Harsher drunk driving laws in Ohio ... PG 2
Both basketball teams fall to Miami ... PG 8
Black-led media to watch this month... PG 10
DEI UNDER ATTACK
Ohio schools prepare for ‘Don’t Say Gay Bill’
Gov. Mike DeWine passed House Bill 8, commonly referred to as the ‘Don’t Say Gay Bill,’ affecting public school districts in Ohio.
Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 8, also known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay Bill, Jan. 8. HB 8, also known as the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” into public schools across Ohio, requiring schools to disclose “sexual” content and students’ sexual orientation to parents. The bill also mandates schools to allow religious release time during school hours. Within the public school system, the act encourages parental involvement in notifying parents of their child’s well-being and student health. HB 8 allows parents to review curriculum deemed “sexual.” In this context, “sexual content” is defined as “any oral or written instruction, presentation, image or descriptions of sexual concepts or gender ideology provided in a classroom setting.”
The Athens City School District has anticipated the act as it already has set
guidelines for teaching such content.
Chad Springer, associate superintendent of Athens City School District, noted the school’s efforts to ensure students are safe, welcomed and educated.
“We’ve been ahead of the curb working with families, allowing access and making Athens City Schools as safe and as accepting as possible,” Springer said. “Having said all that, we’ve had our finger on the pulse of (HB 8 and Senate Bill 104) coming down because it does affect the families that we work with.”
The Athens City School District already has implemented an opt-in system for certain curricula, allowing parents to decide what content they want their child to be exposed to.
“Our curriculum, when it deals with health, sexual health and all of those topics, we provide transparency for all parents to see,” Springer said. “For areas where we go above and beyond the gen-
eral curriculum, especially in the health area, sexual health and sexual education, we already provide opt-in forms.”
Springer said the bill has the school district deciding its next steps on informing families and staff of the recent law changes and the district’s response to it.
“We kind of know what’s coming, but we always have to go with additional guidance from our legal representation before we make any final decisions,” Springer said.
Regulating the content taught to children in Ohio public schools is not the only driving force of HB 8. Another facet of the act is notifying parents of changes in their students’s health and well-being.
The bill states, “Each school also must promptly notify parents about substantial changes to a student’s services or monitoring related to the student’s
mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being.”
The act considers “mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being” to include whether a student wishes to identify as a gender that does not align with the sex assigned at birth.
Moving forward, Ohio public schools will need to adjust the content that is taught and report any concerning predicament such as gender identity issues to the parents.
“I honestly have no idea how this is going to be implemented,” Grace Humble, a senior studying social work, said. “I think not fully understanding where the people who support the bill are coming from, it makes it even harder to see how they would move to further implement it in a school.”
Ohio SB 1 threatens DEI programs, sparks concerns
ABBY WAECHTER | ASST. A&E EDITOR
Ohio University, like other public universities in Ohio, stands at a critical crossroads as Senate Bill 1 advances through the legislative process.
If passed, the bill would significantly alter how the university approaches diversity, equity and inclusion. Introduced Jan. 22, the bill mandates all state-funded universities, including OU, to eliminate DEI-focused programs and offices or risk losing their stake in the state’s $2 billion for higher education and construction projects.
The bill specifically requires institutions to cease offering “any orientation or training course regarding diversity, equity and inclusion” and forbids the continuation of DEI offices or departments.
In addition to reshaping DEI programs, SB 1 also addresses public employees’ rights in the event of a labor dispute, particularly when employees are prohibited from striking. In a joint statement from the Faculty Unions of Ohio’s Public Universities, chapter representatives including John O’Keefe, an OU associate professor of history, said the bill was “blatant government overreach and micromanagement of the university.”
“SB 1 would radically undermine the collective bargaining rights of faculty
unions by restoring the faculty strike ban for full-time faculty members from the original version of SB 83 and prohibiting bargaining regarding faculty evaluations, tenure, and retrenchment (the process for reduction of force),” the union wrote. “This ban on collective bargaining, combined with an overly broad definition of retrenchment, would leave faculty without job security, and would leave academic freedom unprotected.”
The bill specifies that employees in law enforcement, emergency services and other critical roles, including faculty members at OU, must submit unresolved disputes to a “final offer settlement procedure.”
OU, as a state-funded institution, would also be prohibited from considering DEI criteria in hiring, admissions or scholarship decisions. Instead, the university would be expected to create a community that promotes “civil and free inquiry,” encouraging students to reach their own conclusions on controversial issues without institutional interference.
Mia Walsh, a senior studying journalism and women, gender and sexuality studies and president of Lavender Menace, a student organization for sapphic students, expressed deep concern about the impact of SB 1 on marginal-
ized groups who rely on these resources.
“A lot of people that utilize these centers and resources every single day are the ones that are going to be hurt by this,” Walsh said. “So we should focus on the harm that is going to be done before we try to go forward because student safety should always come first.”
Walsh said she is particularly worried about what would happen to students who depend on DEI programs for support and a sense of belonging.
“If the university takes away these programs, they need to create other ones to provide a safety net for students who will fall through the cracks,” Walsh said.
Ky Sweet, a senior studying public health and a student leader for diversity and inclusion at OU, worries if the bill becomes law their position and key resources such as the Pride Center could be eliminated. Sweet said the bill is a “hindrance to professional success, social success and to our community as a whole.”
“I feel akin to betrayed by our state representatives and senators,” Sweet said. “This isn’t the most pressing issue right now. We need to recognize the social determinants that affect one’s ability to even be presented with opportunities, financial or social background factors.”
Aiden Fox, a junior studying political science and political director for OU
Republicans, said he views the bill as a necessary step toward ensuring intellectual diversity. Fox said he believes the university’s current DEI initiatives do not foster true intellectual diversity.
“I don’t think many of (the DEI initiatives) have a huge positive impact,” Fox said. “DEI academia does the same thing that affirmative action did — create specific quotas for racial and ethnic minorities without producing real intellectual diversity, which is what Senate Bill 1 seems to be trying to promote.”
At the time of publishing, OU declined to comment directly on SB 1. OU spokesperson Dan Pittman said, “We will continue to monitor this proposed bill as it evolves and progresses through the state’s established legislative process.”
As the bill moves forward, the university faces the potential for sweeping changes to its approach to diversity, equity and inclusion. While some students see the bill as an opportunity to foster true intellectual diversity, others fear it will dismantle critical resources for marginalized students and stifle important conversations about social justice.
MARY KATE MCNAMEE | FOR THE POST
New impaired driving law passed
Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 37 into law, also known as Liv’s Law. This law will create harsher penalties for repeat impaired drivers, whose actions have resulted in the death of another person.
ZOE WEYAND | FOR THE POST
Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 37, or Liv’s Law, into Ohio law Jan. 10, increasing the penalty for Aggravated Vehicular Homicides committed by drunk drivers.
Liv’s Law was championed by the family of Olivia Wright, a young woman killed by a drunk driver in 2020.
The law will put harsher punishments on those who specifically have a record of operating a vehicle impaired and whose behavior has resulted in the death of another person. Liv’s Law also gives law enforcement officers the right to use oral fluid testing, a saliva test to detect drugs such as marijuana.
Liv’s Law will not change how first-time OVIs are enforced.
State Rep. Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe), who originated the bill in the Ohio legislature with Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark), outlined the intent for Liv’s Law.
“(Bryan Wright, Olivia Wright’s father) pointed out to me how weak Ohio’s laws are compared to other states in the nation, and that is what inspired me to work on this legislation in an attempt to try and deter any drunk driver from becoming a repeat offender,” Johnson said in a press release.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there have been 61,003
OVI-related crashes since 2020, with 3,142 resulting in a fatality.
In addition, 60% of all drivers involved in OVI-related crashes were between the ages of 21-39.
In the past 5 years, almost 81,000 OVI arrests have been made in Ohio, 30% of which were repeat offenders.
In Athens County, there were 12 OVI enforcements in 2024 and three so far in 2025.
Ohio University Police Department communications relations officer Evan Wilkof highlighted the City of Athens does not tend to have repeat OVI offenders.
“I think the cases we see in our department are not necessarily repeat offenders,” Wilkof said. “If a student is charged with driving under the influence, most of the time it is their first offense. It’s in the county outside of the university that it is more likely.”
Wilkof noted OUPD does not have the resources to implement oral fluid testing as of right now.
“I do know that with the recent legalization of marijuana, driving while high is now becoming an equally concerning offense,” Wilkof said. “I imagine that they’re working on something (like the field sobriety test) for marijuana, but it takes a long time to be researched and tested and, furthermore, approved
for all agency use.”
Wilkof also emphasized people should not be driving under the influence even if they do not think they are drunk, especially in a pedestrian-heavy place such as Uptown Athens.
“Buzzed driving is still drunk driving,” Wilkof said. “I think a lot of folks feel that they are capable of driving after drinking, whether it’s dinner at a restaurant or at a bar and, especially in Athens, the pedestrian traffic is so high. The risk of injuring someone, a pedestrian especially, is exponentially high.”
