April 8, 2025

Ohio protests against Trump administration draw 47,000

Ohio 50501 staged mass protests across Ohio against the Trump administration and executive overreach.

AMACHER & DREW HOFFMASTER | FOR THE POST

Ohio 50501, a political organization named for its mission of “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement,” held 57 Hands Off! protests across Ohio on Saturday in opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration.

The Ohio chapter is part of a broader national movement aimed at defending the Constitution and ending executive overreach, according to the group’s website.

The April 5 “People’s Veto Day” marked the fourth day of protest organized by 50501, following previous demonstrations Feb. 5, Feb. 17 and March 4.

According to the Associated Press, Hands Off! demonstrations were organized for over 1,200 locations in all 50 states.

An estimated 46,980 people participated in the demonstrations statewide Saturday.

Among the 57 Ohio protests planned, two were held in Kent and Athens, reflecting the movement’s reach within college towns across the state.

ATHENS

The Athens Hands Off! protest took place at the Athens Community Center at 701 E. State St. from 1-2:30 p.m. Protesters began gathering in front of the center as early as noon, and approximately 500 people attended.

At 1 p.m., protesters moved to stand around the fountain to listen to speakers and picketed along East State Street. As vehicles passed the picketing line, many honked their horns and revved their engines in support.

Audrey Ansel, a junior studying communication studies, said there was more opportunity for Athens residents to attend because the protest’s location was off campus.

“Obviously, you can hear how loud State Street is,” Ansel said. “I think it helps that there’s more traffic right now because of Mom’s Weekend. People are aware of what’s going on even if they’re not physically standing here.”

Most protesters held signs criticizing Elon Musk, head of the new Department of Government Efficiency, and the Trump cabinet, calling them “Nazis.” Other issues represented at the protest included the Russia-Ukraine War, fracking and mining operations and the resurgence of illnesses.

Warren Haydon, a retired Athens County job and family services administrator, had been researching how many people in Athens County relied on social programs over the past month.

He said he initially did not plan to speak out, but by not speaking about the changes people agree with, representatives will think people agree with them.

“Since ordinary people don’t know how many people are on various programs, I don’t want to assume that my represen-

tatives know this,” Haydon said. “I know from talking to their staff people at times they don’t have a clue.”

Edie Dale, an Ohio University alumna, attended because she had always wanted to participate in such a protest, and Athens felt like a safe place to do so.

“Democracy dies in darkness and silence,” Dale said. “It’s finding those people to help, so that’s why I’m standing up.”

Musk claimed on X the protesters at these events are paid. Ansel and Dale said they wish they were paid.

“The fact that they have to say that there are paid protesters is just them being worried,” Dale said. “We all know that anything they say is probably what they’re doing.”

Some protesters compared the times Americans are living in to dystopian novels. Mindy Cisneros, a local educator, spoke out against the current state of the world while wearing an outfit inspired by “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

“(My outfit) represents all things of the direction we’re headed if we do not stand up, speak loudly, and take back our country,” Cisneros said.

Cisneros said she is sad college students have fewer rights than she had. Cisneros fears student loans will have high interest rates and grants will disappear.

“What makes our country the country it is is the diversity that we have here,” Cisneros said. “What makes our country what it is, is that we not only accept but follow the differences that make us continued on pg. 2

MAGGIE

Top. A man holds an American flag while wearing a clow noes while protesting with others on East State Street in Athens, during the nationwide ‘Hands-Off’ protests against the Donald Trump administration, Elon Musk, and Project 2025, April 5, 2025.

Middle. A man holds his middle finger up in response to the many protester along East State Street in Athens, April 5, 2025.

Bottom. People gather around in front of the Community Center on East State Street in Athens

A man yells at protesters along East State Street during the nationwide ‘HandsOff’ protests, April 5, 2025. (ALAINA DACKERMANN | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

continued from pg 1 who we are. I hope that we all know something will be done and will be stopped before they move.”

KENT

Despite the forecasted rain, hundreds of people lined North Water Street and West Main Street in Kent, Ohio, to protest the actions of the Trump administration and Elon Musk.

The demonstration kicked off at 3 p.m. with the crowd chanting, “We will be heard.”

Many attendees held handmade signs, including one that read, “So bad, even the introverts are here.”

People of all ages protested various issues, ranging from social security to public libraries.

Cars honked in support as the protest continued.

A decorated van, covered in messages “Hands off everything” and “Topple the Trump regime,” circled the area multiple times.

Valerie Hohmann, a 34-year-old from Mogadore, Ohio, said she felt motivated to attend the protest to support her friends who are immigrants and cannot protest due to the risk of deportation.

“I feel like I am relatively safe to come out here and make my voice heard on their behalf,” Hohmann said.

Hohmann said she is appalled by the number of people who have been deported and criticized Congress for not taking action.

“It’s a complete overreach of power, and (Congress) should have stepped in on the first day when (Trump) was passing illegal executive orders,” Hohmann said.

Hohmann said Saturday’s protest was not her first protest, as she had also attended a Black Lives Matter rally in Hartville, Ohio, in 2020. She said although the Hartville protest was much smaller than the Hands Off! demonstration, it faced more counterprotesters.

For others, Saturday’s protest marked their first, including Ivan Liedel, a high school student at Theodore Roosevelt High School.

Liedel said they enjoyed seeing the community and people come together to do something productive.

“It reminds me that the world can be OK sometimes,” Liedel said.

Liedel said one of the most important issues to them right now is the anti-LGBTQIA+ laws being passed in Ohio. They said seeing the news is often disheartening, especially as they work on changing their name.

Liedel’s friends, Veronica Herington-Reese and Olive Holland, also students at Theodore Roosevelt High School, attended the protest with them.

Herington-Reese attended another Hands Off! protest in Ravenna, Ohio, on Saturday.

She expressed particular concern about abortion laws and mentioned her mother joined her at the protest, holding a sign protesting anti-abortion legislation.

Holland, who is currently taking an AP World History class where she is studying fascism and the definition of genocide, expressed concern about the direction of the country.

“Seeing how our country is descending into fascism … is really scary, so I want to make sure I can do anything to stop it,” Holland said.

The protest remained peaceful throughout, with participants expressing their concerns and showing support for one another.

Top. An American is flow upsidedown by a protester while protesting with others on East State Street in Athens, during the Nation-wide ‘Hands-Off’ protests against the Donald Trump administration, Elon Musk, and Project 2025, April 5, 2025.

Middle right. A man wearing a hat with the words “Made Ya Look, Never Trump” while protesting with others on East State Street in Athens, during the Nation-wide ‘Hands-Off’ protests against the Donald Trump administration, Elon Musk, and Project 2025, April 5, 2025.

Bottom right A women dress is a Handmaidens Tail outfit holds a sign while protesting with others on East State Street in Athens, April 5, 2025.

(ALAINA DACKERMANN | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

Middle left Protesters gather in Kent, Ohio, on April 5, 2025, as part of the nationwide “Hands Off” demonstrations. (MAGGIE AMACHER | ASST.

Bottom left. A man holds a Canadian flag during the protests in Kent, Ohio, on April 5, 2025. (

NEWS EDITOR)

MAGGIE AMACHER | ASST. NEWS EDITOR)

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Trump crackdown on universities sparks free speech debates

LILIA SANTERAMO | FOR THE POST

The Trump Administration’s opposition to campus protests is drawing legal challenges and free speech concerns, leading to debates among professors on Ohio University’s campus about academic freedom.

Recently, the Trump administration withheld $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, citing its handling of student protests urging divestment from weapons manufacturers contributing to the war in Gaza. These protests have drawn criticism for alleged antisemitic rhetoric, according to the Associated Press.

Columbia had to comply with a list of nine demands from the administration to keep receiving funds, which it conceded to March 21, according to the AP. These included placing its Middle East Studies department under the supervision of the senior provost and hiring public safety personnel, allowing them to make arrests and ban protests in academic buildings.

David Bruce, a former Ohio University professor and alumnus, raised the concern that the actions of the Trump administration at universities are similar to McCarthyism.

According to The American Heritage Dictionary, McCarthyism is defined as the practice of making disloyalty or subversion accusations with little regard for evidence and using unfair investigative tactics to silence opposition.

In a 1989 article for The Athens News, Bruce interviewed Robert Wieman, a philosophy professor at OU, who was involved in the U.S. Supreme Court Case Wieman v. Updegraff in 1952.

The case challenged Oklahoma’s requirement that state employees, including university faculty, sign a loyalty oath denying affiliation with communist or subversive groups or be terminated. The Supreme Court struck down the law for violating due process and free expression under the 14th Amendment.

Ohio law already includes a loyalty oath for certain state employees. Section 5502.34 of the Ohio Revised Code requires individuals to affirm they will support the Constitution and are not affiliated with organizations advocating the government’s violent overthrow.

“(Loyalty oaths) might seem pretty innocent,” Bruce said. “‘I swear to be loyal to the United States,’ but then you can

ask, ‘what does that mean?’ Does that also mean being pro-Russia ... If you are proDEI, maybe you’re not a good American now.”

Paul Milazzo, a history professor, said he does not believe loyalty oaths will return. However, he does think there will be more focus on what curricula at universities look like and how they should change according to the opinions of the people who fund the institutions.

