Issuu

State of the University address... pg. 4 “You Can See Everything” shows new side of Elizabeth Holmes... pg. 9 Color guard brings movement to music... pg. 11

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

Canada trade war escalates, Trump pledges payout for GOP win BRIDGET THOMAS FOR THE POST Monday, Sept. 7

THEPOSTATHENS.COM

SEPTEMBER 15, 2026

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 5

Flock monitoring in Athens continues amid public concern Despite public distrust of Flock cameras, the Athens Police Department maintains that they are a helpful tool. However, proposed Ohio legislation could restrict the use of the surveillance technology.

Happy Labor Day! Tuesday, Sept. 8 _________ U.S. escalates trade war with Canada The U.S. banned some Canadian dairy products, motorcycles and alcohol Tuesday after retaliatory Canadian tariffs on American goods took effect early Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. The escalation moves past tariffs and into banning certain items, shutting Canada out of U.S. contracts. These bans take effect Sept. 29, according to the AP. Canada’s new tariffs will affect $20 billion in American goods, roughly 6% of the $333.6 billion the U.S. exported to Canada last year. Eight of the 10 Canadian provinces already restricted or banned the sale of U.S. alcohol, according to the AP. Wednesday, Sept. 9 _______ U.S. claims to have hit 5 Iranian oil tankers The U.S. military announced it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers Tuesday in response to recent attacks on U.S. warships, according to the AP. Iran responded by launching missiles toward U.S. targets in Jordan; there were no reported casualties. The attacks between the U.S. and Iran come as the two countries attempt to control the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil transportation hub, according to the AP. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Iranian attacks will not go unanswered, according to the AP. Thursday, Sept. 10 _________ Trump pledges $5,000 to every U.S. adult if GOP wins midterms Trump pledged to send every American adult $5,000 if the GOP retains control of the Senate and the House following midterms, when he spoke at the GOP’s midterm convention Wednesday. That promise would cost over $1 trillion, which would worsen the federal budget deficit and require congressional approval, according to the AP. Following Trump’s announcement, Vice President JD Vance appeared to walk back the statement.

continued pg 3

LIV JACOBS | FOR THE POST Despite public backlash against Flock surveillance cameras, the Athens Police Department and Athens County Sheriff’s Office continue to benefit from the technology, according to Nick Magruder, the Athens police chief. Flock Safety is a company that manufactures and operates security hardware and software, including automatic license plate readers, or ALPR, to collect data. ALPRs, commonly referred to as Flock cameras, have the ability to capture license plates, vehicle characteristics and record vehicle sightings at a specific time and place.

Although some have speculated that Flock’s ALPR cameras have facial recognition capabilities, that is not true. Flock Safety does offer video cameras with human detection abilities, but the current cameras in Athens do not have that capability. The Athens County Sheriff’s Office and the Athens Police Department have contracts with Flock Safety. The Athens Police Department first signed with Flock in 2024. Athens Police Chief Nick Magruder said after seeing what the technology could provide, he quickly wanted to try it out. After seeing high success with the initial four-camera installation, APD decided to renew their contract, extending it until 2027 and adding two additional cameras. APD has now deployed six cameras in the city, and the sheriff’s office has deployed 10 cameras in the county. continued pg 2

Ohio’s resiliency was key behind quadruple-overtime win over Jacksonville State OWEN LIPSTREU SPORTS EDITOR Ohio (1-1 overall) wins fourovertime thriller to extend home winning streak to 14 games, beating Jacksonville State (1-2 overall) 29-27 in 2026 home opener. The hometown fans were the key to forcing multiple errors from the Gamecocks and helping Ohio bring home win number one of this season. “I’ve been here for four

years, and I know the support they give us,” John Hauser, Ohio’s head coach, said. “I mean, we were playing overtime based on where the students were at, and that was a big advantage for us. So very grateful to them. Our guys know it. We had recruits. That’s a great environment, and to get a win and keep this streak alive is very special and well deserved for our team’s effort.”

Graphic by Abby Doench, Design Director

Battle of the Greens supports, strengthens student music scene LIBBY SHOEMAKER HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER From finding time to rehearse and make music in a busy schedule, student musicians are brought together through the concert competition Battle of the Greens. The event allows students to perform, bringing live music with a twist of competition. Battle of the Greens is a live music competition hosted

continued pg 6

by Housing and Residence Life, designed specifically for Ohio University students. The event consists of three preliminary performances and a finale, with each act earning a designated slot and the audience voting for their favorite performances. The first preliminary round took place Sept. 9 and will continue Sept. 16 and Sept. 23. The finale performance will take place Sept. 30, which will reveal the winners from each preliminary round. continued pg 11

CC Plastics to potentially build facility in The Plains LAYNEE ESLICH | REGIONAL & NATIONAL STAFF WRITER The Athens County Port Authority is currently in negotiations to lease a building in The Plains to CCC Plastics, a Canadian manufacturer, to develop a plastic production facility.

The Athens County Port Authority had the building constructed, located at 5885 Industrial Drive, in 2024. The 60,000 square feet warehouse is located at the Bill Theisen Industrial Park.

The Athens County Port Authority was established by the Athens County Commissioners in 1995 and partners with the Athens County Economic Development Council by leading site development for economic expansion.

CCC Plastics produces “Custom Colour, additives, and compound concentrates, as well as a wide range of polyolefin and engineered resins,” according to their website.

The site of a proposed plastics manufacturing plant at 5885 Industrial Drive in The Plains, Ohio, Sept. 6, 2026. (ALEX PASSERO | FOR THE POST)

continued pg 2

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Flock Cameras/continued from pg 1 “The quality of life cases like thefts, criminal damagings; a vehicle hit-skip was a big one that we were able to solve,” Magruder said. “I just felt like it was a good tool to add those two other cameras.”

the government from deploying mass surveillance technology, as well as require government entities to obtain a search warrant before accessing data. The bill would also prohibit the selling of surveillance data.

Since their implementation, APD has been able to solve 30 to 40 cases a year using ALPR data, according to Magruder.

“Flock cameras and automatic license plate readers can be valuable tools, but a tool that can track the movements of innocent Americans can also be abused in the wrong hands,” Dean wrote in a press release.

Flock Safety has guardrails regarding data collected by ALPRs, referring to how long data is saved, and who can access it. Currently, APD has a 30day data retention period, meaning data is automatically deleted after 30 days unless needed for an active investigation. APD will be moving to a 7-day retention period following updates to Flock Safety’s privacy recommendations. APD has also opted to only share collected data with other agencies within Ohio, after receiving approval by someone in the police department. According to The Ohio Newsroom, Flock’s ALPR cameras have raised concerns statewide about the security and accessibility of data. Specifically, the use of data for immigration enforcement. Magruder said APD recognizes those concerns, but can assure the Athens community that searches of the kind are not permitted. However, a bill expected to be introduced by Ohio Rep. Levi Dean, R-Xenia, would put limits on how government entities may install and access surveillance cameras and ALPRcaptured data. The proposed Ohio Freedom from Mass Surveillance Act would prohibit

If that legislation passes, it would affect the use of Flock cameras in Athens, mandating a search warrant in cases involving ALPR data.

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“The Fourth Amendment was written long before this technology existed, but the principle has not changed,” Dean wrote. “Government power must have limits.” - Ohio Rep. Levi Dean, R-Xenia Violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unlawful searches and seizures, is of particular concern for many people who oppose the use of Flock cameras. Many claim it is a violation of privacy rights enshrined in the amendment. Young Americans for Liberty, a national libertarian organization focused on student activism, is currently advocating for the ban of Flock cameras under the Fourth

A flock camera on Richland Avenue, Sept. 11, 2026, in Athens. (ALLIE STEVENS | FOR THE POST)

Amendment. On Sept. 10, YAL set up a table on College Green, recruiting petition signatures for the ban. The organization has plans to establish a chapter at Ohio University. AJ Alexander, the YAL Ohio activism coordinator and the Ohio State University chapter president, was one of two representatives at the table. Alexander echoed the idea that the technology violates privacy rights.

just straight up Fourth Amendment violation” APD’s current contract with Flock expires in February 2027. Magruder said he hopes to make a decision about whether to continue with Flock by the end of the year. “I’m discussing with officers if this is something we want to continue or if we want to try to appropriate the money somewhere else,” Magruder said.

“It changes how you act,” Alexander said. “You don’t feel like you have any more privacy, and that is also

@LIVVJACOBSSZ LJ934424@OHIO.EDU

Plastics Facility/continued from pg 1 The Plains facility would store raw materials, grinding resin, blending resin with pigments and/or additives and extruding the resin into pallets, according to the Athens County Port Authority. In December 2025, Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik approved 17 projects aimed at creating more job opportunities, including the implementation of a CCC Plastic facility in Logan County, according to an ODD press release. According to a fact sheet on the ACEDC website, CCC Plastics plans to establish the facility in Athens due to growth in Ohio and proximity to new markets. The company agreed to offer 25 new full-time jobs at the warehouse, ranging from mixing products, shipping and receiving and managing engineering. Salaries would range between $42,000 for mixers, shipping/receiving and $100,000 or more for engineering managers, depending on position. All 25 jobs will have a retirement plan, health insurance and other benefits, according to the fact sheet. Local discourse has spread across Athens County regarding the plastic center, invoking social media disputes, organization comments and public forums. Citizens have raised questions

about the facility’s environmental impact, job offerings and tax revenue. Michelle Savage, a project manager for a construction company and a 10-year Athens local, is in complete support of the CCC Plastic implementation because of the job opportunities and tax revenue it would bring. “These plastic centers do create a lot of jobs, a lot of living wage jobs,” Savage said. “They also offer benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, shortand long-term disability, maternity leave. There’s not just wages involved in living wages; there’s other things that benefit and can help get people off the welfare rolls.” Savage lives in The Plains on 100 acres of land, but has no concerns the plastics facility would harm her trees, family and animals because of the regulations set in place by the Environmental Protection Agency. “I think everybody should be informed of what we’re actually dealing with and what the implications are, as opposed to just ‘plastic has toxins,’” Savage said. “But it’s funny. Everything you have, your phone, your glasses, your clothes, everything you have or use on a daily basis is made of plastic. So, getting rid of plastic it’s just another ‘not in my backyard moment thing.’” The Athens County Port Authority responded to environmental impact concerns in a fact sheet passed out during a Public Forum held Aug. 4.

