We know that there are certain drug trafficking pathways that move across the state that place those areas at a higher risk,” Cottrill said. “But we have to assume that they will eventually make it into our area.”

According to Dr. Stephen Bergmeier, chemistry professor, test strips fail to detect cychlorphine because of its unique structure that differs from fentanyl.

Cottrill said a challenge cychlorphine poses is the difficulty detecting where it is in a given area and where it will show up next. “It is mixed with other substances, and we don’t know where it’s going to show up next,” Cottrill said. “We can really only guess, and it is possible that initial surveillance in an area that had not previously experienced cychlorphine overdoses or deaths might miss it, and that’s a real concern. That’s what makes this emergent public health threat particularly concerning and should be noted as dangerous.” That is partly because cychlorphine is not detectable by standard fentanyl test strips and most urine drug screens, and it is often mixed with different substances including methamphetamine and cocaine.

(HARRY MILLARD | FOR THE POST)

Additionally, Bergmeier said what makes cychlorphine extremely addictive is how quickly it can reach the brain, despite having a bloodbrain barrier that is designed to block substances from going from the bloodstream to the brain.

according to the Addiction Policy Reform.

“Many of these synthetic things are, what I would call, a greasier or non-polar lipophilic molecule, and so they can get across that blood-brain barrier better than morphine, which actually doesn’t get across all that well,” Bergmeier said. According to Addiction Policy Reform, cychlorphine may be up to 10 times more potent than fentanyl.

Cottrill emphasized the importance of understanding the risk of cychlorphine and said it is safest to assume any illicit substance someone may be taking contains the drug, as it is extremely difficult to know otherwise ahead of time. “Unless the medication is your own prescription, you have to assume that the drug that you have, and it tends to be in pill form, tablet form, but can be found in fentanyl, meth, methamphetamines and cocaine, you have to assume that it’s likely that cychlorphine is present in that drug supply,” Cottrill said. The difficulties in detecting cychlorphine cause additional problems for Dr. Christopher Meyer, addiction medicine specialist at OhioHealth

“It is more potent, and it sinks the hook of addiction deeper into the patient, and can be harder to treat,” Meyer said. “But it is treatable.”

The chemical potency of cychlorphine is only one part of the threat of the drug. The social conditions within the Appalachian region create an environment for cychlorphine to easily spread. Dr. Cory Cronin is an associate professor and department chair for social and public health, as well as codirector for the Institute to Advance Population Health. Cronin said the vulnerability of substance use disorder follows social conditions. “Things like unemployment, isolation, poverty, untreated pain, trauma, those types of things are things that we can kind of overlap with different incidents,” Cronin said.

According to a July 2026 study by the National Library of Medicine, there is evidence that naloxone, the life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, is still at least partially effective in reversing cychlorphine overdoses

Cronin said rural Ohio lacks a significant number of health care providers for its demand, which could make the Southeast and Appalachian region of the state particularly vulnerable to cychlorphine.

They recommend administering naloxone promptly and repeating as needed every 2-3 minutes until emergency services arrive. They also say to maintain airway support and rescue breathing throughout.

“Often short staff, long delays for appointments, the need for emergency responders, overall, I would say resources are thin, particularly in rural counties, Appalachian region,” Cronin said. “So anytime we would see maybe a spike, it’s not like the baseline need is going down at the same time. So it will only stretch too few resources even

Cychlorphine can cause symptoms including the slowing and stopping of breathing, choking, pinpoint pupils, limp body and unresponsiveness,

thinner.” Substance use issues and the opioid crisis have deep roots in Appalachian Ohio. Ohio ranks extremely high among other Appalachian states concerning the opioid crisis and ranks second in the country for the rate of drug overdose deaths. The region has seen extreme over-diagnosing of opioids through “pill mills,” which were physicianoperated clinics pretending to be pain management centers. Pill mills flooded the region with opioids after many in the region suffered chronic pain from the difficult manual labor the local industry required, according to a study by the National Library of Medicine. To help reduce the spread and risk of cychlorphine, Cronin emphasizes the need to reduce stigma. He urges people to see substance use issues through a moral lens, not a medical one. Cronin believes in a long-term investment in social conditions to best protect people from dangerous substances. “We need an investment in social conditions in people’s connectedness, decreasing things like isolation, increasing opportunities for employment, security, safety in their life and especially in some of the social areas,” Cronin said.

Nelsonville Charter/continued from pg A1

A primary reason Peck wrote Ordinance 54-25 is that it is very expensive for a city to transition to a new form of government.

Peck said the role of the charter council is to control finances, write laws and consider public opinions regarding roads and sewers. “The purported statutory candidates are a group of varying ages that meet at the local lodge … who had been put in for seats under a statutory government that would have been instituted had I not written 54-25, and the council had not passed it.”

“Nelsonville City Charter remains in full force and effect, and all existing ordinances, resolutions and governmental structures established under the charter shall continue

Saul also said the frustration with the city government began to dissipate a little, detailing the disfunctionality of the council in prior years.

Peck also said a merger of the two councils is not feasible because there is no apparatus that would make it possible.

The statutory city council meets at a local lodge, and its meeting times, location and member names are not located on the City of Nelsonville website.

Ordinance 54-25 said the charter council remains in effect and should continue uninterrupted.

the community regarding the lack of “things being done on a governmental level.”

uninterrupted until lawfully amended or repealed in accordance with the Ohio Constitution and Nelsonville City Charter,” the ordinance said.

The Supreme Court of Ohio allowed elections to the statutory city council to occur, even though the ordinance was passed before the elections were set to take place.

“I believe the lack of transition was projected to cost the city … between $2 and $3 million for a statutory transition without a staggered implementation, so I saw myself as diverting a crisis when I did this,” Peck said. “I wished I had been able to turn away from the wall sooner, but you can’t start correcting until you start crashing or you realize you’re crashing.” Dakota Saul started living in Nelsonville three years ago. He said he moved to Nelsonville during the period of campaigning for Issue 23. Saul said at the time he was trying to make sense of the situation, and saw a lot of dissatisfaction within

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“In the last year, I am seeing change, but the two years before that, I know as I was trying to figure out what was going on and reading old articles and news about the past, it was pretty much a resignation every few months and not anything getting done,” Saul said. “If I understand correctly, we’ve almost gone a whole year with nobody disappearing off of council and resigning in frustration.” Saul said he believes people are having more faith that business as usual can resume, but it is on a smaller scale, and some frustration with the government system remains. Saul, who is married to Nic Joseph Saul, a member of the charter council, said he would like to see a little more effort from the city, not just the city government.

“Instead of just saying you’re kind of on your own,” Saul said. “Going above and beyond to actually serve the residents is something that I would love to see improve everywhere in the city, not just city government, but it starts there.” Peck said it is business as usual in Nelsonville currently, with officials focused on providing economic growth and good government for citizens. Saul believes most Nelsonville citizens would like a sense of closure in relation to the two councils and “most people are just waiting for a resolution so we know where to put our faith.” Nelsonville Mayor Jonathan Flowers did not respond to a request for comment. The issue of whether or not the city council had the authority to override the decision to revert to a statutory form of government is the subject of a lawsuit pending before the Supreme Court of Ohio, according to Court News Ohio.

END CORPORATE WELFARE

Corporate welfare is one of the quietest scams in American politics. Politicians talk about free markets and personal responsibility, then turn around and hand out tax breaks, subsidies, and special carve-outs to corporations that are already profitable. Small businesses compete on their own. Working families pay their taxes. Meanwhile, massive companies negotiate incentives behind closed doors and threaten to move if they don’t get them. If a business model only works with public money propping it up, it is not a strong business. It is leverage. We should end targeted giveaways, close loopholes that let corporations pay less than teachers and firefighters, and require strict clawbacks when companies fail to deliver the jobs they promised. Public dollars should build public goods: infrastructure, schools, research, and communities that benefit everyone. Note:need This is Jerradto Christian’s onfeel thislike issue, but many of Damocles. people a place live thatposition does not the Sword centrist and progressive politicians hold similar positions.

CONFIRM YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION: www.usa.gov/confirm-voter-registration • Click: VISIT CAN I VOTE and select “voter registration status.” • CHOOSE YOUR STATE. You will be taken to a page on your state’s election website. • Check to see if you are registered.