Wilkof said people can be placed under arrest and charged for OVI if they cannot perform the field sobriety tests properly, even if their blood alcohol level is below 0.8.
Alex Otte, the regional executive director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, stressed the large impact just one drunk driver can have.
“We know that, on average, nearly 12,000 people every year are being killed and more than 300,000 people are being injured (from drunk driving),” Otte said. “Does it impact the individual who is injured or killed as a result of the crash? Yes, but it also impacts entire communities, families, their parents, their friends. Someone who has been impacted by a crash feels this effect forever.”
Otte also explained Liv’s Law intends
to increase accountability for impaired drivers.
“We want to do anything and everything we can to ensure that those who made this dangerous and deadly choice are held accountable,” Otte said. “Liv’s family, the Wright family, championed this effort in bringing forth Liv’s Law to do just that … but also make it known that you will be held accountable for this choice in hopes of deterring others from making the same choice.”
Otte also pointed out MADD has crisis intervention programs, court accompaniment and law enforcement advocacy programs. They can also help families affected by impaired driving through the criminal justice system.
MADD also offers emotional support and grief support to any individuals or families impacted by impaired driving.
“I think the inherent dangers of driving intoxicated, whether it’s by alcohol, drugs or a combination of both, is incredibly high,” Wilkof said. “I know a number of families and students here at the university who have been impacted by drunk driving and its fatalities, so I feel that stricter penalties and following laws that are passed in the Ohio Senate and nationwide are a good idea.”
ZW211923@OHIO.EDU
Nelsonville charts course for charterless government
JACK SOLON | FOR THE POST
Nelsonville City Law Director Jonathan Robe said if you put 10 lawyers in a room and ask them the same question, you will get 15 different answers. However, since the passing of Issue 23 to abolish the Nelsonville City Charter of almost 30 years, Robe has found himself racking his brain for even one answer.
The case is the first of its kind in the history of the State of Ohio. According to the Ohio Municipal League, 250 cities in the state have charters and the Ohio Constitution provides a framework for cities to establish them. However, no city has ever abolished a charter, and there is no state legal protocol to guide officials through the transition.
Issue 23, a citizen-led issue to abolish the charter in favor of the state’s mayor-based government blueprint, passed with 70% of the vote in November 2024. The charter will remain in effect until Jan. 1, 2026, at which point the city will default to the statutory mayoral government. However, Robe said the language of Issue 23 means the transition will not be so simple.
The most notable difference in the timeline is the statutory form of government requires three readings to pass an ordinance, then a month after the third reading for the ordinance to take effect, while the city’s current charter only requires two. However, Robe said his biggest concern was the implication of the extra reading on reinstating certain city services such as the police and fire departments.
“When the charter was adopted in 1994, the charter very cleverly solved that
transition problem by saying, ‘The police department as it now exists shall continue to exist,’” Robe said. “Issue 23 doesn’t have any of that language in reverse … so the council’s only authority that they have right now is under the chart.”
Robe said police and fire departments cannot exist under both the charter and the statutory law. When the charter is abolished, those departments also are abolished until they are officially reinstated by the new mayoral government.
The process requires three readings and a wait period of one month after the third reading to go into effect. Robe said it would be around mid-February before police and fire departments would be properly up and running again unless the City Council is able to put a special election on the ballot to amend Issue 23 to include some transitory “magical legal language.”
Nelsonville City Council President Gregg Clement has taken the initiative to put forth a different solution. At its special meeting Tuesday, the Nelsonville City Council passed an ordinance to hold a special election May 6 to amend the city charter to include a mayoral position.
Ordinance 06-25 was enacted by a special council vote in just a single reading under emergency rule to meet the Feb. 5 deadline for the municipal primary election. All but one member of the council voted in favor of the ordinance.
Clement said he believes Ordinance 0625 offers a different path that preserves the home rule of Nelsonville’s charter and grants the wishes of the 70% of voters in favor of Issue 23.
Clement said he also believes the charter sours the appetite of the council
The outside of Nelsonville City Hall in Nelsonville, Ohio, Jan. 19, 2025. (
and citizenry to speak to more pressing matters.
Nelsonville barely made the 2020 Census’s 5,000-person requirement to be considered a city and not just a village. Clement said with his only desired term coming to a close at the end of 2025, less headway than he wanted had been made on a city economic planning committee.
He questioned whether the abolition of the charter is the best way to address the issues Nelsonville is facing and doubts it will meet the requirements of a city by the 2030 Census.
“In the last week, Councilman Jonny Flowers, as on a couple occasions, made the statement that citizens in the city were not happy with members of the current council, so instead of voting
those people out of office, they chose to upheaval the government and go back to a mayoral form of government,” Clement said. “Why didn’t some of those 70% of people run for office to vote out the members they didn’t want?”
Robe said he is sending the case up to the Ohio Supreme Court, and Clement said the next council meeting will see a special advisory board sworn in to facilitate the transition. Meanwhile, time marches on toward 2026, when Nelsonville’s government remains slated to return to how it was in 1993.
ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)
OU plans $2.06 million solar panel project
PAIGE FISHER | THE POST
At its January meeting, Ohio University Board of Trustees discussed a project to install three rooftop solar panel arrays on facilities within OU’s Athens campus.
“The solar panels will be placed on Walter Field House, Ping Recreation Center and an existing solar array will be expanded on top of a former coal storage building next to Lausche Heating Plant,” Alex Semancik, university spokesperson, wrote in an email.
This is a $2.06 million project that would be funded by internal bank financing and is predicted to lead to cost-savings within the university. OU will be able to generate its own electricity on-site, leading to utility operating budget savings.
Jonathon Cozad, associate vice president of design and construction, said after 15 years when the system is paid off the university can expect to get another 20-25 years of production from the panels.
Based on the financial plan for this system, OU can expect 40% of the $2 million from the internal bank to be refunded by year two of production, and by year four there will be a net positive impact to the operating budget, Cozad said.
“Financially it saves the university operating dollars and it also puts this asset on our campus,” Cozad said.
Sam Crowl, director of sustainability, said the installation is part of a decarbonization strategy OU has implemented to attempt to become carbon neutral by 2050.
“Every little bit helps, and it's also sort
of a test case to show that we can size a proper rooftop array on a building that can really perhaps provide all the electricity for that building,” Crowl said.
Crowl said the university does not currently have any large solar installations, but has several small ones in various areas including The Ridges, the Eco House and the campus compost facility.
“These are small enough that they are certainly lowering the electricity bills for those individual buildings, but in the large scheme of things … they’re kind of a small piece,” Crowl said.
Crowl said the university has looked into other forms of sustainable energy sources as they have taken steps in developing strategies to become carbon neutral.
Some of these steps included switching from burning coal to using natural gas in 2015 and researching affordable sources of renewable energy, such as geothermal energy.
“The university is committed, and we'll have to look long-term about what strategies make the most sense for reaching the 2050 goal of carbon neutrality,” Crowl said. “There are lots of different technologies that are being explored now that might make some of these steps more affordable and more efficient.”
Charlie Bartels, a freshman studying environmental science and sustainability, is the environmental affairs commissioner within Student Senate. From a student perspective, Bartels said she thinks the university is currently lacking in finding ways for students to be involved in its sustainability efforts and hopes there is a way for students to become involved with
this project.
“I hope they're doing this to make an impact on how we use our energy, and I hope that it's a concerted effort,” Bartels said. “It's a continuous effort to keep working at a more renewable energy-focused campus.”
Bartels said she acknowledges that majoring in environmental science and sustainability and having the position of environmental affairs commissioner provides her with access to more information about these initiatives.
Crowl said many students are not aware of the solar panels the university has because they are often located on rooftops. With this project, he wants to raise awareness of OU’s sustainability efforts. This is why Walter Field House was
chosen as a location for the panels.
“Not only would it be seen from all over, but particularly from the west stands at Peden Stadium during a football game, you're going to be looking right out at the array on top of the Walter Field House,” Crowl said.
Bartels said she is proud of OU for taking steps toward becoming a more sustainable campus.
“I think this is a good thing, I just wish I knew the extent to which they mean,” Bartels said. “There are a lot of buildings with empty roofs begging for solar panels to be placed on them … It is a productive thing, I just hope it's a consistent thing.”
@PAIGEMAFISHER PF585820@OHIO.EDU
CAMPUS EVENTS February 4th - February 22nd
Social Engagement & Student Org Events
Wednesday, February 5
Morgan’s Message Meeting
7:00am - 8:00 pm Phillips Auditorium - Convo
Midweek Bible Study hosted by: Encompass Campus Min.
7:00 - 9:00 pm Baker 503
Thursday, February 6
Martie & Stewie Craft Night hosted by: Housing & Res Life & THRIVE
7:30 pm- supplies are provided West 82 Food Court
Friday, February 7
RISE Collegiate Recovery Community Meeting
3:00 - 4:00 pm Baker 313
* To have your event included on this calendar make sure it is registered on Bobcat Connect!