OHIO’S FUTURE IS ON THE BALLOT DR. AMY ACTON is running to become Ohio Governor. https://actonforgovernor.com

SHERROD BROWN

is running to become Ohio Senator. https://www.sherrodbrown.com Amy Leigh Acton (born February 16, 1966, in Youngstown, Ohio) is a USAmerican physician and researcher who is running to become Ohio governor. MAGA and many Republican politicians are anti-science, but scientists have done an enormous amount of good in the world. We need politicians who understand real science and reject pseudo-science. Sherrod lives in Columbus with his wife Connie Schultz, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and author. Sherrod and Connie drive Jeeps made by union workers in Toledo, and are blessed with a growing family, including three daughters, a son, eight grandchildren, and their beloved rescue dogs, Franklin and Walter. David Bruce paid for this ad, which is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s campaign.

According to the sheet, the company would need to obtain permits from the EPA before operation and will comply with both EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s regulations. Janalee Stock, youth educator for Athens ReThink Plastics, an organization concerned with plastic use, shared a response to ACEDC’s fact sheet. CCC Plastics will produce pellets or nurdles, and nurdles are not regulated in the U.S. or Canada, according to Athens ReThink Plastics. When nurdles spill they can kill wildlife and transport chemicals. Nurdles were found in the Ohio River in Pennsylvania and the company discharging them was held responsible by nonprofit organizations, not the EPA. According to ACEDC, CCC Plastics does not run a water-intensive operation and recirculates the water used for machine cooling. The Athens County Port Authority conversed with Le-Ax, a water filtration plant in Athens County, to ensure there will be no impacts to local water quality. Around 16,000 chemicals are used when making plastics, according to Athens ReThink Plastics. CCC Plastics’ process is adding chemicals to resins, and there is no way to know the chemicals used in the manufacturing process due to proprietary formula secrecy.

Nic Swain, a 10-year Athens resident, currently lives in The Plains and heard about CCC Plastics through a local Facebook group. He shared Athens has been allowing companies to come into the county and pollute the nature that makes the area special. Swain used to work in a plastic factory and described conditions as “disgusting”. He also does not believe the facility will create enough jobs to make the environmental impact worth it.

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“I mean just between hearing about that, and then the possible data center down here,” Swain said. “It’s just so disappointing, so many people down here don’t even have reliable internet, and they want to put a data center down here. Who is that even benefiting?” - Nic Swain, 10-year Athens resident @LAYNEEESLICH LE211424@OHIO.EDU

STRENGTHEN AND PROTECT UNIONS Unions built the American middle class. The weekend, overtime pay, workplace safety standards, child labor laws — none of that was handed down out of corporate generosity. Organized workers forced the country to recognize that labor is not disposable and that safety and dignity on the job matters. Over the last few decades, union power has been chipped away while executive compensation exploded. When workers cannot negotiate, wages stagnate, benefits erode, and jobs become more precarious. Strengthening and protecting unions means defending the right to organize without retaliation, passing real penalties for companies that break labor laws, and repealing policies that weaken collective bargaining. A strong labor movement does not hurt the economy. It stabilizes it. When workers have a voice, they earn more, spend more, and build communities that last.

people need a place to live that doesonnot likebut the Sword of Damocles. Note: This is Jerrad Christian’s position thisfeel issue, many centrist and progressive politicians hold similar positions. CONFIRM YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION: www.usa.gov/confirm-voter-registration • VISIT CAN I VOTE [ https://www.nass.org/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. DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE: MON ,OCT. 5 EARLY VOTING IN OHIO BEGINS ON TUE, OCT. 6

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3RD

SEPT. 15 2026

US Headlines/continued from pg 1 BEN PENNINGTON | FOR THE POST

Blotter: Burglaries, harassments, trespassing KAITLIN HOGG | NEWS STAFF WRITER Friday, Sept. 4 _________ Social media harassment Deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded after an individual in Albany said they were harassed via social media. The individual was told to block the harasser and to report them to the social media platform. Trespassing Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched after receiving a report of someone trespassing on someone’s property. Deputies on the scene took a report. Deputies were later able to locate the trespasser and gave them a trespass warning. Deputies cleared the scene and resumed patrol.

Vance said the payments would not go to the wealthy and could be paid by revenue generated from U.S. tariffs. However, the revenue from the tariffs would not cover the cost of the proposed payments, according to the AP. Trump says oil prices will likely not drop until after midterms On Wednesday, Trump said oil prices, which have surged because of the Iran War, will likely not drop until after the midterm elections, according to the AP. International Brent crude oil went over the $100 threshold for the first time since July on Wednesday as oil prices jumped more than 3%, according to the AP. Trump claims the conflict will end shortly after the elections. He claimed Iran will not be able to hold out any longer after the midterms, according to the AP. Friday, Sept.11 _________ U.S. progresses in reopening Strait of Hormuz, Iran war continues The U.S. succeeded in loosening the grip Iran has on the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. blocked almost all of Iran’s oil exports and contributed to Iran’s crumbling economy, according to the AP. Mona Yacoubian, a Middle

East expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., said the U.S. is not winning the war with Iran despite its recent success in the Strait, according to the AP. Iran initially closed the Strait of Hormuz to leverage its economic position, but recently, a U.S. blockade has virtually halted all of Iran’s exports, according to the AP. Sunday, Sept. 13 _________ Users in Yemen attempt to develop advanced weapons with AI, Anthropic says Anthropic said Claude users in northern Yemen, controlled by Iran-backed Houthis, tried to use artificial intelligence to develop advanced missiles, according to the AP. Anthropic said it blocked the users after identifying them and that an operational weapon was not developed, but there was a failed test of a guided rocket, according to the AP. The Anthropic report released Thursday suggests that the Houthis are pursuing more advanced weapons. The Houthis currently wield an array of drones, missiles and other munitions, according to the AP.

BT037924@OHIO.EDU

Domestic dispute Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Washington Road in Albany following a report of a domestic dispute. Deputies on the scene spoke with all individuals who were involved and determined the dispute was only verbal. It was also determined that all parties were safe and no physical abuse had occurred. Deputies cleared the scene and resumed patrol.

deputies were waiting for video footage of the incident. Sunday, Sept. 6 _________ EMS assistance Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Bean Road in The Plains to assist EMS in taking a man to the hospital after overdosing on methamphetamine. The man was taken to the hospital. Arrested The Athens County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit was on patrol near New Marshfield and Waterloo Township and located a woman who had an active arrest warrant out for Aggravated Possession of Drugs. The woman, Kendra Guess, was arrested and taken to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. Another arrest Deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Alton Street in Albany after receiving reports of a dispute. Deputies on the scene made contact with Brian Whitcraft. Whitcraft had an active warrant out for his arrest. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.

Saturday, Sept. 5 _________

Monday, Sept. 7 _________

Raging Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the GoMart on State Route 56 after reports of a road rage incident. Deputies made contact with all involved parties, but the incident occurred within the Athens Police Department’s jurisdiction, so APD took over the case, and sheriff’s office deputies resumed patrol.

Warrants of the week The Athens County Sheriff’s Office has arrest warrants out for Christopher Hill and Brandi Konkler. Hill is wanted for having weapons while under disability and possessing criminal tools. Konkler is wanted for theft, criminal trespassing and failure to pay child support. Anyone with information on either individual should contact the sheriff’s office immediately.

Stop fighting Deputies responded near Toledo Avenue in Glouster after receiving reports of a couple “arguing and disturbing the peace,” as per the sheriff’s office media release. Deputies located the couple and told them to separate, pending persistent disorderly conduct charges if the fighting continued. Not the car! Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Hebbardsville Road after a report of a vehicle broken into. When deputies arrived on the scene, they spoke with the owner of the car, who said nothing was stolen. A report and photographs were taken. At the time the media report was released,

Please put a shirt on Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to U.S. 33 by state Route 682 following a report of a shirtless man pushing a grocery cart in the road. Deputies on the scene located the man and determined he was having a mental health crisis. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Neighborly hate Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Elm Rock Road in Nelsonville following a report of a neighbor dispute. Deputies on the scene spoke with all involved parties. A report was taken.