“You are going to see legislatures taking a harder look,” Milazzo said. “‘What are you teaching? What values? Should we be happy that we’re paying you?’”

Bruce said the Trump administration’s punitive actions against universities, such as detaining international students like Mahmoud Khalil from Columbia University, and issuing executive orders eliminating DEI initiatives, reminded him of McCarthyism. According to the AP, at least 300 people have had their visas revoked.

“McCarthy was against communism, and now, I think Trump is against other things,” Bruce said. “The bad guys change, but it’s still McCarthyism. McCarthyism would be demonizing a group of people. It’s the same tactic — take away due

Flood warnings persist as Hocking River levels rise

MAGGIE AMACHER | ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Heavy rainfall in Southeast Ohio this week has led to significant flooding in Athens County, particularly along the Hocking River and its tributaries.

The Athens County Emergency Management Agency issued a flood warning in a press release Friday, effective from April 4 at 8:15 a.m. through April 8 at 11 a.m.

As of 10:15 p.m. Saturday, the National Water Prediction Service reported flooding at 20.17 feet, within the minor flooding stage, with a peak expected at 20.3 feet around 2 a.m. Sunday.

The most recent flood in Athens to reach a similar level occurred Feb. 19, 2022, when the river hit 20.10 feet.

The Athens County EMA urged residents to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to seek higher ground if flooding becomes imminent.

As of Saturday night, several roads surrounding Athens closed due to flooding, including SR-239 Northbound, SR-144 Northbound and SR356 Northbound, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

As the flood rises to 20 feet, low-lying areas and campgrounds along the river between Athens and Coolville are expected to flood. Levees protect the City of Athens up to 26 feet.

The highest recorded flood in Athens’ history was 26.70 feet, which was recorded March 14, 1907.

The EMA urged residents to contact their local floodplain administrator if they notice significant property damage. If unsure of who the local administrator is, residents can contact the Athens County Planning Office at 740-447-5890.

@MAGGIE.AMACHER MA657122@OHIO.EDU

process, take away free speech, take away the right of association.”

Milazzo said some protests have crossed legal lines because they infringe on the rights of Jewish students. He believes the Trump administration is justified in withholding federal funding under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which protects individuals from discrimination in federally funded programs.

“If you’re getting money from the government, you have to sort of live up to certain government regulations and principles, and basic nondiscrimination is one of them, and creating a hostile academic environment for Jews, or anyone really, based on race, class, ethnicity, it’s a nono,” Milazzo said.

Both Milazzo and Bruce said the courts will ultimately decide how to settle the new legal matter of free speech rights at universities.

Bruce said he is hopeful that the courts will check government overreach in cases where the administration has acted out of line.

“I tend to have faith in the legal system, even though Trump seems very willing to disobey the roll lanes,” Bruce said.

LS241422@OHIO.EDU

The Hocking River photographed from above after 5.3 inches of rain. (BECKETT STARK | FOR THE POST)

Police Blotter: Just the fax, gilded in paint

DREW HOFFMASTER | NEWS STAFF WRITER

28 Fri ___________________________

Can you run an errand for me?

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a request to retrieve a lost cell phone from the Athens City Police Department.

The phone was reported lost from the Athens Walmart and was found at Wrightstown Road in Amesville. The Athens County Sheriff’s Office received the phone and passed it along to the Athens City Police Department.

Gilded in paint

In the morning, Ohio University Police Department officers responded to Glidden Hall for graffiti.

According to the OUPD report, graffiti was found in multiple areas of the building, and the type of offense and incident was “destruction of property.”

29 Sat___________________________

‘Artful’ experiment

Multiple parts of the Chemistry Building were defaced with paint and damaged early in the morning, according to an OUPD report.

The incident type and offense was “suspicious activity.”

Hot tubbing leads to too much enjoyment

Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies went to Levering Road in Nelsonville for a noise complaint.

Deputies discovered the noise was coming from a group of people in a hot tub. Deputies told the group to quiet down to prevent further complaints.

30 Sun__________________________

Just a competition

According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, gunshots were heard on Wooten Road in Athens.

The area was patrolled by deputies who determined the sound was from a shooting competition at Enlow Road.

Dog locked in vehicle

According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, a dog was reported locked in a vehicle at Movies 10 in Nelsonville.

Deputies went to the scene to investigate; however, no vehicle with a dog locked in it was found.

31 Mon__________________________ Just the fax

A call was received by the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, where only static could be heard from the Federal Hocking Local Schools.

It was determined at the scene the call came from a fax machine that likely had a line malfunction.

My power is to control traffic

The Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about an

unauthorized traffic signal placed near state Route 681 in Albany.

After talking to deputies, the owner agreed to turn the unauthorized traffic signal off.

1 Tue __________________________

Mystery of the bullet hole

According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a criminal damage report at a residence on Mill Street in Chauncey. The caller said there was a small hole in the side of the garage and a spent bullet inside the garage. A report was taken, and an investigation is pending.

Vehicle hunters

Deputies from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to state Route 78 in Glouster to a report of people with flashlights walking around a residence.

Deputies spoke to an individual at the residence who showed paperwork confirming he had permission to be at the property and to collect vehicles.

2 Wed __________________________

I’m just hungry, man

A suspicious man was reported at U.S. Route 50 between Athens and Guysville to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded and talked with the man. The man said he was fine, traveling from Columbus and looking for a close place to eat. The units advised the man a gas station with food was a few miles down the road.

Hide and seek failure

Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to locate a man with several warrants at a home located on Back Street in Millfield. The man was located hiding under a house and was arrested.

3 Thur __________________________

The grand chase

The Nelsonville Police Department called the Athens County Sheriff’s Office to assist with an active vehicle pursuit for a man with active felony warrants.

During the chase, the man abandoned his vehicle around Pancake Road and West Bailey Road and started to flee on foot. Deputies deployed a drone unit and a K9 unit to locate the man.

The man’s location was found to be in the woods, and deputies gave the man multiple warnings to comply. The K9 unit and officers stood alert while the man surrendered and was taken into custody by the Nelsonville Police Department. @DREWHJOURNALIST

How students can access SNAP benefits

AVERY ST.GEORGE | FOR THE POST

Hundreds of students may be eligible for food assistance through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but many do not apply.

SNAP is a federal program aimed at addressing food insecurity and ensuring those of all incomes can afford a healthy meal.

However, SNAP benefits can’t be used for everything. The recommended use of benefits is to buy nutritional items such as fruits, vegetables, bread, meat and dairy, but they can also be used to buy certain snack foods and beverages. SNAP benefits cannot be spent on alcohol, tobacco, pre-made foods or cleaning and hygiene supplies.

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 42 million individuals rely on SNAP benefits as of June 2024. Additionally, over 22 million households utilize those benefits as well.

About 3.8 million college students faced food insecurity in 2020, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The same study also found 3.3 million students were eligible for SNAP benefits, but 67% reported they were not receiving any.

Full-time college students in Ohio can apply for these benefits as long as they meet at least one of the eligibility requirements.

These requirements include working at least 20 hours a week, participating in a work-study program, caring for a child, having a disability or taking part in an onthe-job training program.

Lauren Malone, health and hunger manager for the Southeast Ohio Foodbank, said the SNAP benefits application process is fairly simple if you know what information is and isn’t needed.

“One thing I would tell people who are going to apply is that you don’t have to fill out the entire application,” Malone said. “All you really need, especially if you apply online, is your name, your physical address where you can get mail, and your signature.”

After completing this form, Malone said applicants have to get in contact with Job and Family Servicesto verify their income status. She also said many people who apply don’t know you can make that phone call the same day to speed the process up.

If applicants take these steps, Malone said the whole process shouldn’t take longer than a month, but people don’t always know the most efficient way to do it.

“If I did all of that right now today, it would take no more than 30 days, however, it doesn’t always happen that way,” Malone said. “I would say anywhere between 30 to 45 days total, from filling out the application to getting a card in your hands, is gonna be how long it will take.”

Recently, however, the State of Ohio added another step in the application process that may make it more difficult for some people to receive benefits. People applying for SNAP benefits in Ohio must now make an “OH ID” if they’re applying online and then sign in using that information before they can complete their application.

College students applying for benefits will also have to get a signature from the Office of Financial Aid, Registrar or Dean of Students verifying their enrollment. Once the application is approved,

What you can buy with SNAP benifits

Yes No

people will receive an electronic benefits transfer, or EBT card in the mail with their allotted financial benefits. Malone said for an individual applicant, this number can range anywhere from $23 to almost $300, depending on their need.

In Athens, SNAP benefits can be used at most big-name grocery retailers such as Kroger, Walmart and Aldi as well as the Athens County Farmers Market, but these locations are only accessible to students by car or public transportation.

On campus, students can use SNAP benefits to shop at Jefferson Market.

An additional option for students living on campus is Cat’s Cupboard, which is

located in Baker Center and available to anyone, according to Catherine Lachman, OU’s basic needs coordinator.

“Another way students can have access to food is through Cat’s Cupboard, which is available to all OHIO students, faculty and staff. There is no requirement to verify income, and all food provided by Cat’s Cupboard is free, so there is no need to use SNAP,” Lachman wrote in an email.