Saturday, February 8
GLOHIO hosted by: UPC
6:00 - 10:00 pm Baker Ballroom FREE EVENT
Tuesday, February 11
Community Conversation: Community Engagement Student Needs Assesment 10:00 am & 11:00 am
Academic Engagement Ctr.
*Sign up on Bobcat ConnectPIZZA PROVIDED
Wednesday, February 12
Midweek Bible Study hosted by: Encompass Campus Min.
7:00 - 9:00 pm Baker 503
Friday, February 14
RISE Collegiate Recovery Community Meeting
3:00 - 4:00 pm Baker 313
Sunday, February 9
Sibs Weekend Commuter Superbowl Watch Party 5:00 pm Jefferson 160
Friday, February 14
Friday’s LIVE Season 54 E01 hosted by Jeanie Stanton 8:00 pm Studio C (RTV 515)
Saturday, February 15
The Gathering ALL Day with FREE Aetherdrift Draft hosted by OU Magic the Gathering 10:00 am - 10:00 pm 45 University Terrace
Thursday, February 20
Mindfulness through Music OU Mindful Based Living 6:00 - 7:00 pm Morton 126
GREEK
Tuesday, February 4
Sophomore Housing Exemption Meeting 7:00 PM Walter 135
Wednesday, February 5 Sophomore Housing Exemption Meeting 5:30 PM Morton 201
Wednesday, February 12 Sophomore Housing Exemption Meeting 2:00 PM Baker 231
February 7 & 8 Liberty @ OHIO
7:00 PM & 2 PM
February 15 & 16 Minot @ OHIO
7:00 PM & 2 PM
February 21 & 22 OHIO @Liberty
7:00 PM, Lynchburg, VA (follow on X for streaming link)
The outside of Walter Feild House, Feb. 3, 2025. (ALAINA DACKERMANN | FOR THE POST)
Police Blotter: Theft, warrants, narcotics
27 Mon__________________________
Dollar General shoplifting
Deputies from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Dollar General in The Plains for a shoplifting complaint Jan. 27.
A report was taken upon arrival and a case is pending investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
28 Tue__________________________
Traffic stop arrest
Athens County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested an individual with an arrest warrant Jan. 28.
The individual was located and arrested after a traffic stop conducted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Deputies transported the individual to the Southeastern Ohio Jail, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
That’s my stuff…
Deputies from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to North Plains Road in The Plains for a report of theft Jan. 28.
Multiple items were stolen from the residence, according to the Sheriff’s Office, and the case remains under investigation.
29 Wed_________________________
Serious swatting
Officers from the Ohio University Police Department responded to Chubb Hall after receiving a terroristic threat Wednesday.
The call was found to be a swatting call, and there was no threat to campus, according to OUPD.
Annoying animals
Athens County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to Wildwood Lane in Athens after receiving an animal complaint Wednesday.
Upon arrival, deputies found the animal in reference had been returned to its owner, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Scary social media
OUPD Officers responded to Brown Hall after an individual reported receiving threatening messages on a social media platform Wednesday.
A report was taken for aggravated menacing, according to OUPD.
You need to yield
OUPD responded to University Terrace for a traffic crash Wednesday. The individual was given a citation for failure to yield, and officers took a report for a non-injury crash, according to OUPD.
Ice skating
Deputies from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Strouds Run Lake after receiving reports of people on the ice Wednesday.
Upon arrival, deputies found several people on the ice, and issued a safety warning for individuals to stay off the ice. All people involved complied with the request, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Naughty narcotics
Athens County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to North Plains Road after receiving a report of narcotics Wednesday.
Upon arrival, deputies collected the narcotics and an investigation is pending, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
30 Thur_________________________
Not your clothes
OUPD Officers responded to Wilson Hall after receiving a theft complaint Thursday.
A report was taken for stolen clothes, according to OUPD.
Someone’s walking there
Officers from the OUPD responded to Bobcat Lane for a traffic crash Thursday. A report was taken for a minor injury crash, and an individual was given a citation for the right of way of a pedestrian within a crosswalk, according to OUPD.
Trans Takeover challenges binaries on The Union stage
SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY | ASSISTANT HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR
It is 8:01 p.m. Jan. 30. The doors of The Union, located at 18 W. Union St., have just opened for the Athens Trans Takeover, and Constanze Brodbeck is wandering the practically empty floor of the venue, waiting for the crowd to filter in.
Brodbeck is a senior studying film, as well as the coordinator of the Trans Takeover event. Brodbeck was approached by Trans PSA to organize a benefit show that would feature transgender artists and raise money for the group.
“Trans PSA is a group looking to bring trans spaces and events to Southern Ohio and the Athens area specifically, so we’re hosting potlucks and shows like this to help people get together and help people connect,” Brodbeck said.
It didn’t take long for a sizable crowd to join Brodbeck. The first resounding bass thump of the night rang out around 8:30 p.m., immediately pulling the group from the bar to the dance floor with magnetic power. DJ Groundfloor set the tone for a night of high energy with an electric set, seamlessly blending elements of hyperpop, techno and trance.
Brodbeck took the stage next under the name Connie Conrad, bringing with her only an electric guitar and haunting vocalizations. She synthesized the influences of Midwest emo and folk music, debuted original songs from all eras of her life and brought together the crowd exactly as she hoped the event would.
“I think it’s really important right now for trans people to connect and to know each other … not just online, but to have a local trans community who they can rely on when things get dicey,” Brodbeck said.
Following Connie Conrad was DYL Jane,
the solo project of Jane Hoover. Hoover drums for the local band Snail Satan, but for solo shows she ditches the skins in favor of a synthesizer and guitar.
“It’s my first solo set not at Casa (Nueva), which is where I work so it’s very low pressure,” Hoover said.
Hoover had no reason to fear the pressure of The Union stage; in between songs, she commanded the audience to “clap if you like trans people” and was met by the night’s loudest and longest round of applause. Hoover also received resounding moments of applause for her dreamy musicianship, from her raspy and powerful vocals to skillful manipulation of the synthesizer.
As Hoover wrapped up her set and the transition between artists began, attendees couldn’t help but notice the sudden influx of red and black outfits among the crowd. This could only mean one thing: the arrival of Blush. The all-fem group began their set by featuring the songwriting of drummer Caden Primmer and brought the evening to an unexpected close.
The final name on the lineup was DJ TGirl $wag, the stage name of Spike Robertson-Boyd, a senior studying music production. Robertson-Boyd described the style of DJ TGirl $wag as “hard groove, techno, trance … rave-oriented,” and the artist looked forward to showcasing this style for a good cause.
“It’s really great to try to … build these spaces where trans people can go and exist around other trans people without having this constant fear or anything else going on, so it’s really awesome that we have those spaces,” Robertson-Boyd said.
However, the artist’s equipment was
damaged by a spilled drink earlier in the night and DJ TGirl $wag was unable to perform as planned. Fortunately, Robertson-Boyd was able to make back the cost of the damages through a GoFundMe organized by Kat Goecke. So far, $560 has been raised to fix the equipment.
“My partner was supposed to play a benefit show for the trans community in Athens last night, their equipment was ruined by a spilled drink without the artist’s knowledge,” Goecke wrote in the GoFundMe description. “The mixer and CDJs need to either be replaced or fixed. All proceeds would be helping trans art-
ists fix their equipment and be very much appreciated.”
According to Brodbeck, the event raised about $1,300 with tickets and art market sales. This money will help Trans PSA organize future events; the calendar for March includes a monthly potluck scheduled for March 2 and another performance event March 15.
“F--- the government, come hang out, come support,” Hoover said. “Feel some joy, feel some sadness. There’s art to be had in times of darkness, there’s hope.”
@SOPHIAROOKS_ SR320421@OHIO.EDU
Connie Conrad sings at the Trans Takeover, Jan. 30, 2025, at The Union. (CONNOR EGLOFF | FOR THE POST)
Blush performs at the Trans Takeover. Jan. 30, 2025, at The Union. (CONNOR EGLOFF | FOR THE POST)
Groundhog Day predicts 6 more weeks of winter
GINA NAPOLI HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER
As the sun rose Sunday, Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his slumber to spread the news: six more weeks of winter in Athens. Although it may seem to be a silly or fabricated holiday, Groundhog Day has a long history dating back to the 1800s.
According to AP News, the origins of Groundhog Day are rooted in German traditions, as people would utilize the sky and animal behaviors to determine “farming practices” and weather forecasts.
Traditionally, a badger or bear’s exposure post-hibernation signified the approach of winter or spring. However, it was not until Pennsylvania locals replaced these animals with a groundhog that the tradition caught the eye of 28 states from the eastern and midwestern U.S.
Although Athens and other neighboring cities do not have a groundhog, students and locals displayed their excitement and adoration for the holiday. Kailey Resnik, a freshman studying psychology, was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, sharing a connection to the day since childhood.
