Sept. 28, 2023

Is SNAG the new DoorDash? pg 4

Elon Musk can’t keep naming children... pg 16

It’s hard to find cute clothes in Athens... pg 7

SEPTEMBER 28 2023

The Cost of Convenience

Athens offers limited sexual health resources

PAIGE FISHER NEWS STAFF WRITER

Students at Ohio University's main campus have limited access to resources regarding reproductive and sexual health.

Currently, OhioHealth Campus Care, located at 2 Health Center Drive, is the only on-campus location for OU students to get STI testing.

Athens Health Center, which is located off-campus at 1005 E. State St., is another option for students seeking STI testing. The center is also a division of Planned Parenthood.

OU’s ‘Be Informed Bobcats’ website includes information about the local and national sexual health resources available to OU students.

The Sexual Health Initiative Membership is a university study dedicated to those who want to study sexual health in a formal learning environment.

Caroline Kingori, an associate professor in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, specializes in the study of sexual health and infectious disease. She said the primary purpose of the initiative is to train the next generation of researchers specializing in reproductive and sexual health through faculty mentorship.

“One of the core values is to train the next generation of reproductive and sexual researchers by including and mentoring undergraduate, graduate and junior faculty in every aspect of the research process,” Kingori wrote in an email.

Samantha Pelham, a university spokesperson, said the study collaborates with community-based organizations and health departments doing similar work to engage in sexual health research.

The Heritage Community Clinic is partnering with Equitas Health to create a sexual health and wellness clinic on campus. The new clinic will provide free sexual health and wellness education. The services will include STI testing and treatment, HIV testing and information, HPA vaccinations, contraceptive supplies and pregnancy testing.

However, there is currently no date for when the new clinic will be open.

Kennedy Huntsman, a senior studying political science and Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies, is the Women’s Affairs Commissioner for OU’s Student Senate.

In her position, Huntsman is knowledgeable about several sexual health resources that are readily available and accessible to students. She suggested the Office of Health Promotion, OhioHealth Campus Care and Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio as non-biased resources students could vis-

it to seek sexual health education, women’s health checks and STI testing.

With students having limited access to sexual and reproductive resources, the Women’s Affairs Commission provides free emergency contraceptives to those who may need them.

The Women’s Affairs Commission provided free emergency contraceptives in the Women’s Center, Cats’ Cupboard and the Student Senate Office. Huntsman said she is trying to expand to more locations to make it more accessible for more students.

Providing free emergency contraceptives originated from a project the commission implemented last year, Safer Sacks—which includes dental dams, condoms, menstrual products, pregnancy tests, nightcaps and personal safety alarms. The project’s goal is to promote safe sex and provide free resources to students.

“We were trying to figure out a way to distribute (the Plan B) to where it would still be accessible, but we weren't going to force

it upon anyone,” Huntsman said.

She said there are plans in the works to continue the Safer Sacks this year and it should be back on campus within a few weeks.

She said the Women’s Center still has a readily available stock of Plan B available for anyone who may need it, too.

“We have an abundance of sexual health opportunities on campus. Students usually just don't know how to access them, which is what we're trying to work to combat,” Huntsman said.

Huntsman and Dan Gordillo, the student senate government affairs commissioner, are partnering to create voter guides for the Nov. 7 election. The two want to primarily focus on what Issue 1 means and give information regarding health care and abortion rights.

Liz Walters, the Ohio democratic chair, explained how Issue 1 would enshrine several things in the Ohio Constitution that pertain to women’s health care and freedom.

“A vote ‘yes’ on Issue 1 would support amending Ohio's Constitution to establish a right for individuals to make their own reproductive decisions, but it would still apply restrictions to when abortions are available,” Huntsman said. “A vote ‘no’ would be voting against amending the constitution to include that.”

Huntsman also said the passing of Issue 1 would make getting sexual and reproductive health care easier to access and destigmatize abortions.

“I definitely think it would make resources pertaining to reproductive and sexual health more accessible,” Huntsman said. “It would alleviate the stress of having to tiptoe around our legal right as representatives of the campus regarding what we can and cannot provide to students.”

Planned Parenthood, Reproductive Health Clinic located in Athens, Ohio, Sept. 11, 2023. (JENNA SLYMAN | FOR THE POST)

Q&A with Ohio Democratic Chair

PAIGE FISHER NEWS STAFF WRITER

Ohio’s Nov. 7 general election will allow voters to decide whether to establish a constitutional right to abortion with Issue 1 and whether to legalize recreational marijuana use and cultivation for people over 21 with Issue 2.

The Post sat down with Liz Walters, chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, to talk about the November election and what issues will be on the ballot.

The Post: Can you briefly explain everything that will be on the November ballot?

Walters: The first, and the one that we are spending a lot of time talking about, is State Issue 1. We are supporting a “yes” vote on state Issue 1; this enshrines womewwn's health care freedom in the Ohio Constitution.

A “yes” vote ensures that the extreme abortion bans that have already been passed in Ohio don't take effect and that moving forward, Ohio women can make their own health care decisions in consultation with their families and their doctors without the interference of politicians.

Issue 2 is marijuana legalization. It is for recreational legalization. The Ohio Democratic Party has not taken a formal stance on it one way or another, but county parties all over the

state are supporting a “yes” vote on Issue 2.

It's (sponsored by) the (Coalition) to Regu late Marijuana Like Alcohol. So, anybody 21 and over can have a certain amount of cultivation and use it for recreational purposes.

TP: Could you go through some of the pros and cons concerning these issues and what they mean?

Walters: Issue 1 is a constitutional amend ment that will enshrine three things in Ohio's Constitution. One is the right of women to access abortion care.

Ohio has a six-week ban pending, which makes no exceptions for rape, incest, or the life and health of the mother … You do not have the right to an abortion in Ohio and so abortion care is a really important part of women's reproductive health care.

It also enshrines access to birth control and

CAMPUS EVENTS

September 28 - October 15th

Social Engagement & Student Org Events

September 28

UPC Giant Board Games

5:30 - 7:30 PM

Morton Field

September 29

Bobcat County Fair

3:00 - 5:00 PM

West Green Lawn

SCAN

to view all events

September 29

Fridays Live hosted by Alex Imwalle

4:00 - 9:00 PM

Studio C (RTV 515)

September 29

Tsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing

6:30 - 9:00 PM

Meet at Baker /Hike to Ridges

September 29

Tsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing

6:30 - 9:00 PM

Meet at Baker /Hike to Ridges

in vitro fertilization—for those women who may be struggling to grow their families—and (en sures) that they have access to those things. Right now in the Ohio State House, we have Re publican politicians who are trying to legislate

Issue 2, again, legalization of marijuana. It's called the (Coalition) to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. So, 21 and over, you get access to (and) you have the right to, within a certain range of purchase, the cultivation and use of recreational marijuana.

The “yes” campaign is being supported by a coalition of organizations who mostly come out of the grower community. There's a “no” campaign being run mostly by Ohio children's hospitals, but there's not a lot of campaigning happening on either side there … we have a lot of county parties who support the “yes” vote.

Campus Rec & Wellbeing

October 6

F45 Friday Night Lights

October 6 & 7

OHIO Hockey vs Calvin Bird Arena

7 pm

October 12-15

McAffee Knob Backpacking Trip recshop.ohio.edu/program click on “outdoor pursuits” choose Appalachian Trail

Sorority & Fraternity Life

October 1 - 7

Homecoming Week Events Trivia, Flag Football and more!

* To have your event included on this calendar make sure it is registered on Bobcat Connect!

7 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

Ping Recreation Center

Registration on recshop.ohio.edu

October 6 & 7

DI Hockey Game vs Calvin

7:00pm

Bird Arena

October 10

Pleasure Activism Discussion Part 1

Women’s Center/Baker 403

12 PM – 1 PM

October 10

DOGA! Yoga with therapy dogs

Ping Recreation Center

3 PM– 4 PM (20 minute increments)

Registration on recshop.ohio.edu

TP: How are Ohio Democrats educating voters and getting their message out on how to vote and what's actually going to be on the

Walters: We have thousands of volunteers across the state who are working hard to talk to voters in their communities—where they live— knocking doors and making phone calls. Also, where (voters) consume information, we have folks doing a lot of social media sharing (and) we have a texting program; some people are writing postcards. There's all kinds of activism happening, particularly around Issue 1.

October 10

Survivor Advocacy Presentation

Iljeoma Idika-Chima

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Baker 240/242

October 13

Trauma Informed Care

Student Training

1:30 - 3:00 pm

Ping Meeting Rooms

October 24

Pleasure Activism Discussion Part 2

Women’s Center/Baker 403

12 PM – 1 PM

HOMECOMING 2023 events

Snag picks up

Snag branding has been spotted all over Ohio University’s campus at parties, on the street, on social media, on hats and on scooters delivering to students.

Snag is a new delivery service that is equipped with alcohol, vapes, tobacco, school supplies, snacks and candy. It is best known for its fast delivery time and its affordability.

“We are essentially like an on-demand convenience store,” Annie Lieb, content curator of Snag’s Athens branch, said. “We only charge 99 cent delivery and we pride ourselves on an average of 10-minute delivery time.”