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3RD

**Confirm where you’re registered to vote! Is it your campus address or your permanent home address? Don’t assume. Take a few minutes to check your registration, confirm your polling location and understand your voting options before heading to the polls. EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING IN OHIO CONTINUES THROUGH SUNDAY, NOV 1

OCT. 13, 2026

US Headlines/continued from pg A1

Blotter: Warrants of the week, disrespect, hitting cars

BEN PENNINGTON | FOR THE POST

KAITLIN HOGG | CAMPUS & LOCAL STAFF WRITER Friday, Oct. 2 __________ Possible drunk driver Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were asked to assist the State Parks officers after reports of a possibly drunk individual on State Park Road. Deputies were unable to make contact with the vehicle because it left before deputies arrived at the scene. Traffic hazard Deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office were patrolling when an individual was located walking along the road. The individual was offered a ride, but declined. Saturday, Oct. 3 __________

Wednesday, Oct. 7 _________

Friday, Oct. 9 _________

CNN bought by Skydance Paramount’s owner, Skydance, purchased Warner Bros. Discovery in an $81 billion purchase Tuesday. The buyout officially placed both CBS and CNN, owned by Warner Bros., under Skydance. Skydance confirmed Mark Thompson will stay on as CNN’s editorin-chief, according to the AP. David Ellison’s role as Skydance’s CEO raised questions about editorial independence, as Ellison’s family has close ties with Trump. Ellison promised “complete” editorial independence and Skydance agreed to create a “News Editorial Independence Board” to monitor both CNN and CBS, the AP reported. Thursday, Oct. 8 _________ Attempting to execute Christa Pike again could raise legal questions After Christa Pike’s failed execution, legal experts said attempting to execute her again could put Tennessee in uncharted legal territory, according to the AP. Pike suffered both burns and blisters to her arms after the execution attempt of two doses of pentobarbital. Other states attempted second executions, but in those cases, the first attempts were stopped before the drug was administered. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has not responded as to whether the state will continue with a second execution attempt for Pike, but paused executions in the state. Similar cases happened in the past, raising the question of the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition of “cruel and unusual punishment.” While the argument worked in lower courts, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against it, and the executions were carried out.

Execution of Fort Hood shooter to be livestreamed The Pentagon announced Thursday the firing squad execution of the Fort Hood shooter, Nidal Malik Hasan, will be livestreamed, according to the AP. Hasan was sentenced to death for killing 13 people and injuring 32 at Fort Hood military base in 2009. Hasan’s execution date is set for Dec. 3. The last military execution was in 1961 when Army Pvt. John Bennett was executed by hanging. Experts said Hasan could fight the execution by filing a request to determine the legality of his detention, which could delay the execution, the AP reported. Trump has been critical of public executions in Iran before, according to the AP. Sunday, Oct. 11 _________ Isaias brings rain to Appalachians, Mid-Atlantic The storm known as Isaias hit the Florida Panhandle and Southern Alabama. It moved North and brought heavy rainfall and flooding risks to central Appalachia and the Mid-Atlantic on Sunday, according to the AP. Tornadoes were possible in parts of North Carolina and Virginia. Lifethreatening surf and rip current conditions were expected to continue along the Gulf and Southeastern Atlantic coasts, according to the AP. Isaias made landfall Friday near Destin, Florida, as a Category 2 hurricane. The storm continued to move into Alabama. At least four deaths have been linked to the storm, according to the AP. BT037924@OHIO.EDU

Visa Change/continued from pg A1 The change also reduces students’ allotted time to prepare for departure, transfer schools or change immigration status after graduation from 60 to 30 days. U.S. District Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV in Massachusetts granted the injunction, which blocks the rule from taking effect while a lawsuit challenging its lawfulness is in progress. The plaintiffs are seven organizations representing colleges, universities, educators, laborers and journalists. Saylor directed both sides to submit their positions on the next steps and related procedural questions by Oct. 9. Diane Cahill, the director of international student and scholar services at Ohio University, said she hopes the Oct. 9 deadline will deliver more information regarding the future of DOS. “Our hope is that they will recognize the long precedent we’ve had with Duration of Status and the value that it provides and we’ll get to continue having Duration of Status, rather than a fixed time period,” Cahill said. However, if the rule does get implemented, students would need to apply for an Extension of Stay through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration

Services to remain in the U.S. and continue their education unless their current program end date is before Sept. 15, 2030. Their application would be reviewed by federal authorities, who would perform background checks, biometric vetting and fraud screenings, according to the DHS press release. Cahill said her office currently provides those extensions. “There’s rules, and so we would provide that,” Cahill said. “With this change, they will have to apply to USCIS and supply extra documentation and a payment in order to get their stay extended. So, in essence, I think one of the biggest concerns is that for Ph.D. programs and honestly even undergraduate programs, four years is not a reasonable amount of time.”

Missing person Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies took a missing persons report. The individual was last seen near U.S. Route 33 walking toward Nelsonville. Deputies issued a Be on the Lookout and reported the person as officially missing. The individual was later found in Perry County. Stop threatening people Deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Alderman Road after receiving reports of an individual threatening someone. Deputies on the scene spoke with all involved parties, and it was determined that no “direct threats of harm” were made. Sunday, Oct. 4 __________ Just be respectful Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to The Plains following a dispute between neighbors. Deputies determined nothing criminal had occurred after speaking with the involved parties. The individuals were instructed to be respectful of the others’ property. Domestic report Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Town Street in Glouster, after reports of a domestic dispute. Deputies spoke with the involved individuals. A report was taken. All those involved were given a disorderly conduct warning. Monday, Oct. 5 __________ Warrants of the week The Athens County Sheriff’s Office posted warrants of arrest for John Nelson and Justin Cather. Cather is wanted for a probation violation for possession of drugs and a contempt action for failure to pay child support. Nelson was wanted for receiving stolen property, but he reported himself to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. If anyone has any information on Cather’s whereabouts, they are to contact the sheriff’s office immediately.

came up to them, hit the caller’s car and screamed at the caller. The caller told deputies that when they began contacting law enforcement, the individual apologized and left. The caller wanted the incident documented. Tuesday, Oct. 6 __________ Not trespassing, just considerate Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Lexington Avenue in Chauncey after reports of trespassing. Deputies on the scene were able to locate the individuals in their vehicle. The individuals told deputies they had arrived late at night and did not want to wake their family. It was confirmed by the residents that the individuals were family. Pocket dial Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from Carl Road in Millfield, but it was determined the individual had accidentally dialed 911. It was determined there was no emergency. Wednesday, Oct. 7 __________ Throw those keys! Deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Jefferson Street in Stewart. The call was related to a man taking the keys out of a utility vehicle and throwing them into a yard. At the time the media release came out, a report had been taken and the incident was being investigated. Verbal Dispute Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Vore Ridge Road after reports of a verbal dispute. The dispute occurred between roommates because one roommate wanted to give the neighbor a ride. Both parties were given disorderly conduct warnings after agreeing to separate. Thursday, Oct. 8 __________ You took my car? Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from state Route 550 after a woman said her boyfriend took her car without asking. The woman told deputies that she wanted to leave the residence and she was not concerned about the car. Deputies stayed with the woman until a family member came to pick her up. Yeah, fight the customer Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Dollar General in The Plains. The call was related to a conflict between an employee and a customer. Deputies on the scene were able to speak with both parties. A trespass warning was given to the customer.

You punched a car? Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office spoke with an individual who said while they were working, another individual

years, including changes to the system that regulate how many months a visa stamp counts for and the implementation of a ban on visitors from certain countries. According to a 2023 Entry/ Exit Overstay report by the DHS, 2.69% of students with F category, or non-immigrant student visas, and 3.36% with J category, or exchange visitor visas, overstayed in 2023. However, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the new regulation, said that number is unreliable because they allegedly used comparison data from different years to get those percentages.

Cahill estimated there are currently about 1,000 international students enrolled at OU that would be affected by the change.

Azarakhsh Shafieikadkani, a first year interdisciplinary arts PhD student, is from Iran. She began her visa process in 2022, when she travelled to the nearest U.S. embassy in Dubai to complete an interview.

Though Cahill believes applications have been stable in some respects, she said last year’s graduate student application rate decreased.

Shafieikadkani said the constant changes to visa regulations can make being an international student particularly challenging.

Cahill linked that trend to other changes in immigration rules over the last few

“It’s so stressful for international students,” Shafieikadkani said. “All the time, they have to make

sure about their status, and changing the policies in the middle of your program is going to be really, really tricky.” Shafieikadkani said she decided to come to the U.S. with the goal of being hired as faculty with tenure, expanding her knowledge and improving her resume. Cahill believes the removal of the DOS rule will continue to disadvantage international students. “There are a lot of other rules that go along with this that just make being a student in the United States much more complicated,” Cahill said. “There’s so many tiny pieces, but generally, I think it just makes it more complicated, more hoops to jump through and a lot of uncertainty. If I were considering coming here, it would make me think twice.” Aaron Sandow, a first year African studies graduate student from Ghana, explained the benefit he believes international students provide to the U.S. “Once you have worked hard for yourself and you really thrive out, and as such, in the long run, you are sort of helping the country in the long run gain its global image, as

KH303123@OHIO.EDU

U.S. quoting that world power that we’ve seen a long time,” Sandow said. Sandow compared the U.S.’ stance on international students to that of South Africa. “You can see this case happening in South Africa, where you see the indigence of the country fighting or sending away all immigrants in the country,” Sandow said. “ Now, everyone in Africa, nine out of 10 Africans who see South Africa as a very bad place to settle.” As ISSS awaits further DOS litigation, Cahill emphasized that the Yamada International House, located at 56 E. Union St., provides advising and support for international students. “Like the rest of us, I think even when there’s chaos around you, sometimes you just focus on the things in front of you that you can control,” Cahill said. “And, you know, some of these things are just out of their control, and they just have to keep going because their goal is to get their degree and move forward in life.”