“Ever since I was a kid we have always celebrated it very heavily,” Resnik said. Resnik said her obsession with groundhogs has only grown since attending Ohio University. She often sees the animal near the south side of campus and snaps photos for her mom.
“It is a random holiday that I can make such a big deal about,” Resnik said. “It is something to look forward to and it is something I could just joke around about … even though it is one of those things that many people overlook.”
For some, it is hard to believe an animal’s shadow can predict the duration of
winter, but for those in Punxsutawney, the groundhog is a symbol of life and entertainment. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, formed in 1887, encouraged enthusiasts to venture to Gobbler’s Knob, as the week was packed with exciting events leading up to the big day.
The events were hosted by the “inner circle,” a group of “local dignitaries” dressed in fashionable top hats and long black coats. The circle consists of 16 members who coordinate Groundhog Day and care for Punxsutawney Phil, the “weather predictor extraordinaire.”
From live music and delicious food to fundraisers and the annual “Groundhog Ball” and “Gobblers Knob Got Talent” show, Pennsylvania natives and people from around the world gathered to witness history, as 2025 marked Phil’s first
Groundhog Day as a father.
Delaney McNamara, a freshman studying business, attended Punxsutawney’s Groundhog Day festivities in 2024 and said the atmosphere was electric.
“There were so many people, I was astounded,” McNamara said. “To an extent, not a lot of people from outside of Pennsylvania really care about the holiday, but I was standing next to someone and he said he was from Florida.”
McNamara said attendees gathered on the field at 3 a.m., and there was live entertainment, fireworks and breakfast.
A plethora of this year’s events were free to attend. However, tickets for the ball cost $40, with the addition of a live band, food and alcoholic beverages. Those wanting to showcase their talents also signed up before the show, and the
winner was awarded a $500 cash prize.
Punxsutawney was not the only city to throw a memorable party for Phil. OU’s Center for Student Engagement and Leadership hosted a “Pancake Prediction Party” Friday in Baker Theatre Lounge with free pancakes, t-shirts and a showing of “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray.
“Our office is always looking for new, fun and creative ways to engage the student body,” Joshua Knotts, assistant director for programming, wrote in an email. “We noticed Groundhog Day was coming up and wanted to do something unique.”
Knotts said although he does not believe the groundhog’s shadow determines the weather, he finds the holiday to be a hilarious and niche celebration.
Whether those who celebrated were happy with the outcome or disappointed, it is safe to say Groundhog Day was a success. As students and locals face six more weeks of winter, Phil and other groundhogs around the world will hopefully get some rest in preparation for next year’s celebration.
Lorilei Carmona, a freshman studying sociology and criminology, is from a small town near Punxsutawney and said she finds humor in the holiday’s antics, but her appreciation for the groundhog will never waiver.
“I like the jokes that everyone makes,” Carmona said. “It is truly a magical feeling growing up when you are there … in elementary school, we would always do coloring sheets and we would have special dinners and breakfasts.”
Artist Spotlight: Riley James, The Zeitgeist rock Athens
SOPHIA
Music is often defined by genre, whether it is rock, pop, R&B or hip-hop. However, that is not how singer-songwriter Riley James sees their music.
James, a senior studying contemporary music and digital instruments, has always had a passion for music. While growing up in Duncan Falls, Ohio, James taught themself what they could about music. At 12 years old, James got their first piano as a gift and worked hard to learn how to play.
Since then, James has remained dedicated to their craft and continues to learn how to play instruments and write songs. They were constantly writing new material and practicing, and when James got to college, their drive was no different.
“I'm at the point where I don't even really believe in genres anymore,” James said. “It’s just music with certain influences, to me.”
James pulls influences across multiple genres. These influences include The Beatles, David Bowie and Billie Eilish to name a few. All of these names helped James to find their voice through music.
“The Beatles in general are a big influence for me just for chords and how to write lyrics and melodies,” James said. “Even if I didn't want to accept it, that just kind of is how it turned out.”
While writing songs, James has run into some challenges surrounding vulnerability in their music. It is a skill that takes
some time for many artists to learn.
“I feel like, and I realized this a while ago, that if I want the songs that I'm trying to write to actually resonate with people and connect with people, I need to be really honest with myself,” James said.
During the last few months, James was able to put together a band called The Zeitgeist. The band is composed of four members: James, Heath Benton, Jayden Rahmon and Miles MacDonald. Together, the group performs gigs around Athens to help liven the already booming music scene.
MacDonald, a freshman studying music production at Hocking College, described the first time the band met each other.
“The first time I saw Riley, it was an open mic,” MacDonald said. “I was like, ‘Wow, these songs are really great’ … It was me and a few other people who talked to Riley, and we were like, ‘Your songs are great, but they would be even better if we had a band behind it.’ So that's kind of how it came together.”
Benton, a junior studying music production and guitar performance, has known James since first coming to OU, and since then they have collaborated on many different projects together.
“We've kind of done a lot already,” Benton said. “We've done a live session with ACRN. We have a live thing out on Spotify of about five of Riley’s songs. We've been to a couple of gigs, performed at The Union and performed at Donkey.”
The band has a great relationship
going, as James writes the songs and the band members help expand upon them using their instrumental talents. Recently, James developed some new music with the help of The Zeitgeist including tracks such as “What Have I Done” and “In A While.”
Currently, James is working on an EP with Brick City Records, though there is no release date or title announced yet.
“I've been writing pretty much exclusively for the past 6 years,” James said. “Now, (I’m) at the point where I'm learning how to get comfortable in the studio and learning what kind of sound I want in a recording.”
James and his bandmates give similar advice to aspiring musicians. Their advice is to practice to get the best results as an artist.
“If you're trying to write songs, you just have to do it every day and not be afraid if you're going to write a bad song,” James said. “You just have to finish the song, whether or not it sucks.”
The Zeitgeist has a gig at Sidebar coming up Feb. 15. There is so much on the horizon for artists like James and The Zeitgeist, as its non-conforming genre brings a new sound through Athens’ many stages.
@ANNESSSOPH0415 SA425522@OHIO.EDU
A groundhog sits in the grass by a pond next to Baker Center, Ohio University, Oct. 1, 2024. (TALITHA MALOY | FOR THE POST)
Photo provided by Diego Buhay.
Athens Photo Project supports mental health through creativity
ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST
Formany, art is not just a creative outlet but also a means of self-expression and reflection.
Whether it be painting, music or whatever the creator chooses, art allows artists to show how they see the world. Located at 434 W. Union St., the Athens Photo Project brings together photography and mental health support.
Founded in 2000 as an extension of the National Alliance on Mental Health Athens, APP provides photography classes for those with mental health struggles to get peer support from one another. Nate Thomson, the executive director of APP, said for many of APP’s artists, photos are how they share their experiences.
“The arts are a medium and a way to be together,” he said. “We learn to express ourselves, we go out, we create photographs, we build skills as
artists and photographers, and what's really important is we're able to share our lives with other people through taking photographs.”
By providing classes and cameras free of charge to participants, APP is working to reduce barriers to the arts. Classes are done on a semester basis and meet one to two times per week, following a similar structure to a college-level photography class.
Thomson, who graduated from Ohio University with a degree in photojournalism in 2002, said teaching the technical skills of photography lets artists better express their ideas.
“Photography is a really important medium for us because it really allows someone to start valuing their life and reconnecting with the world through the camera,” he said.
Recovery Reframed, an offshoot project of APP, works in underserved communities in Southeast Ohio and
We’re able to share our lives with other people through taking photographs.”
– Nate Thomson, the executive director of APP
West Virginia. The project works to take portraits of those at least a year in recovery from substance abuse.
Fischer Wallace, the director of community engagement with APP and lead of Recovery Reframed, said reducing stigma around recovery can best be done through portraits.
“Substance abuse is affecting all of us, and we can talk about it, and we can talk about how so and so is recovered, and we can talk about the past,” Wallace said. “But there are few things more powerful than a portrait
of someone that you know has been in addiction and is turning themselves around and has found a path.”
The project is run by APP artists, who take portraits of people in recovery holding a frame. The subjects then write their stories around them. Recovery Reframed has now worked in nine counties across Ohio and West Virginia.
Z Carroll, an APP artist and Recovery Reframed production member, said she is grateful for the opportunities APP has given her and others.
“The Athens Photo Project has been life-changing,” Carroll wrote in an text. “The sense of purpose, belonging, and connection I experience is invaluable. Being part of a peer-run organization where members share similar experiences and feel supported in an environment of mutual understanding and acceptance has fostered growth and self-respect for me.”
A display of artists' works can be found outside the Athens City Parking Garage at 15 E. Washington St. and on APP’s website.
A referral from a clinician is required to join. Those interested in joining a class with APP should contact Director of Education Lacy Davis at lacy@athensphotoproject.org.
Wallace said in her career, the work she has done with APP and Recovery Reframed has been the most impactful to her.
“I have worked in mental health communities, I have worked in unhoused communities and I have worked in substance abuse disorder communities,” she said. “And I have never seen stories of recovery like I have in this place.”