Snag started in 2021 at the University of California, Santa Barbara, by two college students, and has since expanded to six different college campuses, Lieb said.

The Snag app includes Bowling Green State University, Miami University, University of Colorado Boulder, Ohio State University, UC Santa Barbara and now Ohio University. One of the founders is from Ohio so he knew Snag would do well here at OU.

“The goal is to kind of move everywhere and take over the college scene,” Lieb said.

Lieb said Snag prides itself on being eco-friendly. All deliveries, which are made using recyclable bags, are done on scooters in Athens, and Snag utilizes e-bikes at some of its other locations.

Students have spotted Snag at parties and bars throwing hats, giving free stickers and supplying Snag cups.

“We do something called hat bombs where we’ll take like 100 hats to bars on Court Street and just hand them out,” Lieb said. “It’s kind of like a sea of Snag covering the street.”

The deliverers at Snag are OU students, which allows for a better connection and a more comfortable handoff.

“We only go around the campus and the way our social media works—the way we market our business—is a way that the college kid can really connect and feel a part of the company,” Will Byers, an undecided second-year student working for Snag, said.

Deliveries for items of alcohol, vapes and tobacco require workers to take a picture of the customer’s ID to ensure validity.

“They look over the ID to make sure everything matches, take a photo of it and then it’s in a database,” Lieb said. “We have someone that goes through and looks at every single one to make sure that the drivers are doing a good job checking and ensuring that whoever is ordering 21-plus is of age.”

When the workers do see fake identification, they cannot fulfill the order so they refund the student, and the product is taken back to the shelves.

Snag markets its business by allowing students to have fun with the workers.

“We got to go to a Snow Cats event,” said Byers. “We all went on the roof of the shed and we got to throw hats to the crowd and we got to give out candy and water, everyone was super ecstatic about it.”

Snag is holding a contest for whichever house spends the most money on its app at OU from Sept. 25 to Oct 1. Gwyn

New delivery service, Snag, gains attention across campus

Conibear, a senior studying social work, said she and her roommates joined the contest the day it started.

The contest is run on the Snag’s OU branch’s Instagram account. Winners will receive Snag merchandise for the entire house, an Xbox Series S, a 60-inch TV, a JBL speaker and a $200 bar tab. As of Sept. 26, Conibear said her house was in second place.

Snag hopes to become a staple at OU as they gain attention and orders.

“We hit our first 100-order day, which has been a goal since we opened,” said Lieb. “We’ve gotten quite a few videos of Ring cameras of our drivers dancing and interacting with the people that they are delivering to.”

Conibear said if you go on Doordash or anything else right now, the delivery fees are very high and for Snag she only paid a $1 delivery fee and they arrive in 10 minutes.

Seamus McNamara, a senior studying environmental science, said the workers at Snag enjoy their jobs and it doesn’t feel like he is at work.

“I’ve met a lot of great people, great friends from this experience so far,” McNamara said “Also riding around on scooters is fun.”

Byers said that when he is riding on the scooters delivering an order, people cheer him on by yelling Snag.

SUZIE PIPER FOR THE POST

Snag delivery driver rides past on motorized scooter in Athens, Ohio, Sept. 20, 2023. (AIDEN KINGERY | FOR THE POST)

Jackie O’s: ‘Happy people making happy beer’

ABBY JENKINS ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR

Every Athens resident, both young and old, will perk up at the mention of the name “Jackie O’s.” Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery is an Athens favorite for good food, locally crafted beer and, above all, a good time.

According to their website, Jackie O’s history begins in 2003, when Ohio University alum Andrew Arthur Oestrike, along with his best friend, Lenny Meyer, bought another well-known and loved Athens staple, Bagel Street Deli. Two years later, Oestrike purchased “O’Hooley’s Irish Pub,” Athens’ very first brewpub. Shortly before the momentous purchase, Oestrike’s mother, Jackie Oestrike, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Before she passed in 2006, Arther Oestrike planned to change the name of his bar from “O’Hooley’s” to “Jackie O’s” in her honor.

Jackie O’s now has three separate locations, The Public House Restaurant and Uptown Brewpub at 22 W. Union St. and 24 W. Union St., the Taproom and Brewery at 25 Campbell St. and the most recent installation, Jackie O’s on Fourth at 171 N. Fourth St. in Columbus.

Jackie O’s is committed to making beer that is “sustainably crafted with purpose.” Its beer reflects Athens itself, bringing the town’s funky nature and vibrancy straight from the bottle to everyone's tastebuds.

Seth Morton, the director of brewing operations for Jackie O’s, works behind the scenes to assist in crafting some of Athens’ favorite beers. He started working for the brewery in 2011 while he was completing his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. After graduating, he became a fulltime brewer in the production brewery.

“You get to interact with the community, you get to interact with a really talented team of people,” said Morton. “I am in charge of the production of beer at all three of our locations. So we've got a varied team of very talented people. A good team makes for good days. And you know, happy people make happy beer.”

Morton emphasized Jackie O’s commitment to sustainability, explaining how it should be a widely known fact about the company.

“Almost every single package we send out says ‘Sustainably crafted with purpose’ on it, which is something that we hold true to this day,” he said. “At the production brewery, the expansion that we put on in 2015, the entire roof was covered in solar panels. The rest of our electrical demand is brought in through solar and wind credits. We also operate Barrel Ridge Farm out on the outskirts of Athens

County where we grow a lot of ingredients for both our beer and our restaurant.”

Paula Marsh, the front-of-house manager at the Public House Brewpub location, was promoted to the role this past summer after working as a host, a food runner and a server since 2018. Her commitment to Jackie O’s clearly shows, as her love for the community surrounding it is her main purpose for staying after so long.

“It's just a fun place to be,” said Marsh. “There's always fun people around, everybody is enjoying themselves and it's a very tight-knit family environment to the staff. They're really great. I feel like we all just try to help each other.”

The menu was redone in the spring because of the new executive chef; however, there are still some old favorites accompanied by a new variety of dishes and drinks. Marsh explained how its flagship brews such as “Who Cooks For You?,” its first packaged hazy pale ale, and “Razz Wheat,” a wheat beer fermented with raspberry puree, are its most popular.

A six-pack of “Razz Wheat” is $12.99 and a six-pack of “Who Cooks For You?” is $11.99. The Public House and Brew Pub have different food options to offer; however, Marsh says the Brew Pub Burger, which retails for $17, is the most popular. Her personal favorite is the new Ramen Bowls, which retail between $9 and $16 depending on the protein and additional add-ons. The new menu has

also incorporated more gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Mike Flynn, the general manager of the uptown locations, discussed its focus on bringing more people into the Brew Pub. With its new executive chef, the new food menu is only around a month old; however, public favorites have already been declared from the menu, specifically the Yucatan Pork Tacos, containing slow-roasted pulled pork that is locally sourced, which retail for $14.

Flynn additionally expressed his love for the community and family he has made at Jackie O’s. Being a part of it for about 10 years now, he believes the owner, Art Oestrike, continues to be the driving force behind the restaurant's strength.

“(Oestrike) never wanted to outsource jobs outside of Athens unless it was the Columbus locations,” said Flynn. “He never really outsources. He always wants to create a job inside a community that needs jobs. It's very cool that way, Art (is always) wanting to make Athens better all the time. I feel like Athens responds well to people respecting that.”

Marsh says to expect the menu to change again, as they are leaning toward using a seasonal menu for the future. She additionally says to be on the lookout for new non-alcoholic options which include a variety of kombucha, CBD drinks and mocktails. Flynn also encourages customers to look at Jackie O’s Instagram, @jackieosbrewery, for upcoming

changes, new engaging events and the new seasonal menu predicted to come sometime in October.

Jackie O’s was born in Athens and continues to be raised in it as time moves forward. The community also continues to grow and watch as one of its favorite places to grab a bite or have a beer, change along with it.

“I got lucky enough to work at the place where I like to hang out,” said Flynn. “I made a lot of my best friends there. I love being part of the staff … It's cool seeing people come back and see the next people discovering again. That's how it's always growing. When we say there's ‘the Jackie O’s family,’ it's very true.”

ABBYJENKS18

AJ205621@OHIO.EDU

People walk by Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery on Union Street, Sept. 26, 2023, in Athens, Ohio. (MEGAN VANVLACK | FOR THE POST)

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Athens fashion neglects to tailor to student, community needs

PODCASTS

believes in its own message it puts out to the Athens community.

Jocelyn Williams, the owner of Kismet, wants Kismet to be a store that everyone can go to.

This is where not having many clothing store options may be an issue. In comparison, some might even say that the Walmart on East State Street is a bountiful Eden-like garden of clothing opportunities.

Jailei Maas, a senior studying studio art and art history, is a self-proclaimed thrifter. She’s been around the block enough times to know what shopping places help in dressing for success and which ones are less well-suited to student needs. Those who are less experienced, however, may need guidance as to which shops are viable and what the price ranges are.

“I feel like we do have a lot of nuance in our restaurants and some of our clothing stores and different things like that,” Maas said. “We have that on Court Street for sure. But it’s not accessible or affordable in that regard, and a lot of the affordable places you have to drive to. That’s another accessibility issue, I definitely wish that there were more options for people, especially people that have to walk”.

Accessible and affordable? It’s a big ask.

