January 14, 2025

BRICKS AND STONES

ADA concerns persist with Court, E. Union repairs

Although the Athens City Commission on Disabilities has shown concern for bricks on heavily trafficked areas, the city maintains the bricks by releveling them in a turn of events.

MADALYN BLAIR | MANAGING EDITOR

The fight to have Athens’ iconic brick roads replaced with concrete continues as the bricks at the intersection of Court and East Union streets do not plan to change.

Since 2022, the Athens City Commission on Disabilities has voiced to the city the immediate need to replace the bricks on the heavily used pedestrian intersection with concrete to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. However, the commission received another answer it considers disappointing — the bricks will not leave yet.

“I’ve been trying to work with (the city) to get this done and nothing’s happened,” Davey McNelly, chair of the Commission on Disabilities, said. “I have a very, very low belief that it will (get done) … I’d love for these promises to be kept and they haven’t been.”

McNelly uses a wheelchair, so going Uptown is difficult to navigate, especially when bricks are uneven or missing and intersection curbs are not ADA-compliant.

According to a previous report by The Post, some areas of the intersection are about 2 inches off the sidewalk while curb cuts are supposed to be onefourth of an inch off. There should also be a continuous surface between one curb cut to the next, but the crushed, missing and misplaced bricks prevent that.

concrete which would be colored to resemble the bricks, would be the best choice.

“The Athens City Commission on Disabilities just wants to be able to cross the street,” McNelly said. “I think it’s something that a lot of wheelchair users have nightmares about. A lot of people can’t even go Uptown at all. It prevents people, especially people who use manual wheelchairs, from coming to Athens.”

McNelly and the other members of the Commission on Disabilities knew there had to be a change but also considered Athens’ trademark redcolored bricks. In 2022, the Disabilities Commission met with the Historic Preservation Commission to find a solution. The Historic Preservation determined using stamped concrete,

During the Dec. 2, 2024 City Council meeting, Council Member Solveig Spjeldnes, D-1st Ward, introduced an ordinance for first reading to replace the ADA ramps at all four corners of the Court and Union Street intersections as well as replace the crosswalks. As the Council meeting concluded, members of the Commission on Disabilities thought their requests to replace the brick intersection with concrete would finally be met.

However, the Dec. 9, 2024 Council meeting – the second reading of the ordinance – changed those hopes. At the meeting, Spjeldnes said the bid to use stamped concrete would no longer happen because it became too expensive and could not be completed in the desired timeframe.

McNelly said he had no idea stamped concrete was no longer going to be used going into the Council meeting. Similarly, Tim Anderson, a member of the Historic Preservation Commission, said he and the rest of the commission were not informed the city was no longer using stamped concrete after they approved the proposition.

“It’s just another sad day to not get this done as soon as possible,” McNelly said at the Council meeting.

Service-Safety Director Andy Stone said to not negatively affect businesses, the project had to be completed during Ohio University’s four-week winter break and wrap up by Monday. He said it would not be doable to complete the stamped concrete in the fourweek timeframe and under freezing temperatures.

“We’re trying to do the next best thing, which is to do a couple ramps and then replace bad bricks,” Stone said.

The cost to replace the ramps and relevel the bricks is $46,100, Stone said. Originally, the Council appropriated $200,000 for the project, but the contractor was asking $225,000. He said the contractor told them the asking price later than expected, so even if the city spent that much, the project probably would not have been completed by Monday.

“If your solution is not 100% what any interest group wants, then you probably made the right call,” Stone said.

Stone said the rest of the intersection will be a part of the Uptown Improvement Project. The project is preparing to go out to bid, so there is no current project timeline. He said construction can be expected in Summer 2025 or 2026 because there is no other time to shut down those intersections for a long period.

After many years of broken promises, McNelly said the Commission on Disabilities is actively considering legal action. He said some members have met with civil rights lawyers, but he does not want to get to the point of needing to make extreme decisions.

“We want the city to do the right thing and get these issues done, and we’re just kind of tired of all the excuses,” McNelly said. “We just want things to be accessible.”

Advocates prepare for future threats to reproductive healthcare

As President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20, some reproductive justice advocates and students in Ohio are concerned about the possibility of future restrictions on reproductive

MCKENNA CHRISTY | EQUITY DIRECTOR

With President-elect Donald Trump set to be inaugurated as the 47th president of the U.S. Jan. 20, reproductive health advocates are concerned about what a second Trump presidency could mean for the state of abortion access nationwide and in individual states.

Reproductive health care access in Ohio is an ever-changing issue, even with the passage of the Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety, or Issue 1, in November 2023, which amended the Ohio Constitution to allow state residents to make their own “reproductive decisions.”

As of Jan. 3, the Guttmacher Institute declared Ohio as a state with “some restrictions/protections” regarding abortion policies after Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022.

The ACLU published an article stating that during Trump’s presidency, he promised to help overturn Roe v. Wade and how “that decision resulted in a devastating civil liberties and public health crisis.”

Also according to the ACLU, 14 states have since banned abortion, and other states have worked to criminalize abortion. According to the Guttmacher Institute, abortion in Ohio is banned for people who are 20 weeks pregnant and

later. Despite the passage of Issue 1, there have been proposed pieces of state legislation that would further restrict access to reproductive health care and abortion.

In April 2024, Rep. Josh Williams, a Republican representing Sylvania Township, proposed House Bill 475 to prohibit local governments from funding resources that assist in abortion access, according to a previous report by The Post.

According to Urban Institute, House Bill 15 would require pregnant people who want to have abortions to receive, view and hear ultrasounds. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio reported that HB 15, which was proposed by Rep. Jennifer Gross and Rep. Beth Lear, did not pass before the 135th General Assembly concluded. HB 475 also did not pass before the assembly’s conclusion.

In a conversation about HB 475 and the state of reproductive health access in Ohio, Mia Kim Sullivan, the executive director of Collective Power for Reproductive Justice, a nonprofit organization working to engage and support activists and leaders in reproductive justice since 1981, said state restrictions on abortion make pregnancy and childbirth more dangerous.

“Pregnancy and childbirth for so many

health care and abortion.

people in the U.S. is completely safe if you have access to good prenatal care, if you have health insurance that covers your visits, if there’s a care provider nearby (and if) you can take work off to go, then it is pretty uneventful,” Sullivan said. “But the truth is access to health care here still depends so much on how much money you have and now where you live.”

Roe v. Wade, Sullivan said, “was a basic minimum guarantee” and “a floor to abortion access.” After Roe v. Wade was overturned, certain states began proposing legislation targeting abortion access, Sullivan said.

Others, such as students at Ohio University, are seeing similar patterns of legislation seeking to ban or heavily restrict access to reproductive health care and abortion. Maddie Saiter, a freshman studying marketing, said the restrictions are harmful, and she is concerned about the future of reproductive health access.

“I’m a firm believer that abortion is healthcare,” Saiter said. “When it comes to taking resources away from facilities and companies that might provide abortions, I think that’s very hurtful, especially for people who don’t have access already to safe sex or any forms of birth control.”

Similarly, Terah Severance, a freshman

studying pre-early childhood education, said she believes taking away reproductive health and abortion resources has a ripple effect on other areas of people’s lives and other systems such as education.

“Especially in my field, I’m going to see a lot of people who don’t want to be involved with their children,” Severance said. “They are only having them because they were forced to have them.”

The future of abortion and reproductive health access in Ohio and around the country is pulled back and forth. As the Trump administration is preparing to transition into the White House, its influence on reproductive health may be seen soon.

“Abortion and reproductive rights and access can be definitely diminished,” Saiter said. “It’s kind of weird to see how easy it’s been to backtrack so far [and] I know everything goes back to Roe v. Wade for me with this. … It’s definitely frightening for me because I feel like reproductive rights affect me directly, so it’s scary to think about how easily my rights could be taken away.”