THEPOSTATHENS.COM

Editorial

The Post

Gen Z: Dream big, act now

THE POST EDITORIAL BOARD FOR THE POST For many young American Generation Zers, reflecting on the time from 2012 to 2020 can invoke a sense of sweet nostalgia. Gazed upon through rosecolored glasses, pre-COVID pandemic life is now thought of as “Gen Z optimism,” a period of naively blissful optimism that followed in the heels of President Barack Obama’s second term in office. Being young, we did not fully understand the fight before us or the complications and nuances that plagued our actual reality. But through the eyes of blossoming adolescents, a world capable of domestic and global peace and harmony felt tangible. Having a dream felt tangible. Post-pandemic blues, unrelenting images of pain across social media, sociopolitical turmoil and economic disaster sent a chilling sense of realism down the spines of Gen Z and then a brooding sense of cynicism. While bleak times feel unrelenting, American Gen Zers cannot abandon their longing for change or the essence of transformative dreams. In a survey by NBC News, 62% of Gen Z answered their future would be worse than other generations. In the same survey, 80% of Gen Z also believed the U.S. “is on the wrong track.” Discontent in the current system of things is actually a common denominator among not just American Gen Z but Gen Zers abroad as well. Recently, protests and demonstrations have erupted globally, led by Gen Zers continents apart from us who still dream beyond the confines of what they’ve been told was impossible or intangible. In France, high schoolers are leading weeks-long protests against their government for economic decisions that are destroying the conditions of their education.

Overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, insufficient infrastructure and lack of funding have driven these young people into the streets to demand change. Student demonstrations have escalated, eliciting a common response: pacification through reforms and suppression through police force.

Emancipation did not come because President Abraham Lincoln wanted to change the conditions of the enslaved. His goal was solely to preserve the Union. Emancipation came on the back of slave revolts and general labor strikes.

Concurrently, young people in India are outraged over millions of votes being erased in an act that favors India’s current ruling party. India’s younger citizens are also outraged about a myriad of issues, including high rates of youth unemployment. Mocked by their government and up against state-sanctioned violence, they continue to endure for a better future. Less than a month ago, students in Germany expressed their discontent through protest, as the possibility of compulsory military service reared its ugly head. Under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, strengthening Germany’s military-industrial complex has become a primary concern following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Two years ago, students in Bangladesh overthrew their government. The movement is now recognized as the “July Uprisings” or “Gen Z Revolution,” over authoritarianism, government corruption and discriminatory job quotas. Many of the issues being protested mirror the issues and discontent in the U.S. Whether it be high rates of unemployment, government corruption, voter repression or lack of funding, Gen Z is globally united in their longing for change and aspirations of a better future. American Gen Zers should embody the optimism they once harbored and that international Gen Z are practicing. To protest and to demand more is inherently optimistic, as it implies there is more to be achieved. The issues we endure deserve rectification, not pacification or minimization. Historically, much of America’s social advancements were achieved through dreaming, disruption and transformation.

Voting rights and desegregation were not the result of a simple vote or because it was a popular cause. The pressure was compounded by years of marching, boycotting, sitting-in, protesting and resisting what was an unpopular position to take. Yet protesting takes hope, and finding hope and optimism after your teenagehood and now adulthood through tragedy and general negativity is hard. As young American Gen Zers, we have to funnel our collective exasperation and discontent with current issues into something productive and transformative. Having a frontrow view of the Black Lives Matter Movement, we saw how exasperation could be turned into a collective call for change. We see the same in protests against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the proPalestine movements and anti-rape and sexual assault movements. While the conditions we exist in seem unrelenting and unchanging, allowing cynicism and pessimism to chill your sense of resistance will only prolong discontent. There is so much to long for, and American Gen Zers cannot allow their cynicism in conjunction with doubt and pessimism to define this moment. Rather, drift back to those pre-pandemic dreams and understand more now than ever, they can be attained. The whole world is acting; we cannot be an exception at this moment.

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Member of the Ohio News Media Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Associated Collegiate Press.

Natalie’s Notes Literacy crisis is not a joke, but a growing problem with a large online platform, Earle is not funny or cool for never having read a book.

NATALIE SADDLER COPY CHIEF According to Entertainment Weekly, influencer Alix Earle has never read a book before. Whether Earle was joking or not, this is an absurd comment to make. This commentary not only shows privilege, but also adds to the growing literacy crisis in America. Merriam-Webster defines literate as someone being able to read and write, with the knowledge and competence to perform both tasks correctly. However, the issue at hand shows most Americans cannot even read or write. The literacy crisis is an ongoing problem, with numbers growing every year. According to the National Literacy Institute, 28% of adults in the U.S. are at the lowest reading level this year, up from 19% in 2017. As for reading levels, 44% of adults read at a strong level, but that number has decreased from 48% in 2017. These numbers are jarring, but not surprising with the rise of artificial intelligence and how the defunding of public schools is affecting learning. However, as a 25-year-old woman

Earle also faced some controversy over the years. Her huge online presence has grown since her Netflix show, “Earle Meets World,” debuted this year. Earle’s relatable, fun content featuring makeup transitions and family drama helps drive content numbers and fame. However, as an influencer, she has the responsibility of influencing viewers. Earle might think her comment is a funny bit to relate back to her reality TV show, but this shows how harmful influencers can be. The literacy crisis sparked global attention in 1975, with an article from Newsweek titled “Why Johnny Can’t Write,” by Merrill Sheils, which detailed the issues of a failing public school system in the U.S. The literacy crisis was not new, but Sheils advocated against it and built support through conference calls and printed copies of the article. Her effort rallied support and expanded the conversation from literacy to digital and informational crises, which remain issues. Sheils also emphasized that while it is easy to blame institutions and public schools, it is a person’s sole responsibility to actively engage with materials and readings to receive a

full, knowledgeable outcome. She also points out there is no true literacy crisis, but an added weight of refusal of learning objectives. Since education is inherently flawed, Sheils emphasizes people need to consider initiatives to improve literacy in the education system. Earle attended college at the University of Miami and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration while studying marketing. Business courses are rigorous, especially at a highly regarded institution such as Miami. To earn a degree such as Earle’s, the university requires multiple specialized classes that involve a heavy course load, most likely with loads of texts and books to complete assignments. It is hard to believe a person who has never read a single book in their entire life completed a college degree. People do not not have to enjoy reading to read, but it strengthens our brains tremendously. It helps build critical thinking skills, decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and helps build vocabulary and conversation skills. It may not be fun for others, but the benefits show how life can be fulfilling when picking up a book. According to the National Library of Medicine, researchers found what people were advocating for decades: reading

improves our education. Its findings also demonstrate how lower-income communities face a higher chance of illiteracy. Proper education is something Earle has been granted throughout her life through attending private schools. With Earle’s confession about never reading, social media and the internet blew up in conversation. The View, a TV broadcast show on ABC, discussed Earle’s literacy. Host Alyssa Farah Griffin laughed and said, “Just lie.” The other co-hosts also shared how shocked they were about Earle’s confession, but the comments on the TikTok video are concerning. Comments, such as “leave her alone” or “she’s just a girl,” excuse the dangerous behavior Earle demonstrates. This encourages the idea that reading is “not cool” and people can use generative AI for all their wants and needs. However, the future reacts and follows influencers who promote this behavior. The conversation about reading is bigger than “she does not have to read books.” It is an example of where the U.S. can go when not taking advantage of learning and knowledge. Reading is powerful and can be enjoyable. The ranges of genres, characters, worlds and storytelling all contribute to the love of books. While Earle is adding to the bit and mocking concerns, this is not an example a person should wish to follow. Enough is enough, just pick up a dang book.

Natalie Saddler is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Natalie about their column? Email them at ns505423@ohio.edu.

OCT. 13, 2026

Aiden’s Add-On | Corporations can’t take care of your vote spending by $41 million. That creates a disjointed election strategy as dark money pours from unknown places, making it difficult to counteract Republicans’ fundraising.

AIDEN RYAN OPINION EDITOR Politics are like an investment, and your vote is the unfortunate collateral at the banking till. This system of contemporary political campaign buys advertising, floods the airwaves and claims victory before the race is over. And with a limitless war chest, Democratic candidates for the United States Senate are being outspent by their Republican opponents. That spending scheme puts more pennies in the deep pockets of this country’s division while avoiding corrupt corporate donors right below the spending surface. Election spending for Senate candidates has surpassed $2.8 billion during the 2026 election cycle, a 22% increase from the 2022 election cycle. At that rate, the Senate spending madness will not conclude under any circumstances, creating mountains of money for relatively no public gain. The Ohio Senate race is a great example. The race between Sherrod Brown, a former United States Senator, and Senator Jon Husted shows how Republicans are increasingly outspending Democrats in this election cycle. In Ohio, Republican Senate spending on aired media, such as broadcast TV, has outpaced Democratic Senate

This cycle raises a serious question. Given rising prices at the gas pump and grocery store, it remains unclear whether Republicans’ spending advantage will be enough to propel them to victory. One way to look at this is through presidential approval ratings. Support among core President Donald Trump voters from the 2024 election cycle has fallen dramatically according to the Pew Research Center. Among Trump voters in general, his approval as president has fallen from 95% to 67%. Key voter bases are quickly shirking the Trump agenda and going elsewhere, becoming receptive to Democratic messaging or not voting at all. Those same voters who voted for Trump in 2024 may not be as likely in 2026 to back his Republican colleagues running for congressional seats.