Kismet, located at 19 W. State St., generally aimed toward feminine items,

“It really feels like my intention when we open the stores and this one in particular is a place that women could come in and find something that they feel beautiful in,” Jocelyn said. “It really is about having someone come in and just feel like they love it so much and can afford it.”

According to its website, Kismet’s products range in terms of prices. A typical price for a dress is around $46 and a T-shirt goes for around $28. In comparison, Walmart sells dresses for around $19 and a t-shirt for anywhere from $4 to $15.

Although Kismet’s message of seemingly affordable and feminine clothing might speak to some of the student body, there is only so much one store can provide for a whole college campus.

Maas agrees. There seems to be an ever-expanding snag in the crocheted cardigan of fashion lovers at Ohio University: urban planning and accessibility. Seniors aren’t the only ones affected by this. Emma Cooper, a freshman studying middle school education, finds the accessibility, or lack thereof, in Athens to be a hurdle.

“I haven’t gotten to explore the pool of Athens yet, but I think from what I’ve seen, instead of having a bunch of bars close to campus, we could replace those with some little boutiques or some more stores,” Cooper said.

American Eagle is a store she of-

fered to find a roost on Court Street; Target was another one. However, not everyone is involved in name-brand stores. Thrifting for styles remains popular with certain subsets of the student body. Cooper makes a divide between the different aesthetics that can be found at OU.

“I would say there’s two very distinct styles in Athens, you’ve got the sporty—I don’t want to say basic—it’s just normal fashion, but then you’ve got more really unique pieces. It allows everyone to bring their own style to the table without everyone looking the exact same,” Cooper said.

Fashion is a market that constantly rolls over itself, spewing out styles and aesthetics that can be amalgamations of different eras, trends and personalities. One has to curate a closet for oneself. Whether it be thrifting or namebrand, Walmart or Kismet, or even online shopping, it seems students can always find a way to share fashion as a community. Thus, fashion can even transcend time and marketing.

“But what’s cool about here, and I’d say about a lot of Appalachia in general, is that a lot of people here are collectors and love to find things and have little knickknacks and cool pieces for their house or for their closet,” Maas said. “A lot of people are really excited about used items that have a history.”

Athens might be considered a fashion desert, but when people put effort and love into collecting and curating, it might be more accurate to call it an oasis.

@1MAIA_B ML858121@OHIO.EDU

EMMA MCADAMS | ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR

Brian Stephens yearns to achieve collective liberation

GRACE KOENNECKE ASSISTANT EDITOR OF THE BEAT

Every school year brings new changes in Athens, and this year, one of them was the addition of Brian Stephens, a new assistant professor of African American Studies, interdisciplinary arts and media studies. Stephens joined the Ohio University faculty this past July and has already created a name for himself. Combining his passion for activism and education, he is actively creating an environment for students of all backgrounds to feel seen.

While completing his undergrad at California State University, Dominguez Hills and Humboldt State University, Stephens said he encountered explicit anti-Black violence and mistreatment, signaling to him to become more involved in activist circles. These groups led him to develop an interest in African American and Black studies, continuing to do graduate work at the University of California, Los Angeles.

“It was at Humboldt State University where I started to take seriously the Black intellectual tradition and activism, and that’s partly because the student community was really invested in activism,” Stephens said. “It was where I really experienced a really pronounced racial alienation, so it was really important for me to organize with other students of color experiencing the same situation.”

Receiving his master’s degree in African American studies and Ph.D. in ethnic studies at the University of California, Riverside, Stephens began to take his knowledge across California, aiming to use his activist platform as a professor.

Originally from Southern California and mostly in the West, Stephens ventured to OU, wanting to bring his knowledge to a new student body. He enjoys teaching because of how he has been able to connect with students of color, as well as non-Black students, and show them how collective liberation is vital to becoming a more inclusive society.

“It’s also important for me to reach nonBlack students to let them know that our liberation is intertwined,” Stephens said. “To help them to disinvest in whiteness and to get them to know that whenever I bring up these particular issues, it’s not an attack on white individuals. It’s an attack on their investment in whiteness as a social category.”

Teaching courses such as Intro to African American Studies, Stephens is excited about the content he’s showing students. He has developed a curriculum that addresses topics such as the theory of Afro-pessimism and Virginia slave laws, the latter responsible for instilling white privilege into the culture of the United States.

“I’m teaching Intro to African American Studies,” Stephens said. “Some of the things that we’ve already touched on is the theory

of Afro-pessimism. We’re also looking at the Virginia slave laws and how those laws that were implemented after Bacon’s Rebellion after a multiracial insurrection was threatened with Virginia aristocracy.”

Stephens is also focused on taking an intersectional analysis approach to rape culture in his classes, exploring the ways in which it affects queer, black and brown people. He is using the MAX series “I May Destroy You” as an example of this, following the aftermath of a Black woman’s sexual assault, which has proven to be a widely liked resource by students in the past.

He is also diving into films such as “The Harder They Come, The Harder They Fall” and “The Bicycle Thieves” throughout the semester, fostering conversations about the films’ themes and how they connect to class and racial disparities in Jamaica, as well as the Italian neorealism movement.

Beyond these subjects, Stephens is also someone who has always gravitated toward popular culture, particularly interested in Black aesthetics and visual culture. He enjoys exposing his students to different forms of Black art, being that it is oftentimes overlooked.

“I like to engage students with Black cultural objects and Black films, Black art, Black music that tends to engage with those themes,” Stephens said. “Also share with them Black cultural objects that are often overlooked even by other Black culture producers.”

Between all his classes, Stephens aims to discourage reform, wanting his students to think about a world in which certain societal and racial expectations, norms and structures were not in place. Knowing that his students are in a learning environment where new ideas can be heard and developed, he believes that they are open to experience and enthusiastic about making big changes in the future.

“I definitely believe in collective liberation and collective action,” Stephens said. “That has to be multiracial in character for us to get free.”

He also knows there’s still progress to be made outside of the classroom, especially when it comes to creating cross-racial solidarity. Even though Stephens is an advocate

for learning and unlearning in the classroom, he also says a university setting is not the only place students should be doing this kind of work.

“I think too often in order to undermine solidarity, cross-racial solidarity amongst other people of color,” Stephens said. “We’re told that racism is something that only impacts Black people or impacts Black disproportionately, when I think that other people of color–Asian Americans, Indigenous folks, Latinx folks, also experience exclusion and violence.”

As he continues teaching in Athens, Stephens hopes to continue serving as a role model for students of color, yearning for them to follow their aspirations, and not experience the alienation he felt while in college.

“I think it means a lot to me for when I am able to model for my students of color, and to let them know that I’m a resource, that I’m somebody that cares about them,” Stephens said. “Research and scholarship, those things are really important to me, but I think what is most gratifying is my relationships with marginalized students and letting them know that I’m here for them.”

In the future, Stephens is eager to keep

working with students, as well as teach a class next semester centered around Black camp. The playful queer cultural practice focuses on identity exaggeration through taking discarded objects and giving them alternative meanings as a form of questioning society’s investment in identity.

“I’ve just always been interested in popular culture, the arts,” Stephens said. “I’ve always been really curious even at a young age. I’ve always been interested in the past, so it’s fun to me to take my knowledge of European cultural traditions and to demystify those traditions, question the canon, but also stress the importance of students of all racial and identity backgrounds.”

With so much enthusiasm for teaching, Stephens has already proven to be a great fit, uplifting students around him while making the classroom an open and fun setting for learning.

@GRACE_KOE GK011320@OHIO.EDU

Brian Stephens is a new assistant professor of African American Studies, interdisciplinary arts and media studies. | Provided by Brian Stephens

The South Asian Student Association thrives in its second year at OU

KENZIE CALLAHAN FOR THE POST

Last year, Anne Mathew, a junior studying neuroscience, founded Ohio University’s South Asian Student Association, or SASA. Since then, the organization has flourished into a community brimming with culture, friendship and support.

The South Asian Student Association continues to be a catalyst for cultural pride, support and friendship. This year, the group looks forward to a number of fun cultural celebrations, dinners and more.

Yashvita Kanuganti, a sophomore studying linguistics as well as the group’s treasurer, described the intention behind SASA.

“Our main mission is to create a shared group—a community—for South Asian students on campus,” Kanuganti said. “There aren’t many of us so, I think having a center where we’re able to meet and have events and talk is important.”

The group of about 10 members not only meets biweekly but also hosts cultural celebrations such as Holi, a Hindu festival of color that happens each spring. Last semester, the group joined in on the lively tradition of throwing colored powder at each other, an act symbolizing good triumphing over evil.

For many members, such as Mathew, the event also served as a way to connect with unfamiliar aspects of South Asian culture.

“Being South Indian and Christian, I actually had never celebrated Holi or Diwali until I came here, so it’s really fun for me,” she said. “I know I wasn’t the only person who hadn’t celebrated Holi, so being able to be someone to provide the opportunity for everyone else who hasn’t had the chance to is really cool.”

This year, the group plans on hosting even more events than last year such as Diwali, which is the festival of lights, and Garba, a Gujarati folk dance, along with potlucks and fashion shows.

Apart from fun festivities, SASA also provides a space where its members can connect with each other. Reebha Chetty, a junior studying exercise physiology and a member of SASA, described her experience coming to OU as a South Indian student.