@MCKENNACHRISTY1

MC957019@OHIO.EDU

An economist’s perspective on Trump’s tariffs

President-elect Donald Trump has many plans for when he is welcomed back into the White House, but one specific policy will likely change the economic state of the U.S. According to Ohio University associate professor of economics Roberto Duncan, Trump has proposed “significantly higher tariffs.”

Duncan said a tariff is a tax a government imposes on imported goods or services that is passed on to consumers or firms.

“While importers pay the tariff upfront, this cost is usually passed on to consumers, raising the price of the affected goods,” Duncan wrote in an email. “For example, if a tariff is placed on a final good like a washing machine, it makes imported washing machines more expensive.”

Tariffs can also be placed on intermediate goods, such as steel for cars. According to Duncan, intermediate goods will increase costs for businesses dependent on that imported material.

“These higher costs often result in higher prices for the final product—in this case, cars,” Duncan wrote in an email. “Consequently, consumers end up paying more for either the imported goods or the products made with imported materials.”

Duncan said Trump raised tariffs in his first term, but in his second term, he speculated that he would raise them higher than in his first term and President Joe Biden’s term.

“(Trump) has mentioned several reasons, including protecting factory jobs, increasing government revenues to reduce the fiscal deficit, addressing the trade deficit – particularly with countries

like China – and lowering prices, among others,” Duncan wrote in an email.

If tariffs increase, businesses will spend more on imported goods, and consumers, such as OU students, will pay more to those businesses.

“Some experts estimate that these policies could cost U.S. households between $1,700 and $4,300 per year,” Duncan wrote in an email. “Higher tariffs can also slow economic activity by raising costs for businesses and prices for consumers, which may result in fewer jobs.”

According to AP News, many of Trump’s voters voted for him in November believing that he would improve the economy. However, Duncan highlighted potential negative impacts he could have on the economic state of the U.S., like increased costs for businesses.

“The proposed tariffs won’t help with inflation, but it will have some impact,” Duncan wrote in an email. “Higher tariffs typically have small and temporary effects on the inflation rate.”

Economic experts have said that Trump’s agenda, including deportations and tariffs, is expected to worsen inflation. Over a dozen Nobel economists signed a letter stating there are risks in the U.S. economy when Trump is signed into office.

“When a tariff is imposed or increased, it causes a one-time rise in the prices of some goods,” Duncan wrote in an email. “This means, first, the overall price level will rise but not as much as the tariff since the price level is an average. Second, the rate of change in the price level (inflation) will increase temporarily, but the effect will not be substantial.”

Canada and Mexico are Trump’s main

The inside of a Kroger, Jan. 8, 2025, Wilmington, Ohio. (PEARL SPURLOCK | FOR THE POST)

countries where imported goods will have 25% higher tariffs, the AP News said. Trump said that the tariffs will be increased “until those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States.”

“This is expected to trigger retaliatory tariffs from U.S. trade partners, signaling a significant shift in the global trade environment,” Duncan wrote in an email. “For our students, understanding these changes is key to dealing with the economic challenges and opportunities in today’s changing world.”

Duncan also suggested that recent shifts in global trade policy may indicate a transition from the low-tariff environ-

ments from previous decades. Duncan said the turning point may have been when the U.K. left the European Union, known as Brexit.

“It will likely be difficult to return to the low-tariff environment that existed before 2018,” Duncan wrote in an email. “While the Biden administration reduced a few tariffs, most were kept in place, citing concerns about China’s unfair trade practices.”

SUZANNE PIPER | FOR THE POST

Police Blotter: Cars stuck in snow; ding-dong ditchers

SUZANNE PIPER | FOR THE POST

5 Sun___________________________

Mother knows best

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies received a juvenile complaint in The Plains Jan. 5, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies spoke with the juvenile and told them to listen to their parents. There was no further action, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Winter Wonderland

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a vehicle on Pleasant Hill Road which was stuck due to weather conditions Jan. 5, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The deputies gave the individual a ride back to his or her job, and the vehicle remained in the driveway until it could be picked up.

You (don’t) got mail

A report of mail theft from a man in Millfield was called into the Athens County Sheriff’s Office Jan. 5, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Always finding someone to blame

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies received a complaint of criminal damage to a vehicle in Chauncey Jan. 5, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies spoke to the complainant and found that the damage to the vehicle was natural and not criminal.

Inactive dispute

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies received a report of an inactive domestic dispute in The Plains Jan. 5, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies spoke to the victim and several witnesses on the scene. The case is still active, and criminal charges are pending, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Just someone’s grandma

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call of a suspicious person on Crestview Drive in The Plains Jan. 5, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies patrolled the area but found no individuals or footprints in the snow, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

6 Mon____________________

Not everyone should have his or her license

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reckless driver on Carr Road in Nelsonville Jan. 6, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies searched the area for the vehicle described in the call and spoke to the residents. When the suspected vehicle was not found, deputies returned to their duties, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

7 Tues____________________

You’re seeing things

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a possible open door on Diamond Brick Road in Nelsonville

Tuesday, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies arrived at the scene and found no open door or signs of forced entry, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

You can’t park there

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies received a call Tuesday about a vehicle parked on the roadway on Williams Avenue in Glouster, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies spoke to the owner of the vehicle, who then moved his or her car.

Actions speak louder than words

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies received a report of a verbal dispute on Lavelle Road in Athens Tuesday, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies determined that there were no threats or physical violence; both parties separated.

Kids these days

Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to an unruly juvenile on Bean Road in The Plains Tuesday, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies spoke to the parties and returned to patrol, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

8 Wed____________________

Who let the dogs out?

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to several dogs on Grass Run Road in New Marshfield Wednesday, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies recovered the dogs and returned them to their owners without incident, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Tricks are for kids

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to several individuals dingdong ditching multiple houses on East Fourth Street Wednesday, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies patrolled the area but could not find the individuals, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Probably the ding-dong ditchers

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an automated alarm going off at a business in Dover Township Wednesday, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies searched the building and determined it to be secure at the time, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Shake it like a Polaroid picture

Athens County Sheriff’s Deputies received a complaint of a camera theft in Albany Wednesday, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies took a report, and the case is being reviewed, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

@_SUZIEPIPER SP249021@OHIO.EDU

OU faculty to vote on union formation

United Academics of Ohio University is getting ready to hold a vote to form a union for professors and teachers at Ohio University.

The election will be done by mail, and the State Employment Relations Board will mail the ballots Feb. 12. The election will be held between Feb. 18 and March 4 with ballots postmarked after not being considered.

This will be the first election of two to form two separate bargaining units. The second election will be held at an unknown date in the future for the clinical faculty, College of Health Sciences and Professions and most of the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

According to John O’Keefe, an associate professor of history at OU’s Chillicothe campus and director of communications for UAOU, OU and Ohio State University are the only two universities without unions in the state.

“I think the real big push (for a union) was in the pandemic when there was retrenchment from the university,” O’Keefe said. “Many faculty were laid off who were not tenured, and I think that really highlighted how important it is to have a strong and effective union to protect us from arbitrary layoffs from university leadership.”

UAOU will also work for better faculty teaching and student learning conditions. O’Keefe said there has been increasing pressure to have more students in their classes.

“We’re very concerned about maintain-

ing a high quality of instruction and being able to have classes where we can get to know our students and to be able to teach in a way that is effective learning for all the students,” O’Keefe said.

UAOU started talking to faculty in 2020 to determine how professors felt about forming a union. They found faculty were indicating strong support. UAOU reconfirmed the interest in forming a union and moved to hold an official vote in March 2024.