@ETHANHERX EH481422@OHIO.EDU
The Athens Photo Project studio at 434 W. Union Street in Athens, Feb. 1, 2025. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)
Women’s Basketball: Ohio loses badly on the road against Miami
CHARLIE FADLE | SPORTS STAFF WRITER
It is no secret Ohio has had a tough season. Before yesterday’s loss against rival Miami, the Bobcats were 4-15 overall and just 2-7 in Mid-American Conference play.
After the 72-34 blowout defeat, Ohio dropped further in the standings, thanks in part to an offensive performance that is one to be forgotten.
Ohio scored just 34 points on the afternoon, a season-low for a team that has played Power Four schools such as Ohio State and Georgia. Anyssa Jones led the way in scoring with 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting from the field, Bailey Tabeling backing her up with 8 points and wasn’t any more efficient.
The Bobcats walked off the court at Millett Hall with a shooting percentage of 23.6% from the floor and an 18% mark from 3-point range. These were troubling numbers against a Miami defense that made the team work for every point. Ohio’s opponents finished the game with five blocks and 11 steals.
It is easy to look at the box score after the game ended and chalk up Ohio’s loss to poor shooting and some stingy Miami defense. However, it is clear something is missing from this Ohio offense, and many possessions end up looking disoriented. Ohio coach Bob Boldon agrees.
“We’re just kind of clunky, we’re just out of sorts as to when to drive, when to pass,” Boldon said. “I’ve got to do a better job of teaching and coaching players to recognize situations a little bit better, a little bit quicker.”
All game it looked like the offense was out of sorts like Boldon said, with players not knowing when to pass, shoot or set a screen. The screening looked particularly out of sorts for Ohio, as the offense revolves around sets utilizing screens
off the ball, leaving the ball-handler alone without help for the on-ball defender.
Miami guard Tamara Singer made life hard for those ball-handlers, who were left on an island with Singer, who used her energy and physicality to disrupt the offensive timing.
This system is new to a majority of the players on the team, with just one player holding noteworthy experience under Boldon’s offensive scheme.
“Kate Dennis is the only player that has ever run this offense,” Boldon said. “We used to run this my first 10 years, and we switched last year, and we’re back to it. We’re introducing a lot of players to the system.”
Injuries to key players such as Jaya McClure, Monica Williams and Kennedi Watkins have caused those players to struggle to mesh with the offense according to Boldon.
“Almost every player that plays for us minus Kate (Dennis) has missed significant time throughout the season and has been shifted around,” Boldon said. “All of them have been shifted around minus Kate (Dennis) to different positions and had to learn different things.
I think all of that kind of contributes to
Men’s Basketball Column: Ohio
ROBERT KEEGAN III | SPORTS EDITOR
During Ohio’s two-game skid against Toledo and Miami, its defense was the deciding factor, leading to two close losses. Losing by a combined total of 7 points in the two games, Ohio’s defense has given up 86 and 73 points, respectively.
“There were a couple of times where (Miami) scored because we fouled,” Ohio coach Jeff Boals said following a loss against Miami. “We played great defense for 23-25 seconds and then they scored late in the shot clock or we couldn’t get a rebound. We need to lock in the last 3-4 seconds of the shot clock.”
In the dwindling moments of the Toledo game, Ohio’s defense seemed completely unable to get a much-needed stop. Against Miami, Ohio’s defense down the stretch had some success but it was too little too late after surrendering a 3-point barrage early on in the second half.
“When you play a team like that, your communication levels have to be on point when identifying shooters,” Boals said. “When you lose those guys they’re good enough to knock them in.”
Ohio’s defensive woes can’t be evaluated without considering the main storyline that follows the team – injuries. The Bobcats lost most of their height when both AJ Clayton and Aidan Hadaway went down with injury in the same week.
For the last three games, Ohio has
the overall frustration.”
It was a shame Ohio had the offensive performance it had yesterday considering how its defense played. Ohio in the first quarter held Miami to just 11 points with fast and energetic defense causing a lot of deflections which turned into turnovers for Miami. It was the RedHawks that ended the game with more turnovers
than the Bobcats.
Lots of different factors have contributed to the disconnect for Ohio offensively, and that disconnect resulted in the worst offensive performance of the season on the road against their biggest rivals.
@CHARLIEFADEL CF111322@OHIO.EDU
too small during back-to-back losses
rolled out a starting lineup of four guards and a forward. Although this combination worked against Kent State, an abysmal offensive team, it has not worked since.
The problem isn’t entirely the starting lineup. The lineup isn’t working, but there isn’t a better option. Ohio entered 2025 without a rostered center and only six players standing taller than 6-foot-5. Of those five players, two are hurt, and one, Kiir Kuany, is confirmed to be redshirting and won’t play this season.
The remaining options who provide any height are Ayden Evans, a freshman; Vic Searls, who has provided a handful of starts and Ben Nicol, who doesn’t get any meaningful playing time.
This sheer lack of size has caused a significant issue for Ohio as it takes on MAC teams that feature dominant big men and taller wings or guards. Standing at 6-foot-5-inch and 6-foot-6-inch, respectively, Miami’s backcourt of Peter Suder and Kam Craft combined for 29 of the Redhawk’s 73 points.
Against Toledo, 6-foot-7-inch Javan Simmons had no problems scoring against the Ohio defense, while 6-foot-6inch Sam Lewis contributed a team-leading 15 points.
Barring a decision to play 6-foot-9inch Kiir Kuany despite an originally planned redshirt year or a breakthrough month by 6-foot-9-inch Vic Searls, help
isn’t near for Ohio’s height problem.
Almost hilariously, Ohio’s second-leading rebounder is 6-foot-2-inch Jackson Paveletzke. Although the transfer guard is an effective small-but-mighty contributor at the rim, Paveletzke is hardly a sustainable option against the MAC’s best.
In Ohio’s final 10 games, it will face dominant big men such as Akron’s 6-foot8-inch James Okonkwo, Western Michigan’s 6-foot9-inch Owen Lobsinger and Central Michigan’s 6-foot6-inch Jakobi Heady. In all of these matchups, Ohio will have at least one glaring mismatch on both ends of the floor.
Ohio has a problem that quite literally isn’t solvable physically: The team can not add height down the stretch. What Ohio can do is learn how to play big despite being small, something they almost certainly will have to do if they want to compete in the MAC.
Guard Aliah McWhorter (4) during the Bobcats game against Miami, Feb. 1, 2025. The Bobcats lost to Miami 72-34, in Oxford, Ohio. (JOHN FOUSS| FOR THE POST)
Guard, Elijah Elliott (6) during the Bobcats game against Miami, Feb. 1, 2025, in Oxford, Ohio. (JOHN FOUSS| FOR THE POST)
Hockey: Ohio pushes through tough Niagara defense in overtime win
Despite a powerful showing from the Eagles’ defenders, the Bobcats were able to deliver a nose to nose win Friday night.
As Ohio (16-4) skated onto the ice Friday in Bird Arena, clad in camo jerseys with black and brown detailing, it was clear a tough match was ahead. Niagara (15-11-3) entered the rink looking for a win against one of its rivals. The Bobcats had to push hard to fight through the Purple Eagles’ brutish defense and take home a tight 4-3 win.
“I thought (Niagara) defended well,” Ohio coach Barry Schutte said. “We had some quality chances, but there wasn’t a lot of second and third opportunities around the other team’s net. I think we can get a little hungry around their net because we were there, but they did a pretty good job. They really played connected as a unit.”
Several parts of the Niagara team helped stave off Ohio’s characteristically dynamic offense. The Eagles’ goalie made several impressive stops, and their defensemen pounced on any slight errors by the Bobcats in the first two periods. However, it wouldn’t be enough for Ohio’s explosive late-game performance.
“I thought we broke the puck out pretty well for the most part,” Schutte said. “I didn’t love our play at the offensive blue line entering the zone half a dozen times or so. I thought we gave them momentum at times when we didn’t need to. We could have managed that. But I’d like to see that hunger that we saw in the third period for 60 minutes (Saturday).”
Luckily for the hundreds of Ohio fans attending, the team delivered in the
end. Entering overtime with a 3-3 score displayed overhead, the Bobcats needed to shake off any bad energy they had felt during regulation. Luckily for them, senior Luc Reeve did just that, slamming home the final goal and putting Niagara’s stonewall defense to rest.
Reeve’s game-defining moment was emblematic of how the Bobcats had to overcome a highly physical defense: with more physicality.
“That last goal, I waited for him to try to take me one-on-one physically,“ Reeve said. “And then as soon as he pushed me, I pushed off of him, got my breakaway and scored. So I think just kind of pushing, feeding into it, not stopping your feet, and then being physical back.”
Despite a slow start and occasional slip-ups, Ohio still played a strong game. Facing a strong Niagara defensive effort and powering through it is a sign of what’s to come in the remaining matches of the 2024-25 season.