Voters are called to the polls but are rarely called to do anything else after they vote. It is an exchange, millions spent for media grabs and not enough spent on keeping the coalition that leads candidates to victory. The solution is easier said than done: Get rid of the political action committees who contribute millions and leave no money trail. This money comes from corporations whose expenditures were deemed unlimited by the infamous 2010 U.S. Supreme Court case Citizens United v. FEC. The ruling allowed corporations and unions to act independently of political campaigns or committees, with limitless potential to donate money to a campaign. Every voter should be concerned with PAC spending. After all, corporations are not the benevolent caretaker of our voting systems. They spend money to curry favor with their favorite candidates so they can pass legislation

once the victor reaches the congressional voting floor. This behavior is not emblematic of our constitution’s “We the People.” Every PAC dollar moves us closer to “I the Corporation.” If the corporate dollar has more power over the American’s vote, the fundamentals of American democracy are in serious danger. In an increasingly partisan age, an alarmingly small group of challengers are reaching for votes among America’s small towns and suburbs, scrambling for scraps of independent voters who have been backed up into the corner and pressed against the gas pump due to unpopular Republican policies. The 2026 election spending spree is about more than Democrats’ failure to make up for Republicans’ fundraising gains. This election begs multiple questions about how parties maintain voters when elections are not happening and the extent to which corporate money influences

voting behavior. Let this be clear: Campaign finance reform should not be a partisan issue. A corporation whose spending power is unrivaled by the average American is treated equal in the court’s eyes. This is a problem because it subverts our ability to make a difference as citizens. Cast a vote on Nov. 3, and visit candidate profile pages to make informed voting decisions. No matter which candidate wins, let the decision rest squarely with the people of the state. Corporations cannot be trusted as caretakers of their cash and as tally-takers of our votes.

Aiden is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Aiden about his column? Email him at ar260223@ohio.edu.

The problem with that is both major political parties generate millions of dollars during election season to cultivate coalitions of voters for electoral victory. Yet, once the election is over, little money is spent to keep those voters in the loop. Once a campaign ends, any leftover money faces strict regulations. For example, a campaign can contribute unlimited amounts of money to state, local or national party committees such as the Democratic or Republican National Committees. Yet, most contributions are spent as they come in, especially to fuel frequent attacks on broadcast TV.

Adam’s Anecdote | The ‘man math’ mentality is unsafe to justify the often arbitrary outcomes of AI or excuse the individuals responsible for their unintended actions. If AI companies cannot properly regulate their models, lawmakers must establish standards before the fallout becomes too grave.

ADAM GERBER FOR THE POST In 2023, the concept of “girl math” started to gain traction on social media. Women used the term to justify purchases online or in person, using free shipping or gift cards to validate their spending habits. Shortly after, men began to use the term “boy math” to vindicate lying about their height or buying an expensive video game. The trend plays into unnecessary stereotypes about men and women; however, it also presents irresponsible behavior in a more digestible way. These behaviors apply outside of social media trends. The irresponsible actions of companies in industries like artificial intelligence are constantly justified and promoted despite their irrefutably harmful impacts on the planet. It is not an appropriate time to be using “boy math”

As AI companies continue to expand despite concerns about safety, privacy and regulations, their CEOs often dismiss these risks, deeming them necessary to AI’s progression. In this sense, the term “boy math” can be applied to describe the way AI executives use their unwavering need for growth to minimize concerns. These are individuals with the proper research, resources and funds to understand the many possible outcomes the progression of AI can produce. Yet, they continue to bankroll operations that are active privacy concerns. It is important to recognize that using a term like “girl math” or “boy math” may undermine the decisions and lack of selfregulation exhibited by the predominantly educated, affluent white men running Silicon Valley. Therefore, “boy math” becomes a

fitting way to describe this behavior: choosing to remain ignorant even when evidence demonstrates unfavorable consequences. From May to July, isolated AI agents used in a study conducted by OpenAI started communicating through a third-party service known as JFrog Artifactory. The agents later broke out of their “sandbox,” an environment restricted from the public internet, into Hugging Face, an open-source community with a focus on machine learning and AI. The agents used the data from the breach to obtain answers for tasks assigned during the study. OpenAI did not issue a press release until nearly three months after the first signs of communication. “At the time of the incident, OpenAI estimated maximal cyber capabilities by running this evaluation without the production classifiers intended to prevent models from pursuing high-risk cyber activity,” OpenAI said in its technical report. The company later said in a written statement, “these evaluations are important so that OpenAI can measure models’ underlying capabilities and design appropriate safeguards.”

If a company’s goal is to constantly improve a system that requires external regulation, it must improve those regulations first. For example, banks relied heavily on self-regulation to limit excessive risk before the 2008 recession. This resulted in widespread approval of mortgages for individuals unlikely to pay them back. Ultimately, when housing prices declined, widespread defaults on those mortgages destabilized the economy. This contributed significantly to the recession. If you apply the same logic to the lack of regulation of AI, Silicon Valley is set to crash much like the housing market. After meeting with AI executives on Sept. 29, President Donald Trump said he believed AI would ultimately be used for good. Trump said, “I think I’m seeing tremendous selfpolicing and they understand that they have to self-police.” These companies are prioritizing innovation while ignoring the inherent risk of unchecked development. However, the technology these companies are gambling with could have much more substantial consequences than

a failed investment. According to a study conducted by the International Business Machines Corporation, one in four malicious breaches uses some form of AI. The study also reports the attacks are becoming much cheaper to launch, meaning they are more accessible – similar to the availability of mortgages prior to the 2008 recession. This raises various privacy concerns; nevertheless, some of the strongest models of AI remain accessible to essentially anybody with an internet browser. As these tools become cheaper and easier to access, significant external regulations can no longer be treated as optional. Such regulations are one of society’s last safeguards against AI’s increasingly autonomous decision-making and the realworld consequences those autonomous decisions can produce. General safety should never be regarded as an acceptable cost of technological advancement. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post.

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Ohio explodes in 31-point first half to win Homecoming game OWEN LIPSTREU SPORTS EDITOR Ohio (4-2 overall, 2-0 Mid-American Conference) took the field Saturday afternoon for its Homecoming game and walked away with a 31-14 win over Central Michigan (3-3 overall, 1-1 MAC). The Bobcats wanted to start fast by scoring touchdowns on their first two drives and 31 points in the first half, and then battled through rainy conditions in the second half to hold off the Chippewas. Ohio started with the ball and avoided disaster early when a pass interference penalty on the Chippewas wiped out an interception of an errant pass by returning quarterback Nick Poulos. The Bobcats took advantage of the second opportunity and rolled deep into Central Michigan territory. Poulos handed it off to junior running back Duncan Brune, who made a quick cut and blew by two Chippewas defenders on his way to the end zone to start the scoring in Peden Stadium. Ohio jumped out to a 7-0 lead on the 23-yard touchdown run. Central Michigan wanted to run the ball and got right to it on its opening drive, relying mainly on quarterback Angel Flores. The Ohio defense tightened up once the Chippewas crossed midfield, as defensive end Tyler Gillison wrapped up Flores short on fourth down to get the ball back to the Bobcats. Ohio got right back to work, as Poulos found redshirt sophomore Riley Neer for 32 yards. Poulos then found redshirt sophomore tight end Jakc Furtney, putting the Bobcats in the red zone. Three plays later, Poulos fired a strike at Neer for a 3-yard touchdown pass to increase the Ohio lead to 14-0.

“Credit to him for getting ready for this,” Ohio Head Coach John Hauser said about Poulos’ performance. “I don’t know that we have a different offense with him in there. I just think he’s so experienced and he’s been in this system for so long that it’s an advantage to have him in there and the way he’s throwing it and running it and it was nice for him to come back and play like he did.” The Bobcats got the ball back quickly, forcing a three-andout. Ohio added on with a 24-yard field goal by graduate student kicker Will Hryszko, but a costly false start may have left points on the board. Ohio was without redshirt senior linebacker and defensive captain Jack Fries on Saturday, so once again it was redshirt senior linebacker Michael Molnar who stepped up. Molnar got into the Central Michigan backfield and forced a fumble on Flores. The Bobcats then put together an eight-play, 35-yard drive that concluded with the first touchdown catch of redshirt freshman Preston Bowman’s career as a Bobcat. Ohio turned defense into offense, and the

game got ugly early, with the Bobcats up 24-0. Ohio began driving again before a botched exchange between Poulos and graduate student running back Victor Rosa, resulting in a fumble that was recovered by Central Michigan. The turnover did not cost the Bobcats, who got the ball back and ended the first half on another high note, as Poulos found redshirt sophomore Dom Dorwart for a 44-yard touchdown pass and Ohio went to the locker room up 31-0. The weather conditions continued to worsen as the game rolled into the second half, with players muffing punts and stumbling on routine plays. These conditions reared their head on Ohio again when Rosa fumbled, giving the Chippewas the ball in Ohio territory. Central Michigan once again was held scoreless, being turned away on fourth down again, as Molnar came up with a huge sack of Flores, keeping the Chippewas off the board. Ohio held the four-score lead, but neither team could get much rolling in the third quarter. The rain and wet conditions pushed both teams to run, helping Ohio drain some clock, but it made both offenses predictable. The Chippewas tried to move the ball through the air, and quick passes gave space to receivers as they approached the red zone.