However, getting UAOU fully recognized has not been easy. O’Keefe said there have been many difficulties while working with the law firm the university hired to handle the process.

“We were very frustrated by the slowness and the delays from the law firm and the university,” O’Keefe said. “But in these past few weeks, we’ve seen a lot of forward movement once we were able to sit down and discuss some of the points of disagreement about who would be included and who would not be included in the union.”

Christoph Hanisch, a professor in the philosophy department, is a part of UAOU’s communications committee. The communications committee works to spread the news about UAOU and the upcoming vote by talking and meeting with faculty to answer questions.

“We know that faculty members have their questions and good questions, and we see it as part of our obligation to address those,” Hanisch said. “We want to represent all faculty and that cannot

just be a kind of slogan. It really has to be followed through by showing that you take each faculty member’s worries and questions and objections seriously.”

According to Hanisch, all faculty will be under the collective bargaining agreement. Currently, faculty at the university is regulated by the faculty handbook. Hanisch said the problem UAOU sees with the current handbook is the faculty is unable to enforce it.

“We saw that during the pandemic those layoffs happened,” Hanisch said. “They were to some degree contrary to the Faculty Handbook, but there was no legal instrument for the faculty to go back to.”

Once the union is formed, those in it will have to pay a due. The amount of the due is not determined yet but will be once the union is formed. The due will be taken directly from the paycheck of the members.

UAOU has been working alongside the Faculty Senate. Both groups held a meeting together Dec. 9, 2024.

Sarah Wyatt, a professor who teaches environmental and plant biology and a member of Senate, said the elected body representing OU’s faculty is ready to work alongside the UAOU.

“I really believe in shared governance,” Wyatt said. “I’ve worked really hard on Senate for most of my career here, but there are things that the Senate doesn’t have a say in. A union will give people hopefully a voice in that matter.”

According to Wyatt, Senate has done compensation reports to show a disparity in salaries at the university. Senate, however, does not have the ability to negotiate.

“We just bring it to their attention and

say this is something that’s concerning to us,” Wyatt said. “Whereas a union would have the ability to negotiate for increased salaries or benefits for that matter.”

Senate advocates for faculty at OU in ways UAOU will not be able to do, such as holding committees for discussing curriculum, educational policy and student affairs.

“The faculty on campus, regardless of which group we’re in or both groups, all really care about the students, working with the students and doing the best we can for the students,” Wyatt said. “We’re one faculty.”

According to O’Keefe, UAOU feels confident the union will be formed from the vote due to the strong support given by those they have talked to.

After the election, UAOU plans to continue working on bargains and negotiations with the university regarding working conditions and salary for faculty.

The union will associate with the American Association of University Professors. This group is a national organization with many chapters that work to uphold quality in higher education and academic freedom for universities. In addition, the union will hold an election to choose an officer at a later to-be-determined date.

“We want to hear from faculty about what their concerns are,” O Keefe said. “Every department is different right across the university. We want to make sure that we’re hearing all the concerns and issues from faculty in all departments, so what we end up pushing for and negotiating for reflects all faculty voices.”

DREW HOFFMASTER | NEWS STAFF WRITER

I was incredibly lucky to have friends and family who were pushing me and saying, ‘Hey, this doesn’t have to be the end. You can use this process, you can grow from this.’”

– Jesse Crosson, 2018 Ohio University graduate

provided by Jesse Crosson

Jesse Crosson reflects on OU degree during incarceration

Now an executive nonprofit director, the Bobcat only recently had his first visit to his alma mater.

SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY | ASST. HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR

Jesse Crosson graduated from Ohio University in 2018 but didn’t set foot on the Athens campus until just a few months ago; he spent over a decade working toward a degree through correspondence courses, a distance learning format.

Crosson belongs to a smaller group of correspondence degree recipients than the usual demographic of deployed military members and students enrolled in online classes. According to New America, Crosson is one of 15% of adults who earned a postsecondary degree during incarceration.

According to his website, Crosson was arrested in 2002 for robbery and a separate shooting. After receiving a sentence of 32 years, double the standard sentencing guidelines, Crosson faced a reckoning with his position.

“I was sitting in the jail recently arrested in 2002, feeling completely hopeless … didn’t know college was an option,” Crosson said. “I was incredibly lucky to have friends and family who were pushing me and saying, ‘Hey, this doesn’t have to be the end. You can use this process, you can grow from this.’”

Due to its standing as the standard correspondence degree program of the early 2000s, OU was an easy

choice when Crosson decided to enroll in university classes. He quickly began the 15-year process, a timeline that was prolonged by funding delays, approval from the prison, grading requirements from the university and other roadblocks. Nevertheless, Crosson continued studying and working toward his degree.

“It was slowly through that process that I began to feel a greater sense of possibility, or a greater sense of agency even,” Crosson said. “I was like, ‘Oh, if I could do this, maybe I can actually make my own decisions and not follow the crowd.’ It was a really profound experience.”

Due to the nature of the correspondence degree program, Crosson’s only option was to design his own major, a system which he believed any student could benefit from. He began the process by engaging in a variety of classes before creating his own program of study: Existential Psychology, a fusion of sociology and psychology classes.

“The whole search for me was a question of understanding how I had become the person that I had, and then also how I could change,” Crosson said. “Also the people around me, how could I best support them in that change … it really became this big question, this existential question

of how did we end up here and what can we do to do better, to end up somewhere else.”

A few years after becoming an OU graduate, Crosson received a conditional pardon in 2021. He got off probation in 2024 and began traveling the country, eventually leading him to Athens in November.

“This email popped up on my phone and it was from Jesse,” Laura Sowers, the senior associate director of alumni relations, said. “I remember the email just being very authentic and transparent and vulnerable, saying ‘Hey, I received my degree while I was incarcerated … I’d love to see the campus and just feel that connection as a student now that I am out of prison.’”

In addition to touring the campus, visiting classic alumni spots and meeting the dean of University College, Crosson was introduced to student groups such as the OU chapter of the Innocence Project. According to BobcatConnect, the Innocence Project aims to “free the innocent and prevent wrongful conviction by educating the public about its causes and consequences.” Crosson used these meetings to advocate for his experience with the correspondence program and give students a glimpse into his unique Bobcat experience.

“Every time we hear a story that is outside the norm or outside of our own experience, I think there’s always something we can learn from that,” Sowers said. “Hearing his story of receiving his degree while incarcerated for a crime that he was convicted of and making that change while he was incarcerated and growing himself, I think it is a testament to Ohio University.”

In the years since his pardon, Crosson has founded and become the executive director of the Second Chancer Foundation, which has a goal of “connecting justice-impacted people with qualified mentors through technology,” according to its website. Through his work with the foundation, social media engagement and consulting jobs, Crosson has made a career out of using his experience to help reform the criminal legal process.

“There are a lot of people that are just like me, that with the right resources would hit the ground running and make a difference in the world, and so … my goal is that people see that and they’re willing to invest in people and not just throw them away,” Crosson said.

@SOPHIAROOKS_ SR320421@OHIO.EDU

Class of 2025 anticipates final semester

SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY ASST. HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR

Although most Ohio University students are beginning just another spring semester, members of the class of 2025 are currently gearing up for their final months on campus. The traditions and importance associated with this semester allows seniors to reflect on the past few years and anticipate the monumental occasions ahead of them.

Erin Winchell is a senior studying Spanish and began learning lessons almost immediately upon arriving on campus her freshman year.

“I never really had to study a lot in high school,” Winchell said. “It kind of came easy to me, but as I got to college I was like, ‘Oh, I need to study’ so that was one of those things that I had to learn.”

Winchell hopes these lessons in self-discipline stay with her during her gap year before starting graduate school. Winchell looks forward to traveling during the upcoming year, but a break from education is also a source of stress.