Students do not have to qualify for SNAP benefits, but they do have to schedule a time to shop at Cat’s Cupboard. This service is available by appointment only, and students can receive food twice a month during the school year.

Lachman estimated the Cat’s Cupboard receives 400-500 visits per month from OU students and said this access to food is important to ensuring students perform well academically.

“Food insecurity can have a number of negative effects to students,” Lachman wrote in an email. “Increased stress, sleep disturbances, and a negative impact on physical and mental well-being are also potential concerns for students faced with ongoing food insecurity.”

Cat’s Cupboard food pantry on the fifth floor of Baker University Center in Athens, March 17, 2025. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)

Organizations, students emphasize sustainability for Beautification Month

As spring blooms in Athens, the town’s cherry blossom trees, hiking trails and greenery invite locals and Bobcats alike to bask in the relaxing atmosphere and enjoy the outdoors.

April not only symbolizes springtime in the neighborhood but also welcomes Athens Beautification Month, a time in which residents, and students are encouraged to give back to the environment.

The Center for Community Engagement teams up with the Office of Sustainability each year to coordinate the events, all of which focus on areas of need.

Courtney Lefebvre, associate director for community engagement, was hired in 2019 and did not witness an in-person beautification celebration until 2021 due to the pandemic.

“Historically, Athens Beautification Day has been a really long-standing tradition with OU and the community of Athens,” Lefebvre said.

What started as a team of 20 student leaders hosting Athens Beautification Day evolved in 2021 to a month of service opportunities for students and residents led by the Center for Community Engagement and the city.

“We tried to flip the script and open it up to a month to allow the nonprofit community to really push out opportuni-

ties for people, volunteers in the community and students, to get involved in work that they needed to get done,” Lefebvre said.

Each beautification project provides students, staff, faculty and locals “opportunities to help clean up and beautify the community.” From gardening to tree planting to fest cleanups to a 5K for Breast Cancer research, there are a variety of ways people can get their hands dirty.

Changing a day's work into a month’s provides those interested with more projects to choose from and a flexible schedule. Additionally, some Bobcats find themselves completing both community service and internship hours.

Caitlyn Conklin, a senior studying environmental science and sustainability, was offered an internship by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and is required to establish a “long-lasting” volunteer project.

Luckily for Conklin, this was an easy task. She said serving the environment is not only fun but also vital in sustaining a clean and safe space for animals and humans. Her project, a litter clean-up at Strouds Run State Park, started March 29 and will continue April 19 and 26 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“I have always grown up really caring about not littering and just trying to take care of our environment,” Conklin said. “It kind of sucks to see other people not care as much, but it is also really nice to know that we have people coming out and being able to clean it up.”

Located along the Hocking River and within Appalachian Ohio, Athens has been noted for its greenery and versatile outdoor spaces. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says over 233 neighborhoods in Ohio are recognized as “Tree Cities,” Athens included.

The ODNR is home to a group of forest fanatics who assist tree and planning commissions, beautification organizations, public service departments and townships in their regions. Ann Bonner, a regional urban and community forester, serves Region 2 and works on the Tree City USA national awards program each year.

The program awards cities across the U.S. that are planting and protecting trees. To be acknowledged as an official Tree City, a city must meet four requirements created by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.

These requirements include having a “tree board or department, public tree care ordinance, community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2

per capita” and “an Arbor Day observance and proclamation,” according to the Tree City USA standards.

To increase the number of trees and continue Tree City USA’s hard work, Bonner said the Vinton Furnace State Forest in McArthur is hosting tree plantings through Beautification Month. On April 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., anyone interested can help plant 8,000 trees across 24 sites.

“These events are so important because we need to engage people in their role in our environment and a healthy environment translates into healthy humans,” Bonner said. “Planting trees is a way to help mitigate some of the major environmental problems in the world.”

Bonner said Southeast Ohio has 15 Tree Cities, and Athens has been a Tree City for 35 years. Through her 30 years of hard work and dedication to the Tree City USA program, Bonner said Beautification Month “is like Christmas” for her and fellow urban foresters in Ohio.

“In April, people are emerging from the winter, they are outside, they are looking up,” Bonner said. “They are hopefully recognizing the trees and the birds that are returning, and spring is so hopeful. It is rebirth.”

@GINA_NAPOLI_ GN875322@OHIO.EDU

Sexual Assault Awareness, Prevention Month inspires advocacy

CAMI SEYMORE | FOR THE POST

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, a time to emphasize the importance of preventing sexual violence, assault and harassment, as well as providing support for survivors.

According to the National Sexual Violence Research Center, 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. Sexual violence could happen to anyone, regardless of gender, race, age, education level, sexual orientation, occupation or religion.

The Survivor Advocacy Program provides services to all students, whether they are survivors themselves or “co-survivors” who have supported someone

through their experience of sexual violence or harassment.

Eileen Marsal Koch, the director of SAP, discussed the program’s overarching goal and importance in a university setting.

“Our purpose is to help students and make sure that they have a safe place on campus where they can feel like people are hearing them, believing them,” Marsal Koch said. “We try and make sure that we help (remove) any barriers that are in the way of them getting their education and feeling safe on campus.”

Last week, OU and SAP had several events for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month to advocate for survivors. Tuesday, SAP hosted a glow run in preparation for its annual Take Back the Night, an event where survivors and advocates spoke, told their stories and

spread awareness.

SAP is confidential and is exempt from mandatory reporting, unlike many other university programs. The SAP office is open from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday in Lindley Hall 041, where anyone can stop in or schedule an appointment. SAP also has an after-hours hotline number, 740-597-7233, which is available 24 hours a day.

Beyond the walls of OU, the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program supports survivors across Meigs, Perry, Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Morgan, Vinton, Jackson and Lawrence counties.

Roshni Ashiq, SAOP’s residential program manager, discussed the types of violence their team helps with daily.

“We do get a wide variety of cases that ranges from domestic violence, domestic abuse, sexual assault, sexual violence, human trafficking, harassment, stalking,” Ashiq said.

Heather Mitchell, the director of programs at SAOP, discussed the importance of the crisis hotline number, 740-5914266, where anyone can get immediate support or advice about a potential sexual violence case.

“We have that staff 24/7 and that is to provide emotional support from nine to five to do intakes with people,” Mitchell said. “Then after hours, it's to go to the hospital with somebody who might need a forensic exam or support immediately after a sexual assault.”

However, trauma-informed care isn’t always immediate. SAOP’s New Leaf Program helps survivors manage the lasting impacts of the trauma. New Leaf provides affordable housing, therapy and employment services to help survivors live a

stable, safe life away from their abuser.

“We understand that it takes a lot more than just some emotional support and a new phone to make the problem go away,” Mitchell said. “I think we're looking at a lot of generational trauma, a lot of things that have gone on for lifetimes and through families.”

SAOP also prioritizes prevention, aiming to prevent these cases from happening in the first place. Brandon Thompson, SAOP's prevention and training coordinator, collaborates with local businesses to identify signs of violence or harassment. He leads training in schools and has recently begun working with bars on sexual assault prevention.

“We want to make sure (the) community knows so when they see some type of violence, maybe stalking, they can disrupt that so it doesn't turn into further violence,” Thompson said.

SAOP and SAP work closely together, making sure any and all survivors across Southeast Ohio have adequate resources for their specific situation. Both groups help guide survivors through whatever support they need, whether it be making a police report, getting out of a dangerous situation or even just getting a new phone.

“Abuse does exist,” Ashiq said. “ Violence does exist. Even if it does not get reported to an extent, it is present in our society. So just making sure that these services are there for people and people know that these services exist makes a lot of difference.”

The outside of Huson Health Center at 2 Church St. in Athens, April 2, 2025. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)

GINA NAPOLI | HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER

Abby Lee Miller inspires fans during Moms Weekend

A large crowd at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium was buzzing Saturday afternoon with excited chatter and “Dance Moms” merchandise. The theater was filled with anticipation to see the founder of the dance company behind the television show: Abby Lee Miller.

During Moms Weekend, it only made sense to bring in the face of Dance Moms herself. The show began with Miller telling the crowd, “We are going to have fun!”

Miller began to tell the story of how she became a dance instructor, telling a heartwarming tale about how she won a dance competition when she was 13 years old. She said after she had choreographed a routine for three of her friends and won first place, she knew right then she would become a dance instructor.

“I had that little plastic 12-inch trophy in my hand,” Miller said. “It was like suddenly I knew what I was supposed to do with my life.”

Miller looks up to and respects her mother, calling her a better businesswoman than she could ever be. Miller’s mother owned a dance studio and had built up a reputation. After Miller won the dance competition, she asked her mother if she could start a competition team at her studio. Ever since that team, Miller’s career as a dance instructor took off.

Beyond Miller’s journey to becoming a dance instructor, she discussed the making of the television show, Dance Moms, and gave some insights from behind the scenes.

“So the big misconception (is) the original cast never auditioned for the show,” Miller said. “They never auditioned. They sat in a chair next to their mothers on camera. So it's a really, really long story.”

Miller also explained how the start of the show would be hard on her studio. She said she had a choice to make when it came to deciding to do the television show. After weighing the pros and cons, Miller said the next step in her career would be to do the show, but it actually led to most of her dancers quitting.