Central went back to the ground, and running back Jayden Clerveaux found the end zone on a 15-yard touchdown run to cut the Ohio lead to 31-7. The Chippewas attempted an onside kick following the score, but were unsuccessful. Ohio started the fourth quarter in its opponents’ territory, hoping to drain the clock and close the door on any hope of a comeback. Ohio punted it away again, struggling to establish anything against Central Michigan’s pressure up front. The punt parade continued throughout the fourth quarter, and time quickly became the biggest enemy of the Chippewas, who needed three scores with just five minutes to play. The points came for Central Michigan on a 20-yard rushing touchdown by Nick Woodford, but it was not enough to mount a comeback. Ohio won its second MAC game of the 2026 season on Homecoming weekend and extended its home winning streak to 16 games. “It was exciting to see the atmosphere, even in this type of weather,” Neer said. “The fans really stuck it out in the midst of that rain, so that was really cool to see. But as you know, we take care of business here on the Frank. It’s a really exciting place to play, especially when you know you have that support behind you.” The return of Poulos seemed to flip a switch in the first half for this group, and then Ohio battled through the elements in the second half to shut the door on its 31-14 win.

@OLIPPY17 OL415422@OHIO.EDU

Ohio dominates in Nick Poulos’ return LONDON DEMARCO ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Early in Ohio’s week two home opener against Jacksonville State, graduate student and offensive captain quarterback Nick Poulos rolled out of the pocket and decided to take it himself for a small gain. While Poulos was sliding to avoid contact, a Jacksonville State defender took a cheap shot at Poulos. The hit knocked Poulos out of the game, forcing him into concussion protocol where he sat out for three weeks. Ohio faced Central Michigan at home this past weekend for the Homecoming game, marking Poulos’ return. The captain and quarterback had a lot of hype surrounding his return, and he did not disappoint. Poulos led Ohio to a 31-0 lead at halftime over the Chippewas. “It was awesome,” Poulos said. “Everyone has the heart of a little kid and wants to always be on the field.

I wasn’t able to play for a couple of weeks, so being out there was great.” Poulos started the first drive a little slow, relying heavily on his running game to help him march down the field while he still got back into the hang of it. After the Bobcats’ defense stopped and put the ball back in the offense’s hands, Poulos hit Riley Neer, sophomore receiver, in stride for his first completion of the game, a 32-yard gain. That completion was seemingly all Poulos needed to settle himself back in and become comfortable, as he was near-perfect afterward. “I would say there’s a little more jitters pregame when you haven’t played in a while,” Poulos said. “But once you get into the game, you’re ready to go.” Poulos capped off drive two with a touchdown pass to Neer, making it 14-0. He would not let up there. Poulos ended the first half going 10-for-16 for 160 yards and three touchdowns through the air. This led to the Bobcats’ complete dominance in the first half.

“He’s so experienced, and he’s been in the system for so long that it’s just an advantage to have him in there,” Ohio Head Coach John Hauser said. “The way he’s throwing and running it, it helped our offense a lot.” Poulos was not just as effective in the air but on the ground as well, despite a run being the reason he missed the time he did. Poulos ended the game with 16 carries for 52 yards. He tied for the most carries on the team and was third on the team in rushing yards.

“I didn’t see any hesitation with him and thought he ran just like he did through the first two weeks of the season,” Hauser said. “So, credit to him and our staff for getting him back and in a position where he felt comfortable running like he did.” Ohio’s offense spent most of the second half just killing the clock, leading to a big 31-14 win for the Bobcats as they moved to 2-0 in MAC play.

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OCT. 13, 2026

Ohio drops both weekend matches at Bowling Green JACK MULDOWNEY | SPORTS STAFF WRITER Ohio (11-6 overall, 4-2 Mid-American Conference) was unable to extend its seven-game winning streak during its two-match road trip to Bowling Green State University (13-4 overall, 5-1 Mid-American Conference) this past weekend. The Bobcats fell flat in both matches, now sitting at third place in the MAC after being in a tie for first place. Competition was high right out of the gate in the weekend’s opening match on Friday evening. However, Bowling Green was able to scrape out a tight 3-2 win over the Bobcats. The Falcons pounced on Ohio in the first set with a 2513 win before the Bobcats recovered with two straight resilient wins in sets two and three, taking both 27-25. Bowling Green came out on top in a tight set four, taking it 25-23 and sealing the win in set five with a 15-11 victory. The Bobcats let a 2-1 match lead get away on Friday, and kept Bowling Green’s hopes of jumping

them in the MAC standings alive. Both teams took the court of the Stroh Center on Saturday with Bowling Green hopeful to finish the weekend 2-0. The Falcons came out as the clear aggressor in the match, winning three straight sets 25-17, 25-16 and 25-20. The Bobcats were unable to punch back against Bowling Green’s dominance and were swept. Bowling Green’s hopes of moving ahead of Ohio in the MAC standings came to fruition with Saturday’s win, as its 2-0 weekend pushed the team to second place in the conference. The winless weekend for the Bobcats dropped the team to third place in the conference, where they are tied with Miami at 4-2 in MAC play. Player Spotlight Despite the road trip’s disappointing results, Bailey Blair, sophomore opposite hitter, was a leading force for

Ohio sweeps Maryville in first road trip Forward Will Cohen (15) celebrates after scoring a goal during the Bobcats’ home opening game against Syracuse Sept. 25, 2026. The Bobcats beat Syracuse 9-0 in Bird Arena. (JOHN FOUSS | PHOTO EDITOR)

the Bobcats. She tallied 24 kills between both matches as she tried to encourage the team to play more successfully than they did.

Ohio opposite hitter Bailey Blair (17) reaches for the ball against Akron in The Convo in Athens, Oct. 3, 2026. (JACKSON MCCOY | FOR THE POST)

Although Blair’s efforts fell short, her consistency this season is one of the key reasons why Ohio was riding a seven-game win streak before the weekend’s disappointing result. Blair will be a main contributor during the rest of the season as Ohio aims to bounce back from their two-game skid. The setback could light a fire under Ohio, but regardless of the disappointment this weekend resulted in, the Bobcats are still positioned well in the MAC and hold a respectable 11-6 overall record. The Bobcats are back at home next weekend for an opportunity to rebound from these losses in a twogame series against Ball State University.

@JACKMULDOWNEY1 JM760224@OHIO.EDU

ANNABELLE GRACE SPORTS STAFF WRITER In St. Louis, the No.1ranked Bobcats (6-0) defeated the Maryville University Saints (2-3) twice. Friday, Ohio won 3-1. Maryville was ranked No. 12 in this week’s ACHA poll, so Ohio knew the game would be its toughest yet. Saturday, Ohio found its offensive rhythm and won

5-2. Maryville struggled with penalties, allowing three power-play goals for Ohio. Friday Matt Zazon, graduate student and Ohio goalie, guarded the Bobcats’ net. The Saints played freshman Thomas Samborski. Laker Aldridge, senior forward, opened the scoring for the Bobcats in the first period. Attempts from senior alternate captain and forward Luc Reeve and sophomore forward Breydan Zupsansky caused a bouncing puck. Aldridge hammered it in the back of the net. This was his fourth goal of the season.

Halfway through the period, Reeve gave Ohio a two point lead. His wrist shot from the faceoff dot rocketed past the goalie’s left side. Aldridge and Zupsansky assisted. The second period was a quiet one. There were no goals, and the referees called a single penalty against Maryville for tripping. In the third period, the Saints’ goal was the first Zazon had allowed this season. Sophomore defender Justin Vandermeer’s shot went in after passes from freshmen forwards David Vitt and Aaron Vanwie. In the 17th minute, Aldridge was sent to the box for hooking. Maryville pulled its goalie, making it six-on-four. Ohio’s penalty kill was up to the test. Junior defender Gavin Keller scored his first goal of the season into an empty net. Saturday The Bobcats followed up their first win with another on Saturday. Ohio put senior Scott Bird in net, while Maryville stuck with Samborski from the previous night. Both teams started slow in the first period, however, the Saints made a crucial mistake with one second remaining. Senior forward Ethan Chesney earned a five-minute major penalty for boarding. This penalty carried into the next period. In the second period, Reeve scored on the power play. Nolan Abraham, junior forward, and freshman forward Alex Thomas assisted. Noah Holt, senior captain and forward, charged past

the blue line to score. Senior forward Mathieu Ovaert and Zupsansky contributed to the play. Maryville struck back. Vanwie scored with assists from Vitt and senior forward Josh Olson. Olson then gave the Bobcats a power play. Like before, the Bobcats made the Saints regret it. Reeve beat a defender to the net and slipped the puck past the goalie. Zupsansky earned his fourth assist of the weekend, along with senior alternate captain and defender Drake Nabozny. Although Reeve’s goal ended the Saints’ disadvantage, the Bobcats made it 4-1 before the buzzer sounded. Freshman forward Rylan Oster scored his first goal of his college career. Gianni DiVita, freshman forward, and Lance Mengel, sophomore forward, assisted. In the final period, Ohio converted on the power play a third time. The goalie moved out of position, giving Zupsansky an open net. Reeve and Nabozny added another assist to their tallies. Maryville’s freshman forward Brock Mcilwain scored, assisted by freshmen Kai Duncan and Nick Beatty. Still, the team ended the weekend with two losses. The Bobcats return to Athens to play Stony Brook University (0-1-1) this weekend. Friday’s game is at 7 p.m. at Bird Arena, and Saturday’s game is at 3 p.m. Stony Brook started its season later than most teams, so it is difficult to predict how it will perform in just its third game of the season. AC309223@OHIO.EDU