Tuesday, Sept. 8 _________ Bad driver Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to The Plains area following a report of a reckless driver. Deputies in the area patrolled, but did not locate the driver. Deputies took a report of the incident and resumed patrol. Dogs on the loose Deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded near Old U.S. 33 and Swartz Road near Shade after receiving a report of two dogs running along the road. Deputies were unsuccessful in locating the dogs. Reported burglary Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Carr Road in Nelsonville after reports of an in-progress burglary. Deputies at the scene did not find anyone on the property, but a neighbor told deputies that the burglar had vacated the property approximately 20 minutes before deputies arrived. Deputies were unable to find the vehicle the burglar was driving. Wednesday, Sept. 9 ______ Not a burglary, a retrieval Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded near State Route 56 in New Marshfield following a trespassing complaint. Deputies spoke with individuals on the scene, who left after they retrieved their cow that had gotten loose. Trailer theft Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Lances Trailer Sales after it was reported a trailer was stolen. Deputies on the scene took a report. At the time the media release was sent out, an investigation was pending. Active Dispute Deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded near Connett Road in The Plains after receiving a report of an active dispute. When deputies arrived on the scene, it was determined the dispute was no longer active, as the parties had separated and one involved party had left prior to deputies arriving at the scene. KH303123@OHIO.EDU

Dolly Parton license plates surge, fund Imagination Library BRIDGET THOMAS FOR THE POST Between Dolly Parton’s death on Aug. 25 and Sept. 9, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has issued 259 Dolly Parton speciality license plates, which partly funds the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio. Prior to Parton’s death, the yearly total of Dolly Parton license plates purchased in 2026 was 533, according to statistics from the Ohio BMV. Athens County has 22 actively registered Dolly Parton Licences plates, according to Sept. 9 data from the Ohio BMV. Ohio is the second state to introduce Dolly Parton license plates, after Parton’s home state of Tennessee. The license plates cost an annual fee of $35, $25 of which is given to the Imagination Library and designated for the county in which the license plate is registered. The Imagination Library, established in 1995, is a book gifting program developed by Dolly Parton that delivers a free book to children from birth to five years old every month. Athens County began

its Imagination Library program in 2020. The Athens chapter was formed with the partnership of the Athens County Public Libraries, as the local affiliate registering families and giving out books, and the Athens County Foundation, as the non-profit handling donations and costs. It costs about $35 to sponsor one child for an entire year in the program, according to Taryn Lentes, the youth services coordinator for Athens County Public Libraries and the library’s representative on the Imagination Library’s steering committee. “So $175 pays for a child to go through the full five years that they are eligible, which is we think pretty amazing,” Lentes said. “That a relatively small amount that like an individual could donate could make a big impact.” Eleni Zulia, the director of programs and engagement at the Athens County Foundation, discussed the fundraising aspect of Athens Imagination Library Program. “Since we opened the fund in 2020, there’s been over ($)82,000 that’s been given to

the Imagination Library Fund from donors…to pay for the Imagination Library,” Zulia said. Ohio’s Imagination Library program has been statewide since 2019. Fran DeWine, the first lady of Ohio, advocated for the development of the program across all of Ohio. She introduced Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio with the help of The Dollywood Foundation. The Ohio General Assembly funds 50% of the cost for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio. The cost per book that a county’s local program partner pays, after the aid from both the Dollywood foundation and the State of Ohio, is $1.30, according to Zorger. Since August of 2019, over 28 million books have been sent to Ohio children and over 1 million children have participated in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, according to Zorger. Chad Springer, superintendent of the Athens City School District, discussed how the program and the Science of Reading initiative, is impacting Ohioans.

“We’ve seen an increase across the state in access to students getting books through this program, combined with the state’s push on the Science of Reading in order to increase literacy rates across the state…we’re going to see a long-term benefit to this,” Springer said. Statewide, 65% of all eligible children are registered for the Imagination Library. In Athens County, 1,839 children, 70% of the eligible population, will receive a book this month, according to data from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio. “This is holistic, of course, but we do see more students getting engaged in reading, especially at younger levels,” Springer said. “And combined with the efforts of Athens City Libraries, we’ve seen just overall benefit to students engaged in reading through our own efforts and through this collaboration.” Colin Zorger, the director of advocacy for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, shared the support they have been receiving following Parton’s death.

“We’ve received an outpouring of support,” Zorger said. “We’re very grateful for that through donations, but also people are buying (Dolly Parton) license plates in Ohio.” Children in the Imagination Library program are four times more likely to have stronger emerging literacy skills, including vocabulary and phonological awareness, than children not in the program, according to a study conducted by an Australian researcher. “It’s horrible losing Dolly… but the fact that people have taken that loss and turned it into wanting to help kids read through her program is just really amazing,” Lentes said. Zorger and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio want to continue enrolling children into the program and provide books to every child they can. According to Zorger, parents or caregivers can even sign their newborns up for the program in the hospital by checking a box on the birth certificate paperwork. “We’re really looking forward to the future and continuing to carry on Dolly’s legacy and vision,” Zorger said.

THEPOSTATHENS.COM

State of the University addresses faculty The Post organizing, university accomplishments Editor-in-Chief | Elizabeth Talaga Managing Editor | Gina Napoli Community Standards Editor | Nyla Gilbert Director of Business Strategy | Lulu McGhee

Lori Stewart Gonzalez highlighed the importance of tradition while looking ahead at how the university plans to meet new challenges. KAITLIN HOGG CAMPUS & LOCAL STAFF WRITER Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez gave her State of the University address Wednesday, where she described university accomplishments and new challenges. The first speaker was OU’s Board of Trustees Chairman Matthew Evans, who introduced Gonzalez. He said that it was his privilege to introduce a leader whose vision, values and commitment to OU’s mission continue to shape the future of Ohio University. “For more than 220 years, Ohio University has transformed lives through education, discovery, creativity and service,” Evans said. “That legacy is remarkable, but the future holds even greater promise.” Gonzalez began her speech by introducing the new freshman class and acknowledging OU traditions, such as homecoming, moms and dads weekend and cheering on the Marching 110. Gonzalez said in her address that what makes OU so special is the people, the students, faculty, staff and alumni. “I am starting my fourth year as president, and I’m continually encouraged by the passion of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends that they have for this university,” Gonzalez said. “This is a very special place and it’s both an honor and a responsibility to steward, along with the campus community, the legacy of Ohio and our historic and visionary charter.” Gonzalez mentioned the opening of the new Marching 110 facility and McDavis Hall, a new residence hall on campus named in honor of President Emeritus Roderick J. McDavis. President Gonzalez also said that the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Translational Research Center will open in November. “This facility will expand our ability to move discoveries from the laboratory to real-world impact, embodying

what is best about a public research institution: generating knowledge, improving lives, engaging students and addressing society’s most pressing health challenges,” Gonzalez said.

OU’s alumni network.

Gonzalez said these accomplishments are important, as they represent something larger for OU.

Gonzalez went on to recognize the resilience and determination of OU faculty throughout events in the last 20 years, including how the global recession in 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic changed all aspects of education and life.

“They demonstrate that Ohio continues to invest strategically in the student experience, in worldclass research and in the future of our institution,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez also discussed the financial, social and political challenges colleges are facing today, emphasizing how OU is positioning itself for long-term relevance and sustainability.

OU, according to Gonzalez, has continued to maintain the prestigious Carnegie R1 designation, one of 187 national research universities earning this classification. This places OU among institutions, including Harvard University, Dartmouth University and Johns Hopkins University, according to an American Economic Association study.

“Our university is facing extraordinary challenges, including relatively flat state support, limits on tuition growth, rising costs, inflationary pressures and questions about the value of a fouryear college degree,” Gonzalez said. “We must implement strategies to ensure that OHIO remains strong.”

OU is also recognized as a Carnegie Opportunity College, as an institution that offers high access to higher education, while “ensuring our students earn higher wages upon graduation,” according to Gonzalez. Gonzalez also touched on the importance of the arts and humanities at OU. “At a time when many institutions are questioning the role of the humanities and the liberal arts, we continue to believe that they sit at the heart of transformative education,” Gonzalez said. “It’s preparation for leadership, citizenship and meaningful lives.” Gonzalez also highlighted the importance of faculty at OU, saying they are critical to producing innovation, making discoveries and engaging in creative activities. Gonzalez briefly mentioned ongoing negotiations with United Academics of Ohio University, OU’s faculty union, regarding their compensation proposal. “We’re working through our first faculty union contract, an important moment in the history of this institution,” Gonzalez said. She also highlighted the strength of

However, Gonzalez maintains that OU has a strong foundation, with many assets to lean on as they seek new cost-saving initiatives. Despite this, Gonzalez announced that the university is launching a three-year campaign this fall to raise scholarship funds to expand educational opportunities for students. Toward the end of her speech, Gonzalez said in the coming months, there will be opportunities for members of the OU community to provide feedback, share ideas and help define the next phase of work for the university. “Strategy may provide direction, but people are ultimately what determines success,” Gonzalez said. She also acknowledged the importance of student admission and retention at the university, saying students who attend OU and graduate from OU are more likely to advocate for the university. “Every student who graduates represents a life changed and a promise fulfilled,” Gonzalez said. For those who were unable to attend the speech live, a livestream is available on the OU website.

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McDavis Hall, Shively Grab-n-Go opens for students KAITLIN HOGG CAMPUS & LOCAL STAFF WRITER Students at Ohio University this year were greeted with two new buildings: McDavis Hall, now the largest residence hall on campus, and Shively Grab-and-Go, a new dining option. McDavis Hall, named for President Emeritus Roderick J. McDavis, opened just in time for the fall term. The hall, which has five stories and 591 beds, is also home to shared kitchens, numerous conference rooms and study rooms. President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said during her State of the University address Sept. 9 that President Emeritus McDavis and his wife, Deborah, will visit the university later in the month for the official grand opening of the residence hall. In the same address, Gonzalez emphasized the importance of McDavis Hall for OU. “The facility reflects our commitment to providing modern, supportive environments where students can live, learn and thrive,” Gonzalez said. Ally Schatzer, assistant director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement for Housing and Residence Life, commented on the excitement of having students living in McDavis Hall this semester. “McDavis Hall is a culmination of student feedback and voices, and it is exciting to see years of planning, student feedback sessions and almost two years of construction come to life with our first residents,” Schatzer wrote in an email. “It’s been exciting to see students making McDavis Hall their home.” Kiara Skeels, a freshman at OU studying pre-med, is living in McDavis Hall and said she was very excited to have the opportunity. One of the benefits, according to Skeels, is the bathrooms are all single-user and very spacious. According to Schatzer, some work on the exterior of the university is ongoing, but the building and many of the amenities were ready when the semester began.