“One thing I do worry about is getting out of that school routine because right now we’re so used to taking classes all the time and once I’m out of that, am I going to be able to go back?” Winchell said.

Although some seniors are consumed by making post-graduate plans, others are more focused on immersing themselves in university life for a few more

months.

“I’m looking forward to having some good times up on Court Street, things like that,” Kaleb Demaline, a senior studying computer science, said. “Hanging out with my friends for our last 3 months here.”

Along with prioritizing his social life during his final semester, Demaline is also looking to make his employment plans, a process he believes the university has been invaluable in.

“All the engineers have to take a job application class … where you write a resume and you learn how to … argue your salary, things like that,” Demaline said. “That definitely helped, and that’s enforced on every person in my college.”

Eliana D’Astici, a senior studying media arts production, is looking forward to the activities associated with a final semester at OU.

“I’m mostly looking forward to trying to do the bucket list things, like going to places on campus I haven’t gone to before,” she said.

Academic and social lessons have both been major influences on D’Astici over the past 4 years, and she believes they will continue to impact her as she moves on from university.

“The connections I’ve made I know are going to last a really long time, professionally and personally,” she said. “I learned how to really connect with people, how to really collaborate with people and I know that is going to really serve

me in the workforce and serve me in life.”

Demaline has found lessons in collaboration to be one of the most important aspects of a college education and encourages students to prioritize connecting with peers and faculty.

“Be a little extroverted, get out there, make friends, make contacts,” he said. “Honestly, anyone in my field can be smart and do it. There’s a lot of smart people in my field, a lot of geniuses I know, but making connections is what really matters.”

From her experience, D’Astici advises focusing on collaboration and learning to work with people.

“Campus is smaller than you think and so you’ll run into those same people and having really great connections on campus will really serve you,” she said.

As a third-year student graduating early, Winchell advises self-reflection and allowing the expected graduation timeline to shift.

“It doesn’t matter in the end whether you graduate early or you graduate later or even graduate on time,” Winchell said. “Just take your time if you feel like that’s what you need to do. Make great friends,

just try to really enjoy your time and not stress yourself out about getting it done in a certain amount of time.”

Students plan resolutions for New Year’s

HADLEY LYNCH | FOR THE POST

As preparations for the new year are underway, one of the most common practices for January includes New Year’s resolutions. Athens is no different, as many students have already figured out plans for bettering themselves in 2025.

According to a survey done by Pew Research Center, 49% of adults ages 1829 set at least one New Year's resolution in 2024, many regarding personal health, finances, career or academics.

said. “I want to figure out more of what my real core values to my own person are. I want to take time for the things I care about more, like pick up more hobbies and find new music.”

Setting resolutions is meant to be a constructive concept; however, people often set too high of expectations for themselves and feel defeated when they fall short. According to an article by WRI, the most attainable goals are ones that slowly but surely make an impact. Guy agrees there are ways to set realistic

be satisfied with it and you can do more (later on), set new goals.”

Following through with resolutions usually revolves around personal habits. Utilizing campus and local resources such as mental health support, Ping Recreation Center, getting involved with student organizations and the Academic Achievement Center can help support these goals.

“I do want to join more clubs,” Guy said. “I don't know what I want to join, but there's been a couple of times where I've almost gone to the counseling ‘Let's Talk’ hours, so I think I want to start prioritizing those because they are available to me. And why would I not?”

Reid McCain, a junior studying engineering and technology management, also plans to get the most out of campus resources. He plans to focus on getting back to a school structure and succeed-

“For the new year, I'm really excited to get back into class,” McCain said. “I've enjoyed the break my brain has gotten, but I'm excited to start challenging myself academically again.”

McCain plans to meet these goals by staying more organized in his

“(I plan on) just being a lot more organized in my personal life, making sure that I stay on top of things like dates, doctors appointments, just being more organized and aware of the things I need to do in the time that I have to do

Many students use the AAC for academic help such as peer tutoring, and McCain plans to utilize it as well.

“I will take full advantage of tutoring

at the Academic Achievement Center, anything they offer,” McCain said. “I will gladly partake at Ping, they have a rock wall, and I love to rock climb. You know, physical activities also help your mental health.”

McCain agrees the New Year seems to be a universally good time to start new habits, but it can make it less likely to carry these goals into the future.

“People tend to view years as these isolated things, like, ‘Oh, one year,’ so it seems like a good opportunity to start looking to do something new, to try and start some new good habits,’” McCain said. “But in reality, a year is like an abstract concept. One year just goes right into the other … I'd say that anytime is the best time to start new stuff.”

Many people have an ideal image of themselves they hope to achieve by the end of the year. While McCain’s aspirations are more centered on personal successes involving academics and his career, Guy’s are more focused on selfcare and well-being.

“My ultimate goal, like all of my life, is to just be happy,” Guy said. “Hopefully, by the end of 2025, I'm happier than I am now. Though I'm happy now, I just always want to reach the point of ultimate happiness, as happy as I can be.”

(NICOLE REESE | ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR)

Women’s Basketball: Ohio falls against Kent State

After taking a first-half lead, Ohio couldn’t knock down enough shots to hold off Kent State.

CHARLIE FADEL | SPORTS STAFF WRITER

Ohio (3-11, 1-3 Mid-American Conference) lost its second straight conference game to Kent State (10-3, 3-1 MAC) by a score of 79-64. Similar to its last loss against Western Michigan, Ohio held the lead at halftime but was unable to maintain its production in the second half, allowing a comeback victory for its opponent.

In the first quarter, senior Kennedi Watkins led Ohio in scoring with 6 points, a good chunk of what ended up being a game-high 21 points for the guard. With the performance, Watkins ranks fifth in the MAC in scoring average, with 16.4 points per game. Senior Kate Dennis was Ohio’s only other double-digit scorer, knocking down four-of-eight 3-point attempts for 12 points on the night.

For Kent State, it was a more all-around effort, with four players scoring over 15 points for the game. Senior Jenna Batsch, the MAC’s sixth-leading scorer, led the way with 19, followed by sophomore Mya Babbitt with 18, and then senior Bridget Dunn and freshman Journey Hildebrand with 15 apiece.

Although Watkins started hot, the rest of the team did not. From the 3-point line, Ohio shot just one-of-six from deep in the first quarter, a number that improved for the Bobcats in the second quarter.

The second frame saw a couple different players get hot, as Dennis, Watkins, sophomore Emma Barnett and freshman Gigi Bower all were able to put in a three as the team shot a much better five-ofeleven from 3-point range.

Ohio’s defense ramped up as well, holding Kent State to just 3-of-10 from 3-point range and forcing seven turnovers in the second. The combination of

strong defense and hot shooting gave way for Ohio to take a close 36-34 lead into the break.

The Bobcats were not able to sustain the level of play they were at in the second quarter, and what ensued was a nightmare of a third quarter for Ohio.

The game completely flipped on both sides of the ball as Kent State was red hot shooting the ball in the third quarter, scoring 25 points on 69.2% from the floor. A whopping 21 of those points came from 3-point range as the Golden Flashes shot seven-of-nine from deep in the third quarter.

While Kent State got hot, Ohio went ice cold in the third quarter, shooting just 25% from the floor and 22.2% from three in the third period for 12 points total.

That third quarter was enough for Kent State to completely flip the script of the game, turning its 2-point halftime deficit into an 11-point lead entering the fourth quarter, a lead that was insurmountable if Ohio continued to shoot poorly from the floor.

Unfortunately for the Bobcats, they couldn’t drastically turn around their shooting woes in the fourth quarter, going 5-of-14 from the floor and one-of-six from deep. Despite Kent State cooling off from three, shooting three-of-eight from 3-point range, the disastrous third quarter from Ohio was too much to overcome as Kent State left Athens with a victory.