“In my hometown, even though it’s in Ohio, there’s a good amount of people that look like me or have similar experiences as me,” she said. “I don’t really feel too alienated back at home. Then I got here, and I really had trouble finding people that looked like me; I could go a whole day, walking around campus and not see a single person of color.”

SASA actively works against this feeling of isolation by creating a space where students don’t feel like minorities. Mathew said this aspect of the group is a relief from social pressure.

“Being able to have a group of brown friends and not trying to put on an act for white people anymore is really liberating,” she said.

Going to a predominately white institution, many students of color feel pressure to conform to the overwhelming cultural majority. According to the Ohio University Historical Headcount by Race Ethnicity, around 2% of Asian American students made up the student population in 2020. SASA encourages students experiencing this pressure to embrace their heritage. Although doing so can be uncomfortable.

Outside of group meetings, many students of color deal with harassment and a number of microaggressions from others who are simply uneducated. Harmful actions can be as simple as a judgy glance but, some-

times, they’re much more direct. Mathew spoke about her experience with these issues as a South Asian woman in particular.

“There are large distinctions between being a man of color versus a woman of color,” she said. “Women of color tend to be fetishized and sexualized. I’ll literally just be walking down the street and it’s like ‘Oh my God, she’s so exotic’ and statements like that, especially if I’m with my other female friends of color. It’s almost like people haven’t seen more than one at the same time before.”

As if being mistreated for being brown isn’t bad enough, Mathew, who’s from Kerala, India, recalls several occasions where people don’t perceive her Catholic name, Anne, as “brown enough.”

The group works to uplift the voices of minority students against stigmas like this

one, rooted in ignorance. Kanuganti’s advice to other students on campus regarding racial stigmas is to be open.

“Keep an open mind … because there are so many things out there that you just don’t know anything about, that you’ll really resonate with if you just hear about them,” she said.

For students interested in being a part of the organization or staying up to date on upcoming events, follow SASA’s Instagram: @ ohiosasa. The group is available to students of all backgrounds who are interested in learning about South Asian culture.

@KENZIECAKE.8 KC389422@OHIO.EDU

SASA is the South Asian Student Association. (ARSHI SINGHANIA | FOR THE POST)

Ohio returns home to face off against Longwood

BRANDON

MATCH INFORMATION

OPPONENT

Longwood (2-8, 0-2, MAC)

LOCATION

Pruitt Field (Athens, Ohio)

TIME AND DATE

Sept. 29, 3 p.m.

Ohio is coming off a 3-2 loss against Ohio State. Even though Ohio lost, it was still competitive against the No. 10 ranked team in the NCAA. The Bobcats’ defense struggled, allowing 16 shots on goal from Ohio State, while they managed 5. The Bobcats were still able to convert two of those shots into goals though, which shows an improvement in capitalizing off of opportunities. Longwood is coming off a 1-7 loss against No. 7 ranked Liberty. Liberty dominated the game defensively, allowing one shot on goal from Longwood for the entire match.

The same can’t be said for Longwood, as it allowed 10 shots on goal which led to 7 scores for Liberty. This loss extended Longwood’s losing streak to four games, being outscored 15-4 in said games.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ohio’s forward Katelyn Whittle has been on a tear this season, scoring a total of 19 points for the Bobcats. Whittle, coming off a game against Ohio State where she scored both goals, kept the Bobcats in the game. Expect Whittle to continue her potency on the offensive end.

If Longwood’s goalkeeper, Santia McLaughlin, didn’t get three saves, the score of Longwood’s previous game would’ve been 10-1. With 50 saves this season, she can give

Ohio problems if she stops its shots from reaching the net.

Katelyn Whittle (11) foward on Ohio University’s Field Hockey team takes a shot at the goal at Pruitt Field in Athens, OH on Sept. 15, 2023. (JOE HALLQUIST | FOR THE POST)

Ohio continues

Tank Pearson and Jacoby Jones became family throughout their collegiate careers

BOBBY GORBETT SPORTS EDITOR

On a hot summer day in the middle of training camp at Northwest Mississippi Community College, no two players were practicing harder than now Ohio Wide Receiver Jacoby Jones and Ohio Defensive Back Tank Pearson.

Lightly recruited out of small Mississippi high schools, Jones and Pearson elected to bet on themselves by going the junior college, or JUCO, route by way of NWMCC to keep their football-playing days alive.

"It's really just taking the chance because you don't really know," Jones said. "I might not have another opportunity to play football after this."

Pearson and Jones had a unique relationship when they arrived at Northwest. They quickly became teammates, friends and fierce adversaries.

"With Tank, it was more competitive because he was a defensive back," Jones said. "So we would always give each other a hard time."

Pearson had a similar sentiment about his relationship with Jones early in their Northwest careers.

"It's crazy, me and Jacoby used to get into it when I first got there," Pearson said. "...It's true, me and him used to get into it every day at practice, but I had to make sure I kept going with him because he was one of the best guys (on the team), so I just wanted to get better at my craft."

For Jones, a player with Power Five–aspirations after a storied high school career, the realities of the hardships and struggles of JUCO weren't easy.

"I won't say it's (JUCO) the worst experience, but it's not pleasant," Jones said. "...You kind of just have to go in every day with the mentality to just grind and do everything you can to get out."

Pearson shared the off-the-field perspective of the challenges JUCO schools can provide.

"JUCO is rough man," Pearson said. "It's not even playing-wise, you've got to think like outside of school with the dorms, it's just hard to make it out."

Through the struggles of strenuous practice and fierce one-on-one battles, Jones and Pearson improved to step up as major contributors. Their abilities, along with the emergence of now Ohio Defensive Tackle Rayyan Buell, led Northwest to an undefeated season in 2020.

The three soon-to-be-Bobcats each had their signature moments in the COVID-19shortened season. In Northwest's overtime win over Northeast, Jones had over 100 receiving yards along with ten catches, while Buell had 2.5 sacks with a forced fumble.

In the MACCC Championship game, Pearson had a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Through the course of the Rangers' undefeated season, not only did Pearson and Jones become much better football players, but they also became much better friends.

"(The struggle) definitely made us closer," Jones said. "I feel like anytime you're going through anything hard you need people around to constantly motivate you and help you get through it."

The historic season was over, and Jones was ready for a different level of competition. Jones and Buell decided to transfer to Ohio, and after another championship-winning season for the Rangers, Pearson wasn't far behind.

"I was talking to them (Buell and Jones) while recruiting was going on, asking them if they liked it," Pearson said. "Jacoby told me

it was a good place to come, so I just kept his word and held him to that."

For Pearson, the move to Ohio was needed. He wanted to explore the country outside of the state he spent most of his life in. Jones, on the other hand, was understandably homesick. Luckily for Jones, he and Pearson went from the closest of friends to family at Ohio.

"The biggest thing that was hard for me to adjust to was being away from family for the first time and having guys like Rayyan and Tank here with me, people that were experiencing the same thing that I experienced, definitely made it easier just knowing that I had people, and I don't consider them friends, they're more like family to me," Jones said. "So just knowing that I still have family around... It's been great."

With the help of his teammates in avoiding homesickness, Jones made an instant impact. In 2022, Jones was one of Ohio Quarterback Kurtis Rourke's favorite targets with 45 catches 776 yards and six touchdowns.

Buell too made plenty of plays in 2022, with two sacks and nine tackles in nine appearances.

It wasn't until Ohio's game against Bowling Green this year though when it felt like Northwest again.

Despite an injury, Jones came up with four catches for 86 yards in one quarter. Buell came up with a huge sack and Pearson had a tackle for loss on fourth down to end Bowling Green's hopes.

From an outsider's perspective, Ohio's win against Bowling Green was three guys making a couple of plays.

To Jones and Pearson, it was the culmination of years of fierce competition, the closest of friendships and hard work paying off in one game.

"Making plays was the stuff we talked about in JUCO," Pearson said. "So this is the kind of stuff you dream of."

@GORBETTBOBBY BG238320@OHIO.EDU

Junior Tank Pearson stands for a portrait on the field of Peden Stadium, Sept. 26, 2023, in Athens, Ohio. (MEGAN VANVLACK | FOR THE POST)

CJ Harris (10) gets tackled during a play during the Ohio University Football game against Long Island State at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio. Sept. 2, 2023 (ZOE CRANFILL | PHOTO EDITOR)

The Cost of Convenience

Groceries cost more at Ohio University’s markets compared Here’s why.

food there,” he said. “I got the traditional (meal) plan to save money and then I shop at Walmart or ALDI for snacks and stuff like that.”

Throughout his three years at Ohio University, Nate McClelland has done all he can to avoid OU’s campus markets.

As a freshman with a meal plan, he could have walked to the markets to get groceries. Instead, he rode his bike roughly four miles from his residence hall to the Walmart on East State Street and back when he needed them.

He did the same his sophomore year when he had a car. Currently, as a junior studying marketing, he still avoids the markets altogether.

He does that, he said, because he can’t justify the cost of shopping at the markets. He would much rather go to Walmart and ALDI where he believes he can find similar quality items for much less.

And he is right: OU’s campus markets, on average, charge students higher prices than their competitors in Athens.