“I think we were the better team today,” Reeve said. “We had way more shots, way more goal opportunities, way more puck possession, especially in their zone. I think it’s mainly those bounces, and I think we don’t beat ourselves up. We just kind of take it as what we thought it was and keep going with it tomorrow.”
JACKSON MCCOY | COPY CHIEF
Both Ohio and Niagara wait for the official to drop the puck on Bird Arena ice, Jan. 31, 2025. (JACKSON MCCOY| COPY CHIEF)
Bobcats dominate Eastern Michigan for senior day
Ohio has success across the board in 272.5-79.5 beating of Eastern Michigan
Ohio (4-1, 2-1 Mid-American Conference) continued its success Saturday for the team’s senior day, defeating Eastern Michigan (4-2, 2-1 MAC) by a dominant score of 272.579.5.
Ohio coach Mason Norman commented on the seniors’ importance to the program and how the celebration of senior day helped Ohio dominate a fellow MAC opponent.
“These young ladies have been an integral part of building this program,” Norman said. “They’ve helped the program stay undefeated at home since November of 2020.”
The first event of the day was the 3-meter dive where sophomore Astrid Pichardo took first with a personal best of 306 points, followed by sophomore Stephanie Balthaser in fourth (245.33), freshman Camryn Quiggins in fifth (234.38) and senior Sophie Cooper in sixth at 222.54.
The first swim event of the day was the 200-meter medley race in which the Bobcats “A” team took first place with a time of 1:33.50 led by junior Allie Schrank, junior Casadie Dibetta, sophomore Zita Szoke and grad student Caroline Dunigan.
Stith finishing sixth at 1:05.87.
In the 1,000-yard freestyle, the Bobcats finished in the top two spots, with Ashley Sallows touching first at 10:18.35, followed by Maddie Berg in second at 10:28.29.
Dunigan easily took first in the 50-yard freestyle, crushing a personal best time of 22.82 seconds. Following her came
sophomore Katie Buroker tied for third at 24.2, senior Julia Strine next in sixth with 24.39 and junior Alex Wayner finishing eighth at 24.46. “(Dunigan’s) got a lot left in the tank; she’s great on relays, and she had the opportunity to be the top dog in that event and capitalized off,” Norman said. “She’ll be able to bring that energy into the MAC championship.”
Schrank took first in the 100-yard backstroke, clocking in at 54.79; following her came sophomore Melanie Schweikert in fourth (56.94), freshman Leah Guess in fifth (56.96) and freshman Sofia Matern in seventh, touching at 58.25.
Dibetta took first in the 100-yard breaststroke at 1:01.22, followed by Strine in second (1:02.47), senior Edie Sawyer in third (1:03.33) and freshman AnnaLiess
“We’ve been really working on (Dibetta’s) front-end speed, getting a clean dive off and it helped her shave three-tenths off what she went from her max last year,” Norman said. “She’s a defending MAC champion in the 100 and 200 Breastroke, and she showed it today.”
Szoke took first in the 100-yard butterfly, touching at 53.01, followed by Schrank in third (56.9), Wayner in fifth (58.47) and Guess clocking in at 58.9.
In the 200 freestyle, the Bobcats had four swimmers place in the top five, with Peyton Binnis finishing second (1:52.17), followed by Dunigan in third at 1:52.27, then Anna Mcgrath in fourth (1:52.29). Rounding out the group was Katie Burker in fifth at 1:53.88.
McKee took first in the 400 IM at 4:19.60, followed by junior Emily Ellsworth in second (4:24.92), junior Morgan Brown in third (4:26.70) and senior Raph Anglade finishing fourth finishing at 4:29.74.
In the final event of the day, the Bobcats “A” team took first in the 400-yard freestyle relay with a time of 3:25.42 led by Szoke, Buroker, McGrath and Binnis. The Bobcats will look to continue their success in Columbus for OSU’s Winter Invite taking place Feb. 14-16.
JACKSON HUXEL | FOR THE POST
TOP. Ohio University Women’s swimmer swimming against Eastern Michigan University, Jan.31, 2025 at Ohio University in Athens Ohio. BOTTOM. Ohio University Stephanie Balthaser diving against Eastern Michigan University, Jan.31, 2025 at Ohio University in Athens Ohio. (AMBERLEE GLADWELL| FOR THE POST)
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Black-led TV, movies to watch in 2025
ELIZABETH TALAGA | SLOT EDITOR
With an array of exciting titles coming to theaters and streaming services, here are some movies and TV shows with Black leads releasing in 2025.
“BEL-AIR”
“Bel-Air” returns to Peacock for its fourth and final season in 2025.
The modern take on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” stars Jabari Banks, Coco Jones, Adrian Holmes, Simone Joy Jones, Cassandra Freeman, Jordan E. Jones and Olly Sholotan.
The drama follows the life of Will Smith, played by Banks, and his journey from West Philadelphia to Bel-Air with more dramatic and modernized elements to further explore the complexities of Smith’s life.
“FOREVER”
“Forever,” based on the novel by Judy Blume, stars Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone and will premiere on Netflix in 2025, although no official release date has been announced.
“Forever,” explores the lives of two Black teenagers as they navigate falling in love and experiencing their first relationship with each other. Simone plays Keisha Clark, a track superstar, and Cooper Jr. plays nerdy basketball player Justin Edwards.
“MICHAEL”
Jaafar Jackson stars as his uncle Michael Jackson in upcoming biopic “Michael,” slated for release Oct. 3.
“Michael,” was originally set to release April 8; however, Lionsgate pushed the release back six months.
The biopic showcases the life of Michael Jackson, exploring the highs and lows of his professional and personal life. “Michael” is directed by Antoine Fuqua and also stars Juliano Krue Valdi, Nia Long and Colman Domingo.
“SINNERS”
“Sinners,” a genre-defying film directed by Ryan Coogler, is set for a theatrical release April 18.
Michael B. Jordan stars as twin brothers who return to their home
in the Jim Crow South in the 1930s. Vampires, magic and spirits emerge throughout the film, breathing new life into the horror genre.
“THE RESIDENCE”
From award-winning producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes’ media company Shondaland comes a new murder mystery series, “The Residence.”
The show is set for a Netflix premiere March 20, and follows Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), a detective investigating a murder at the White House. The series will have eight episodes and is inspired by Kate Anderson Bower’s novel of the same name.
“The Residence” cast also includes Giancarlo Esposito, Al Mitchell, Edwina Findley, Isaiah Whitlock Jr. and Susan Kelechi Watson.
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Backdrop Magazine is looking for its editorin-chief and managing editor for the 2025-2026 academic year! Backdrop is an entirely studentproduced lifestyle magazine. Founded in 2007, Backdrop is an outlet for Ohio University students to share their perspectives on issues such as politics, sex and health, entertainment and culture with regard to the university and its surroundings.
Send a resume and cover letter to backdropmag@gmail.com Please indicate in the email what role(s) you are applying for and what you intend to accomplish if selected.
If you are applying for editor-in-chief, be aware that if the executive board decides to move forward, there will be a second part to the application process.
apply: to learn more:
Email Darcie Zudell (current editor-in-chief) dz211021@ohio.edu and/or Layne Rey (current managing editor) lr919721@ohio.edu with specific questions about their roles and expectations. all applications are due by Feb. 21
Unusual traditions celebrated in the US
Discover all the strange and uncommon holidays celebrated in the United States.
CLARA LEDER | FOR THE POST
Groundhog Day is celebrated in the U.S. annually Feb 2. The tradition originated from Candlemas, a celebration held by Christians to mark Jesus’ presentation at the holy temple; it was believed that a sunny day on Candlemas meant the beginning of spring. Germans developed their legend of Candlemas, declaring the day would be sunny if a badger saw its shadow.
When German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania they quickly adopted the tradition to fit the native groundhogs in Philadelphia. Now, 138 years after the first Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney in 1887, Americans still celebrate the day by watching if famed groundhog Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow. If he does see his shadow, that means six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, it means an early spring is coming.
According to legend, Punxsutawney Phil is the original groundhog from the first year of tradition, although normally groundhogs only live for about 14 years in captivity. If Americans celebrate a groundhog seeing his shadow, hoping for spring to come early, what other strange traditions have become holidays?
One holiday tradition started from an episode of “Seinfeld.” On Dec. 23, fans of the show celebrate Festivus. The holiday was celebrated in the show as an alternative to Christmas and since the episode’s release has gained popularity.
Festivus is a time for families to gather together and eat spaghetti meatloaf, mimicking the show’s episode. It is also most importantly celebrated by the Airing of Grievances, where people share how they were disappointed by each other throughout the year. Although Festivus is a rather strange tradition, many fans of the show participate in it to bring some spice to the Christmas season.
Another tradition started from pop culture is Star Wars Day, commonly known as “May the Fourth be with you,” an ode to the “Star Wars” franchise. The first May 4 holiday tradition took place in Canada in 2011. Since then, fans of the Star Wars franchise have celebrated the movies by dressing up in costume and participating in other events.