Ohio will look to bounce back from the loss Wednesday with a home matchup against Bowling Green. Later in the week, the Bobcats will head to Toledo to take on the Rockets Saturday.

@CHARLIEFADEL CF111322@OHIO.EDU

Monica Williams (13) attempts to shoot the ball, Nov. 20, 2024. (REECE MERKEL | FOR THE POST)

Hockey: Ohio secures first home win against Pitt after lengthy closure

Ohio University Aiden Grieco (21), trying to get the puck with his stick during the game against Liberty at Bird Arena, in Athens, Ohio, Feb. 9, 2024.

(CHLOE EGGLESTON | FOR THE POST)

With the Panthers spoiling the Bobcats’ initial return to Bird Ice Arena with a 5-3 Friday loss, Ohio looked to get things back on track Saturday on its home ice. With an aggressive offensive plan and tough defense late in the game, the Bobcats beat the Panthers 3-1.

The fans kept the energy in the arena high throughout the matchup, showing their Bobcats love in person at Bird for the first time this season.

This was Ohio’s first weekend of hockey since Nov. 9 against Liberty, so shaking off the rust was a definite concern going into the game.

The Bobcats came out aggressive to open the first period, nearly netting a goal just over 1 minute into the game. Their dominant possession of the puck continued to give them the edge offensively, but they couldn’t find a way past Panthers’ goaltender Grant Lindsay.

Ohio pressured Lindsay with lengthy shifts from lines and strong drives to the goal. Pittsburgh showed some increased intensity late in the period, but goaltender Garrett Alderman kept his net clean with some help from his defenseman.

The Panthers looked re-energized, taking the ice for the second period, finding multiple scoring opportunities and testing Alderman’s glove. Ohio clearly felt bolstered midway through the period as pressure built up on Lindsay. Laker Aldridge broke the barrier as he and Will Cohen connected on a two-on-one opportunity.

The Bobcats struck again just minutes later as they made the most of a delayed penalty by pulling Alderman and setting up the impromptu power play. Nolan

Abraham, Mathieu Ovaert and Graham Broadfoot overwhelmed the Panthers, with Broadfoot securing the 2-0 lead. Pitt attempted to battle back and received a strong opportunity, with John Glen going to the box for tripping late in the period. The Bobcats also saw a power play of their own, but the period closed with the Bobcats leading 2-0.

Despite its 2-0 lead, Ohio continued to threaten to score and played physically in the third period. The Bobcats had to make a strategic shift, as their penalty kill was tested after receiving a penalty for too many men on the ice. This led to a 4v4 on the ice after a Pitt skater hit the bench as well. Andreas Forand made the most of this opportunity, pushing the puck over Alderman’s left shoulder to cut it to 2-1.

The Bobcats wouldn’t let this mistake bring them down for long, though, as they got back on the attack. Ovaert picked up a second assist as he found Barron Stibbe to retake the two-point lead.

From there, the Bobcats played smothering, hard-nosed defense to stay ahead 3-1. The Panthers tested them with intense, physical play, but the Bobcats were up to the challenge. Time was on the side of Ohio as the clock expired, and the Bobcat faithful erupted in cheers at Bird Arena for the first time this season.

Bird Arena will continue to be home to the Bobcats next weekend when the West Virginia Mountaineers come to Athens.

TYSON BERNATH | FOR THE POST

Men’s Basketball: Historic offensive production led Ohio against

Northern Illinois

AJ Clayton’s big night helps Ohio in 108-70 blowout victory over Northern Illinois.

ROBERT KEEGAN III | SPORTS EDITOR

Ohio has won games in all different ways to start its Mid-American Conference schedule. To start the year, the Bobcats needed only 57 points to take down Central Michigan in a staunch defensive effort. Against Buffalo, it was a fluent allaround effort on both ends to take home an 88-79 victory.

Saturday afternoon, Ohio displayed an offense that many have come to expect this season, scoring a historic 108 points in a blowout victory against Northern Illinois.

“We came in talking about passing up good shots for great shots, and I thought we did that phenomenally,” Ohio coach Jeff Boals said.

108 points is the most a Jeff Boals-led squad has ever scored against a MAC opponent in regulation and the most any Ohio team has scored against a MAC opponent since 2016.

At the end of the game, it was a team effort that pushed Ohio across the finish line, but no one had an impact larger than senior forward AJ Clayton. The Roseville, Ohio, native came out hot and didn’t let up till the final buzzer.

Clayton started eight-of-eight from the 3-point line en route to a 31-point scoring effort despite only playing in 18 of the game’s 40 minutes. Clayton ended his day shooting nine-of-10 from the 3-point line.

“Seeing the first couple go in, the basket just feels like it’s 10 feet,” Clayton said.

When Clayton finally did miss a 3-point shot, he was so hot that Boals noted he was shocked that he even missed one.

Clayton’s efficiency became a trend for Ohio as the team didn’t miss a shot for the game’s first 7 minutes. It felt like the game had just started for Northern Illi-

nois when it was already looking at a 15-7 deficit less than 5 minutes into the game.

When Clayton rested on the bench, transfer guard Jackson Paveletzke led the team to its historic scoring mark.

Paveletzke shot an efficient nine-of-10 from the field while assisting on five Ohio baskets.

Paveletzke, who ranks second in the MAC in assists, noted that when you have a player on the court as hot as Clayton, it makes his job easy as the facilitator of the offense. On the offensive end, the team just tried to “feed the hot hand.”

In the second half, Ohio got contributions from a handful of bench players while its starters rested in response to the big lead. A recently rehabilitated Shereef Mitchell came in and recorded three 3-pointers and 15 total points.

As a team, Ohio had a historic day from the 3-point line, knocking down 17 total threes, the second-best mark in program history. Clayton’s nine 3-pointers were a career-high and also the fifth-best mark in a game in program history.

When you shorten the record book, Ohio’s 57 points in the first half is the most that it has scored in a half all season, including nonconference play. Additionally, Ohio’s 108 points are the most it has scored in any game since its victory over NAIA Defiance in 2023.

After a dominating first three games of MAC play, Ohio is beginning to look like the team that was picked to finish first in the conference and have the MAC Player of the Year in AJ Clayton.

mid-season takeaways

About halfway into Ohio’s season, things are starting to take shape.

LOGAN ADAMS | SPORTS EDITOR

It’s been an up-and-down but overall positive season for Ohio coach Jeff Boals and his Bobcats mid-way through the 2024-25 season. The team, currently on a five-game winning streak, sits tied for first in the Mid-American Conference after a lackluster start on a prolonged road trip.

The MAC is taking shape, with about half of the season as a sample. Ohio may also have a MAC Player of the Year case on its roster and a couple of freshmen primed to make positive postseason contributions alongside a batch of experienced veteran talent.

Here are three takeaways from midway through the 2024-25 season.

THE MAC IS STARTING TO TAKE SHAPE

Before the 2024-25 season kicked off, Ohio was near-unanimously projected to finish atop the MAC. The team received 11 of a possible 12 first-place votes on the MAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll after returning a majority of its key contributors from the previous season.

However, after a sluggish start to the season where Ohio played just one of its first seven games at home, the team started 2-5. There were no formal power rankings kept from the start of the season until now, but the informal ones did not favor the Bobcats. Since then, Ohio has gone 7-1, including 6-0 within the walls of The Convo and taken three games into conference play. The MAC is starting to form into three tiers.

The first tier consists of Kent State and Akron. Although Kent State is tied for fifth in the conference standings with a 2-1 conference record, its record doesn’t tell the full story. The Golden Flashes have an elite defense, holding their opponents to the 15th-least points per game in the nation. The reigning MAC Champion Zips aren’t far behind either, ranking in the top 150 on both ends of the ball.