A $15 difference

A weeklong price comparison of items at the markets and four popular grocery store chains along East State Street revealed a considerable disparity in the cost of groceries. On average, the total cost of 18 randomly selected products at OU’s markets is more than $15 higher than the average total cost of identical or nearly identical products each found at Kroger, Walmart, ALDI and Save A Lot.

The cost of items, such as a half gallon of milk, 12 rolls of toilet paper, a bag of Lay’s potato chips and 15 others, totaled $82.12 at Jefferson Marketplace, OU’s largest market for students. That collection of identical or similar items totaled $81.92 at Kroger and $68.80 at Walmart.

At Save A Lot and ALDI, the prices are even lower, likely due to those stores’ model of selling “off-brand” products at cheaper rates. At Save A Lot, the combination of items cost $62.84, and at ALDI, the total came to $54.22. Between ALDI and Jefferson Marketplace, the variation is almost $28.

Price differences among the markets and stores have not gone unnoticed by students, especially McClelland. On rare occasions, he shopped at the markets, but he said he only did so because his friend was offering to pay. Otherwise, he opted for a trip elsewhere.

“The reason I don’t even shop in the (markets) to begin with is because I don’t want to pay the high prices of the

Grocery or convenience store?

Though the campus markets and area grocery chains sell similar products, it doesn’t make sense to compare them, said Kent Scott, associate director of auxiliaries operations at OU. He believes students should view the markets as convenience stores, not grocery stores.

One reason for that is the university will never be

or Kroger because those chains are able to buy products by the pallet, which saves them money, Scott said. The university’s buying power isn’t nearly as large as those stores, meaning its prices must often be higher.

Additionally, he pointed out the campus markets carry items in “convenience” quantities to better accommodate the population they serve: students living in residence hall rooms.

“We probably beat out a lot of the gas stations or the convenience stores,” Scott said. “We probably beat CVS out on a lot of things.”

He is correct. In the 18-item comparison, the total cost at CVS was $104.02, which is over $20 more expensive than Jefferson Marketplace. CVS operates primarily as a pharmacy, which may account for its higher-priced grocery items.

Scott also referenced the convenience of the markets’ locations around campus as an overall bargain for students.

“No student really has to have a car to go to buy from our markets,” he said. “They don’t have to travel, they don’t have insurance, they don’t have gas, they don’t have any investment in a vehicle to go somewhere. They can go out of their dorm room, right down to the market and be back in 10 or 15 minutes.”

How are prices set?

Each spring, OU contracts with several of its vendors to inform its annual pricing strategy by comparing prices at local grocery stores, including Walmart, Kroger and Seaman’s Cardinal Super Market, located at 305 W. Union St., as well as to other colleges in the state, Scott said. OU’s primary vendor is wholesale company H. T. Hackney, and other vendors, including Frito Lay and Pepperidge Farms, set their own prices for the university to use.

The university then shifts prices up or down while most students are away for the summer. Once those prices are locked in, they stay the same for the entire year to keep them cohesive for students, Scott said. When vendors raise prices in the middle of the year, the university must absorb those increases until prices can be adjusted during the next price comparison.

Kristin Mullins, president and CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association, said grocers of every size across the state have had to raise prices in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to account for supply chain disrup-

RYAN MAXIN FOR THE POST

Convenience compared to Kroger, Walmart and others.

tions, the rising costs of raw materials and labor needs.

Those increases tend to disproportionately affect smaller retailers such as family-owned grocery stores or campus markets, Mullins said. That is because large grocery chains are better equipped to absorb the additional costs. If smaller stores don’t do the same, they risk losing customers to competitors.

“(Grocers are) very competitive,” she said. “We’re very price-conscious, and a lot of times, retailers will even take

(Grocers are) very competitive. We’re very price-conscious, and a lot of times, retailers will even take a loss on some of those main items to make sure they can maintain their customer base.”

a loss on some of those main items to make sure they can maintain their customer base.”

Occasionally, university markets will run sales or promotions near the end of the fall and spring semesters to try to remove excess inventory of select items. However, prices don’t increase during the year, Scott said.

Sarah Griffin, a spokesperson for Save A Lot, said all stores are owned and operated by independent licensees who are wholly responsible for setting store prices. Save A Lot’s corporate offices provide guidance, though it is up to the independent owners to choose what the prices are.

“Many different factors may go into pricing at the store level, from the wholesale acquisition price, to nearby competition, seasonality or market preferences and needs,” Griffin wrote in an email. “Most stores will offer promotional pricing on key items, lowering prices temporarily — usually a week at a minimum, but that can vary.”

She also said the owner of the Athens Save A Lot publishes promotional pricing advertisements every two weeks.

Corporate representatives from Kroger, Walmart, ALDI and CVS did not respond to requests for comment on their prices and pricing policies.

Are students deterred?

Even with higher prices at the markets, droves of students utilize them each academic year. In Fiscal Year 2023, Jefferson Marketplace made $8.8 million in gross revenue, according to university data. OU’s two other markets, Boyd and Nelson, grossed $6.2 million and $5.3 million in sales, respectively.

That revenue translated to $5.1 million in profit for Jefferson Marketplace, $4.5 million in profit for Boyd and $3.9 million in profit for Nelson during FY23. Much of that profit — about $12 million yearly from Culinary Services as a whole — is returned to students in the form of scholarships and other contributions, Scott said.

Sales at the markets come from a variety of sources, as they allow students to use Bobcat Cash, credit or debit cards or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. With the flex meal plan option, students may also use meal swipes which are equivalent to $6.75 per swipe. However, all campus markets are cashless.

Abbie Heiden, a sophomore studying marketing and management, uses her meal plan swipes at the markets almost daily. She often doesn’t exhaust her allotment of meal swipes during the week, so spending them at the markets is a good way to ensure they don’t expire, she said.

“I definitely would not spend my own money there just because a lot of the stuff is very overpriced,” Heiden said. “I would rather drive and go to Walmart and just stock up on stuff.”

McClelland said he understood the inability of the markets to compete with area grocery stores and will occasionally pay slightly higher prices for certain products. Still, the difference in prices is his largest consideration when shopping, especially for items he considers to be “essential,” like loaves of bread.

“It’s not necessarily that things are more expensive — it’s how much more expensive,” he said.

METHODOLOGY

Price data was collected in-store, using physical tags and labels on the products, over a one-week period from Sept. 17 to Sept. 25. Prices were also collected using OU pricing data, the OHIO Eats App, Kroger.com, Walmart. com, ALDI.us, SaveALot.com, CVS.com and InstaCart.com.

Products for which prices were recorded were chosen at random. If identical brands could not be located, substitute brands were used. However, the product itself and its quantity are uniform across each of the stores.

- Kristen Mullins, president and CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association

ALAINA DACKERMANN | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Week 4 Student Media Poll picks from ‘The Post’

ROBERT KEEGAN III SPORTS EDITOR

BOBBY GORBETT SPORTS EDITOR

Each week, the Sports editorial team selects its Top 25 FBS college football teams for the Student Media Poll.

The SMP is a nationwide poll featuring 97 student journalists from schools all across the nation.

The Post Sports will break down its ballots each week. Here are the top five, those it kicked out of the Top 25 and those it added:

Top

The big story from this past weekend in college football was, of course, Ohio State beating Notre Dame on a last-second touchdown. In that win, Ohio State proved itself as a true contender. A win against Notre Dame is plenty to warrant the Buckeyes making the jump from No. 4 to No. 2 for me, especially given how some other teams in my top five have struggled to get convincing victories against some nonconference opponents.

I am still not sold on Georgia. The official SMP has the Bulldogs at No. 1 but they do not look like the same team that won a national championship last season. Georgia’s national championship team was built on the best defense in the nation; this year, the team’s defense has far underperformed last year’s. Allowing 21 points to the University of Alabama at Birmingham is subpar for a potential No. 1 team.

Texas remains in the spot with the most impressive win in all of college football so far against Alabama. Quarterback Quinn Ewers is my front-runner for the Heisman this season. A win this coming weekend against undefeated Kansas will cement the Longhorns as the No. 1 team in the nation.

Who I added : Clemson, Kansas, Missouri

Clemson is coming off a loss to top-5 Florida State but the team performed well enough to find its way back into my top-25 for the week. While the Tigers suffered a bad loss to Duke in Week 1, Quarterback Cade Klubnik and the Clemson offense have done nothing but improve week by week. Clemson was one score away from getting a top-5 win that would have put them within the top 15 of nearly every poll in the nation.

Kansas and Missouri fall under the same category in my poll: undefeated teams that deserve national recognition.

Kansas has a tough matchup this weekend at Texas where it will be a major underdog, but don’t be surprised if Kansas gives Texas one of its toughest battles of the season so far.

Who I dropped : Colorado, Florida, Texas Tech

As far as teams dropped out of the top 25, Colorado will headline most peoples’ lists. I was victim to the over-hyping of Deion Sanders to start the year but the Buffaloes, who won only three games last season, still have a long way to go before being in contention for a national championship. A 36-point loss to Oregon humbled Colorado who has a lot of work to do as a program to cement itself as a team that can have sustainable success.

Florida falls into the category of a team that has a big win at the start of the season but has just not looked like an unstoppable team since. Following a win against Tennessee, the Gators were only able to score 22 points against a Charlotte team that really should have been dominated by the Florida offense.