Many games create “Star Wars”-inspired events, such as Fortnite in 2020 when the game held special in-game content and virtual appearances by director J.J. Abrams. Even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan, many will wish you a happy May 4 when the day arrives.
Another less commonly celebrated American tradition is Leap Day, especially because it only happens once every 4 years. Leap Day is the strange occurrence where February gets an extra day. According to Irish and British tradition, on Leap Day it is customary for women to propose to men. However, it is thought to be bad luck to get married during a leap year.
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The day also brings out celebrations for those born on Leap Day, sometimes called “leaplings.” In Anthony, Texas, residents hold the Anthony Texas Festival for all those born on the special day and even claim to be the leap year capital of the world.
Although some traditions have become more popularly celebrated in the U.S., many days have been designated their own strange National Holidays in recent years. There’s Pi Day March 14, National Chocolate Chip Day May 15, Cheese Pizza Day Sept. 5 and even National Donut Day.
National Donut Day is celebrated on the first Friday of June every year. The day’s tradition dates back to World War I when female volunteers made donuts for soldiers overseas. The day continued being celebrated through the Great Depression and in 1938 was marked by the Chicago Salvation Army as a national holiday to celebrate the female volunteers during the war.
So while Groundhog Day is widely practiced, it is not the only strange tradition celebrated in the U.S. Whether it’s a groundhog predicting the weather, a “Star Wars” pun, or a day dedicated to donuts, these celebrations reflect the quirky and ever-changing nature of American culture.
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DFortnite brings back OG, boosts engagement
SEYMORE | FOR THE POST
eveloped by Epic Games, Fortnite was an immediate success upon its release in 2017. However, as time went on, new titles emerged and its once invincible status waned. Recently, Epic Games introduced “Fortnite OG,” a new game mode which brought back the game’s original map and mechanics and sparked a nostalgic surge in its popularity.
Fortnite is a battle royale game where 100 players are dropped onto an island and fight each other using different weapons and items they find throughout the map. Players must avoid a shrinking storm that forces opponents into closer proximity until one player is left standing and receives a “victory royale.”
Fortnite has different seasons, similar to a TV show, to keep the gameplay fresh and differentiate itself from competitors like Apex Legends or Call of Duty. Each new season lasts around 90 days and adds to the game's storyline. Players can earn rewards through the Battle Pass, which changes each season.
The game frequently collaborates with other media to bring in new players. Epic Games has partnered with popular franchises, from “Star Wars” and Marvel to celebrities such as Ariana Grande and Juice WRLD. Users can also buy different dances, called emotes, which are often inspired by viral songs or internet memes to attract new players.
Riley McKee, a junior studying communication studies, recently got into Fortnite after being introduced to the game last year.
“I think that having new skins is definitely something that keeps people coming back,” McKee said. “I know
that I really only put my money in the skins and also the dances because they're just kind of funny. I think that doing that kept people staying in the game.”
Although many fans embrace the complexity and new layers of gameplay introduced through these collaborations and updates, many original players miss the simplicity of the game's early seasons.
On Dec. 6, 2024, Fortnite brought back “Fortnite OG” based on the original Chapter 1 Season 1 map and gaming experience. OG includes fan-favorite locations like Dusty Depot, Greasy Grove and Pleasant Park.
Ryan Hoffman, a sophomore studying sports management, started playing Fortnite when it was first released and compared the two game modes as a long-time fan.
”It’s more laid back,” Hoffman said. “I feel like the new one’s more modern. OG is more like what you think it would be.”
McKee, who only started playing last year, gets why OG is so popular.
“I think the nostalgia of playing the OG maps is what brings people back to it,” McKee said. “I think with new maps, it’s more the mythical weapons that are probably more fun to play with than just the generic guns in the OG map.”
Many people, especially college students, use video games such as Fortnite as a way to unwind at the end of the day. Although the game is inherently competitive, a lot of students play to relax or connect with friends.
Arianna Schaus, a junior studying integrated health care studies, got into Fortnite during the COVID-19 lockdown to pass the time but recently got back into it.
“I don’t really care about winning,” Schaus said. “I think it’s just a social thing and something to distract me from school and work … It’s just a fun thing to do.”
Fortnite has multiplayer settings that allow users to play as duos, trios or squads, which many players utilize to play with friends virtually.
“I got a headset so I was able to play with my sister and nephew,” Schaus said. “That’s really the only reason I play to do something with them while still being away.”
For college students like Schaus, Fortnite serves as a fun way to unwind and stay connected with friends and family. Whether it is the nostalgic pull of Fortnite OG or the excitement of new skins and dances, Fortnite continues to provide an immersive gaming experience for its users.
‘Jeopardy!’ pop culture spin-off transcends generations
ALEXANDRA HOPKINS | FOR THE POST
If you don’t know the Greek word for the fear of the number 13, but know that it’s Taylor Swift’s favorite number, “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” might be the show for you.
“Pop Culture Jeopardy!” first aired early last month on Prime Video. The “Jeopardy!” spin-off “combines the academic rigor of ‘Jeopardy!’ with the excitement and unpredictability of pop culture,” according to the show’s website.
Each episode features three teams of three competing to advance in the challenge.
According to Prime Video, the first season features “eighty-one teams of three compet(ing) in the first ever ‘Pop Culture Jeopardy!’ tournament for the grand prize of $300,000 and ultimate bragging rights.”
The game show is structured like “Jeopardy!” Contestants choose from a series of categories and answer questions with increasing monetary value. The twist is that every question relates to the modern zeitgeist.
The official “Jeopardy!” website lists the following as potential trivia topics: “Movies, TV, Music, Broadway, Books, Social Media, Sports, Fashion, Comic-Con, Current & Iconic Events, Fads & Trends, and more.”
Colin Jost hosts the game show. The American comedian is known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” as a writer and a co-anchor on the “Weekend Update” segment.
Jost’s announcement as host was divisive, but it has been relatively well received since the show started airing. In fact, some critics said his comical behavior is perfectly suited for a show inherently less serious than its original. New features have been introduced and are distinct from the original, such as a bonus question reminiscent of a Daily Double called “Triple Play.” Contestants are asked a question
with three answers in which each member of the team must answer one correctly to win.
In the “Jeopardy Fan Group” Facebook page, which has just under 12,000 members, many fans of the original show praise Jost. However, some fans acknowledge the show is probably better suited for younger audiences.
Younger contestants with a finger on the pulse of rapidly evolving pop culture have a better chance answering
questions about new artists and trends. Questions about celebrities have fans who haven’t even watched the show abuzz online. Yet the show hasn’t failed completely to resonate with fans of the original “Jeopardy!”
On the same Facebook page, members admitted that despite not knowing the answers, they still enjoyed watching the show. “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” may provide a rare moment where the joy of “Jeopardy!” can become multi-generational.
“Pop Culture Jeopardy!” is the fourth spin-off of “Jeopardy!” since the show's conception in 1964. The first, “Jep!,” was a children’s version that aired in the summer of 1998. Jeff Probst, current host of “Survivor,” hosted “Rock & Roll Jeopardy!” from 1998-2001, based entirely on questions about the music genre. “Sports Jeopardy!” aired from 2014-16.
The show’s official Instagram has 29,000 followers, a number growing daily. On TikTok, clips of the show have over 100,000 likes. “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” is arguably the most successful “Jeopardy!” spin-off to date.
While it’s too early to tell how “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” is performing in the competitive realm of streaming services, it’s clearly finding its footing on social media and with younger generations.
If you think you would be apt at rapid fire bar trivia, it might be time to apply to be a contestant on “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” Also, the Greek word for the fear of the number 13 is triskaidekaphobia, based on a real “Jeopardy!” question aired last week.
New episodes of “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” air every Wednesday on Prime Video. The show is produced by the “Jeopardy!” team and Sony Pictures Television.
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Rooks Reflects: Groundhog Day is an underrated holiday
SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY | ASST. HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR
In a 2024 report of the “most popular national and religious events in the United States,” Statista fails to include Groundhog Day, a holiday perceived as irrelevant and absurd by most of society. However, this unseriousness is the primary reason why Groundhog Day deserves more recognition.
Holidays that carry profound spiritual or traditional weight certainly have value and arguably much more importance, but they can be problematic and volatile. As vital as these celebrations are, the annual calendar of holidays needs to include more than just arguments about the problematic origins of Thanksgiving and families forcing their agnostic grandchildren to attend Easter church service.
This is where Feb. 2 comes in, one of the most unproblematic and lighthearted days of the year. Groundhog Day walks the perfect line of being an excuse for celebration and merriment without bringing along religious or historical baggage. If the concept of an immortal rodent predicting the weather wasn’t enough, the scientific proof against Punxsutawney Phil is hard to ignore. WTAE-TV, a television station in Pittsburgh, reported that during the 130 years Phil has been looking
for his shadow, only 40% of his predictions have been accurate, making it hard for legitimate arguments surrounding the holiday to arise.