Even though Miller lost out on the tuition from the students that year, little did she know how much the television show would grow into what it is today. She even thought, after watching the season one premiere, that no one would ever watch the show.

Beyond spilling the drama and talking about some of the famous moms and daughters on the show, Miller also discussed a lot of the personal events that happened in her life. From going to prison for one year and one day to a cancer diagnosis, Miller has been through a lot of

obstacles but continues to conquer them with a smile.

The show ended with questions from the audience, ranging from which mom was Miller’s favorite to her favorite Baskin-Robbins flavor.

After the event, many students lined up to do a meet and greet and were thrilled to get to meet Miller. Many said they enjoyed seeing her and were glad they came to the event.

Isaac Kurtz, a junior studying sociology, said he had never seen the show before but thought Miller was entertaining to watch and promoted him to want to watch the show.

“I mean, especially talking to people and stuff, having them tell me some things about the show and funny memories from it, it seems entertaining,” Kurtz said.

Jenna Williams, a junior studying health services administration and applied nutrition, said she has always been a huge fan of the show and was very excited to see Miller.

“It was very cool to see one of the most, not just like

most iconic TV stars, but also (one of the) most notorious and reputable dance instructors in the world like 30 feet in front of me,” Williams said. “Very unreal.”

Molly Brannigan, a junior studying education, said she loved how quick-witted Miller was and how sassy she was in real life. Brannigan also mentioned how cool it was to see what Miller’s thought process was like.

“She's so smart,” Brannigan said. “Her dance mind is just very impressive and very cool coming from somebody with a lot of choreography experience. She's just very clever with it.”

As the event wrapped up, attendees did not want the event to end, with many yelling out last-minute questions and invitations to grab drinks at the bar for Moms Weekend.

“I’m all in,” Miller said.

@ASHLEYPOMPLAS AP125920@OHIO.EDU

ASHLEY POMPLAS | FOR THE POST

Abby Lee Miller during Moms Weekend, April. 5. 2025, at Templeton Blackburn Auditorium at Ohio University in Athens Ohio.The event was hosted by The University Program Council. (AMBERLEE GLADWELL | FOR THE POST)

Students, moms share Moms Weekend experiences

SHYANN MORROW | FOR THE POST

This weekend was bustling with visitors as moms came to campus for Ohio University’s annual Moms Weekend. The university curated various events for the weekend, even collaborating with local businesses and vendors.

Crowded streets, packed businesses and rainy weather marked the busy weekend as students introduced their mothers to their favorite spots on campus. Events included pop-up markets, group exercise classes and arts and crafts for students and moms to attend.

Lisa Miller, mother to a sophomore at OU, attended several events with her daughter, including The Food Show at Nelson Commons, an airing of “Mamma Mia!” at The Athena Cinema and the Spring Art and Craft Market at University Courtyard.

“We did end up deciding to go to The Food Show and the thrift market, and

that was really nice to see everybody being able to promote themselves for things,” Miller said.

Interacting with many Athens inhabitants, Miller’s mind was put at ease as she saw the people who surround her daughter throughout the school year.

“The community seems really supportive and that's very helpful for someone having a child so far away from them,” Miller said. “I thought I got used to it last year, but I guess not. This year is just as hard. Being able to be around the people that she gets to interact with at least semi-regularly, and seeing that they're actually good people is great.”

Many mothers became subject to the nightlife in Athens. Students wandered to the local bar scene and created lines as far as the eye can see in hopes of letting loose with their moms.

“We met up with my friends, their moms came down too, and we hung out in their dorm for a little and then

we went out on Court Street,” Hannah Crevling, a junior studying business pre-law, said. “We ended up going to the bars. We ended up going down to Cat's Corner on Union Street, because the lines were just so long for any of the bars.”

Crevling also loved taking her mom to hang out with her friends and their moms. The two attended group reservations at Shade Winery and spent some time at an Airbnb.

“It was cute because all the girls are friends, all the moms are friends,” Crevling said.

Others took Moms Weekend as an opportunity to have a little get away. Madison Palmer, a sophomore studying psychology, spent most of her time with her mom staying at an Airbnb 40 minutes outside of Athens.

“We just hung out there, and occasionally we drove into Athens to do certain activities, like we went and got pedicures and then we went and got

dinner,” Palmer said.

Although Palmer mentioned her mom does not frequently visit OU due to the distance of a two-hour drive, Palmer herself goes home quite often to combat homesickness.

“I think by having my mom come up, or my parents in general, I think having them come to Athens helps,” Palmer said. “I just think being with my family is always just something that I enjoy, and I don't always get that in Athens.”

Moms Weekend is a special event for moms to experience the campus atmosphere, albeit much busier than usual, and spend time with their children who spend most of the year in Athens.

@SHYANNLFM

Softball: Ohio splits doubleheader with Akron

Ohio dominates after loss in first game

Coming into its doubleheader against Akron (19-18, 6-6 Mid-American Conference), Ohio (25-10, 8-2 MAC) held a sixgame winning streak in two-game days. That streak, however, was snapped at the hands of the Zips, as the Bobcats lost the series’ first game Friday.

Ohio was able to bounce back in a big way behind improved hitting and a stellar performance from sophomore pitcher Mikie Lieving, who came into the game in relief of Anna Wise and brought home a big win to avoid the sweep.

GAME ONE

Ohio’s bats arrived in Akron ice cold, as it took the team three innings to notch a hit before freshman infielder Abby Kennelly delivered the first hit for the green and white, singling to center field.

Kennelly led off for Ohio in the third, which remained the only hit until the fifth inning. Although Ohio struggled early on offense, Akron scored on a throwing error from redshirt junior pitcher Skipp Miller. Later in the fourth inning, the Zips added to their lead, scoring another 2 runs to give a solid cushion for sophomore pitcher Macy Walters, who made the start for the home team. Those 2 runs came off a two RBI single from freshman outfielder Andrea Day.

The fifth inning delivered the Bobcats’ first run as they played small ball, putting

the ball in play and making Akron play sound defense in the field. The strategy worked, as junior outfielder Belle Hummel reached on an error which scored sophomore outfielder Izzie Wilson after a pair of singles from the offense. Ohio fought back again the next inning, scoring another unearned run after senior outfielder CiCi Keidel advanced to second on a passed ball. Sophomore infielder Brenna Farmer singled to cut the deficit, bringing home Keidel. Time ran out in the seventh, as Ohio

left its only runner on base in scoring position, ending the game 3-2 after a popup from senior infielder Lauren Yuhas.

GAME TWO

The second game of the day started eerily similar for both teams, as Ohio was cold in the batter’s box again while Akron pounced, this time on freshman pitcher Anna Wise.

Akron scored a run in both of the first two innings, getting to Wise to the point Ohio coach Jenna Hall decided to pull the

freshman in favor of sophomore Mikie Lieving.

The decision paid dividends for the Ohio team that needed a spark, as Lieving entered a tough situation in the second and gave up just 1 unearned run, keeping the score at 2-0 entering the third.

In that inning, Ohio was able to get a run back as Keidel was brought home for Ohio’s first run of the game on an RBI single from senior catcher Emma Hoffner.

When Lieving got the ball back in the third, she turned in a 1-2-3 inning after striking out the inning’s first batter and allowing her defense to turn a double play to end the inning.

The fourth inning was quiet for both teams, with no runs scored after Ohio left two on base after two hits. Lieving only allowed one base runner after walking the second batter of the inning.

The final three innings saw the Ohio offense take off, as it scored a total of 6 runs to secure a massive lead as Lieving allowed just 1 more run to Akron.

Ohio again turned to small ball to get the job done in the fifth inning, as two runners scored off an Akron error. In the sixth it was RBI singles from Hoffner and Kennelly, as well as a Keidel RBI double and a Brenna Farmer RBI single, that closed out the game for Ohio.

@CHARLIEFADEL

Track and Field: Greenwell wins 800 as Cherry Blossom Invitational comes to an end

For the first time this decade, Ohio will host three track and field meets in the same season. The first of which, the annual Cherry Blossom Invitational, wrapped up Friday evening with a slew of Bobcats running personal best times and being awarded high placements.

A steady downpour of rain throughout the more than six-hour event led to some slower times and poor conditions on the track. Nonetheless, the meet was able to wrap up without a significant delay due to the weather.

Highlighting the meet’s results was sophomore Ellie Greenwell, who won the women’s 800-meter with a time of 2:09.4, the fifth-fastest time in school history. Several other Bobcats competed in the women’s 800, including a fourth-place finish by junior Sarah Doughman and a seventh-place finish by junior Sophie Besett.

True freshman Ava Kincaid was another of Ohio’s most successful runners at the meet, qualifying for the women’s 100-meter hurdles with a time of 16.11 and winning the 400-meter hurdles with a personal best time of 1:03.4.

A handful of Bobcats competed in the women’s 1500-meter, with four runners finishing in the top 10. Junior Allie Martin led Ohio with a personal best time of 4:31.32, good enough for second

place in the event. Following Martin was a third-place finish by freshman Kaitlyn Stewart, who also recorded a PR in the 1500. Junior Alyssa Mason and freshman Mairin O’Brien placed fifth and seventh, respectively.