“McDavis Hall was ready for students when the first residents arrived in early August,” Schatzer wrote in an email. “While some additional exterior work has continued as the University completes the outdoor spaces, those areas, including the Adirondack chairs, swings, amphitheater, green space and benches, are already available for students to enjoy. Overall, the building and its amenities were ready for students to move in and begin the semester.” The floors are another thing Skeels said she enjoys about McDavis. “I love the flooring because it’s not tile,” Skeels said. “It’s like fake wood, but it’s super nice because it’s so easy to vacuum. It’s not getting stuck, for example, on a tile where some things are stuck and you have to scrub it.” At the beginning of the school year, there were reported issues within McDavis regarding access to hot water. Schatzer addressed the issues, saying they had no relation to the building’s infrastructure. “Shortly after move-in, Housing was made aware that some students in McDavis Hall had reported concerns regarding hot water access; these concerns were quickly remedied and were unrelated to the building’s overall infrastructure,” Schatzer wrote in an email. The second of OU’s newest commodities is the Shively Hall Grabn-Go, a contactless order-ahead dining hall. The Grab-n-Go provides students with three different varieties of food, including Italian, Mediterranean and hibachi. Shively Hall Grab-n-Go is closed Saturdays, but is open from 5-10:30 p.m. Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

on why the three food options were chosen.

option, he does enjoy what Shively has to offer.

“The three concepts, Mediterranean, Italian and Teppan (hibachi), were selected based on a variety of factors, including feedback from students about the menu items and concepts they would like to see as part of the program, as well as emerging food trends and the creativity of the Culinary Services chef team,” Ryder wrote in an email.

According to Wilson, there seems to be little interest in the Mediterranean station and suggested switching it out for a sandwich option, similar to what West 82 offers.

Ryder said between the three offerings, Teppan, or hibachi, has been the most popular among students so far this year.

“I think I’d prefer if they swapped the Mediterranean option for something else,” Wilson said. “Every time I look, there’s a wait for the hibachi and the Italian place with the calzones, but never for the Mediterranean food.” Ohio University’s Baker Student Center, Nov. 22, 2025, in Athens. (ALLIE STEVENS | FOR THE POST)

Autumn Ryder, director of Culinary Services at OU, wrote in an email that students seem to be enjoying the new dining option, with about 1,800 students being served each day.

The Grab-n-Go, according to Ryder, will be hosting its official grand opening Sept. 16. At that time, students will be able to tour the venue and check out the offerings.

McDavis Hall in Athens, Sep. 5, 2026 (HARRY MILLARD | FOR THE POST)

The Grab-n-Go style, as well as the food offerings, are a new concept for university culinary. Ryder commented

Peter Wilson, a junior studying English, said that while he did not think the university needed another dining

@KATE_H1105 KH303123@OHIO.EDU

SEPT. 15 2026

Editorial | Betting on anything causes everything to lose its luster

THE POST EDITORIAL BOARD FOR THE POST When our bets bear the weight of the world, we lose sight of the world itself. Online trading platforms create environments that assign monetary value to everyday events, and any action, impulse or worldly event can be put under betting odds. In order to engage critically with the world, we must treat our actions as having real consequences, not as prediction data on a screen. At their core, prediction markets are online platforms that allow individuals to place money on the likelihood of something happening. Users are awarded or lose money based on the outcome of the event, with trading prices going up and down depending on market activity. Essentially, users also buy

“event contracts,” a type of financial trading tool, and sell them as odds change. You can put money in and take it out or put more in as odds change in the hope of earning more. This allows people to engage in hypotheticals on sports games, elections and more. However, there’s one problem: Anyone can bet on anything. This problem is only furthered by a lack of cohesion between state and federal regulation. According to the American Gaming Association, prediction market betting has little state oversight at all, while 80% of users believe state regulators can help them with any financial problems on the markets. Oftentimes, they simply can’t. This creates an environment where betting becomes a financial tool or an investment. What they’re engaging with instead is a largely unregulated casino that has no physical entry nor any digital escape. Polymarket and Kalshi are the leaders of online prediction markets. The Pew Research Center found users typically broke even on their trades

while spending on average $600 over a six-week period. In this digital environment, no one really wins. Sure, there are some winners and even larger losers, but trades are placed with little regard for the events they represent. Take, for example, political election trading in this year’s midterms on Kalshi. The race between Sherrod Brown, a former United States senator, and Sen. Jon Husted favors Brown with 53% of users betting he will win the election. Yet, we don’t know the results of the election. Months before the election happens, individuals throughout the country are actively profiting off of unknown events. When it comes to elections, which are a fundamental aspect of democracy, there is a financial motivator to actions that should be guided by civic duty. Since many individuals who represent some of the voting constituency or supporters of a campaign, researchers argue prediction markets play a larger role in predicting the outcomes of an election. Some

have gone so far as to suggest prediction markets will replace political polling to measure public opinion about elected officials. This presents a serious problem, however. Think about a scenario in which a candidate is running in an election and users on Polymarket or Kalshi rate that candidate as highly favored to win. Users continue to place event contracts hoping to cash out on a specific candidate’s victory on election night. Some voters may see those bets not as a prediction but as a justification, as proof their vote will not count in the long run. Remember, we do not know the results of an election until election day. Yet, an inflated prediction market makes our political choices look more certain than they actually are. In this case, disengaged voting could become an unintentional byproduct of prediction markets. And many people engage with political prediction markets. For example, political predictions make

up 32% of the total volume on Polymarket. Although countless individuals interact with political prediction markets, we lose sight of what’s actually important. In this case, individuals devote time to political prediction games when they could spend more time learning about the candidates who they elect to public office. Trades are placed with more interest on their financial outcome than any real interest in the actual consequences associated with it. In all, placing a financial tag on everything causes many items and actions to lose their cultural and societal value. To this end, we trade cents for senselessness. The only real winners are the companies who dangle virtual fantasies in front of us with no way out and no promise for interpersonal preservation. The Post editorials are independent of the publication’s news coverage. Have thoughts? The Post can be reached via editor@thepostathens.com.

Ask Aleni | It’s not just about the game Outside the stadium, tailgates take over parking lots. The cornhole boards are out, lawn chairs are set on the pavement, the portable grill is hot and no matter the time, the beer tabs are popped.

ALENI BENDER FOR THE POST With the turning of the leaves and the start of school, the fall season is rolling in and football fans are gearing up. College football games are taking over Saturday plans and watching is the only agenda for many, or so we may think. We don’t all gather for the game alone; we gather for the experiences that come along with it. A day full of football is not just about the game. The sport brings every kind of fan together: the youth, the elderly, the alumni, the die-hards, the typical “college student fan,” those unsure of what teams are playing and everyone in between. Game days look and feel different from any other day for everyone watching. On campus, student houses line the streets. The blaring music begins at sunrise and students take over the front lawns, anticipating the game with drinks in hand and muddy shoes.

During gametime inside the stadium, watching the teams run out from the tunnels gives the spectators a thrill, and chants from the crowd are occasionally deafening. For those watching at home, people crowd the living room and the kitchen is busy. Children run around the house in team helmets and cheerleader outfits. Countertops and coffee tables are full of food and new recipes, with the additional smell of candles filling the air. Almost everyone has a smile on their face, and nothing but enjoying the company of those around you seems to matter. Inside a bar, strangers have conversations as if they’ve known each other their whole lives, but in reality, they have one thing in common: The team they’re rooting for is playing. Games can be viewed from just about anywhere, with every television bringing a sense of community. You don’t have to be inside the stadium to experience the energy the game produces.

Fans who gather and watch the game, no matter the location, celebrate or mourn with each other all the same. Football has the ability to connect people because it creates an inclusive environment for everyone. Those who study the teams and know individual players’ statistics can find the same amount of joy in the game as those who just enjoy people watching, the concessions and the band performance at halftime. For Ohio University students, Peden Stadium is the place to be on home game days. The Ohio Bobcats football team brings competition to the Mid-American Conference and entertainment to the crowd. In 2024, they won the MAC Championship game against Miami University from Oxford, Ohio. Since then, the solidity of the program remains. Whether you’re a student involved in the sea of green and white overalls, or you’re just there for pictures, the games bring entertainment and a time to connect with others. A part of OU football that will never be forgotten is the Marching 110. Voted the No. 1 college marching band in the United States, it truly is the “Most Exciting Band in the Land.” Their energy alone has

REFORM PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING Your child’s future success should not depend on your ZIP code. A child in a rural district in Ohio should not get fewer opportunities than a child in a wealthy suburb simply because property values are different. We built a system that ties school funding to local wealth, and then we act surprised when the outcomes mirror inequality. It is not accidental. It is structural. Education is infrastructure. We do not tell some towns they get paved roads and others they get gravel because their houses cost less. We should not do that with classrooms either. We have to fund schools based on students’ needs, not neighborhood tax bases. That means fully funding special education, investing in early childhood programs, paying teachers like the professionals they are, and making sure rural and working class districts are not forced to run perpetual levies just to keep the lights on. Public schools are where most kids learn, eat, build friendships, and figure out who they are. Treating them like a line item to be trimmed weakens the entire country. Note: This is Jerrad Christian’s position on this issue, but many centrist and progressive politicians hold similar positions.

the power to fuel the entire stadium for the second half. Any student Bobcat attending a game is sure to leave with a notable, and personal, experience. There really is nothing comparable to a college student section at a football game. Rain or shine, students will be there, crowded together and rooting for their school. For students attending the game for reasons other than football, the emotions radiated from others after a play, even if you don’t understand it, are undoubtedly contagious. To the fans, football is more than a win-loss record. At the end of the season, those who shared a game day with others remember the memories they made together, not just the plays made on the field. Football is so prominent that it’s even intertwined with holidays and traditions. Families, friends and neighbors kickstart Thanksgiving Day with the Turkey Bowl, a game of backyard flag football. No matter the weather, this is a tradition for many, and the holiday spread is not consumed until this event takes place. Additionally, for Ohio State or

Michigan fans, “The Game” is played annually the Saturday following Thanksgiving. “The Game” is a battle between the Buckeyes and the Wolverines, who are two of the top teams in the country and hold the title of being the biggest rivalry in college football of all time. New Year’s begins the close of college football with the New Year’s Six games, either ringing in the new year with excited or hopeless fans. Nevertheless, people are gathered together, experiences are shared and memories continue to live on. Sometimes, football brings a day of fun and a positive outlook for the rest of the season. Other times, it brings a day of superstition, sweaty palms and a loss of appetite. Regardless of the outcome or location, fans await the next game. That’s the power of football.