In the second tier are fated rivals Ohio and Miami. The Bobcats have been blitzing opponents since coming back from their road trip largely due to contributions from senior AJ Clayton, who’s averaging 19.8 points per game and 2.2 blocks in the team’s winning streak. Miami and star sophomore Kam Craft are on a similar tear, coming out winners of their last five and shooting the seventh-best percentage nationally from 3-point range on the season.

The third tier is everybody else. Aside from the clear top four that has taken shape, not one MAC team has a positive net rating, and while teams like Toledo,

which sits 3-0 in conference play, may hold weight in the tournament, it’s hard to say they knock on the same door as the teams in the top four.

OHIO HAS A MAC PLAYER OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE

As previously mentioned, Clayton has been on a tear for the Bobcats lately. After finishing on the third team last year, the forward was a projected All-MAC First Teamer this season.

Clayton currently leads the conference in points and blocks, both on a total and per-game rate, while ranking second in 3-pointers made and sixth in rebounding. Most recently, Clayton’s 31-point, nine3-pointer explosion against Northern Illinois marked exactly why he’s deserving of the conference’s top honor, Player of the Year.

The projected winner, Central Michigan’s Anthony Pritchard, is certainly still a candidate; he ranks 20th in points per game, third in assists per game and second in steals per game. Other candidates include Kent State’s Voncameron Davis, Miami’s Craft and Ball State’s Jermahri Hill, but Clayton’s all-around impact and production is arguably unmatched in comparison.

ANOTHER BATCH OF IMPACTFUL FRESHMAN

Over the last few years of the Jeff Boals era, Ohio has brought in a handful of great freshman classes. Most notably, the current junior cast which lines Ohio’s rotation — Aidan Hadaway, AJ Brown, Elmore James and Ajay Sheldon — is one of the best recruiting classes in program history.

Elijah Elliott and Ayden Evans made big contributions on limited minutes in their freshman campaigns so far. Elliott, a flipped commitment from Florida State, has found a semi-consistent spot in the rotation with the injury to projected AllMAC second-teamer Shereef Mitchell. Evans, on the other hand, has provided size and athleticism in the middle of the floor, as the only “traditional” big man on Ohio’s roster.

The group hasn’t penetrated the team’s core rotation just yet, but are showing positive signs in almost every game.

Guard, Elijah Elliott (6) during the Bobcats game against Morehead, Dec. 7, 2024. The Bobcats beat Morehead 88 to 76 in The Convo. (JOHN FOUSS | FOR THE POST)

The Post Predicts: 67th Grammy Awards winners

ENTERTAINMENT STAFF

On Feb. 2, the 67th annual Grammy Awards will premiere live on CBS and Paramount+. The ceremony is the biggest night for musicians and their fans alike, and it is shaping up to start 2025 with exciting performances and moments for every nominated artist.

Here are our predictions for who will take home the trophy in a few categories at the 2025 Grammys.

Album of the Year

Sophia Anness

Predicted Winner: “Hit Me Hard and Soft” by Billie Eilish

Being one of the most contested awards at the Grammys, the Album of the Year award is one of the most anticipated of the event. The 2025 nomination list contained quite the roundup of some of the best albums of the year.

With 10 different albums nominated for the award, it is up in the air which album will take the top spot. Albums nominated include “Short n’ Sweet,” “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” “The Tortured Poets Department,” “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” “Brat,” “Cowboy Carter,” “New Blue Sun” and “Djesse Vol. 4.”

The category brings both surprises, with “New Blue Sun” and “Dejesse Vol. 4” being included in the list, but also snubs with the exclusion of Ariana Grande‘s “Eternal Sunshine.” However, the top contender for the award is Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”

Eilish‘s album brought her more original sound reminiscent of her debut album while also bringing something new. The album has many hits including “Lunch” and “Birds of a Feather,” which is the most streamed song of 2024 on Spotify. The album’s exciting sound makes listening over and over interesting.

Record of the Year

Elizabeth Talaga

Predicted Winner: “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter

The Record of the Year category recognizes the most outstanding record of the year. Nominees for this year’s award include The Beatles for their record “Now and Then,” Beyoncé for her record “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Taylor Swift and Post Malone for “Fortnight,” Chappell Roan for her record “Good Luck, Babe!,” Charli XCX for “360,” Kendrick Lamar for his hit “Not Like Us,” Billie Eilish for her song “Birds of a Feather” and Sabrina Carpenter for her record “Espresso.” Each artist nominated created a record worthy of praise; however, the stars will only align for one. Carpenter’s hit “Espresso” was an incredible success, and one of the most streamed songs of 2024. The song’s achievements make it the perfect candidate for Record of the Year, and the current betting odds also give the award to “Espresso.”

Although the record has big competition with the likes of Beyoncé, Lamar and Roan, Carpenter is bound to win Record of the Year.

Song of the Year Jen Fosnaught Predicted Winner: “Texas Hold ‘Em” by Beyoncé

What sets Beyonce’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” apart from the other Best Song nominees is the unique angle she took after an over 22-year-long career. The other artists in this category produced songs that, while fantastic, are very similar to the brands fans have come to recognize them for. Swift stuck with her usual sad pop motifs in “Fortnight,” as did Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga in their duet “Die With A Smile.”

Beyoncé, however, switched her brand

from classic pop to an experimental country album which performed phenomenally.

After the release of “Texas Hold ‘Em,” the radio noticed a large increase in country-pop hybrids or pop stars who turned country. Post Malone began a country journey, releasing songs with Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Blake Shelton. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey dominated the Billboard Top 100 for weeks, making country a staple of popular music.

Metacritic even marked “Cowboy Carter” as the fifth highest-rated album of 2024, with an overall score of 91 out of 100. High approval ratings from major critic sites can indicate the odds of a song or album winning.

The lyrics offer a fantastic beat to dance to and was streamed on the radio constantly. Overall, the easy upbeat energy and impact on both the pop and country scenes makes “Texas Hold ‘Em” worthy of being Song of the Year in 2025’s Grammy Awards.

Best New Artist

Clara Leder

Predicted Winner: Chappell Roan

The Best New Artist category celebrates an artist’s arrival into the world of music and winning the award boosts careers moving forward. The competition is fierce this year, as eight talented nominees vie for the Grammy.

Teddy Swims is a standout nominee with an incredible voice and powerful songs such as “Lose Control” and “The Door” making him a top contender.

Fellow nominee, Benson Boone created the hit song, “Beautiful Things” this year. The track gained traction on TikTok and is a contender for the win.

Up-and-coming R&B nominee Doechii is a creative force with a well-executed 2024 album “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” Doechii mixes alternative hip-hop styles with animated flare. Due to the big competition in this category, it seems she will be beaten out this year by two female pop icons: Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan. However, Doechii is an artist to watch moving forward.

Both Carpenter and Roan ruled the music scene this year, but Roan will ultimately win the award.

With the biggest daytime set at Lollapalooza ever and the single “Good Luck, Babe!” reaching number 4 on the Billboard Top 100 charts, 2024 was the year of Chappell Roan. Despite controversies this year with political opinions and canceled performances, her popularity with fans and her songs’ success will secure her win.

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical Cami Seymore

Predicted Winner: Dan Nigro

While singers often get the spotlight for their hits, music producers are the unsung heroes who bring those tracks to life. Producers work behind the scenes on sound design, mastering and audio

engineering to create the music we know and love.

The producers up for Producer of the Year include: Alissia Benveniste, Mustard, Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II, Ian Fitchuk and Dan Nigro. While D’Mile and Fitchuk are seasoned producers with a strong chance at snagging the win, Nigro is the clear standout in this category. Nigro first gained widespread recognition for his work with Olivia Rodrigo on her hit albums “SOUR” (2021) and “GUTS” (2023). More recently, his collaboration with Chappell Roan on her hit album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” (2023) proved Nigro is a master at producing catchy, chart-topping hits.