On the sprinting side, veteran runner Taja Booker placed third in the women’s 400-meter with a time of 56.78. Two spots behind Booker was sophomore Jada Irwin, with a personal best time of 57.98.

In the field, senior Millie Ryan placed eighth in the women’s shot put with a throw of 11.86 meters. Senior Jasmine Correa was right behind Ryan with a throw of 11.80 meters.

Freshman Elizabeth Franczyk placed second in the women’s triple jump with a score of 10.54 meters, followed by fellow freshman Kami Ayoup, who placed fourth in the women’s long jump with a score of 5.15 meters.

Ohio will host the OU Last Chance meet May 9 before hosting the Mid-American Conference Championships at Goldsberry Track May 15 to close the season.

CHARLIE FADEL | SPORTS STAFF WRITER

Freshman infielder Sydney Young gets ready to hit a ball in Ohio Softball Stadium, April 1, 2025.

(JACKSON MCCOY | COPY CHEIF)

ROBERT KEEGAN III | SPORTS EDITOR

Ohio distance runners Alyssa Mason (left) and Allie Martin (right) compete in the first section of the Women’s 1500 event at the Cherry Blossom Invitational at Pruitt Field in Athens, April 4, 2025. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST) Ohio jumper

Kami Ayoup competes in the Women’s long jump event at the Cherry Blossom Invitational at Pruitt Field in Athens, April 4, 2025. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)

Local Music Videos & protest songs

MAC retains talent in transfer portal era

LOGAN ADAMS | SPORTS EDITOR

With top teams spending top dollar to snipe top talent, the primary critique of the transfer portal has become how it impacts Mid-Major programs. However, through strong cultures and kept promises, the Mid-American Conference has built a troubling relationship with the transfer portal.

Central Michigan’s Ugnius Jarusevicius, Miami’s Kam Craft, Bowling Green’s Marcus Johnson and Ball State’s Jermahri Hill have sought greener grass through the transfer portal. For these teams, the losses will be hard to replace, but these cases have turned into the outliers.

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A look at the top transfers shows this on a magnified perspective. Among the 1,700-plus players in the transfer portal, players such as Bennett Stirtz and Donovan Dent, who led Mid-Major programs to the NCAA Tournament this season, will appear for Power Four teams in 2025-26.

Largely, the MAC stands as an outlier in this regard. The largest example is the conference’s champion, Akron, which returned every non-graduating member of its championship squad after a first-round loss to Arizona in the NCAA Tournament.

One major reason for this is money. Akron enters the 2025-26 season in the top half of the conference in estimated revenue sharing, with nearly $600,000 more to spend than a team like Ohio, which sits eighth and has lost two players, Elmore James and Ben Nicol, to the portal.

For Akron specifically, that money allowed them to utilize the transfer portal to help build its roster, taking the unwanted pieces from Power Four rosters to build an NCAA Tournament team. One such player was starting center James Okonkwo, who had previously played for North Carolina and West Virginia.

“They had a lot of money to spend,” Ohio coach Jeff Boals said during the season. “(Akron’s) done a good job of bringing new guys in and blending them in with some returners that they had.”

Several notable players have transferred out of the MAC. Toledo has been hit the hardest of the conference’s 12 teams, losing two of its three All-MAC selectees in second-teamer Sam Lewis and honorable mention Javan Simmons.

Additionally, several other All-MAC selectees such as

As previously mentioned, teams such as Akron and Ohio have managed to maintain the majority of their rosters. Aside from money, which is far limited in comparison to the MAC’s Power Four contemporaries, culture is the grounding aspect keeping players in town.

A prime example is Ohio All-MAC selectees AJ Clayton and Shereef Mitchell, who both elected to play their last collegiate seasons in Athens despite money on the table from other teams last Summer. Boals made it a point to credit their loyalty to the program in his concluding press conference at the MAC Tournament.

“AJ Clayton and Shereef Mitchell, both those guys could have left last year and made a lot more money, but they trusted us,” Boals said.

One area where the MAC stands out is the tenure of its coaches. Kent State’s Rob Senderoff and Toledo’s Tod Kowalczyk will both enter their 15th seasons with their teams in 2025-26, while many others, such as Boals or Akron’s John Groce, have spent well over half a decade with their program.

All these factors help to contribute to the difficult relationship the MAC has built with the transfer portal. Of course, players will leave, but the MAC has established itself as a place for players to live out fruitful careers with a program with ample earning opportunity and the ability to learn and grow within a developed culture.

Bobcats starting five before their game against Toledo, March 13, 2025. The Bobcats lost to Tole-

Rocket Arena, Cleveland.

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Inconsistencies plague in 1-2 weekend

On both offense and defense, Ohio couldn’t put together much consistency against Northern Illinois.

LOGAN ADAMS |

For Ohio (8-22, 4-11 Mid-American Conference), this past weekend against Northern Illinois (12-19, 3-9 MAC) lacked consistent execution. Between a lack of reliability on offense and a new Sunday starter, the Bobcats finished 1-2, with losses Friday and Sunday while sandwiching a 12-inning victory Saturday.

In game one, Ohio had its best pitching day of the week despite a 5-0 loss.

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Senior pitcher Blake Gaskey turned in five-and-two-thirds innings, surrendering 4 of Northern Illinois’ 5 runs on six hits. On the other end, Ohio’s bats failed to capitalize despite just one less hit than its opponent.

Sophomore first baseman Trae Cassidy turned in the best night offensively going two of four at the plate. On the other end, despite starting with three shutout innings, the Huskies made big plays frequently in the middle of the game.

Against Gaskey in the fourth, a single was turned into 2 runs. In the fifth, Northern Illinois once again scored 2 with a home run. Ohio continued to find little success at the plate, as Northern Illinois retired its offense early after nine shutout innings.

Saturday saw the flashiest offensive game of the day, as sophomore outfielder Ben Slanker had one of his best games in the 17-16 Ohio win. Slanker finished with seven RBIs and 4 runs, two off his own homers.

On the mound, it was senior Hudson Boncal pitching a struggle of a game in five-and-two-thirds innings. Boncal surrendered 11 hits and 7 runs on his 105 pitches, clearly fatiguing after three shutout innings to start.

The first two innings also saw Ohio fail to complete runs, unable to foreshadow the offensive onslaught that took place going forward. Ohio took a 7-1 lead heading into the fifth on the back of a Slanker grand slam in the fourth, before Boncal

surrendered 6 runs to tie in the fifth and sixth innings.

Sophomore Jack Geiser was the first to relieve Boncal, giving up 4 more runs in the bottom of the seventh to see Ohio down 11-9 heading into the eighth. Cassidy doubled in the following inning, tying the game by scoring Slanker and sophomore outfielder Pauly Mancino.

Regulation ended on the back of a scoreless eighth and ninth from Northern Illinois, pitched by freshman Luke Bryant and graduate student Jacob Tate. Sophomore Trey Barkman pitched the 10th and 11th innings as well as part of the 12th, before a 3-run homer, bringing the Huskies within a single run, brought out freshman Julian Robertson to secure the save.

In game three, without its typical Sunday starter, senior Dillon Masters – who had suffered an injury the previous week – Ohio didn’t need extra innings for its opponent to score in the mid-teens. The designated bullpen game ended in a 17-7 Northern Illinois victory.

In Masters’ absence, senior Tyler Peck had a good start, opening with a shut-

out inning. However, in the second, he conceded 4 runs on four hits, following it up in the third with 3 more on two hits. For this portion of the game, Ohio kept relative pace, tying it up at 4-4 in the top of the third before an 8-run fourth for Northern Illinois forced Ohio to try three pitchers.

Freshman Hunter Winston started the inning with 3 runs before being subbed out by freshman Jimmy Cerha, who conceded 4 more runs, 3 credited to Winston. Sophomore Ethan Stewart had the best stretch, only allowing 1 run before getting the final out, now down 15-4. Fifth-year catcher Blake Reed, starting at designated hitter, brought Ohio back within 10 on a 3 RBI home run, but, in the following innings, Northern Illinois retook the 10-run advantage, finishing the game and weekend in eight innings.

SPORTS EDITOR

Third baseman, Nick Dolan during the Bobcats game against Morehead State, April 1, 2025. The Bobcats lost to Morehead 4-3, in Bob Wren Stadium. (JOHN FOUSS | FOR THE POST)

The Bobcats line up for The National Anthem before their game against Morehead State, April 1, 2025. The Bobcats lost to Morehead 4-3, in Bob Wren Stadium.

(JOHN FOUSS | FOR THE POST)

4 must-watch movies to prepare for graduation

ASHLEY POMPLAS | FOR THE POST

As many prospective graduates are preparing to say goodbye to their time at Ohio University and embark on their next chapters, it can be emotional and bittersweet. Graduation can be a big change, a moment of self-discovery and a time to enter the “real world” and conquer one’s chosen field.

Here is a list of four films set around graduation that can help assure graduates as they begin their new chapter. The transitional process and struggles they face are universal among many students.

“THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA”

For many college students, graduating

Wears Prada” follows a young woman named Andy (Anne Hathaway) who is a recent college graduate and is a struggling writer aiming to make it big in the publication world. Despite her circumstances, her position can resonate with many graduates.