Aleni Bender is a junior studying organizational communication at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Aleni about her column? Email her at ab285023@ohio.edu

ARE YOU A VOTER IN OHIO DISTRICTS 2 OR 12? JENNIFER MAZZUCKELLI (mazz-uh-kelly) is running to become US Representative for Ohio District 2. jen4oh2.com

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Abby’s Angle | LeBron James’ partnership with Polymarket reflects a bleak future for sports

ABBY SHRIVER SLOT EDITOR Bright and early on Sept. 5, LeBron James posted a now-deleted 14-second clip on X of him walking into the Polymarket headquarters captioned, “Welcome to Polymarket HQ. Coming soon. In partnership with Polymarket.” According to Britannica, Polymarket is a “prediction market platform that allows users to speculate on the outcome of real-world events across popular culture, weather, sports, economics, politics, and other areas of interest.” In other words, Polymarket and other similar platforms like Kalshi are unregulated, nationwide gambling for anything under the sun. Users are no longer betting on over-unders and final scores. You can now bet on deportations or the outcome of the Lindsay Clancy murder trial. This is an active superstar using his global reach to normalize a

culture that bets on every shot, movement and foul. It is a dangerous shift towards an out-of-control gambling culture in sports.

effect onto the legal forms of gambling,” which will “contribute to increasing rates of problem gambling in the years to come.”

his personal stamp of approval to an audience full of impressionable young men is a complete abuse of influence.

This partnership reflects a bleak milestone for professional sports. James is the face of the NBA, and by partnering with Polymarket, he is signaling professional sports are surrendering to the unregulated gambling market. This isn’t like a player collaborating with Chipotle to make a highprotein meal. Sports doesn’t need a superstar to break into the prediction market scene – it’s already there, and by far the most popular topic.

Even though James’ collaboration with Polymarket will apparently focus on football, the distinction doesn’t really matter; a gateway is a gateway. Gambling culture produces no real winners at the end of the day, especially on a platform like Polymarket where 70% of traders lose money, and the top 0.04% take home the majority of profits.

The hypocrisy from league leadership muddies the waters even more. The NBA

Sports betting is still illegal in 11 states and retail-only in seven states, meaning prediction markets are incredibly accessible, driving their popularity. Sports “traders” are also the most active on Polymarket, placing an average of $9 per “trade.” According to Lia Nower, director of Rutgers University’s center for gambling studies, the widespread legalization of sports betting means unregulated prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi have an “additive

The health risks are welldocumented. According to the American Psychological Association, “Problematic gambling is indeed more frequent where gambling is easier to access,” and as prediction markets spread, lawmakers and researchers are “scrambling to keep up.” Despite this, James decided to partner with Polymarket and promote prediction markets, and I hate to say it, but it is that deep. Athletes are widely idolized by children, and APA points out, “adolescents and young men are particularly at risk for developing problem gambling.” James offering

has strict rules barring any NBA players, personnel and coaches from betting on games. Last year, former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter was banned from the league for gambling and sharing information with bettors, and former Miami Heat player Terry Rozier took a $100,000 bribe to fake an injury for bettors, leading to his arrest. Players who gamble on their games are a threat to competition, yet league executives partner with and promote the platforms that fuel gambling addictions. The NBA is closing in on a deal with a prediction market before the 2026-2027 season tips off, and the MLB already has a partnership with Polymarket. All evidence points to gambling being harmful, and prediction markets are simply gambling with fewer restrictions and government interference.

This move makes James look like a total sell-out. Forbes estimates his net worth at well over $1 billion. He doesn’t need the money, and prediction markets being his newest business endeavor is a total betrayal. Don’t forget James publicly criticized sports betting in 2023 and argued it has “kind of taken some of the integrity out of the game.” James doesn’t need a paycheck, and as the face of the league and role model, he has a responsibility to promote healthy habits and model ethical leadership. By partnering with an unregulated prediction market, he’s giving his personal stamp of approval to an unreliable and shady gambling platform that threatens the integrity of the NBA.

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

David’s Thoughts | Change begins with imagination been done. Change begins in imagination, when we challenge the status quo and interrogate systems of injustice.

DAVID ASAMOAH FOR THE POST Throughout history, each society has carried its own norms as a key part of social groups. While norms exist as part of human culture, it remains important in our personal and professional lives to question these norms, whether socialized or institutionalized. Norms exist for many reasons, including to guide and define behavior and are relative to each culture. According to Simply Psychology, “norms provide us with an expected idea of how to behave and function to provide order and predictability in society.” When we blindly accept what has always been done, we risk falling into a trap of comfort, as well as blind conformity to a majority or a consensus. Positive change in the world does not come when we blindly accept the state of things and what’s always

Questioning traditions we deem as normal and analyzing the status quo allows us to creatively challenge things in society considered the norm, but cause harm or or injustice. Historically, by not questioning the status quo and striving to improve it, we leave marginalized people vulnerable by accepting the status quo as unchangeable. When it comes to the history of systemic injustice, racism, prejudice and bigotry were accepted as normal and ingrained institutionally. For example, American slavery, while challenged by abolitionists, was considered by many to be a normal part of life. Through laws or agreements such as the Three-fifths Compromise, slavery and racism were codified and normalized into law. Yet despite ideas of racial hierarchy, Black abolitionists and enslaved people actively interrogated the status quo of their day, resisting slavery and envisioning a nation without it. Abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth and Harriet

Tubman actively challenged the status quo of their day by fighting slavery through various methods. Even after the abolition of slavery in 1865, restrictive state and local laws, referred to as “Black Codes,” codified social norms into laws, which not only severely limited the freedom of African Americans, but also dictated how African Americans were permitted to interact with white Americans. These laws were the roots for Jim Crow laws, segregation laws that persisted nearly a century designed to establish white supremacy and undermine the rights of African Americans. By observing history, we see progress often begins in the minds of dreamers, people who envision the world as it should be rather than just accepting it for what it is. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader of the American civil rights movement, spoke famously about his dream for racial equality in his “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged

by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” King said.

such as racism, classism and colonialism, inspiring a new generation to do the same.

During King’s time, many of his contemporaries viewed his vision as radical or too soon. According to a Gallup poll of Americans from early 1965, 34% of participants felt President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration was moving too fast overall on integration.

Of course, we shouldn’t be idealistic to a degree of naivety, where we disregard the complexities of the reality that we live in. Rather, through awareness we should challenge the status quo and utilize our creativity, our dreams and our imagination to actualize our visions for better lives and a better world.

But King’s willingness to dream of a just world and his audacity to believe in the power of social change led him to create effective change in his time which is still felt to this day. His refusal to accept the status quo has served as an inspiration for generations to not back down in the pursuit of justice. “If peace means being complacently adjusted to a deadening status quo, I don’t want peace,” King said. Imagination not only shapes the political and social state of the world, but also serves as a building block for artists, who through the power of their work, can inspire positive change in the world. For example, artist JeanMichel Basquiat, through his immense contributions to neo-expressionism, used his art to address social issues

Change begins with imagination, but should not end there. Like King and the many artists and activists before us, we shouldn’t abandon our imagination or dreams for the future because we think they are impossible, or defy the status quo. Rather, we should take inspiration from the dreamers of the past and utilize our dreams as inspiration to take action for the future.

David Asamoah is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to David about his column? Email him at da602024@ohio.edu.

SEPT. 15 2026

Student section propels win over Jacksonville State in overtime LONDON DEMARCO ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR In Ohio’s quadruple-overtime win against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, there were many times the Bobcats were on the ropes and had to look toward their rowdy student section to help rattle the opponent. Despite a 10-point fourthquarter comeback by the Bobcats, the Gamecocks found themselves in a position to kick a 38-yard field goal as time expired and to walk off Ohio’s historic 13-game home winning streak. The 38-yard field goal, while not automatic, is considered easy by multiple college kickers. As all hope seemed lost, a small group of students ran onto Victory Hill behind the south end zone in Peden Stadium, to distract Jacksonville State’s kicker, Garrison Rippa. This led to Rippa missing the field goal wide right by a good margin and sending the game to overtime. “We were playing overtime because of the students and

where they were at,” John Hauser, Ohio’s head coach, said. “That was such a big advantage for us, and I’m so grateful for them.” When overtime was about to begin, more than 100 Bobcats were inspired to help support their team on Victory Hill. People from all over the stadium ran to the Hill, some taking their shirts off and waving them around in the air to create a distraction. As the game went into the night and the rain kept pouring, the Ohio student section stayed fierce and loud while standing behind their football team. “I’ve never seen a student section like it,” Darren James Hamilton, sophomore safety from Charlotte, North Carolina, said. “Our record on the Frank is 21-1 now, and there is nothing like this atmosphere anywhere I’ve been.” The overtime periods came and went with no winner, and while the teams were switching sides, the student section would sprint from one end zone to another to support the Bobcats.