Another contender is Mustard, known for his contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s music, specifically the track “Not Like Us,” (2024) which is up for Song of the Year. While Mustard's work was popular this year, rap projects are often overlooked in major categories, and the Grammys have historically shown a bias toward pop music over hip-hop. Given Nigro’s success and pop dominance, he is the frontrunner to take home the award.

Best Pop Solo Performance

Grace Schmidt

Predicted Winner: “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter 2024 was a huge year for female pop singers, and they have dominated the Pop Solo category. The nominees include “BODYGUARD” by Beyoncé, “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter, “Apple” by Charli XCX, “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish and “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan.

Best Pop Solo Performance recognizes a solo single or track and goes to the artist, producer and songwriter.

Each nomination had an impact on pop culture, but “Espresso” is ultimately the song which kept relevance the longest and will likely have lasting impressions on pop music in the future.

“Espresso” was number 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart and remained in the top three for 14 weeks, establishing her as a pop icon after being in the industry since 2015.

“Espresso” became a viral sensation, coining the phrase “me espresso” and creating traction for her album “Short ‘n Sweet.”

Her new sound, clever marketing and charting success gained her six nominations at this year's Grammys and Best Pop Solo Performance is a likely win for her to take home.

Best Rock Album

Brooke Phillips

Predicted Winner: “No Name” by Jack White

Although many of the nominees for this year’s Best Rock Album category are equally relevant in mainstream rock, one album sticks out from the bunch. “No Name” is Jack White’s sixth studio record, and it was entirely produced, written and recorded by White at Third Man Studio in Nashville, Tennessee.

“No Name” received overwhelmingly positive reviews from music aggrega

THE POST

Editor-in-Chief | Alyssa Cruz

Managing Editor | Madalyn Blair

Equity Director | McKenna Christy

EDITORIAL

News Editor | Emily Stokes

Asst. News Editor | Maggie Amacher

Human Interest Editor | Abby Jenkins

Asst. Human Interest Editor | Sophia Rooksberry

Sports Editor | Logan Adams

Sports Editor | Robert Keegan III

Opinion Editor | Megan Diehl

Asst. Opinion Editor | Brianna Tassiello

Entertainment Editor | Trey Barrett

Asst. Entertainment Editor | Sophia Anness

Copy Chief | Jackson McCoy

Slot Editors | Carly DeLuca, Emma Erion, Elizabeth Talaga, Daphne Graeter

ART

Art Director | Mia Pishotti

Asst. Art Director | Nicole Reese

Director of Photography | Alaina Dackermann

Photo Editor | Megan VanVlack

DIGITAL Director of Web Development | Sadie Borandi

Audience Engagement Editor | Chase Borland

Asst. Audience Engmt. Editor | Abby Waechter

Director of Multimedia | Kendall Timms

Asst. Director of Multimedia | Hailey Dunne

BUSINESS

Media Sales | Ruby Britt, Moira Fudge

Director of Student Media | Andrea Lewis

Send us your letters

Have you ever find something in The Post thought-provoking, questionable or even infuriating? Let us know! We are always interested in hearing about the way our readers respond to our content.

Letters should be fewer than 500 words. All letters must be signed by at least one individual; anonymous letters will not be accepted. The Post does not accept letters soliciting donations or news releases. Please include your year and major if you are a student. The Post reserves the right to reject submissions or edit submissions for clarity, vulgarity and Associated Press style.

The Post is an editorially independent media outlet run by Ohio University students. We distribute the paper free of charge in Athens, Ohio, when classes are in session. Editorial page material represents the opinions of the editors, columnists and letter writers. Opinions expressed are independent of Ohio University and our printer.

IN PERSON Baker Center 325

BY EMAIL

letters@thepostathens.com

editor@thepostathens.com

ONLINE thepostathens.com/letters

Advertisement Policies

The Post will not print advertising that violates local, state or federal laws. The Post will not run advertisements that violate the Fair Housing Act, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission policies. The Post reserves the right to reject advertising deemed to adversely affect the integrity and credibility of the publication or be in conflict with the educational mission of the university or community it serves. The Post retains the right, at its discretion, to approve or reject an advertisement that negatively affects the relationship with our readers or that promotes content, services, or activities that violate our advertising policy. If an error occurs, and an advertisement is published not as ordered, please notify The Post by the end of the business day following publication, a corrected advertisement will run without charge in the next print edition. Cancellation requests for advertising must be received and acknowledged by staff no later than 2:00 pm on Monday for the Tuesday print edition. Refunds will not be given for ads that have been printed. These advertising policy rules can be changed at any time without prior notification.

FRONT DESK HOURS

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday – Friday

Closed Saturday and Sunday

Baker University Center, Room 325 1 Park Place

Athens, OH 45701

tors, like Metacritic (rating: 89/100), and magazines, including Variety and Rolling Stone (rating: 4/5 stars). Although its chart standing may be slightly off due to its unconventional release, it still reached number 1 on UK’s Independent Charts, according to OOC. Nevertheless, it still ranked number one on MOJO’s end of year list, “75 Best Albums of 2024,” and landed in the top 15 among other publication’s and critic’s end-of-year lists.

Overall, Jack White’s “No Name” is a return to his blues and garage rock roots and offers a side of him fans have not heard since his The White Stripe days. It has gained world-wide acclaim and is the type of quality story The Recording Academy would surely award the title of Best Rock Album.

Best Rap Performance

Nyla Gilbert

Predicted Winner: “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar

“Not Like Us” took the hip-hop community by storm as the perfect conclusion to a weeks-long rap battle which left the rap world at a standstill. Kendrick Lamar’s final reply to Drake became a national anthem. The song was inescapable and continues to dominate airwaves. According to Songstats, the hit garnered an astounding 1.63 billion streams, 1.94 million videos and 12.2 billion views across platforms.

Other nominees in this category, however, could give “Not Like Us” a run for its money. “Like That” from Metro Boomin and Future’s collaborative album, featuring Lamar and widely considered his first response in the feud with Drake, also amassed impressive numbers with 783 million streams across platforms.

Rising artist Doechii found continued success from her 2023 hit “What It Is (Block Boy)” with the release of her debut album, “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” Her song “NISSAN ALTIMA” earned 52.2 million streams across platforms.

Although these are strong contenders, none achieved the cultural or commercial impact of “Not Like Us.” These songs, though standout tracks on prominent rap albums of the year, are pieces of a greater whole. “Not Like Us,” on the other hand, remains the clear frontrunner in this category.

Best Música Urbana Album Catalina Litts

Predicted Winner: “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana” by Bad Bunny

Latin music is trending in the U.S. due to artists such as Bad Bunny and Feid. In 2024, both artists released albums which connected with numerous listeners. With that said, either artist could take home the Grammy.

Feid’s “FERXXOCALIPSIS” album focused on reggaeton, featuring R&B and techno beats. This album opened doors for him in the U.S. from having the opportunity to sing his hit song “La Luna” at the 2024 Copá América to selling out several stops on his U.S. tour.

His innovative take to producing this album and cartoonish theme lead to its success in the U.S.

However, Bad Bunny’s “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va Pasar Mañana” album was highly anticipated, considering it was the first album released since his groundbreaking “Un Verano Sin Ti” album.

In “NSLQVPM,” Bad Bunny ditched his former reggaeton style from UVST and reverted to his roots, trap. Fans either loved it or hated it. Regardless, from be-

Though both artists released captivating albums, due to Bad Bunny’s immense popularity in the U.S. and original talent, I believe he will win.