The film also explores the challenges and experiences of a young person entering the workforce, which includes navigating a demanding boss, the adjustment to a new environment and the work-life balance of a professional life.

With graduates facing the challenges of uncertainty and the anxiety of entering the workforce, “The Devil Wears Prada” is a great coming-of-age movie to offer valuable lessons such as the importance of humility and balancing work and a personal life.

Although not every boss may be the epitome of Meryl Streep’s Miranda Presley, a lot of the tedious work Andy endures exemplifies the struggles recent graduates may face when trying to get their foot in the door in many occupations.

“PITCH PERFECT 2”

“Aca-scuse me?” “Pitch Perfect 2” is a great movie to watch with graduation around the corner. Although the film is a comedy surrounding a college a cappella group, the underlying premise of the film is starting the next chapter in one’s life after graduation.

The Bellas are in their senior year and after the suspension of their tour, their

only hope to keep the group alive after they graduate is to win an international competition.

The group’s leader, Becca (Anna Kendrick), begins a new internship and is actively working on establishing her career after college. Other group members like Chloe (Brittany Snow), struggle with the idea of leaving college and stepping out of their comfort zones for life after college.

As the girls say goodbye to their final days at school and to each other at the end of the film, “Pitch Perfect 2” explores the fearfulness students face when they are about to embark on their new chapters of their lives. It is a great film to watch before graduation to show although there is uncertainty about the next chapter, it will work out in the end.

“LEGALLY BLONDE”

Although this quirky and fun movie does not primarily focus on graduating, Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) serves as an inspiration to those all around.

“Legally Blonde” follows Elle who is a sorority girl studying fashion who goes to Harvard Law School to prove to her ex-boyfriend she is more than how she looks. Elle has a journey of self-discovery, realizing she is passionate and capable of whatever she puts her mind to. She defies expectations and achieves success.

This film stands out for upcoming graduates because Elle serves as an example that students can reach their full potential post-college by aiming to follow their dreams and avoiding limiting what

they can achieve. What stands out for the theme of graduation for this film is Elle’s iconic graduation speech.

“It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world, remembering that first impressions are not always correct,” she said. “You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.”

“HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR”

“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” is one of the top graduation movies. Its plot revolves around the main character’s preparations for graduation, prom and the final musical production. Alongside it are the challenges of making decisions about their future, including college plans and the potential for separation, while exploring themes of friendship and romance.

The film is a great watch when preparing to graduate because it captures the bittersweet emotions of leaving high school and embarking on new chapters while also celebrating the memories and friendships made during those years.

While the idea of graduating can be scary, it is the start of a new chapter in one’s life as graduating is a major accomplishment.

@ASHLEYPOMPLAS AP125920@OHIO.EDU

TikTok 75-day extension breeds uncertainty

NYLA GILBERT | FOR THE POST

On April 5, President Donald Trump gave a second extension to the owners of TikTok to sell the social media platform to an American company or be banned from the U.S. market. The executive order follows the initial temporary ban from U.S. app stores, which took place January 15. ByteDance, the owners of TikTok, and U.S. TikTok users remain in the tug-ofwar between the concerns of national security and the digital habits of millions of Americans. The future of TikTok remains uncertain with the newest extension granted by U.S. lawmakers.

TikTok has been around since 2017. It has faced scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers since 2020, when concerns first arose about the app’s data practices and potential connections to the Chinese government. The concerns culminated in the passage of the bipartisan-supported Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act aimed at banning TikTok unless ByteDance sells the platform to a U.S.-based company.

Lawmakers argue TikTok’s data collection methods could give the Chinese Communist Party access to sensitive user information, but no public evidence of such misuse has surfaced. Nevertheless, the concern has been strong enough to prompt action from Congress and the White House.

Originally, ByteDance was given 180 days to divest from TikTok or face a U.S. ban. With the latest extension, the deadline’s push to June 2025 gives the compa-

ny more time to respond and negotiate. Officials say the extension provides more room to assess the consequences of such a move on users, businesses and the wider tech industry.

In the short term, TikTok will remain accessible to U.S. users and ByteDance will continue to operate the app while negotiating its next steps. However, the long-term picture is murkier.

The U.S. could follow through with the ban if ByteDance refuses to sell, but legal challenges are expected. Courts would likely have to weigh free speech concerns against national security claims, an issue that sets a significant precedent for fu

ture tech regulation.

Beyond TikTok, the debate raises broader questions about how the U.S. government handles apps and platforms with foreign ownership. It also signals increasing pressure on lawmakers to regulate digital platforms more aggressively, especially those tied to geopolitical rivals.

In a March 27 post from Newsweek on TikTok, President Trump respond-

ed when asked if he would extend the deadline.

“We will have a form of a deal,” Trump said. “TikTok is very popular, very successful, very good. We’re going to have a form of a deal, but if it’s not finished, it’s not a big deal.”

In a follow up, the reporter asked if there is a way for a U.S. company to operate it and for ByteDance to still have a share of the algorithm.

“We will find the best one, for our country,” Trump said.

He further explained the possibilities of conversations with TikTok executives and the Chinese government on what would need to be done in order to leverage TikTok.

“I’m worried about our country more than anything else with respect to TikTok,” Trump said. “China is going to have to play a role in that, possibly, in the form of an approval, maybe. And I think they’ll do that. Maybe I’ll give them a little reduction in tariffs or something to get it done.”

TikTok remains a digital town square for millions of Americans, but its future lies in the hands of negotiators, regulators and courts.

Whether the extension leads to a compromise or a confrontation, one thing is clear: the battle over TikTok is about the future of global tech governance.

(MIA PISHOTTI | ART DIRECTOR)

Cozy games offer relaxation, inclusivity

CLARA LEDER | FOR THE POST

The world of video games is massive and constantly expanding as different genres of games and players come together to form connections. One genre of video games is rapidly expanding due to the network of players who have come together to play them: cozy games.

Cozy games are categorized as low-stress, non-violent and low-stakes. The games are typically simulation-style games and often feature cute characters inside an aesthetic world. Cozy games are mainly non-competitive since you do not play against anyone. Ultimately, the goal of a cozy game lies directly in its name: making you feel relaxed and destressed.

The cozy game genre rose in popularity during the pandemic, when many were isolated inside and turned to activities and online games to feel connected and provide an escape from a dark reality. One of the most popular cozy games, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” helped the genre rise in popularity. The game was released in 2020 and sold over 47 million copies worldwide.

Since the pandemic, the genre has continued to grow, with older games like “Stardew Valley" and newer titles such as “Unpacking” gaining popularity and appearing more frequently in mainstream media.

With the rise of cozy games, a clique of avid players has formed around it. The subreddit r/CozyGamers, created in 2021, now has over 250,000 members who share pictures, stories and advice focused on cozy games. The community surrounding cozy games is accepting as each user turns to cozy games for a different reason.

Velma Chavez, a sophomore studying media arts production who works at the Esports Arena, discussed how cozy games can be fun for young adults to escape daily life.

“Growing up, it was a lot of shooter-based games that were popular, think of Call of Duty and Apex,” Chavez said. “Gen Z was the main audience for those games and

(ABBY DOENCH | FOR THE POST)

now we want things that are easier as our lives are a lot more stressful because we’re growing up.”

The calming effects of cozy games have also shown positive results when studied. Michael Wong, a psychiatry student who conducted a study on cozy games in 2021, spoke with Rolling Stone about the neurological effects of cozy gaming.

The study found undergraduate students who spent 20 minutes playing a cozy game experienced the same calming sensations as those who engaged in 20 minutes of mindfulness activity. This relaxing nature has helped cozy games foster a thriving and distinct group of players who embrace gentleness and inclusivity. Further-

more, no prior video game knowledge is needed to start, which increases the accessibility of this space.

Hanna Popp, a junior studying chemistry, said the calming nature of cozy games is why she prefers them to other video game options.

“One of the big things about video games for me is too many things going on, and it stresses me out,” Popp said. “So having a game where there's not many things to do is nice and relaxing to me.”

Often, players who enjoy cozy games are overlooked as true members of the gaming community due to the absence of intense gameplay. The cozy game genre is also popular among women, with 55% of online mentions of cozy games come from female authors. With a genre so well-liked by women, there is also a pervasive element of sexism in the space.

Video games and the gaming industry have a long history of gendered marketing and sexism in the community, often marketing video games as feminine or masculine based on content and difficulty. Cozy games are one genre of gaming that has received a prejudiced mark, more so as it continues to rise in popularity.

“In the gaming industry, there is a stigmatization against simplistic games because they’re seen as more feminine and ‘easier’ games,” Chavez said. “It causes a huge rift in the gaming community because it’s just truly sexist.”

The success of the genre demonstrates to game developers the importance of accessibility for gamers, with gaming trends seemingly following the genre's lead in future product development. Some gamers find the simplistic aspect of cozy games does not undermine the genre's legitimacy; rather, it creates opportunities for gamers who previously felt excluded.

No matter what type of game a player chooses, there is a space where they can feel welcome. For cozy gamers, the cozy game circle is one example of peaceful inclusivity.