Wide receiver Riley Neer (15) celebrates a touchdown during the Bobcats’ game against Jacksonville State Sept. 12, 2026. The Bobcats beat Jacksonville 29-27 in 4th overtime at Peden Stadium. (John Fouss | Photo Editor)

Ohio beats Jacksonville/continued from pg 1 Ohio started with the ball and gained an early first down, but the drive stalled out shortly after, resulting in a punt. Jacksonville State took the field and immediately looked to stretch it with 6-foot-8 receiver Deondre Johnson who drew a pass interference penalty on the Bobcats. The Gamecocks tried misdirection throughout their first drive, with carries by quarterback Caden Creel and receiver Jamill Williams. Creel controlled the offense all the way down the field and capped off the 13-play, 88-yard drive with an 8-yard scramble to give the Gamecocks the early lead on the road, up 7-0. After a few punts, the Gamecocks took the field again and did not mess around. Creel took the first snap of the drive and hurled it to tight end Luke Gilbert for an 82-yard touchdown, giving Jacksonville State a 14-0 advantage early in the second quarter. The Bobcats took the field and began putting together what looked like their best drive of the night to that point. Unfortunately for Ohio, starting quarterback from Granite Bay, California, Nick Poulos took a hard hit that resulted in targeting on the Gamecocks. He was removed from the game and replaced by junior Matt Vezza from Elmhurst, Illinois. Vezza helped Ohio finish the drive, using his legs to convert a huge third down and found Riley Neer, redshirt sophomore from Bellefontaine, Ohio, on a screen pass for an 8-yard touchdown. The Bobcats finally had some life, down 14-7.

Jacksonville State needed to find some rhythm and did so with the connection between Creel and Johnson. Johnson caught a pair of passes for 43 yards to help move the Gamecocks into Ohio territory. The Bobcats forced a fourth down, where Jacksonville State botched the snap, resulting in a broken play that went the Gamecocks’ way for a first down. Ohio fought hard and, with the help of a holding call, held the Gamecocks to a 22-yard field goal. Ohio responded within seconds as safety and return man Darren James Hamilton, redshirt sophomore from Charlotte, North Carolina, took the kickoff 98 yards to fire up the crowd and bring Ohio within a field goal range, now down 17-14. Micahel Molnar, redshirt senior from Mason, Ohio, then made another huge play on defense, forcing a fumble on Creel and giving Ohio one more shot before heading to the half. However, the Bobcats’ 47-yard attempt was blocked.

The Bobcat offense took the field and got Duncan Brune, junior from Cologone, Germany, involved with five carries, plus two scrambles from Vezza. Ohio’s drive ended inside the five, and Will Hryszko, kicker from Strongsville, Ohio, cashed in with a 23-yard field goal to cut the lead to a touchdown, with Ohio trailing 24-17. Ohio needed a stop, and the defense delivered on third down with a huge tackle for loss by Kendall Bannister, redshirt junior and cornerback from Woodbridge, Virginia, forcing the Gamecocks to punt. After a massive thirddown scramble, Vezza went down and was replaced by Levi Davis, freshman from Lewis Center, Ohio. Davis got Ohio inside the oneyard line before Victor Rosa, running back from Bristol, Connecticut, punched it in to tie the game 24-24. Jacksonville State looked to end it in regulation and drove down the field behind Creel. He scrambled outside the pocket throughout the

drive, finding receivers short or scrambling downfield. The Gamecocks were set up on the Ohio 20-yard line to kick a game-winning 37-yard field goal, but the kick was no good, taking the game to overtime tied at 24. The Gamecocks started with the ball on Ohio’s 25-yard line, but Creel was stuffed on fourth-and-2, turning the ball back over to the Bobcats, who now just needed a field goal to win. Ohio took three quick plays, setting Hryszko up for a 42-yard field goal attempt, but it was blocked by the Jacksonville State front. Ohio took the field for the second overtime period and, after another slow drive, Hryszko drilled a 43-yard field goal to put Ohio up 27-24, giving Jacksonville the ability to win with a touchdown. The Gamecocks responded with a field goal of their own. The game moved to the fourth overtime period, where Davis ran in the end zone for the 2-point conversion and gave Ohio the 29-27 edge,

This all came to a head in quadruple overtime when Ohio needed to stop Jacksonville State at the twoyard line to be victorious. The rowdy Bobcat crowd behind the end zone caused a Gamecock offensive lineman to false start, which moved them five yards back. Jacksonville ended up just one yard short of tying the game, and when Ohio won, the team immediately went to celebrate with the student section. “I’ve got to experience a lot of amazing games here, and that was one of the best,” Michael Molnar, redshirt senior and linebacker, said. “The rain and the student section, and everyone staying. It means the world to us, and that really gives us a boost while playing.” Saturday’s win marks Ohio’s first win of the season and 14th straight home win, which is the second-longest streak in all of the Football Bowl Subdivision, behind the Indiana Hoosiers with 16 straight home wins. “It was just such a great environment to get a win and keep the streak alive,” Hauser said.

LD004224@OHIO.EDU meaning Jacksonville State had to respond. “Going into a game like this, the second game of the season,” Davis said. “I don’t think anybody expected the third string to go in the game, but the team did a great job of just keeping me confident and helping me along.” Jacksonville State was unable to convert, with James Hamilton securing the tackle just shy of the goal line to end the 29-27 and the quadruple overtime thriller Saturday night. “Wow, what a game,” Hauser said. “What a win! What a program win by everybody. Offense, defense, special teams and then playing in Peden. I thought the students going from one end to the other created a great atmosphere for our fans to get to 24 and one at home.” @OLIPPY17 OL415422@OHIO.EDU JOHN FOUSS PHOTO EDITOR

“Darren James-Hamilton, I mean, really got us back in the game with his kickoff return, and that kind of flipped the momentum for us,” Hauser said. “We needed that, and that was a huge play by him.” Jacksonville State started the second half with a slower pace but began to move behind Creel’s legs and short passes to spread out the Ohio defense. The Gamecocks took seven minutes to finish off a dominating drive with a 4-yard touchdown run by Khristian Lando to put them back up 24-14.

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Ohio falls to Davidson 2-1 despite last-second push BRANDON GROSS FOR THE POST Ohio (2-3) finishes its nonMid-American Conference play this weekend with a loss to Davidson (3-3), 2-1. The offense struggled until the very last minute, which sealed the deal for the team. Davidson was able to keep up a lot of offensive pressure and eventually cracking down the defense. “Conference, no conference, same preparation,” Ali Johnstone, Ohio’s head coach, said. “Tons of film and trying to figure out our super strengths against them.” Davidson dominated time of ball possession early in the first quarter, but neither team was able to score. After an onslaught of barrages from Davidson and the Ohio’s goalkeeper having to stay strong, the Bobcats had a few chances to get on the board. However, Marie De Grande scored for the Bobcats, but was overturned after it was put on the scoreboard. This led to a tie after the first and no momentum

from either team, with the score at 0-0. As soon as the second quarter started, Ohio tried to score by rushing the Davidson goal, but it was stopped and back in Davidson’s hands. This was the story for most of the second quarter, as neither team wanted to keep the ball in its possession for too long. The Bobcats did have a few close calls, with back-to-back penalty corners from Davidson getting sent away from the goal by Molly Schreiner. Ohio’s defense was the MVP of this quarter. It fended off minutes of repeated shots from Davidson, with four saves

coming from Schreiner in this quarter. Despite the defense having a good game, the offense lagged very far behind and not much was being done on that front. This resulted in the score still at 0-0 when the buzzer rang for halftime. “We just needed to step in front and just be a little bit more aggressive,” Ava Florence, Ohio’s back fielder, said When the halftime timer went out, both teams took the field again, each looking

for its first score in the game. Davidson was the first to strike around four minutes into the quarter. After heavily laying into the Bobcats’ defense, Davidson finally came out with a lead in the game thanks to Lourdes Wolf, the leading goal scorer of the team. Even after that goal, Davidson remained dominant on the ball, not letting Ohio get many chances at the net. Davidson piled on with another goal from a penalty. However, the pressure from Davidson did not stop after this goal. The Bobcats couldn’t get the ball rolling on offense, and sloppy passes also cost them important looks. The hole had been dug, and it was up to Ohio to get out of it in the remaining time. The third quarter ended with Davidson up 2-0. “Our body language is normally like we are out working, out hustling, out running, and we were second to the ball each time,” Coach Johnstone said.