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Emmy Awards are moving to Amazon Prime Video SAM BAILEY FOR THE POST The Emmy Awards are the main recognition for artistic and technical merit in the television industry, and they have rotated between CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX for the past 71 years. This is about to change, with Amazon Prime Video winning the streaming rights to the award show. In 1949, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences held the first-ever Emmy Awards at the Hollywood Athletic Club in Los Angeles. The show originally only honored LA local television shows. As television technology advanced and became more popular across the United States, the Emmys grew with it and became a nationally broadcasted awards show in 1955. For the past 31 years, the show has rotated between the four major broadcast channels, in a system known as the “wheel deal.” Prime Video signed a sixyear deal to take over the Emmys. The terms of the deal have not been released yet, but it is rumored that Amazon will be paying a $15 million licensing fee. The new streaming platform could

help smaller categories and less publicized ceremonies get greater visibility and help recognize the many different professionals who contribute to the television industry. When talking about the Emmys, most people are referring to the Primetime Emmys, but there are other versions of the competition. There are also Daytime, Sports, News & Documentary, Children’s & Family, Engineering, Science & Technology, Regional, International and College Television Emmys. There are also special honors, including the Governors and Trustees Award and Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. Many of these events take place at different times throughout the year, and several receive limited television coverage or aren’t broadcast to a wide audience. As streaming platforms expand their involvement in the awards industry, there may be additional opportunities to access these ceremonies for viewers who would otherwise not be able to watch. With the switch from broadcast, the show will be more accessible. Prime Video is making the awards free to stream live, no subscription needed. Over 240 countries

and territories will now have free access to the show, which allows much wider, global access to the show. This is especially significant because the Emmys celebrate television programs from an industry whose influence extends much farther than the United States. The Emmys are not the only award show moving to streaming platforms only. It was announced earlier this year that the Academy Awards will be moving to YouTube and the Grammy Awards are going to Disney. The Oscars will move in 2029 and will run on YouTube through 2033; this will be the first time they aren’t on ABC in around 50 years. The Grammys have a similar time frame, with the move to Disney marking the first time in 54 years they won’t be on CBS. Disney has a 10-year contract with the award show, streaming it from 2027 to 2036. Together, these agreements show that major award shows are increasingly willing to partner with digital platforms and entertainment companies that can reach beyond traditional television. The shift of these major award shows to streaming demonstrates how the general landscape of television and streaming is evolving. The

GRAPHIC BY (ABBY DOENCH | DESIGN DIRECTOR) Emmys had 6.7 million viewers during the most recent awards, which is nearly a 10% decrease from the previous years. There has been a steady decline in watching broadcast and cable networks since the rise of streaming. 44.8% of people watching TV are now watching it on streaming, compared to cable at 24.1% and broadcast at 20.1%, according to Nielsen’s “The Gauge.” For streaming companies, acquiring the rights to media offers a chance to attract new audiences and demonstrate that their platforms can successfully host major live events. The recent winners have

reflected this, with more and more shows that are only available on streaming. “Widow’s Bay” was nominated 19 times and won 14 Emmys, and it is only available on Apple TV. “The Pitt” is another example, as it is only available on streaming but receiving 38 nominations and 11 Emmys. This is true of all shows that received Outstanding Achievements at the 78th Emmy Awards. Streaming is becoming the way for the average person to watch TV, and award shows are adapting.

@Z.BAIL3Y_07 SB654225@OHIO.EDU

Paramount has acquired Warner Bros. Discovery for about $110 billion EMILY FRANK FOR THE POST On Oct. 6, Paramount officially acquired Warner Bros. Discovery for about $110 billion. Warner Bros. Discovery’s plan to split its films and streaming platform, HBO Max, from its cable channels was announced June 9, 2025. On Aug. 7, 2025, Skydance Media acquired Paramount Global for $8 billion. The first reports of their interest in Warner Bros. Discovery came in September 2025. Warner Bros. Discovery officially announced it was open for sale after multiple groups showed “unsolicited interest” on Oct. 21, 2025. In mid-November, Netflix and Comcast submitted formal offers for Warner Bros. Discovery’s films and its streaming platform. The offer submitted by Paramount Skydance included the cable channels as well as the films and streaming platform. Many important events happened throughout December. Warner Bros. Discovery announced an

agreement to sell its film rights and streaming platform to Netflix for an $82.7 billion cash and stock acquisition on Dec. 5.

Ellison also said the Paramount Skydance offer of $30 per share was stronger than Netflix’s offer of $23 per share.

On Dec. 8, Paramount Skydance continued to campaign to convince Warner Bros. Discovery that it had a stronger proposal than Netflix. David Ellison, Chief Executive Officer of Skydance Media, made his rounds on multiple news outlets.

Despite Ellison’s efforts, Warner Bros. Discovery’s shareholders unanimously rejected Paramount Skydance’s offer. Paramount Skydance would send in another offer Dec. 22.

During Ellison’s interview with CNBC, Ellison said, “We are trying to combine the number four streamer with the number five streamer. When you put Paramount and HBO Max together, you get round numbers, 200 million subscribers. That creates a streaming service that is competitive with Disney.” Ellison said combining Netflix, the number one streaming platform, with HBO Max, the number three streaming platform, would give Netflix “unprecedented market power”. Ellison said, “this deal, if it is allowed to move forward, will actually be the death of the theatrical movie business in Hollywood. We’re sitting here today trying to save it.”

In January, Warner Bros. Discovery’s shareholders rejected Paramount Skydance’s offer yet again. Paramount Skydance sued Warner Bros. Discovery and the company’s CEO David Zaslav over wanting clearer communication from Warner Bros. Discovery about why it chose Netflix over Paramount Skydance. On Jan. 20, Netflix changed its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery from a cash and stock acquisition to an allcash deal. To try to combat this, Paramount Skydance added a “ticking fee” to its offer as well as offering to pay the $2.8 billion fee Warner Bros. Discovery would owe Netflix if it broke its contract. On Feb. 17, Warner Bros. Discovery revealed it would reopen negotiations with

Paramount Skydance for a week-long window. During this time, Paramount Skydance increased its offer to $31 per share. Netflix decided to walk away from the deal after realizing it was financially unfeasible. Various celebrities such as Jane Fonda, Hannah Einbinder and Mark Ruffalo were vocally against the merger. An open letter was written and a petition to block the merger gained over 5,000 signatures. Others supported the merger. Both Eduardo Acuna, the CEO of Regal Cinemas, and Adam Aron, CEO of AMC Theaters, made public endorsements for the merger, though Acuna’s public support came later. In April, Paramount Skydance’s acquisition was officially approved by Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders. Paramount Skydance announced that 15.1% equity of the company will go to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Sovereign wealth funds from Qatar and Abu Dhabi would also have equity in the company. In June, the Justice Department approved the Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery

merger. In July, California’s Rob Bonta led a group of state attorneys general in a lawsuit to block the merger. The same month, the Writers Guild of America also filed a lawsuit to block the merger. The European Commission approved Paramount Skydance’s acquisition on July 21. Ellison announced plans to move Paramount Skydance out of California. The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation shared this could cost California billions. In late September, Paramount Skydance and the state attorney general reached a settlement in the lawsuit. The settlement involved protections for those impacted by the merger. On Oct. 2, it was announced that upon the closing of the merger, the company will be renamed Skydance Corporation. The approximately $110 billion merger finally closed Oct. 6.

@E.G.FRANK7 EF687124@OHIO.EDU

CAP OHIO’S GAS WELLS

ARE YOU A VOTER IN OHIO DISTRICTS 2 OR 12?

Ohio has thousands of old oil and gas wells scattered across farmland, forests, and backyards. Many are orphaned. Some leak methane. Some contaminate groundwater. And too often, taxpayers end up footing the bill after companies walk away. That is not responsible energy development. That is privatized profit and socialized cleanup. Capping Ohio’s abandoned and orphaned wells should be a priority. It protects drinking water, reduces methane emissions, and creates real jobs for skilled workers who can do the remediation work safely. We should require bonding levels that actually cover cleanup costs so companies cannot underfund their obligations and disappear. If you drill, you are responsible for the full lifecycle of that well. Period.

JENNIFER MAZZUCKELLI (mazz-uh-kelly)

people need a place to live that does Sword of Damocles. Note: This is Jerrad Christian’s position onnot this feel issue,like butthe many centrist and progressive politicians hold similar positions.

is running to become US Representative for Ohio District 2. jen4oh2.com

JERRAD CHRISTIAN is running to become US Representative for Ohio District 12. christianforohio.com

CONFIRM YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION:

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Is it your campus address or your permanent home address? Don’t assume. Take a few minutes to check your registration, confirm your polling location and understand your voting options before heading to the polls.

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IN OHIO CONTINUES THROUGH SUNDAY, NOV. 1

 THE ELECTION IS TUE, NOV. 3 VOTE: GOOD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN David Bruce paid for this ad, which is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s campaign.