Texas Tech never should have been a top-25 team and it proved that this weekend against West Virginia. With three losses already, the Red Raiders have been by far one of the

Top 5

most underwhelming teams yet this season.

Texas’ 38-6 win over Baylor was enough to put them above Michigan, after its lukewarm performance against Rutgers. Ohio State’s last-second win against Notre Dame moves it to No. 3 on my list. Georgia still hasn’t looked like its dominant self since its national championship victory.

Florida State has two of the biggest wins of the season so far but could’ve easily lost to Clemson this weekend.

Who I added:

Kansas, Syracuse, Maryland, Fresno State

Kansas is 4-0 after a two-possession win against previously undefeated BYU. It may be difficult to tell exactly what chances Kansas has of winning the Big 12, but the quality of the team will be on display against Texas this weekend.

Syracuse is another undefeated team that hasn’t played the most difficult competition. The Orange defeated Army by two scores after falling behind early in the game.

Maryland moved to 4-0 after its most dominant performance against Michigan State on Saturday. Maryland’s offense behind Taulia Tagovailoa continues to be the strength of the team.

Fresno State appears to be the best Group of Five schools in the country after dismantling Kent State 53-10. The Bulldogs additionally have multiple wins over Power Five opponents.

Who I dropped:

Colorado, Kansas State, Clemson, UCLA

After Colorado’s ugly win against Colorado State in Week 3, Colorado’s 42-6 loss to Oregon was particularly alarming. Colorado simply has to pick up a win over USC to find its way back into the top 25.

Kansas State simply got passed up by some of the other undefeated teams in College Football even after a solid win against UCF.

Clemson is now a two-loss team. Despite a strong performance in the FSU game, Clemson still couldn’t find a way to win.

UCLA’s offense looked sluggish, to say the least, against Utah. UCLA wasn’t blown out by any means against Utah, but a poor offensive performance against a team without its starting quarterback has it out of the top 25.

Robert Keegan III, Sports Editor

Barks or Boards?

Highlights from Pet Palooza and Skate Jam

1. One of the dogs at Pet Palooza at the Athens County Fairgrounds in Athens, Ohio. Sep. 23, 2023. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)

2. A Skate Jam contestant does a trick at the annual charity event in Athens, Ohio, Sept. 23, 2023. (JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST)

3. Elias Gallagher (left) and DJ Gonzalez (right) celebrate after placing in the young buck competition at Skate Jam in Athens, Ohio, Sept. 23, 2023. (JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST)

4. A golden retriever on their leash at the Pet Palooza event in Athens, Ohio, Sept. 23, 2023. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)

5. Elias Gallagher attempts during the best trick competition at Skate Jam in Athens, Ohio, Sept. 23, 2023. (JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST)

6. A French bulldog sits in a wagon at the Pet Palooza event at the Athens County Fair Grounds, Sept. 23, 2023. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)

Elon Musk’s indiscretions have eerie implications

children. It is startlingly apparent that Musk took “all press is good press” to heart. Despite the continuous claims that he and his family are private, the perpetrator of their perpetual exposure is Musk himself.

In a highly publicized announcement, Musk and singer-songwriter Grimes’ third child was revealed to the world. The boy was born in 2022 and named Techno Mechanicus. On and off again since 2021, the couple has two other children. A boy named X Æ A-Xii, and a daughter, originally called Exa Dark Sideræl and later renamed to Y.

Kirsten Abbey

Elon Musk has done it again. For clarification, he did not buy another beloved social media platform and ruin its clever marketing. Rather, he has sired yet another child with a questionable name and made it everyone else’s business.

With how pervasive social media is, celebrities are able to share every facet of their lives with their followers. Tech mogul Elon Musk is no different, and he uses media as a form of propaganda for his businesses and his strange ideology surrounding having

Interestingly, the revelation of their secret baby came right after Grimes pleaded on Twitter to be allowed to see her children and made the remark that “(the situation) was ripping her family apart,” the situation being the birth of Elon Musk’s twins by Shivon Zilis, an executive at Musk’s company Neuralink. Grimes had the distinct pleasure of learning about Musk and Zilis’ new children on social media at the same time as the rest of the world.

After deleting the aforementioned accusatory tweet, Grimes posted again supporting Zilis and celebrating her new son. It is somewhat suspicious that Musk introduced Techno Mechanicus right after Grimes disclosed their co-parental struggles and how quickly the turnaround in Grime’s attitude was in response.

With the inclusion of Mechanicus, Elon Musk has 11 children with three different women. An astonishing feat on his part, truly. At least four of those children were conceived through in vitro fertilization. Grime’s daughter was born using a surrogate.

Zilis’ pregnancy was also a product of IVF, using Musk as a sperm donor, a course of action that allowed them to frame the entire scenario as detached and not at all a human resources nightmare. According to Zilis, the reasoning behind their procreation was that Musk “wants smart people to have kids.” Implying that his spawn is superior compared to the children of regular people. Additionally, it is an incredibly disturbing motivation to have children, making it appear as though his spawn are created for the sole function of furthering this particular agenda.

Like a modern-day Ghengis Khan, perhaps he feels he wants to repopulate the Earth with intellectuals. Theoretically, if he has access to Grimes’ embryos and legal consent, he has the potential to inseminate countless surrogates. He could produce as many Musk babies as he wanted, regardless of the donors or the surrogates, resembling nothing more than broodmares that carry out his plans.

Contributing his brilliance to the next generation also has the added appeal of garnering as much attention as possible. Made

increasingly clear by the fact that he used his baby announcement as a marketing ploy for his book, as well as his neglecting to inform his co-parent of his incoming offspring to the extent that she learned at the same time as billions of strangers. Don’t forget about him nonconsensually sharing Grime’s c-section video with her friends and family and then using that indiscretion as another enthralling anecdote for his biography.

The unsurprising reality is that Musk cares about his net worth above all else. The more he publicizes his egregious personality and actions, the more social influence he accumulates. He has truly reached a level of nefariousness equivalent to a cartoon villain. Through observing Musk, a horrified audience receives the chilling cognizance of how openly dystopian the 1% has become. Everyone and everything around him are pawns that he can play for an agenda that is only advantageous to him. He owns his company, he owns his workers and he owns his family. There is nothing that cannot be commodified.

Kirsten Abbey is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Kirsten know by emailing her ka239920@ohio.edu.

New Office of Gun Violence Prevention fosters hope

selves, having a dedicated office is a crucial step to fostering change.

The Biden-Harris Administration ran its campaign on main priorities such as offering economic relief, taking steps toward helping the planet and restoring America’s global status and it’s still working to address these issues. While we are in a borderline recession amid a climate crisis and aren’t currently adored by many other countries, the administration has kept its word about attempting to solve the gun violence crisis.

Layne Rey

On Sept. 22, President Joe Biden introduced an unprecedented White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The overarching goal is to reduce gun violence and, with that, contribute to legislation aimed at doing the same. Whether it is ensuring implementation or expanding on laws them-

Because gun violence was forced into the political arena and became a completely polarized issue, it is difficult for any reform to come out of Congress. President Biden is consistently calling on Congress to enact laws to enhance safety like required background checks, safer storage and banning assault weapons. It’s frustrating to know the elected officials we have entrusted to act in the best interest of their constituents can’t put their political beliefs aside for a matter of literal life or death, but it is worth noting that contesting the Second Amendment can be a highly controversial look for elected officials.

The closest any administration has got-

ten to serious change in the past 30 years was the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed in 2022. Although such a law originally allotted sums of money allocated for school safety measures, mental health staff and enhanced background checks for those under 21 years old, having an office is more beneficial to consistently keep updated with current events and cater to the country’s specific needs.

In 2022, more than 48,000 lives were lost because a gun was readily available. This new office, created to control said guns, is a new internal source that can lobby Congress to make the right decisions when it comes to firearm legislation.

Vice President Harris will oversee the office and Stefanie Feldman will serve as director. Feldman was on the team making legislation after the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting during Obama’s presidency.

Greg Jackson, a gun violence survivor, has experience leading the Community Justice Action Fund, which promotes gun violence prevention among POC communities. Rob Wilcox has done extensive advocacy work in honor of his cousin who was shot at 19 years

old. Wilcox and Jackson will hold executive positions in the office. It is finally time for those who have been personally touched by gun violence to be able to curate serious change for the country.

Having leaders involved in the office whose lives have been transformed by gun violence rather than leaders who have political motivation to promote gun violence prevention is necessary for creating hope and making change.

If nothing else, this proves President Biden is aware of the severity of gun violence and is putting forth efforts to stop it. I hate to be part of a culture that praises the bare minimum of politicians, but this truly is a hopeful start to tackling a deeply ingrained issue in our nation.

Layne Rey is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @ laynerey12.

Things they don’t warn you about in college

other freshman. Of course, I was excited to have no parental guidance, no limitations on food or any 6 a.m. wake-ups. I thought I had already heard all the lectures possible about being a good student, staying on top of my health and making smart decisions. I already anticipated these things I was warned about. What I didn’t know was there would be a lot of rude awakenings coming my way during my first year at college.

I have put together some of the hardships no one prepared me for. This is because some of the toughest battles during this first month were not what I had been warned about.