@CLARA_LEDER

CL125221@OHIO.EDU

‘A Minecraft Movie’ struggles to find diamonds in the rough

If you haven’t seen it, then you’ve heard of it. “A Minecraft Movie” (2025) released last weekend.

“Minecraft,” released May 17, 2009, is the second best selling video game of all time (after “Tetris”), with over 300 million copies sold as of October 2023. The sandbox game has over 204 million monthly players and is worth around $2.5 billion. Individuals of all ages enjoy the game for its freedom and open-world concept, which allows players to create virtually anything, as long as it can be made with cubes.

Rumblings of a movie based on the game were first leaked in 2014 by the game’s original creator, Markus "Notch" Persson, who sold the game to Microsoft the same year. After over a decade of administrative changes and creative conflicts, the movie was finally released.

The long work culminated in “A Minecraft Movie,” an adventure comedy that has already set records at the box office.

The story begins with four outsiders stumbling upon the Overworld, the cubic world of the original Minecraft video game. The rag-tag group of misfits, led by Garett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), find themselves fighting through swaths of monsters on their first night; only to be saved by Steve (Jack Black), Minecraft’s original default player character and expert crafter.

The group, including brother and sister Henry (Sebastian Hansen) and Natalie (Emma Myers), and a struggling entrepreneur, Dawn (Danielle Brooks), must rely on Steve as navigator in their quest to return to the real world.

Throughout the movie, there is no lack of references to Minecraft game mechanics and community jokes. A number of Minecraft YouTubers made an appearance in the background, including Aphmau, LDShadowLady, DanTDM and Mumbo Jumbo. There was even a reference to Minecraft YouTuber Technoblade, who passed away from cancer in June 2022.

Along with the other nods and easter eggs, the inclu-

sions were well done tributes to the world that has kept the videogame alive for over ten years. The movie itself, however, fell flat.

The crux of the problem is identified by one significant detail: the movie’s soundtrack. Anyone who has played the game knows it can be truly beautiful — the music, the environment and the exploration — but the movie failed to build on these elements.

Minecraft’s soundtrack is arguably one of the best and well-known aspects of the original game. The moments where the soundtrack broke through the otherwise kitschy music brought a sense of discovery reminiscent of first playing the game. However, the movie failed to utilize this element in any significant way.

The blunder highlights the biggest downfall of the movie: it fails to recreate the powerful sense of infinite creativity and exploration that makes the video game so

loveable.

The writing was lackluster as lines were repetitive and interactions were cliché. The world, which was so expansive and open in the video game, felt empty and the choppy pacing was a disservice to the audience.

Even the best aspects of the film, which did not stem from the original game, were severely underutilized.

Momoa’s performance was surreal and just ridiculous enough for the movie’s nature. The typically serious actor embraced his role as washed up gamer Garett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, leading to some of the best moments in the film. Yet, his character was out-of-commission for over a third of the movie.

The subplot, which followed Vice Principal Marlene (Jennifer Coolidge) and a Minecraft villager’s (Matt Berry) whirlwind romance, deserved a movie of its own but was limited to three scenes (one of which took place in the credits).

Despite the lackluster plot and questionable creative decisions, the movie has resonated with audiences. Videos have surfaced online of packed theatres screaming and clapping along. Pirated recordings have garnered millions of views. The theatrical experience is being compared to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975).

The irony of this trend is apparent. The heart of the movie encouraged audiences to embrace creativity, yet failed to embrace the core values of the original video game. However, audiences have found a way to make the movie their own, which may have been the purpose all along.

“A Minecraft Movie” attempts to tap into the childlike wonder of the original game, but, by doing so, becomes an uncanny by-product of poor graphics and a weak plot. Although it had some great moments, “A Minecraft Movie” failed to pay an homage to the original game and became an embarrassment of riches.

Photo via Warner Bros. Pictures.

ALEXANDRA HOPKINS | FOR THE POST

Sassy Cassie: Pop culture can indicate recession

From fashion trends to the return of Lady Gaga, pop culture has its own way of indicating a recession is near.

CASSIE DYE | FOR THE POST

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff on all imported goods. Following the announcement, the stock market dropped. Although high tariffs and the stock market dropping at alarming rates are signs of a potential recession, the state of pop culture can indicate a recession as well.

One of the major signs a recession is looming is in the fashion world. Previous years’ fashion trends have revolved around short skirts, crop tops and overall party culture. Recently, this trend has changed; business casual wear seems to be the new normal. Searches for longer skirts, modest tops and neutral colors are on the rise. These searches last peaked in the mid-2000s. Brands are switching their collections to fit this trend. The brand PrettyLittleThing has been known to produce pieces for vacations or clubs, but now they focus on business attire. The brand even changed the colors on their website from bright and fun to neutral colors. The decline in clothes meant for going out also means people are going out less.

Last summer, people everywhere were having a messy, carefree “Brat Summer” filled with partying and having fun, but now, people cannot afford the party lifestyle. Trump’s recent tariffs affect European spirits and canned beer imported from Mexico. These tariffs will affect the costs of drinks at the bar; going out is already expensive, and the rising costs of drinks are forcing more people to stay in. However, some people predicted the decline before the tariffs were announced. There is a new unofficial index to measure the economy called “The Stripper Index.” This implies if strippers are going a long time without making money, the economy is struggling. Currently, dancers in Vegas are struggling to make ends meet, which means dancers everywhere

are struggling.

The current state of pop music is also a sign a recession may be looming. Recession pop refers to the music made during the recession from 2007-09. The moment of pop music was dominated by artists such as Kesha and Lady Gaga, who both are back releasing similar tracks to those they made in the late 2000s. These tracks are characterized as being feelgood songs and centered on living in the moment. The return of the indie sleaze genre, which was popular in the 2000s, could also be a sign.

The film industry also has some signs the U.S. may be coming onto hard times. Box office numbers have been on a steady decline since the rise of streaming. People are less likely to go see a movie that will be available for free in the coming months. But now, people are less willing to spend the money to go to the theater because of the cost. Paying for a movie ticket, snacks and the gas money to get to the theater is simply not worth it anymore. The rise of reality TV is another potential sign. In the U.S, 79% of people watch reality TV. Since the writers’ strike, more reality shows have been made. These shows provided escapist entertainment people crave during dark times. Not to mention, these shows are also cheaper to make, meaning the labor costs for them are lower.

J.P. Morgan raised the probability of a recession to 40%. It was 30% at the start of the year. The U.S. is not in a recession yet, but one cannot ignore the signs the U.S. may be heading towards one. From changes in fashion and pop music to the rise of inflation, interest rates and the slowdown of the global economy, recession indicators are everywhere.

Cassie is a junior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post

Clara’s Commentary: Depop offers sustainability, good deals

Depop is a user-friendly website that promotes sustainability and fair prices. It’s a great site for college students on a budget.

CLARA LEDER | FOR THE POST

In Athens, clothing options are quite limited. There are a few choices of amazing thrift stores, along with Marshall’s on East State and Kismet on W State, but what happens when a particular piece of clothing is needed? Depop provides an easy and sustainable solution for budget-conscious students.

It’s no secret college presents both incredible opportunities and often leads to a depleted bank account. A study from the National Student Financial Wellness Study at The Ohio State University revealed seven out of ten college students experience stress regarding their finances.

A platform like Depop caters directly to college students by providing a budget-friendly opportunity for fashion. Since its launch in 2011, the site has grown to over 35 million users selling affordable secondhand clothing. Depop is constantly updating with new pieces. Users can search by brand name or for a specific article of clothing to find items discounted from in-store prices.

Rowan Thompson, a junior studying integrated language arts education shared how Depop offers great options for unique pieces.

“I like to wear stuff from the 90s that you can’t find anymore, things that are very ornate and things that are just not the basic clothes that you can find in any regular old store,” Thompson said. “It’s really nice to use it for that because then I can find something that fits my style.”

Unique pieces are available on Depop, ranging from vintage finds to handmade items, thrift bundles and also name brand clothes. The site truly has an option for everyone.

Not only can users find pieces unique to their style, but do so at a discounted rate. Buyers and sellers alike can negotiate prices on listings through the message feature. This allows for better

deals and opportunities for sellers to make connections with their consumers, keeping buyers coming back to their page. But, because prices can be negotiated there is an opportunity for users to upcharge.

“Sometimes you’ll get people in there who find good stuff at a thrift and then they upsell it, which is annoying,” Thompson said. “But it’s still going to be less than if I were to just buy it from a vintage website, or from the brand’s website themselves.”

The prices on Depop are more affordable than in-store or online and the site offers a sustainable option. The mission of the company is to allow for clothes that already exist to pass from person to person, promoting a circular fashion industry. Depop also has a goal to achieve Net Zero emissions and to continue to offset greenhouse gas emissions. When looking for a new outfit or a unique piece, consider a budget-friendly and sustainable option on Depop. Or, if you’re looking to earn some extra cash, selling on Depop is incredibly simple. The site assists with tips for posting items, pricing and shipping. It’s a one-stop shop for budget-friendly shopping and a great way to make some extra cash while being sustainable.

Clara Leder is a junior studying education and journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post What are your thoughts? Let Clara know by emailing her at cl125221@ohio.edu.