OCT. 13, 2026

Peter King, retired NFL journalist, returns to OU for Homecoming FIONA PETTICREW HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR Homecoming weekend brought thousands of visitors and returning alumni back to campus, including Peter King, a retired NFL journalist. King spoke Friday to fans, students and old friends in Schoonover Center, answering burning questions from the crowd while reminiscing on his time as a student at Ohio University. Aimee Edmondson, the interim dean of the Scripps College of Communication, inducted King into The Ohio Communication Hall of Fame, which includes awardwinning journalists with a lifetime of achievement and connection to Ohio or OU. “A three-time national sports writer of the year, he built his reputation through deep and insightful reporting, industry knowledge and a commitment to journalism at its finest,” Edmondson said. This year's Homecoming Parade livestream was hosted by King, a tradition that began after his time at OU. King wrote for Sports Illustrated for 29 years, leaving in 2018 to write his column for NBC Sports. He announced his retirement at age 66 in 2024 after 44 years as a sports writer. King said he had no intention of entering a career in sports journalism, but left OU with an open mind, which landed him a general assignment sports job at the Cincinnati Enquirer. King said he felt lucky, as he loved sports but never thought he could make a living

from it. King graduated from OU in 1979, obtaining his journalism experience, and meeting his wife, Ann King, whom he married in Galbreath Chapel. King said he was looking forward to visiting the chapel, as it held sentimental value to him. During his visit to Athens, Peter King stayed in Pilcher House, the former headquarters of The Post, which has now been turned into an Airbnb. Peter King said the owners did a beautiful job with the renovation, and kept a lot of The Post graffiti from the 70s. “I could show you where the paper was, where the rim was, where we edited copy with a blue pencil,” Peter King said. Pilcher House is where King spent most of his time at OU. He said he spent more time working in the newsroom than in his apartment. Peter King recalled a time during his senior year in which he personally delivered the papers during an intense blizzard, with the help of Larry Neumeister, a Post alum and newsperson for The Associated Press. “I remember in that particular time, we just felt like, ‘okay we got to get the paper out,’” Peter King said. “Whatever it takes, we’re going to get the paper out.” Neumeister said he and Scott Stephens hosted workshops while serving as executives at The Post, which dramatically enlarged and diversified the staff. “In Peter’s time, The Post would be put together by like nine people who wrote the paper every day,” Neumeister said.

(ETHAN HERX | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

“It was hard for anyone to even come to The Post and write a story, and we held these workshops at the beginning of our senior year and invited people with an ad in the paper to come work for The Post.” Peter King advised aspiring journalists to be versatile, and be willing to work for free to gain experience and recognition. Although Peter King said he retired at the beginning of artificial intelligence’s peak, he said using it as a “crutch” may not help a journalist in the long term. He compared the use of AI to cheating off of “the smart kid” in high school. King said the use of AI could hinder one’s ability to create a real, human piece. After his years of covering local issues for The Post and a long career with multiple publications, Peter King said he resonated with Jeff Shultz’s desire for boredom in his final column for NBC Sports. In the fall of 2024, Peter King was offered the opportunity to

write his book “The Game,” which he signed for attendees after his talk Friday. Peter King has been working on “The Game” since then, finishing in April. He said he and Ann King have taken several vacations since his retirement, but most of his time has been spent writing the book. “I’ve really yet to be totally bored,” Peter King said. “But one of the things I really liked about doing this book is that I could pick out exactly what I wanted to write about, and I didn’t have to stay up until 4:30 in the morning every Monday morning when I used to do this long column, this 10,000 word column on the internet.” Peter King plans on moving to the West Coast with his wife to be closer to his three grandchildren. King said he hasn’t thought much about his life or plans after the move, but is ready to settle down with his family.

Sam’s Gym continues training life champions LIV JACOBS | FOR THE POST Sam’s Gym in Glouster, Ohio, is the oldest running boxing gym in the country. Sam Jones started running the gym in 1959, after it was founded in 1936 by his father, grandfather and Frank Buhla. Since its opening, Sam’s Gym has been a home to fighters and athletes. From individualized training to group workouts and sponsored fights, athletes and fighters are always moving at Sam’s Gym. The gym is packed with fighters sparring in the ring, coaches leading group exercises on the main floor and athletes on the second level doing cardio and individual training. Jones has a legacy of his own, with a life of boxing matches in arenas around the world, including Madison Square Garden. A former three-time United States heavyweight Bando Kickboxing champion, Jones was inducted into the American Bando Kickboxing Hall of Fame and remains an eighth-degree black belt in the Bando System. Although a focal point, physical sports are not the only aspect of training within the walls of Sam’s gym. Jones takes pride in welcoming everyone who comes to the gym, and helping them in any way he can. “Here’s the first thing I want you to do,” Jones said. “I want you to be a champion in life.” Jones is committed to giving back to Glouster through the gym. There are no fees, experience or skill level requirements for training at Sam’s Gym. The only thing Jones asks is for people to show up. “We want them all,” Jones said. “I won’t turn anybody down.” Additionally, Jones runs fundraisers to support his fighters. Boxing for Books is an annual event held in the fall to help raise money for local schools. This year marks 51 years of the fundraiser, which is at Trimble Local Elementary School on Nov. 1. Jones also helped fighters start lives outside of the gym. For the past five years, high school seniors at Trimble Local Schools who train at Sam’s Gym are assisted in obtaining certificates and education through Hocking College. Taking money from his own pocket to do so, Jones is focused on helping students continue their education and start a career. “I love all the kids,” Jones said. “I want to help all of them I can.” Brian Koscho is the founder and director of Invisible Ground, a multimedia project focused on engaging the people of Southeast Ohio with their communities and history. Invisible Ground recently featured Sam’s Gym in an episode of its podcast. Koscho felt the gym represented Southeast Ohio well and its history

needed to be shared. “His stories aren’t limited to that gym,” Koscho said. “There’s so many there but they also go to Madison Square Garden and around the world, where he becomes another advocate for our region.” Koscho spoke to the lasting effects the gym creates, praising the committed work and inspiring stories. When walking through the gym, a person is met with walls plastered in newspaper clippings, posters promoting boxing matches and pictures from the ring, captioned with fighters’ names and records. The gym became a museum of boxing, showcasing many of the fighters it raised. “For him, it's like not even about the physical thing,” Koscho said. “It’s so mental and it’s about person to person relationship.” Some of the relationships created through the gym lasted for decades, turning fighters into coaches to carry on the legacy introduced to them by Jones. Chad Blevins, a boxing and kickboxing coach, started commuting to the gym from Marysville, Ohio 24 years ago. Blevins trained in the Bando system as well, and was introduced to Jones in 1999. “I shook that man's hand, I knew there was something special about him,” Blevins said. Under the training of Jones, Blevins acquired trophies of his own including seven national titles and an undefeated amateur record. Blevins continues to make the weekly commute to teach others the sport. “It’s one thing to learn, to fight, compete and coach,” Blevins said. “You’ve got to pass it on, everything just can’t die with you. You’ve got to pass it on to the next generation.” From coaches to fighters, the lessons taught at Sam’s Gym last. From inexperienced fighters, to those who have trained for years, the gym embraces new ideas while keeping its long-standing structure. Lucas Wright, a professional super middleweight boxer and middleweight bare knuckle boxer, trains weekly at Sam’s Gym and started his fighting career in January. Wright said the gym has been a “blessing” to him and the love and responsibility to guide is what keeps him coming back.

(ETHAN HERX | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

The Rights You Enjoy Have a History.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNIONS

Interviewer Studs Terkel knew his history, and he used it to educate other people. Because he lived in Chicago, he never learned how to drive; after all, buses went everywhere he needed to go in Chicago. At the bus stop one day, he saw a middle-class couple: a man and a woman. She was beautiful, wore Neiman-Marcus clothing, and carried Vanity Fair. He wore Gucci shoes and had a copy of The Wall Street Journal. Mr. Terkel talked to all kinds of people, and he spoke to this couple. He said to them, “Tomorrow is Labor Day: the holiday to ‘honor the unions.’” This couple’s attitude toward what he said showed that they didn’t like unions. Mr. Terkel asked, “How many hours do you work a day?” The man replied that he worked eight hours per day. Mr. Terkel asked, “How come you don’t work 18 hours a day, like your great-grandparents?” The man didn’t know his history, so he couldn’t answer the question. Mr. Terkel did know his history, and he answered his own question: “Because four men got hanged for you.” Mr. Terkel told the man that he was referring to the 1886 Haymarket Affair, in which four men ended up being hung. Mr. Terkel then asked, “‘How many days a week do you work?” The man’s answer was five days a week. Mr. Terkel said, “Five — oh, really? How come you don’t work six and a half?” The man didn’t know his history, so he couldn’t answer the question. Mr. Terkel did know his history, and he answered his own question: “Because of the Memorial Day Massacre. These battles were fought, all for you.” He then informed the man about the 1937 massacre of workers in Chicago. The bus came then, and the history lesson ended — much to the couple’s relief.

“We’ve been brought here as strangers,” Wright said. “But this gym, the logo, has made us all family.” Sam’s Gym is open two days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.