You are left alone with your roommate for the first time. Maybe you shed a few tears saying goodbye to your parents, so you already have exposed an emotional side of yourself to this stranger. Whether you met on Instagram, through a mutual friend or teh pairing was just completely random, there is always an underlying worry that makes you fear having your own roommate horror story. No one seems to mention how awkward and forced the first interactions are with your roommate and how to acquaint yourselves to be comfortable around each other.

for my future self is to start taking saving money more seriously.

Prior to coming to college, there are a lot of things you’re told in an attempt to enlighten you about all the new changes coming your way. These words of wisdom usually come from someone who has already served their time on a college campus, even if it was decades ago. They seem to think they know everything, and while some of what they say is true, there is a whole world of untold truths about moving away from home and starting a new life at college.

Coming fresh onto the college campus this fall, I had high expectations like any

To begin, the whole process of moving in. It is advertised as an exciting day where you meet your roommate and get to decorate your living space. I’m sure this was not the case for many. The lack of parking, pouring rain and humid air put everyone in a grumpy mood. On top of this, dads were scrambling everywhere to find a way to fit an impossible number of boxes through the tiny door frames and up multiple flights of stairs. The result was usually satisfactory, but the troubles of the day had just begun for the new college student.

Everyone knows that going to college is not a cheap decision, but no one prepares you for the amount of money spent on miscellaneous things you never would have bought at home. Online shopping has been my own personal battle since being here because I feel like my whole wardrobe has to undergo significant changes. On top of this, dining hall food gets old pretty fast, so falling back on the typical Chipotle and Subway for dinner is an expensive choice, but a tasty one. Textbooks, coffee runs and laundry fees will also run your bank account dry. On top of this, it’s not easy to make time for a job to keep up with these expenses, so my advice

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Another thing I was not prepared for was the number of steps I would be getting in each day. The number of times I have woken up with sore calves and been unable to walk down stairs is alarming. I have started getting nearly 20,000 steps in a day without even trying. The long walks to basically anywhere on campus from my dorm have really gotten me into shape quickly. I have started getting used to going up the brutal hills in the morning while walking to class, but I still am breaking a sweat by the time I get there.

All of these things may be considered a “canon event” for college freshmen, but I think a little more warning would have been nice. The change has been a lot, but it has been nice to learn what it is like to be away from home.

Ainsley Brandabur is a freshman studying journalism. Please note that the opinions expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Ainsley? Email her at ab557022@ohio.edu.

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Ainsley Brandabur

AI is not a threat, but a tool for journalists

Enter any publication’s newsroom and it will be at least half empty. Ask where journalism is going and no one says anything except that it’s nosediving and it’s impossible to get a job. No one makes any money. It’s falling apart. Journalism is archaic, a relic, on its deathbed and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

Conversations about journalism today are incredibly nihilistic, specifically when AI is brought up. Somehow everyone has either become an expert on exactly how and why the industry is about to collapse at a robot’s feet or only knows enough to be scared.

Throughout the history of journalism, it has adapted to the latest technology and gotten more technologically sophisticated. It’s hard to watch something with as much potential to expand as AI grow so powerful over such a short period of time and not wonder what it could possibly do next. When it comes to AI, there are a lot of things to worry about, but journalism is not one of them.

It’s only human to be fearful of something one doesn’t understand, but in the context of journalism, AI should be seen more as a tool

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that must be harnessed as opposed to a rival to the industry.

A big part of the hysteria in journalism surrounding the advancement of AI has to do with misconceptions about what AI is currently used for, much of which is referred to as “augmented reporting capacity.” According to Knight Foundation, augmented reporting capacity is using algorithms to comb through large documents for relevant information, detecting breaking news and getting information from government websites. Augmented reporting capacity accounted for half of the 130 AI projects examined by the Knight Foundation in this study.

This data largely suggested that AI could be revolutionary in allowing reporters to work more on the human aspects of journalism that AI simply could not capture while algorithms aid in sorting out information.

Simultaneously, only 3% of the projects are considered “news reporting,” or actually create the end result, which even then is likely not an actual story. This is probably because stories written by AI based on information from reporters are poorly written to the point it’s obvious something is off. A

great but unfortunate example of this is from Ohio’s own Columbus Dispatch, whose effort to incorporate AI into sports reporting was so robotic and awkward that it went viral.

The coldness that makes the revolution of AI so unsettling is the same coldness that will prevent it from taking over more human-centric endeavors including journalism.

However, there are a few areas that journalists must be aware of as AI becomes stronger, especially the capacity it has for creating increasingly convincing “deepfake” photos and videos. The real danger lies in the fact that deepfake media is becoming more accurate every day, and it’s at a point where it could potentially throw the world into chaos within minutes in the very near future. For this reason, it is pertinent that journalists remain vigilant and do not publish sensationalized videos and images before getting confirmation of what is actually going on. This is a difficult feat when deepfakes are already pretty convincing and will only become more convincing with time.

Another area in which AI is threatening to journalism is when it is generated from the information it is exposed to, breaking down

paywalls and stealing the work of journalists to use without credit. An example of this is a recent lawsuit filed by Getty Images, in which the company accused an AI company of stealing over 12 million photos along with captions and metadata from its collection.

It’s hard to determine where journalism or AI are going at this point and how they will fit together. However, history has told us countless times how humans have feared change and fought technology but technology always wins. Good or bad, AI is coming, and journalists should use it to their advantage as much as they can.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors: Editor-in-Chief Katie Millard, Managing Editor Emma Erion, Digital Director Anastasia Carter and Equity Director Alesha Davis, as well as Opinion Editor Tate Raub and Assistant Opinion Editor Meg Diehl. Post editorials are independent of the publication’s news coverage.

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How to keep your hygiene in check during college

Grace Koennecke ASSISTANT EDITOR OF THE BEAT

While in Athens, it’s important to prioritize your hygiene in order to stay safe and healthy throughout your four years of college. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget the basics, but by practicing self-care, you will feel better overall.

Here is how to keep your hygiene in check during college:

Take care of your skin

Breakouts tend to happen most to college students when they’re stressed out, so make sure to find skin care products that match your skin type and level of sensitivity. Some great products to try are face washes such as Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, which ranges from $9 to $13 via CVS, Walmart or Amazon. Another is PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, starting at $10 via Amazon or Walmart. Both options work on all skin types and are affordable for college students.

Overall, finding a product that is the most affordable and accessible is the perfect way to not overspend on skincare, and you’ll feel more confident about your appearance by taking the time out of your day, whether it be in the morning or at night, to try something new for your skin.

Practice good dental hygiene

One of the first things new people on campus are going to notice is your smile, and quite possibly, your breath. With this in mind, make sure to always have products that will ensure long-lasting freshness.

According to NBC News, some of the best toothpaste brands for adults to use include Parodontax, which starts at $8.29 on Amazon, Arm & Hammer Dental Care Toothpaste, which starts at $6.40 on Amazon or Crest Cavity Protection Cool Mint Gel, which starts at $5.99 on Amazon.

You should also always use mouthwash and floss to prevent any plaque build-up, as well as have gum on you 24/7 in your backpack or bag. Essentially, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to having good teeth and breath, which all of the brands mentioned above can allow you to have.

Wash everywhere, including your downstairs

It might sound weird, but having a clean downstairs, whether you’re male or female-identifying, is extremely important, especially if you’re sexually active in college. Usually, your previous educational experi-

ences in middle and high school don’t always provide students any guidance with this tip, so learning how to wash your entire body goes a long way.

For men, try using products such as MANSCAPED Crop Cleanser Groin Wash, which is available on Amazon for $12.99, as well as others like Skin Elements Intimate Wash for Men, which is $14.99 on Amazon. Beyond intimate self-care, simply start using body wash, shampoo and conditioner to keep the rest of your body clean and healthy.

For women, it’s vital to find gynecologist-approved products, which you can find a full list of on Healthline. Feminine hygiene products don’t only mean tampons and pads, but also essentials like intimate wash products. For example, good brands to try are Dove’s Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar or Vagisil Daily Intimate pH Balance, both of which are available on Amazon. By using these, your body will easily adapt, and it’ll al-

low you to feel cleaner and more secure on a regular basis.

Always try to smell good

Sometimes, you don’t realize when the deodorant you applied at the beginning of the day has worn off, especially when walking around a hilly campus such as Ohio University. Thus, you should always be checking what you smell like, as you don’t want others to become upset by it. If you’re looking for some good deodorants, the ones below are in an affordable range and last for several months:

One is Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Antiperspirant & Deodorant, which can be found on Amazon for $8.89 or at Walmart for $12.97. Another is Dove’s 0% Aluminum Deodorant for those who may have a sensitivity to aluminum, which can be found at Walmart for $6.18. For sensitive skin, try Vanicream Antiperspirant Deodorant for Sensitive Skin,

which is a bit pricier on Amazon and at Walmart but worth it if you’re in desperate need of a new deodorant.

Beyond deodorant, also make sure to use some kind of perfume or cologne, which can be found in almost any drugstore around campus, and a nice smelling body wash. By having these products, you will make a good impression on those around you, as well as feel fresh throughout a long day on campus. Smelling good means you will feel good, which will help you be a confident and successful student. @GRACE_KOE

Everything you need to know about banned books

ABBIE KINNEY | ART DIRECTOR

availability to students, or where access to a book is restricted or diminished.”