Lately with Layne: White House social media posts are unethical

It’s no secret President Donald Trump holds a below par reputation when it comes to social media due to his harsh rhetoric and theatrical approach to politics. However, the White House’s account, which is typically more respected and professional, is now receiving similar scrutiny, and rightfully so. The White House’s recent posts surrounding immigration and deportation are entirely inhumane and unprofessional.

One route the White House social media team is taking is creating Ghibli-style cartoons depicting serious events. Virginia Basora-Gonzalez was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for fentanyl trafficking charges. Above the post on X revealing the news, the White House posted one of these Ghibli-style images of her being arrested. Although it is a serious conviction, the way the White House animated the image of Basora-Gonzalez crying creates a distorted reality that pokes fun at these situations when they are objectively serious.

In a choice that received even more pushback, the White House made a video titled, “ASMR: Illegal Alien Deportation Flight.” ASMR trends or viral videos are typically watched for satisfaction or relaxation, but this video took a different approach. It featured chains and handcuffs rattling, along with the plane engine stirring – a complete misuse of ASMR trends. Political arguments aside, the principle of this video satirizes a serious and traumatic event for families and individuals.

According to MSNBC, “Such deportation operations took place during former President Joe Biden’s term as well. But the Trump administration’s attempts to make a public spectacle out of its mass deportation efforts — which has included Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delivering sinister warnings to undocumented immigrants that the government will ‘hunt you down’ — underscores its dehumanization of immigrant communities.”

This analysis highlights the difference

in morals and ethics between administrations as well as what the current administration is putting their time into, such as recording deportations to make an ASMR video.

On Valentine’s Day, the White House played into the annual trend of online Valentines cards. Above Trump and border czar Tom Homan’s heads read, “Roses are red. Violets are blue. Come here illegally, and we will deport you.” This completely reduced the ongoing policy issues of immigration and deportation to what the White House thought of as a humorous holiday trend.

In an interview with Time Magazine, Voto Latino said, “This post was deliberately crafted to provoke and sow division, but the struggles of immigrant families are not a joke. Using a lighthearted holiday to demean and target communities is not only irresponsible—it is beneath the dignity of the presidency.”

Despite the backlash, the themes of the accounts have remained consistent, and no accountability has been taken for the posts. In one recent Instagram video, the

White House posted clips of deportations to “Closing Time” by Semisonic. The lyrics were completely skewed to that of a dark, harsh undertone – highlighting the administration’s willingness to dehumanize and cause offense.

In a statement to the Associated Press, the band said, “We did not authorize or condone the White House’s use of our song in any way. And no, they didn’t ask. The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely.”

The White House’s social media platforms are being completely misused. Social media is extremely powerful and influential, and posts that dehumanize and make fun of serious situations such as immigration and deportation can have unconscious effects that work to further divide society.

Layne Rey is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post.

LAYNE REY | FOR THE POST

Editorial: VOA is an essential service for all

POST EDITORIAL BOARD

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to dismantle several U.S.-funded media outlets. Among those is Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and, most prominently, Voice of America, an international broadcasting service, which provides content to more than 361 million people around the world.

VOA is an essential entity, not only for delivering accurate news to countries and regions plagued by censorship but also for representing the values of a free press and open society. For decades, it has been a lifeline for those living under oppressive systems.

It was created in 1942 during World War II “to combat Nazi propaganda with accurate and unbiased news and information.” Since then, it has evolved into one of the

most important global outlets, providing news to regions where access to free press is restricted or nonexistent.

Especially in today’s political environment, this mission has never been more crucial, as the world faces an increasing amount of misinformation, disinformation and censorship. Yet Trump’s executive order directly contradicts the principles upon which VOA was founded: to deliver “a consistent message of truth, hope and inspiration.”

Trump’s decision to dismantle VOA as part of his larger plan to shrink the federal government is much more than simply a news service being shut down. He is cutting one of the few tools the U.S. has to counter global misinformation and provide reliable, fact-based reporting in places where people cannot easily access information.

It is also important to note aside from Trump, every U.S. president, regardless of his political party, has supported VOA since its creation in 1942.

Cutting VOA is, of course, a disservice to the millions who rely on it. Aside from that, however, it also opens the door for foreign governments to exploit the absence of independent American journalism. Without VOA’s presence, the space will be filled by outlets not committed to unbiased reporting, but rather to furthering their own agendas.

And without VOA’s watchful eye, those outlets will be free to promote whatever disinformation serves their own political interests.

The consequences will be far-reaching. In addition to depriving people of their right to information, the dismantling of VOA will also weaken the U.S.’ ability to influence international diplomacy.

VOA displays to the world the U.S.’s values of freedom of speech, democracy and civil rights. By cutting the service, Trump is demonstrating the U.S. does not, in fact, promote those democratic ideals. It is not only hypocritical but also an unspoken breach of leadership. If the U.S. steps back from advocating for human rights and free expression, it risks losing its influence and credibility on the global stage as well.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors: Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Cruz, Managing Editor Madalyn Blair and Equity Director McKenna Christy. Post editorials are independent of the publication’s news coverage. The Post can be reached via editor@ thepostathens.com.

JACKSON PENNINGTON | COMIC ARTIST

Gonzalez addresses Ohio SB1 effects on university

Ohio University President Lori Gonzalez reassured faculty, staff and students that Senate Bill 1 will not affect course offerings or academic freedom in an email sent Monday.

DREW HOFFMASTER | NEWS STAFF WRITER

Ohio University President Lori Gonzalez sent an email Monday answering questions about the effects of Ohio Senate Bill 1 from university faculty, staff and students.

While the university considers operational changes, they will not affect course offerings Gonzalez wrote in the email.

“The Provost and I remain committed to Academic Freedom and will support your faculty as they provide instruction on a wide variety of topics, including topics that may be controversial in nature as defined by this law,” Gonzalez wrote in an email.

The civics course required through SB1 will only be required for those graduating in 2030 and beyond, Gonzalez said. The implementation of academic changes will be led by the university Provost Donald Leo and the effect on diversity and inclusion-related roles is still being understood.

“We know changes will likely need to be made, and we want to ensure those changes reflect an accurate interpretation of the law,” Gonzalez wrote in an email. “As we know more, we will communicate with you and with our entire University community.”

Gonzalez said in terms of scholarships relating to DEI, the university has already taken action to align with federal guidance, and OU does not anticipate significant impacts on scholarships as a result of the SB1.

For students in programs such as Templeton Scholars, Appalachian Scholars, Urban Scholars and Margaret Boyd Scholars, their programs will continue at OU as they went through review in 2023 to align with federal law.

OU clarified students in potentially eliminated, or “sunset” programs, will be able to finish their degrees. Course syllabi will be publicly available during the 2026-27 school year, and intellectual diversity criteria in the course approval processes will be a collaborative effort.

In addition, changes will not affect the Office of Accessibility Services, the Veterans and Military Student Services Center or the Office of Civil Rights Compliance.

“Thank you again for your thoughtful questions

CAMPUS EVENTS

and your ongoing commitment to OHIO, to the pursuit of teaching and learning, to diversity of ideas, and to each other,” Gonzalez wrote in an email. “And, thank you for your patience as we work carefully forward, doing our best to ensure that OHIO is always, and forever, for everyone.”

@DREWHJOURNALIST

DH384223@OHIO.EDU

April 9th - April 21st

Social Engagement & Student Org Events

Wednesday, April 9

Amnesty International Meeting

5:00 - 6:00 pm Porter 108

Midweek Bible Study

hosted by: Encompass Campus Min.

7:00 - 9:00 pm Baker 503

Thursday, April 10

Splatoon Club Lemonade Fundraiser

1:00 - 5:00 pm Baker 4th floor Entrance

Friday, April 11

CSEL Movie Series: Mufasa: The Lion King

8:00 pm BakerTheatre

Saturday, April 12

Extra Life 24hr Livestream

1:00 pm Sat -1:00 pm Sun Ellis Hall

Tuesday, April 15

Tarkir Dragonstorm Draft hosted by OU MTG Free draft for attendees

6:30 - 10:00 pm Ellis 115

Wednesday, April 16

Amnesty International Meeting

5:00 - 6:00 pm Porter 108

Midweek Bible Study hosted by: Encompass Campus Min.

7:00 - 9:00 pm Baker 503

Friday, April 18

CSEL Movie Series: Shrek!

8:00 pm BakerTheatre

Friday’s LIVE Season 54 E05

hosted by Friday's LIVE Seniors

8:00 pm Studio C (RTV 515)

Saturday, April 18

Passover Seder 7:00 pm Chabad 33 N Court

Monday, April 21

Recovery Ally Training hosted by Ohio Collegiate Recovery 1:00 - 2:00 pm Baker 313

Gallery Reception hosted by OUCC

6:30 pm location TBD - check bobcat connect

SORORITY & FRATERNITY LIFE

New Member Workshop

Wednesday, April 9

2:00pm • Baker 217

Thursday, April 10

10:00 am • Baker 226

Tuesday, April 15

2:00pm • Baker 217

Friday, April 18

3:00pm • Baker 230

SCAN for more events

The End the Silence protesters rally against Ohio Senate Bill 1 in Athens, Feb. 27, 2025. (EMMA REED | FOR THE POST)