Source: Robert Chalmers, “Studs Terkel: The world’s greatest interviewer.” The Independent. 21 October 2007 David Bruce paid for this ad

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CASSIDY MCCLURG FOR THE POST The time of emotions has ended. On Oct. 15, Pluto exits retrograde, which means the need for empowerment will drive action rather than ironing out internal emotions. Aries (March 21 - April 19) Curiosity will energize you this week. Be a “yes man” and try things even if they are inconvenient for you. Use curiosity to tend to details. Your confidence from Mars in Leo will inspire someone to turn to you for advice. Show off your talents this week, Aries. Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Venus in retrograde is putting your social life at the center of your world. You will enjoy the company of family and friends, but have serious doubts about love. Take your time and think about what you say. This isn’t a time to be materialistic, so buying a gift could ruin everything.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Later this week, a friend will invite you to something out of your comfort zone. You should accept, as you will find less joy in things you usually do. Do not feel sorry for yourself for your lack of enjoyment, your friends will be there to help reignite your enthusiasm. Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Neptune is still in retrograde, so this week will cause you to be impulsive. Your best option is to wait. You’ll be determined early in the week to figure it out, and Mercury in Scorpio will help you through it. Tension will rise in your relationships, too. Keep your thoughts to yourself and work through them. Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) You are certain about what you want and so are others. Lean into compromise this week. Progress will reveal itself once you pick your

battles. A friend might tell you your faults. Perhaps listen even if it is hard to. Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) You are moving seamlessly into a new era. The moon enters Sagittarius on Oct. 14, which will make you feel adventurous. Jumping into something new keeps the past behind you, exactly where it belongs. Something is coming and it’s exciting, so prepare. Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) You might be in a disagreement with someone close to you. Remain calm and try not to sharply point out what’s wrong. You’ll be cautious this week around them, but remember things can change quickly. By the end of the week, your relationship has a chance to be restored, even if a solution doesn’t come as you expect. Sometimes all you need is to give up winning the argument.

CROSSWORD

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) This is the perfect time to meditate negativity away. Find concrete answers to all your life problems. Whether a confrontation with a friend or your life path appears, you are stuck at a crossroads. Start having those difficult conversations and listen to advice. Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) There is no need to beat a dead horse, Sagittarius. Give yourself grace instead of searching for more answers. Look forward, but do not stretch yourself thin just because the moon in Sagittarius makes you feel a little better. Pay attention to how you speak to yourself this week. Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) Do not rush things simply because you want to be finished. Good work takes effort and attention to detail. Listen to your peers so you are able to refine what is not

working. Mars in Leo gives you the motivation to get through this week so by the weekend you are ready to attend parties with ease. Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) If you pushed anything off this week, you did a good thing. You are able to take action more clearly. Move your body more during this favorable week. Spend time in nature, Aquarius. Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) Your emotions will be balanced this week, which is good when you have been thinking about how you feel about someone lately. You will know the answer this week. Risk can be a good thing, but it can be as small as trying a new shirt color. Cassidy McClurg is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassidy about their column? Email cm303824@ ohio.edu

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OCT. 13, 2026

Rocky /continued from pg A1 However, the tradition is much longer, as this year celebrates 51 years of Rocky. In a shadow cast production, performers act out scenes while the movie adaptation plays behind them. Beginning the first week of classes, members of Lost Flamingo auditioned to be in the show, splitting into the main cast of characters and the “Whorus,” an ensemble of dancers. Once cast, the main characters and Whorus began the rehearsal process separately, merging the two groups together in midSeptember. Peyton Smith, a senior studying marketing, is the Whorus’ choreographer and a performer in the ensemble. “They’re obviously trying to mimic the film in a way, and we have our own dances that aren’t already in the film,” Smith said. “We don’t want to merge it too soon, so we had our own time to kind of digest our own separate parts.” Rocky Horror is known to draw a crowd to The Union, maxing out capacity and

forming a line down West Union Street. Elle Mitsch, a senior studying theater production design and technology, is portraying Columbia for the second year in the main cast. “The whole community of Athens itself supports this show like no other thing I’ve ever seen,” Mitsch said. “It’s so important because theater is often regarded as freaks and weirdos. Yeah, we are those freaks and weirdos, thank you very much.” Before the film begins, Lost Flamingo presents their “sex museum” pre-show, a playlist of the latest hits and throwbacks with a few choreographed numbers for attendees to watch before the main event. “We interact with the audience a little bit, and it just sets the vibe of what they’re about to get themselves into,” Smith said. “The crowd really gets hyped.” Sexuality and pushing the norms of expression are integral parts of Rocky. The cast reflects these themes with their costumes, which

primarily consist of lingerie.

show.

Mitsch said being on stage in revealing costumes can be intimidating, but the connections built when bonding over this vulnerability is the best part of Lost Flamingo.

“You will grow as a person coming to this show,” Shafer said. “It will show you to be more accepting, it’s a wonderful show and you have to be able to clear your lens, open your lens and open your world up to everyone and everything.”

Anna Martin, a senior studying hearing, speech and language sciences, is directing Rocky for the third year. “I really do lead on comfortability, and wanting to make sure everyone is seen, heard and understands the boundaries within their roles." Martin said. “It is a very sexual show, it is very intimate and that’s some pieces that people don’t really expect. It also leads to opportunity for people to grow and to learn how to adjust in those different rehearsal atmospheres.” The themes of the show do not just allow actors to learn, but are also an opportunity for audience members. Elijah Shafer, a senior studying integrated social studies, portrays Eddie and said he challenges people who believe they might be uncomfortable to attend the

Jack Swaney, a senior studying studio art, plays Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who resides in the castle where much of the story is set. “You might critique your body, all that stuff, you might not think you’re sexy,” Swaney said. “Through doing my first year of Rocky, I found that true sexiness comes through confidence and self love. It’s truly just about letting go and, don’t dream it, be it.” The role of Dr. Frank-NFurter was originated by Tim Curry in the 1975 film. Following Curry’s passing in August, Lost Flamingo hopes to celebrate his life and legacy. “It was actually the first of auditions the day that he passed away,” Martin said. “It was very devastating to find out … doing this production

Athens celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month LIBBY SHOEMAKER HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Athens County celebrates through events hosted by organizations like The Ohio Pink Ribbon Fund and Hocking Athens Perry Community Action. HAPCAP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals in Southeast Ohio by providing basic resources. In collaboration with Ohio Health and CareSource, the organizations hosted the annual Brake for Breakfast event Oct. 1. Brake for Breakfast is a drivethrough event offering free to-go breakfast and resources provided by the organizations. Ohio Health also offers an

on-site mobile mammography unit and the opportunity to schedule yearly screenings. Jesse Reed is the senior director of life services at Ohio CareSource, which has been a co-sponsor of the event since the first Brake for Breakfast in 2020. Reed said the event highlights the importance of partnership in the area to make the event happen. “We’re here with our great partners from Ohio Health, from HAPCAP, so it’s really a team effort putting this together,” Reed said. “You’ll see as the folks are coming through, they’re greeted with smiles, they’re greeted with a warm breakfast, and the mobile mammography unit is the star of the show.” A large portion of Athens County faces barriers within

healthcare, with primary care being one of the biggest gaps, according to metrics from PlainHealthAccess. The organizations sponsoring Brake for Breakfast aim to bring accessible healthcare resources to the area. Heather Rockhold, imaging manager for Ohio Health, has been involved in the event since it began in 2020. Rockhold said it is important for events to be in the area, making free resources more accessible. “We’re out where people can get to us,” Rockhold said “There’s actually a bus stop that stops here. People can drive through in their car. We’ve had people walk through, and it’s about getting where the people are because this event is about

community.” Along with Brake for Breakfast, organizations in the area are looking to spread awareness through local events. The Ohio Pink Ribbon Fund is hosting Spa Night, a wellness event fundraising to support breast cancer survivors in Southeast Ohio and West Virginia. The event takes place Oct. 16 at 5 p.m., and tickets start at $50 for non-survivors. All survivors receive free entry. The event isbat Athens Elks Lodge, located at 600 W. Union St. The Ohio Pink Ribbon Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support to breast cancer survivors. The organization currently supports Athens, Gallia,

for the past four years and directing it for three years knowing the impact that he has made on my life and on this cast's life. We want to make sure we make it the best we can.” The celebration of life and expression does not occur just within the cast, crew and attendees. Martin said the relationship built with The Union and its staff is important to Lost Flamingo. “The Union has been a great partnership,” Martin said. “Their bartenders and their staff always show support to Rocky and are always looking forward to that as well.” Rocky opens on Wednesday and runs until Saturday, doors open each night at 8 p.m. with the show beginning at 10 p.m. Entry for ages 18+ is $10, $8 for ages 21+. “You get to see sexy people on stage dancing, like come on,” Smith said. “Who doesn't want to be in a bar with their friends listening to fire music?”

CV592923@OHIO.EDU Hocking, Jackson, Meigs, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry and Washington counties in Southeast Ohio and Wood County in West Virginia. Lee Wood, founder and director of the Ohio Pink Ribbon Fund, created the organization in 2013, serving her first patient in 2014. “To be able to make ends meet when you’re trying to get through cancer, it’s just a huge stress,” Wood said. “Just being able to provide some help to them while they’re through the darkest time, because it really is a difficult time to get through when you don’t know what’s going to happen and you’re trying to make it day by day. So to be able to give them a little bit of hope for that and to give them some resources, that’s why we just kind of do this whole region.”

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