“You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” Although Ray Bradbury expressed this sentiment in “Farenheit 451” 70 years ago, it still rings true today. For years, books have been banned for various reasons ranging from explicit content to controversial themes. The issue has been going on for centuries and is continuing to grow even now.

What is book banning? PEN America, a nonprofit that advocates for books that get unreasonably banned, defined book banning as “Any action taken against a book based on its content and as a result of parent or community challenges, administrative decisions, or in response to direct or threatened action by lawmakers or other governmental officials, that leads to a previously accessible book being either completely removed from

In 1637, the very first book was officially banned by the Puritan government. The book was titled “New English Canaan” written by Thomas Morton. The Harvard Library says that he critiqued the power structures and customs of the Puritan government. The government was not happy with his analysis of the government’s practices and banned the book.

In the early 1800s, professionals began revising older texts to make them adhere to society’s expectation of modesty. According to Freedom to Read, Thomas Bowler revised many Shakespearian titles. In the preface, he stated that he removed “everything that can raise a blush on the cheek of modesty.” Through his modifications, he ended up removing 10% of Shakespeare’s original work. Book banning is not a new thing. Since then, many classic books have been banned.

Some popular titles include “The Catcher in the Rye,” “The Giver,” “The Great Gatsby” and even the “Harry Potter” series. A lot of these titles have been taught in schools, but they are no longer allowed. So why do a lot of these titles get banned?

Books get banned for a plethora of different reasons, including violence, explicit language, explicit content or representation of race or the LGBTQIA+ community. These are not valid grounds for a book to be challenged or banned in a school setting. A lot of schools come under fire for banning books for their content because it is restricting free speech.

“Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling, a book which many have read, was banned multiple times from 2001-04 for “satanism” and “anti-family themes.” It was even banned for its contents of magic. The book gained a cult following as soon as it was released, but many parents complained about its themes. The book was just meant to be an innocent

children’s book about magic and wizardry, and it was completely blown out of proportion, just as many other books are today.

Many books that have to do with sexuality, gender identity and race also get banned including “All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto,” “Gender Queer: A Memoir” and “Out of Darkness.” The banning of these titles prevents LGBTQIA+ youth from seeing themselves represented in stories and in media.

The banning of books is problematic in today’s society, but its long history prevents many from seeing its dangerous effect on the world. The role of censorship and media consumption is what is fueling the fire for people to continue banning books. By educating people on this topic, the banning of books can be stopped one book at a time.

SOPHIA ANNESS FOR THE POST

Here’s everything happening between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

ASHLEY

FRYE FOR THE POST

Not only is Taylor Swift one of the most successful musical artists of all time, but she is also currently the biggest name in professional football. Pop culture and sports fans may rarely mix, but when they do it is sure to be interesting. Ever since Swift and Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce were linked together in early September, the rumor mill has not stopped spinning. After being spotted sitting next to Kelce’s mom on Sunday at the Chiefs’ game, the talk of this pairing is starting to seem less and less like a rumor.

With that being said, here’s everything that has happened so far between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift:

The rumors of the two first began in late July when Travis Kelce revealed on an episode of his podcast “New Heights” that he attempted to give his phone number to Swift via a friendship bracelet while attending her Kansas City concert this past summer. The pass at Swift was incomplete according to Travis Kelce’s podcast, as he ended the segment by saying that he was unable to give her the bracelet and was a bit “butthurt” that she didn’t want to meet him.

Clearly, that hurt didn’t last very long. In early September, The Messenger reported that a source revealed Swift and Travis Kelce had been “quietly hanging out.” This news had the media spinning out more than when Joe Burrow was rumored to be engaged and rightfully so.

While nothing had yet been confirmed by either party, this did not stop NFL commentators from running with the idea of the two being together. American sports commentator Rich Eisen fit in an impressive number of Swift puns on the air when talking about Travis Kelce during the Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars game September 17.

Travis Kelce responded to these jokes in an Instagram comment saying, “Well played

Rich … well played.” This was the first time Kelce had made any public comments in reference to his rumored relationship, and it still didn’t give fans much to hold on to.

But Travis’s older brother and Philadelphia Eagles Center Jason Kelce added fuel to the fire when he said on a sports radio talk show that he believed the rumors of Swift and his brother were “100% true.” Although he quickly followed the statement by saying he was “joking,” those waiting on a confirmation were officially sold.

Then on the Pat McAfee Show, Travis Kelce stated that “No one actually knows what’s going on,” when asked about the Swift rumors and joked about how everyone needs to stop asking his brother. Kelce then went on to say that he “threw the ball in her court and told her ‘I've seen you rock the stage in Arrowhead. You might have to come see me rock the stage in Arrowhead and see which one's a little more lit.’”

And unlike the failed attempt at delivering his phone number via bracelet, this offer from Kelce seemed to go over a little better as Swift was spotted in the stands at the Chiefs game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Proudly wearing Kansas City red and sitting next to Travis Kelce’s mom Donna, Swift appeared to be having a good time while watching the Chiefs dominate the Bears. The pair was later seen leaving the game together while Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was left to deal with more questions about Swift than the game itself.

This appearance by Swift officially confirmed that something may be happening between the two, and has completely taken the internet by storm. After the game on Sunday Kelce's new podcast episode was anticipated by fans of both parties. On Wednesday the episode titled ‘Eagles Stay Unbeaten ', Travis’ “Biggest Catch” and New Football Eras’ was released, and Kelce and his brother had some fun toying with fans by waiting until the end of the episode to discuss Sunday’s happenings.

While Kelce didn’t have much to say stating that “everything moving forward” between the two will be kept somewhat under wraps, he gave the public just enough to break the internet again. “Shout out to Taylor for pulling up, that was pretty ballsy” was the first statement Kelce made in reference to her appearance at the game on Sunday. He then went on to say that “everybody in the suit had nothing but great things to say about her”, and that “she looked amazing”. He then ended the short segment about Swift by saying that they “slid off in the getaway

car” together, and that was everything said on the topic.

While the future for this couple is still unknown, fans of the potential pair can sleep peacefully knowing that this is definitely more than just a rumor. Travis Kelce said it best, "We'll see what happens in the near future."

No matter what happens, Travis Kelce and Swift can trust that both pop culture

media and the NFL will be following their development every step of the way. Travis Kelce and Swift have now officially proven that 2023 is the era of unexpected celebrity couples. What could possibly be more exciting than that? @ASHLEYSUSANFRYE

(LAYNE REY | FOR THE POST

Car crashes into Bromley, multiple counts of fraud

KENDALL WRIGHT FOR THE POST

NYPD x OU Crossover

The Ohio University Police Department received a request to assist the New York Police Department.

Toy Tractor

An act of fraud was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

An individual purchased a tractor online and found the website and seller were fraudulent. As of the weekend, the case is under investigation.

WHAT’S WITH THE EXIT SIGNS

Destruction of property in Sargent Hall was reported to the OUPD.

Upon arrival, officers took a report on the tampering of an exit sign.

U-Don’t-Haul

Two stolen U-Haul trailers from Radford Road in Athens were reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies spoke with the owner and a report was filed.

Bad idea

A student was charged with two counts of assault and underage drinking in Bromley Hall, according to OUPD.

Meddling kids

Juveniles throwing things into the road as cars passed in Chauncey was reported to the Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, deputies located the kids and made contact with a parent. They advised the parent of the situation and returned to patrol.

D.A.R.E

At a traffic stop on North Lancaster Street, OUPD located drugs and drug paraphernalia.

The case was submitted to the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Not the garden!

Destruction of property at the OU Botanical Gardens was reported to OUPD.

Officers took a report on the damage done to a door and a fence.

Can’t trust nobody

A theft on Vanderhoof Road in Coolville was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s

Office.

The caller said after being locked out of his home by his mortgage company, a thief went in and stole his wife’s wedding dress, several fishing poles and a grill.

Now who out here in college is committing fraud…

An incident of fraud at Mackinnon Hall was reported to OUPD.

Upon arrival, officers took a report on extortion.

Detour!

A traffic crash at Bromley Hall was reported to the OUPD.

Officers took a report on a single-vehicle crash that resulted in injuries to the driver.

MORE FRAUD?!?

An incident of fraud at Wilson Hall was reported to OUPD.

An unknown individual was attempting to extort money through social media.

Bzz bzz

Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to state Route 691 in Athens on a complaint of electrical lines being cut.

Officers spoke with the caller and filed a report.

Official menace

Multiple offenses of disorderly conduct at Ryors Hall were reported to OUPD.

A man was issued charges of aggravated menacing and burglary and was transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.

Microchip it

An animal complaint on Antle Orchard Road in Glouster was reported to the Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect was issued a summons for animals at large.

Charged for being annoying

An intoxicated person at Gamertsfelder Hall was reported to OUPD.

A student was cited for disorderly conduct by intoxicated annoyance or alarm. @KENDALLKWRIGHT

An Ohio University police car sits on Union Street after making a stop Sept. 6, 2023, in Athens, Ohio. Officer on Union Street making a traffic stop. (BECKETT STARK | FOR THE POST)