Nevertheless, people flock by the thousands to see the famed animal partake in his annual ritual. At this year’s event, temperatures hovered below 20 degrees all morning, and approximately 40,000 people, according to television station KTLA, made the harrowing trek up numerous hills to Gobbler’s Knob, the famous groundhog’s home.
Some people take it further than just making the pilgrimage each year. Members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle are referred to as a “group of local dignitaries responsible for carrying on the tradition of Groundhog Day every year.” This group is also responsible for the care and feeding of the groundhog throughout the year, representing a true dedication to upholding the whimsy and tradition of the holiday. These shows of devotion are further evidence of how valuable and unifying these ridiculous and joyous occasions can be.
The holiday is also accompanied by one of the best holiday-centered films of all time. “Groundhog Day,”
starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, is one of the earliest examples of the time loop trope. The 1993 film follows narcissistic weatherman Phil Connors as he is forced to relive Feb. 2, his least favorite day of the year, over and over again until he becomes a better person. Metacriticism website Rotten Tomatoes gives the movie a score of 94% on the Tomatometer, the same score as “It’s A Wonderful Life” and only a few points below “Halloween,” two iconic holiday films that ought to share some of their spotlight and recognition with February’s holiday movie.
For most people, Groundhog Day is nothing more than a silly report they hear on the radio while driving to work on a random day in early February. However, the day carries with it so much whimsical joy and unproblematic unity, as well as one of the greatest depictions of a holiday put to film. Instead of treating Groundhog Day as irrelevant and ridiculous, people should embrace the celebration and start counting down the days each year until the annual prediction is made.
Sophia Rooksberry is a junior studying journalism. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Sophia know by tweeting her @sophiarooks_.
Sassy Cassie: DEI is vital in higher education
CASSIE DYE | FOR THE POST
Ohio Senate Bill 1 is a bill that “bans Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion courses, training, litmus tests, required statements, and spending for any DEI initiatives or programs with the same intent,” specifically in higher education. By banning DEI initiatives, university students in Ohio will lose access to a multitude of open and welcoming environments, course offerings and potentially scholarship money.
At a university level, DEI is defined as the “practices designed to ensure that every member of the institution (including students, faculty, and staff) have equal opportunities for success and inclusion, no matter their background.” At Ohio University this includes the Multicultural Center, the Pride Center and the Women’s Center. At OU, diversity and inclusion are practiced to “celebrate all members of our University community and to broaden our collective understanding by uplifting diverse identities, cultures, experiences and perspectives.” But with Ohio SB1, these centers could cease to exist. In higher education, DEI is essential for students and
faculty of minority groups to thrive. These initiatives are used to create spaces for minorities where they can thrive. They provide spaces in which minority groups can freely express their thoughts and shared experiences. These programs also help students stay in college. According to Harvard University, “Rolling back funding for diversity officers, training and curricular support is likely to adversely impact retention rates at universities.” The bill doesn’t just affect offices that promote DEI, it also prohibits universities from handing out new scholarships on the basis of DEI.
Although the main focus of SB1 is the banning of DEI, it also bans faculty and staff’s ability to strike. Sen. Jerry Cirinco, who proposed the bill, says the banning of strikes is because “the students are being used as pawns in order to get better working hours … nothing except force majeure should ever get in the way of students getting what they have paid in advance for.” By banning faculty and staff’s ability to strike, the bill takes away a key bargaining tool used by unions. This is an attack on workers’ rights and creates a power imbalance in the negotiation process.
SB1 is only one piece of legislation proposed in recent
The Lo-Down: NBA’s
LOGAN ADAMS | SPORTS EDITOR
It has been nearly a decade since the NBA initially ditched the East-West format for the annual All-Star game. What was once a league-wide holiday worthy of celebration has descended into obscurity, and the new tournament-style change to the format will not affect this.
In the 2017-18 season, with competitiveness in the All-Star game having declined greatly, commissioner Adam Silver announced what would be the first of many changes over the next eight seasons. The people with the most votes in each conference would be All-Star captains with an ensuing draft for the remaining selectees determining the teams.
The 2018 All-Star game was ultimately one of the more competitive in recent memory. The novelty of the change inspired higher-quality defense and a much closer game, with what has become a modest final score of 148-145.
A short-term uptick in competitiveness due to a change has been another trend, encouraging the implementation of more gimmicks. Two years later, following the passing of Kobe Bryant, the 2020 All-Star game introduced an Elam Ending, where the highest-scoring team after three quarters would have 24 added to its
years as an attack on DEI. There have been 106 bills across the states since 2023 targeting DEI in higher education. On Jan. 22, President Donald Trump signed executive orders that end DEI programs at the federal level. In his inauguration speech, Trump said, “We will forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based.” DEI is often misconceived as something that only focuses on race, but DEI practices are focused on uplifting minorities. In the workplace, it can also look like accommodating working parents with flexible hours. These attacks on DEI in higher education will set higher education back. By banning these practices many minorities will no longer have these judgment-free zones and students may lose out on funding vital for them to continue their education. DEI is not about favoring minorities, but rather uplifting people in these groups. These initiatives need to continue for the benefit of all college students.
Cassie is a junior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
new All-Star format
total, creating a target score.
The game saw a controversial ending, in which the target score was reached through free throws. But, there was once again a reinvigorated feeling of competitiveness throughout the game, especially in the fourth quarter.
After another four years, the NBA switched back to East vs. West, attempting to inspire competitiveness through nostalgia. Ultimately, though, the 2024 All-Star game ended up being the highest-scoring All-Star game in history, with 211-186 marking the final score.
Now, with Silver seeing the need for another gimmick to inspire competitiveness in the league’s primary in-season honor, he’s turned to yet another new format. The new format will feature four teams, composed of eight players. Three comprised the NBA All-Stars and a fourth made up of the G-League All-Star selectees. The three NBA All-Star teams will be drafted by NBA on TNT’s hosts; Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith.
The issue is that it’s just another gimmick, and will likely be replaced in another two to four years once the novelty of newness wears off on both the players and fans.
Other events are similarly losing interest among the players. The Dunk Contest, which was the highlight of
fixes nothing
All-Star weekend for a sect of fans, has lost the essence of name recognition and star power it once had.
The most famous contests featured fan favorites, rivalries and electric reactions from the commentators. Now, we see two rookies with limited minutes, a role player and a G-League player making up the foursome of competitors, while the same reactions that were once iconic are recycled every year, feeling less and less genuine each year.
There’s no clear fix to this. The NBA could simply disband the events, but then you lose the pedigree All-Star selections added to a player’s resume – a marker of an elite season. The league could supply financial rewards for competitiveness, but how would the league measure that?
Although it’s uncertain where the league should go, the answer is not to put forth more gimmicks with short-term novelty. The newly implemented tournament format is just another one of those, with no long-term benefit in sight.
Logan Adams is a junior studying journalism. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Logan know by tweeting him @LoganPAdams.
Editorial: Taking breaks from the internet is important
POST EDITORIAL BOARD
The world revolves around the constant consumption of media. Seeing as people can scroll on the internet for hours, there seems to be no stopping point for media consumption, and that can be extremely damaging to a person’s mental health. The internet offers a never-ending stream of information, entertainment and discourse, making it easy to get lost in a cycle of scrolling. However, the constant influx of information can become overwhelming.
In a social climate that is so politically charged, being active on the internet in some capacity is necessary in order to be aware of the current happenings. However, it is also important to take a step back from all the noise every once in a while and allow yourself the space to recharge and engage in some self-care practices.
It can be hard to disconnect. Algorithms are designed to keep users on apps, feeding them content that is specifically tailored to their interests. The algorithms use past interactions and social media usage patterns to deliver content that is likely to capture the user’s attention and keep them engaged. Although it might not seem like it, over 90% of what people see online is tailored to them by an algorithm. The more time users spend on a particular platform, the more data is collected, allowing social media companies to further refine their content suggestions, which increases engagement and thus increases ad revenue.
Constant notifications, endless scrolling and an algorithm designed to pull users back in can make it impossible to take a real break. But that is what makes it all the more important for people not to drown themselves in the media they consume.
Extreme internet usage has been linked to depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Frequent usage of TikTok, which is characterized by short clips and videos, can limit attention span.
Breaks from social media have been shown to improve stress, anxiety and other mental health-re-
lated concerns. Additionally, limiting screen time can lead to better sleep quality. The constant stream of digital content is mentally exhausting, and it can make it difficult to concentrate or even enjoy offline activities.
It is hard to find motivation to disconnect from the digital world when practically everything happens there. However, taking intentional breaks is essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Beyond the mental health benefits, stepping away from the screens allows people to reconnect with the world around them, whether that be spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, or engaging in non-internet-related hobbies. Although it might seem like it, the internet is not the whole world.
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.
3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6
The screening is free with a ticket. Tickets can be claimed in the Athena Cinema lobby, 20 S. Court Street during open hours. Visit athenacinema.com for more information. The website lists hours.
The Ursula and Gilbert Farfel Prize for Excellence in National/International Investigative Reporting is a Scripps Howard Award presented annually by the Scripps Howard Foundation.