“We changed our press to see if we could close the gap with their midfields.” At the start of the fourth quarter, Ohio caught a break and got a penalty corner goal. Davidson stopped in its tracks, but it was the first sign of life for the Bobcat offense in the second half. The pressure from Davidson’s offense persisted in the fourth quarter, keeping Ohio on its heels constantly. There were a few moments to breathe, but most of the time was spent on protecting the goal. “We just talked about how the energy we had in the last minute and a half should have been there the whole time,” Johnstone said. “Just try and bottle it up next time.” Ohio started to change the tide with a goal from a penalty kick with a bit over a minute on the clock in the quarter. This suddenly sent Ohio into a rush, subbing out its goalie for another forward and trying everything to tie the game. The Bobcats came up short, and Davidson took the game, 2-0. With this loss, Ohio heads on the road to start MAC play against UMass. BG326422@OHIO.EDU

Forward Karley DuCoin (21) during the Bobcats game against Davidson, Sept. 13, 2026. The Bobcats lost to Davidson 2-1 on Pruitt Field in Athens. (JOHN FOUSS | PHOTO EDITOR)

Ohio competes hard, ultimately falls short to Penn State, Stanford Senior setter Kendall White (12) sets the ball for freshman opposite hitter Mady Long (5) in The Convo, August 29, 2025. (JACKSON MCCOY | FOR THE POST)

JACK MULDOWNEY FOR THE POST The Bobcats are headed back to Athens with a 4-4 season record after a pair of disappointing losses at Penn State University. They took on two fearsome, nationallyranked opponents, No.12 Penn State on Saturday and No.4 Stanford on Sunday. Both opponents ultimately lived up to their pedigrees, but Ohio did not go down easily in either match. Ohio’s two-game slate began against the weekend’s host,

the Nittany Lions. The Bobcats displayed a valiant effort in this match, keeping both of the first two sets very close before ultimately dropping both nail-biters. Ohio fell by a combination of just six points in those sets, letting Penn State narrowly escape 25-21 in the first and 25-23 in the second. Penn State flipped the switch in set three and proved its national ranking, though, taking care of the Bobcats handily and completing the 3-0 sweep with a 25-9 win. The driving force for Penn State was its front-line hitters, as they took advantage of Ohio’s defense, winning the kills battle 38-29. Unlike in the Penn State match, the Bobcats were able to sustain their competitive level of play throughout the entirety of Sunday’s match against Stanford. However, they ultimately were unable to take down the top-five opponent, losing in another sweep. Stanford controlled the tempo and combated

Ohio’s resistance, winning three straight sets, 25-18, 2517 and 25-16. The Bobcats left this match with a handful of positive takeaways despite the sweep, as all three sets stayed competitive. Notably, the Bobcats were able to keep pace with Stanford on the stat sheet. Stanford finished with 39 kills, and the Bobcats only narrowly trailed with 36. Ohio shot itself in the foot with a load of attack errors, though, as it committed 23 compared to Stanford’s five.

Player Spotlight Bailey Blair, sophomore opposite hitter, carried the torch for Ohio over the weekend, but the team was unable to ride her strong play into a win in either match. She tallied 11 kills against Penn State and seven against Stanford, but Ohio was outmatched against both opponents, and Blair’s efforts fell short.

Blair will be a key piece for the Bobcats all season long, as she has been very reliable thus far. Her strong start has been highlighted by her team-leading 86 kills through the first eight matches, and she has shown no signs of slowing down. The Bobcats will return to The Convo, Friday with a double-header on deck in their home opener. They face Morgan State at 10 a.m. and University of North Carolina at Asheville at 7 p.m. This pair of matches will be an opportunistic change of both competition and scenery for Ohio, and give it the opportunity to snap its three-game losing streak and improve its 4-4 record.

Outside hitter Darbi Ricketts (16) jumps for a spike against Xavier at The Convo in Athens, August 30, 2024. (ETHAN HERX | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

@JACKMULDOWNEY1 JM760224@OHIO.EDU

SEPT. 15, 2026

‘You Can See Everything’ shows new side of Elizabeth Holmes KENDALL DAVIS | ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR On Sept. 6, the teaser trailer for A24’s newest film, “You Can See Everything,” was released. The trailer, running over one minute, features comedian and satirist Nathan Fielder engaged in a deeply uncomfortable conversation with the founder of Theranos, Elizabeth Holmes. For those who are unfamiliar, Holmes is known for her fraudulent business, Theranos, a health technology company claiming to run countless medical tests with the blood from a finger prick. In 2015, investigative reporter John Carreyrou exposed Theranos, revealing the tests produced inaccurate results. Additionally, Theranos relied on standard medical testing machines, as opposed to the “Edison” machine they typically used, to pass proficiency testing, a process through which labs prove they can produce accurate results. Eventually, Holmes went to trial for fraud and was sentenced to prison for 11.25 years in 2022. “You Can See Everything” is a documentary following Holmes in the 34 days before she is sent to prison, allowing a film crew to document her life and Fielder to speak to her personally. Interestingly, according to the film’s synopsis, this “intimate portrait becomes a mind-bending three-year journey.” It is worth noting the documentary will likely not consist of typical storytelling measures, due to Fielder’s previous work. For example, Fielder’s popular satirical comedy docu-reality TV show “Nathan for You” centers around Fielder using his business degree to help real small businesses bounce back from failure. However, Fielder uses unusual, comedic marketing methods while completely deadpan, leading to

moments of tension and awkwardness that are ultimately funny. The spiritual successor to “Nathan for You” is “The Rehearsal” — a show with a truly bizarre premise. In “The Rehearsal,” Fielder directs “rehearsals” to help ordinary people prepare for important moments in their lives using actors and extensive resources. As a person could imagine, this unusual idea leads to out-of-the-box television. “The Rehearsal” is fairly experimental, but it created an unparalleled television viewing experience. With this schema of Fielder’s past work, it seems odd he would take on a documentary about white-collar crime. However, for this reason, it could be he is the perfect person to take on such a project and potentially provide a distinctive perspective on Holmes’ life. Although the teaser trailer is brief and minimalistic, it sets a tone of tension and suspense. The close-up shots alternating between Holmes’ and Fielder’s faces as they speak to each other, combined with the eerie music and one wide shot at the end, create a strange atmosphere. The content of Holmes’ and Fielder’s conversation also stands out as peculiar. Holmes insists she is not deceiving Fielder, and is instead engaging with him “as a human being.” The conversation continues in the same vein, with Fielder eventually asking Holmes if she is “being real right now.” To this, Holmes says she is “always being real.” The tension of the trailer, however, comes from Holmes’ smiling, uncanny and unblinking facial expression in comparison with Fielder’s disturbed stare. As the trailer zooms out at the end, it is revealed Holmes is rocking a baby bouncer with her foot. Another detail of note is Holmes retired the deep voice she was known

Elizabeth Holmes at a Nuclear nonproliferation discussion in 2013 via Wikimedia Commons

for in her Theranos days. As revealed in a New York Times article, the voice was part of an act when promoting Theranos, and not her true voice. For the purposes of “You Can See Everything,” it seems Holmes embraced her more authentic self. Not much is known about the film yet,

as the teaser trailer does not give away the actual structure or content of the documentary. For those wanting to learn more about Holmes’ true nature, “You Can See Everything” comes out in theaters on Oct. 16.

KD305124@OHIO.EDU

Weekender Pawpaw festival, punk show, book fair LIV JACOBS FOR THE POST Tuesday, Sept. 15 The Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery is hosting its monthly adult crafternoon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Held on the third Tuesday of every month, the event provides a space to socialize and express creativity. Admission: children and seniors $8, adults $10 THRIVE, Ohio University's studentfocused well-being initiative, is hosting the Creative Coping Cafe, a weekly event in Lindley Hall, Room 052 from 11 a.m. to noon. The event provides a safe space for students to drop in, learn and practice coping strategies and connect with peers. Admission: Free Wednesday, Sept. 16 The United Seniors of Athens County is hosting a chili cookoff. Held at the Athens Community Center on 701 E. State St., the event is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Admission: Free Campus Recreation hosts its weekly arts activity in the Well-Being Wing of Ping Recreation Center. Held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can take part in a range of activities such as building LEGO sets, paint-by-number activities and playing with slime. Admission: Free Thursday, Sept. 17 The College of Fine Arts and Campus Recreation is hosting the Intro to Beat Making and Song Production from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Alden Library, Room 251. Jess Fletcher, professor of music therapy, is leading the workshop and provides a live demonstration of how to create a beat. Admission: Free The Athena Cinema hosts the fifth annual From the Hills and Hollers: Appalachian Film Series. This year's series starts with a screening of Bluegrass Country Soul. The event starts at 7 p.m. Admission: Free The Kennedy Museum of Art hosts local musician Emily Singer for a free outdoor concert on the front porch of the museum. From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., light refreshments are provided by the

Friends of Kennedy Museum of Art. Admission: Free Friday, Sept. 18 Casa Nueva is hosting a punk show for local music artists. Artists including Emmalea Deal & The Hot Mess, Street Food and Split The Diff are set to perform. Doors open at 9:30 p.m., and t=he show begins at 10 p.m. Admission: $8 The Ohio Pawpaw Festival kicks off its opening day at its new location: the SnowFork Event Center at 5685 Happy Hollow Rd. The festival is three days, from Sept. 18 to Sept. 20, with local vendors, live music, special events and a lineup of presentations. Admission: $20.58 to $61.74 Saturday, Sept. 19 Casa Nueva is hosting Say Gay dance night. Presented by DJ Moose Knuckle, the event is from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Admission: $8 The Novel Notion and Clutch Collective are hosting the Meet Cute Market, an adult book fair from noon to 5 p.m. near the Athens Armory. Attendees are able to browse books and merchandise, as well as small business vendors and local artists. Admission: Free, VIP tickets are $30 The Catholic Ladies of Columbia hosts their annual Ice Cream Social at the Holy Family Center at Christ the King, 75 Stewart Sts, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees can eat a spaghetti supper, Larry's Dawg House ice cream and homemade pies as well as take part in raffles and a children's craft table. Admission: Free Sunday, Sept. 20 Brookfield Church hosts its Fall Party to celebrate the 15th birthday of the church. Free barbecue is provided, as well as games and activities. The event is at the Richland Avenue Park, starting at 12:30 p.m. Admission: Free The Ohio University Women's Soccer team hosts the University of Massachusetts Amherst at 12 p.m. at Chelsea Field. This game is part of Alumni Weekend, and the first 50 fans to enter receive a free Ohio University Magnet. Admission: Free

LJ934424@OHIO.EDU

Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA) said this on 21 July 2026 on the floor of the US House of Representatives:

Let’s talk about the Republican Party. “A party that worships one man above the Constitution in a cult of personality. “A party that demonizes immigrants and says they poison the blood of our country. “A party that calls the free press the enemy of the people and sics the Justice Department on journalists who they don’t like. “A party that says their political opponents are internal enemies and calls them, quote, the enemy within. “A party that is okay with invading our allies, including other democracies, a party that punishes their political opponents, that has deployed troops on our own streets, that wants to use the American military on the American people. “A party that believes any unhinged lie, fantasy, and conspiracy theory as long as it comes from one man. “A party that tries to lock up members of Congress for exercising their free speech rights. “And a party that has tried to violently overthrow the results of a free and fair election in the United States of America. A party that, in fact, pardoned everyone who invaded this building on January 6, 2021, and tried to throw out the votes of millions of Americans because the president couldn’t accept that he lost.” https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-22-2026 Note by David Bruce: Watch out for diversions from the issues. These diversions include calling people Communists (a Joe McCarthy tactic) and drawing attention to trans people and drag queens. (I’ve never had a problem with trans people or drag queens, and I hope that they have never had a problem with me.) Don’t expect Republican politicians to talk about taking money away from SNAP [food stamps], or about the price of gasoline (and electricity, and healthcare, and groceries), or about the vast amounts of money being wasted by Trump and the Republican party, or about tax breaks for people too rich to need them, or about how a few rich people think they are so much better than the rest of us that they should govern the country without input from the poors (“poor” means 1) impoverished and/or 2) low quality) and/or 3) me and lots of you), or about Trump’s war against Iran (let’s remember the 120 Iranian schoolgirls killed on 28 February 2026 at the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School), or about children in USA concentration camps. (A concentration camp is a place where many people are concentrated and due process is given grudgingly, if at all.)

NOV. 3

David Bruce paid for this ad, which is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s campaign.

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CASSIDY MCCLURG FOR THE POST The first quarter moon in Sagittarius is on Friday, and mixing with the sun in Virgo, it makes us want to roll up our sleeves and take action. Clean out the bad vibes and transform your life. Recent weeks have been leading up to this moment. Aries Aries, you are unbothered and approachable. Positivity is pouring out of you. You’re finishing projects and finding compromises with your loved ones. Don’t put too much on your plate because of your high stamina. Set limits and establish order at work or home. Taurus You’re attractive this week, Taurus. You should spend time with friends and do something you’ve been meaning to do with them. Platonic love is your focus this week, don’t misread it. If any obstacle arises, you are resilient. Make sure

to take your vitamins before exploring this week. Gemini Near the beginning of the week your intuition will be stronger, thanks to the communicative planet Mercury. Pay attention to your vivid dreams. Opening your mind will help you concentrate for the rest of the week. It’s about balance, Gemini. Rest before conflict. Cancer This week is about getting on the same wavelength as your partner. Compromising is what makes love work. If you are single, think about what you truly want. Don’t worry about change or forcing yourself into an unwanted place. If things don’t look how you thought they would, go in a direction you feel most comfortable with.

intuition and bring you to decisions that your soul already knows. Leo, you’re ready to live your dreams. Virgo Your feelings will falter this week, Virgo. However, you’ll find pleasure and positivity each day, so you can enjoy the beauty of life. Remember, doing things you love will bring you peace. The end of the week will make peace more clear, especially if you party. Celebrate yourself, Virgo. Libra You might be sensitive to opinions this week, but trust your instincts. Be intentional where you put your emotions and be patient. It would be a good idea to sweat out your tears or anger because there is an emphasis on fitness this week. Clear that head, but don’t stay in your bed, Libra.

Leo

Scorpio

An interaction will reveal exactly what you feel about someone. Tuning into those emotions will strengthen your

You may feel more courageous this week, but try not to let it turn into impulsivity. Things can get risky this week,

CROSSWORD

so be careful where you invest. Your family will notice a shift in your attitude because of your positive boost this week. It seems the moon in Virgo is encouraging you to be assertive in your goals. Sagittarius

Don’t be too stubborn this week, Aquarius. Your opinions on how things should be may hurt your relationships. Bite your tongue because this behavior is unproductive. Use your energy more thoughtfully. Be slow to anger, Aquarius. Pisces

There is an imbalance between what you are doing and what others expect of you. Your good heart gets used by others, so make sure to stand up for yourself. It is a good idea not to take risks this week, especially on Thursday or Friday. Stay close to your family this week, you don’t want to miss anything.

Make a friendship bracelet this week. Material things add a touch of luxury to your life; bonus points if your friends come shopping with you. You have a big heart, so use it this week toward loved ones and charity. Take advantage of your vibrant energy by working on a project.

Capricorn People admire your competency, Capricorn. Soak in the praise that others throw your way. This will give you a boost in confidence at the beginning of the week. Someone special will encourage you to have a strong sense of self and well-being. Things are looking up, enjoy the adventure. Aquarius

Cassidy McClurg is a junior student 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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SEPT. 15 2026

Battle of the Greens continued from pg 1

Every performance runs 7-9 p.m. and is located on the Oval by the Living Learning Center on South Green. This is the second year of Battle of the Greens.

the music community on campus. Beyond music, the event provides students with the opportunity to get involved and meet new students on campus through music.

Ally Schatzer, assistant director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement for Housing and Residence, shared the idea behind the event via email.

Noah Cornish, a freshman studying engineering technology and management, recently performed in the Battle of the Greens event. Cornish said he has experience in performing live and has been interested in music since childhood.

“One of the main ideas behind Battle of the Greens is that there are many talented students on campus who do not have consistent or accessible opportunities to perform,” Schatzer said in an email. “We wanted to create an opportunity that would give students that experience without requiring them to organize an entire concert themselves.” The event is open to all different kinds of music backgrounds and genres. The event staff handles the sound and scheduling, leaving the students to focus on preparing and performing. Battle of the Greens gives students a space to strengthen

“I started playing guitar when I was nine, and then about 13 or 14, I started playing live at local bars, local open mic nights, school talent shows, stuff like that,” Cornish said. “Later on I started recording my own music and putting it out on streaming platforms.” Cornish said he was one of the first people to go on stage during the first preliminary round Sept. 9. He said he didn’t know what to expect, but said the crowd was “welcoming” as he began his show. He shared how it felt to have the platform to perform through a campus event.

Noah Cornish performs the first set of Battle of the Greens at the Living Learning Center oval on South Green in Athens, Sept. 9, 2026. (ETHAN HERX | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY) *“It feels awesome,” Cornish said. “It’s a great way to include our music people, and it was a great way to get people involved. There was a mosh pit on South Green; it was awesome.”

studying political science prelaw, discussed how campus music events can create a sense of community by bringing students together through the shared appreciation of music.

For musicians, the event provides students to perform for the campus. For the student audience and bypassers, it strengthens the community and can be a fun source of entertainment.

“I think it’s really cool what they’re doing because I’m a huge fan of music, and I think music is such a universal bonding experience,” Moyer said. “It’s kind of the one thing that really connects all of us. So I think having that here

James Moyer, a sophomore

as an extra thing the campus does for students here I think is really valuable. It just overall creates a really big sense of community.” = The event gives students another way to connect on campus through a shared love of music. Ultimately, Battle of the Greens is more about just determining a winner. It gives students a place to perform, connect and experience the campus music community.

LS299724@OHIO.EDU

Color guard brings movement to music LIBBY SHOEMAKER HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER Ohio University Color Guard is a student organization and club sport. Combining dance and movement, color guard involves flag routines alongside choreography and music. The organization teaches members color guard skills and creates a space to connect with other students passionate about color guard. Members participate in free spin events, learn routines and have opportunities to perform for OU and local high schools. Cameron Everett, a senior studying psychology, serves as president and co-founder of OU Color Guard. Everett said seeing the club grow

is rewarding, and OU Color Guard is always welcoming new members. “It’s honestly one of the best feelings ever,” Everett said. “Especially since, at least when I came to college, I didn’t have that many friends and wasn’t a part of any clubs where I actually felt like I had a place there. So, getting to cultivate my own culture for people who enjoyed guard as much as I have has been really amazing.” Through their shared interests, members come together to practice and learn routines. The organization focuses on color guard but also gives students a safe space to develop their skills along with opportunities to perform. “We kind of do our own

thing,” Everett said. “We do a lot of parades, we do the homecoming parade and the Honey for the Heart parade.” The Honey for the Heart parade is hosted by Passion Works Studio, an art studio that creates opportunities for people with developmental differences. The parade kicks off the Athens Halloween Block Party in late October. Everett said the OU Color Guard is also planning to put together a winter competition team for flags. “We do clinics at local high schools around here,” Everett said. “We have routine nights, we do different getting to know you events outside of spinning flags. And then this year, we’re hoping to put to-

gether a competition show.” Ky Crampton, a junior studying political science pre-law, is the organization’s secretary. Crampton said meetings are structured, from practices and routines to spending time together outside of practice. “A big part of the group is a lot of bonding and getting to know each other,” Crampton said. “Not every time we’ll be spinning, but most of the time we’ll be spinning. It’s just a really big happy family we have going on there.” Crampton said she began her journey with color guard before high school, and described it as “inspiring” to see a color guard group at OU. “Color guard itself is kind of an auxiliary,” Crampton said.

“It’s a performance-based thing. It’s a visual for people’s eyes to see what the music is trying to communicate.” Kylie Metheney, a junior studying sociology criminology, serves as one of the organization’s social media board members and hopes to recruit new students. “I would totally recommend it to anybody,” Metheney said. “I would recommend it to anybody who hasn’t even touched a flag before. It’s a great way to learn leadership. It’s a great way to bond with people, and that feeling of expressing yourself through music is one of the best feelings you could have.”

LS299724@OHIO.EDU

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