Best Score Soundtrack Album for Visual Media

Alexandra Hopkins Predicted Winner: “Challengers”

Often overlooked during awards season, soundtracks are the not-so silent foundation of the visual media we love. The award for best original score created for film, TV or any other visual media, is presented to composers for artistic excellence and achievement.

This year, the competition is as close as ever, with two strong contenders racing for the title. Both the “Challengers” and “Dune: Part Two” soundtracks captured audiences' attention worldwide. However, the “Challengers” score composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross stands out for its ability to enhance the onscreen story.

Reznor and Ross are two time Grammy winners, previously taking home awards for “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (2013) and “Soul” (2022). “Challengers” already took home the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score.

The “Challengers” score embraces the push and pull of the tennis court, and the dynamic love triangle at the center of the film. Infused with trance beats reminiscent of the 1990s and themes of electronica and techno often played at European clubs, the duo perfectly captured “Challengers” essence.

“Challengers” may not take home Best Picture, but its soundtrack outshines other contenders for its unapologetic and novel nature.

6 books to read, movies to watch for 2025

PARKER JENDRYSIK | FOR THE POST

The new year calls for fresh movies and books, whether new or old, and ringing in 2025 with a must watch and read list will have you craving more. Grab your laptop, open Netflix or Prime Video and get ready to keep a mental note of what to watch or read this weekend.

“INTERSTELLAR”

“Interstellar” is a film widely known for its astounding exploration of space, tear jerkers and plot twists. This space thriller

will keep you on the edge of your seat for days.

“Interstellar” is a science fiction drama written by Christopher Nolan and co-written by his brother Jonathan Nolan. The brilliant minds of the Nolan brothers deliver a 169-minute long film which questions what truly exists in our solar system. The film takes place on an almost uninhabitable Earth in 2067 where failing crops and massive dust storms have swept the planet.

Matthew McConaughey stars as Cooper, a widowed father of two children: Murph (Jessica Chastain) and Tom (Timothée Chalamet). Cooper works with NASA as an astronaut with colleague Brand (Anne Hathaway) on a life-changing mission. Cooper and Brand must find a planet that can replace Earth and save human life from extinction.

(MIA PISHOTTI | ART DIRECTOR)

The soundtrack and cinematography of the film itself makes “Interstellar” mesmerizing and a great watch for 2025. The film is currently available on Netflix and Paramount+.

“A

RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT”

With 1990s heartthrob Brad Pitt starring in “A River Runs Through It,” the film is a classic must watch.

The film was directed by Robert Redford and released in 1992. It follows the two sons, Norman (Craig Sheffer) and Paul (Brad Pitt) Maclean, of a minister who grow a brotherly love for fly fishing at a young age in 1976 rural Montana.

Norman, the eldest Maclean brother, is considered to be the more serious son whereas Paul is the young, handsome and immature brother whose drinking habits get him in a bind. Before the movie, the story of the Maclean brothers was told through Norman Maclean’s autobiography by the same name, which was published in 1976.

The film is available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Google Play, Prime Video and the Microsoft Store.

“ST. ELMO’S FIRE”

Joel Schumacher’s “St. Elmo’s Fire” was released in 1985 and is a comingof-age film combining the ‘80s, college, romance, friendships and a saxophone. The film stars a handful of ‘80s heartthrobs: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Andie MacDowell and Mare Winningham.

The movie follows nine friends who navigate life after graduating from Georgetown University.

“St. Elmo’s Fire” is available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and the Microsoft Store.

“THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN” BY MITCH ALBOM

Mitch Albom’s “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” follows a ride operator named Eddie, an unfulfilled old man, after he has passed away. In the afterlife, he meets five people who piece together just how much he meant to those around him. This heartfelt novel is available to purchase at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

“ELEANOR & PARK” BY RAINBOW ROWELL

“Eleanor & Park” follows two young outcasts who give love a shot in 1986. Eleanor and Park become infatuated with one another when they start bonding over music and comic books on the bus. From that point on, the rest is history. This book is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

“MICHAEL VEY: THE PRISONER OF CELL 25” BY RICHARD PAUL EVANS

Michael Vey follows a young boy, Michael, who discovers he has electrical powers while coping with his Tourette's Syndrome. However, he isn’t the only one. Michael and his friends team up when they find out others like him are being hunted.

Together, Michael and his friends plan to stop Hatch, a megalomaniac on the prowl for power, from manipulating kids like Michael. This is the first book in a ten part series, but it is absolutely worth the read.

This book series is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

PJ004522@OHIO.EDU

‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’ is an instant classic

JUDE HANNAHS | FOR THE POST

“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” (2024) is an instant Aardman Animations classic because of its profound stop-motion animation and lovable characters in the titular Wallace (Ben Whitehead) and his trusty dog, Gromit.

The film was recently added to Netflix’s catalog Jan. 3 and follows Wallace and Gromit in their day-to-day lives, with their home being filled with nothing but more distinctive inventions made by Wallace himself.

Wallace’s latest invention is a robotic gnome named Norbot (Reece Shearsmith), and he is proven to be a major success for the likes of those who live in the neighborhood with his excellent skill in gardening and taking care of all things outside.

However, things become complicated for the heroic duo when a familiar foe in Feathers McGraw overrides the programming for Norbot, creating more Norbots to conduct his evil scheme in stealing the blue diamond that was originally from “Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers” (1993).

The absolute best aspect about “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” is its spectacular style of animation. Stop-motion animation may be a lost artform in some ways, but a company like Aardman has proven it does not slack when making films.

From “Wallace & Gromit; A Grand Day Out” (1989) to now, every film in the “Wallace & Gromit” series has improved with its animation, character design, action

sequences and environments. The film is gorgeous to look at on screen, and there is never an instance where viewers will be underwhelmed with what is unfolding on screen.

Of course, the return of Wallace and Gromit in a new film is always a joy to see. It’s been nearly 20 years since “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” (2005), the last film they starred in. With the arrival of this new entry, it is like they never left.

The characters of Wallace and Gromit and the stories they have are similar to that of Jim Henson’s The Muppets. That’s not to say they are similar in how they tell stories with their characters, but rather how they are able to still capture a sense of charm and magic most other family-related franchises have lost.

There is not a single film in the “Wallace & Gromit” franchise that feels uncreative or was properly planned out by the filmmakers. Nick Park is a director who knows how to handle this franchise and what stories need to be told on a large screen.

Wallace and Gromit are obviously great, but it is a nice move to have Feathers McGraw, the film’s antagonist, return to harm our heroes. His simple yet cute design is a perfect juxtaposition for his devious inner nature.

Although he never utters word from his beak, Feathers McGraw is iconic based on his non-expressive black eyes and red rubber glove he uses to disguise himself to look like a chicken. He is one of the three best villains Wallace and Gromit have ever faced.

There is Norbot, who plays well against both Wallace and Gromit. Gromit does find Norbot to be a bit of an annoyance, especially after he remodels Gromit’s garden. But in the end, Gromit does accept Norbot for what he is.

Then there is the addition of P.C. Mukherjee (Lauren Patel) and the return of Chief Inspector Mackintosh (Peter Kay) from “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.” While both actors are given little screen time, they still deliver cheerful and playful performances.

The biggest sin “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” commits is that it does copy a lot of its plotline from “The Wrong Trousers.” Still, the filmmakers made enough of an effort to incorporate

new elements to make the film stand on its own.

“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” is a delightful new adventure featuring everyone’s favorite inventor and clever pooch from 62 West Wallaby Street. It is available to stream on Netflix.

Rating: 4/5 @JUDETHEDUDEHANNAHS

(ALAINA DACKERMANN | DIRECTOR

AAbsolutely Abby: Creators can thrive without TikTok

ABBY WAECHTER | ASST. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENGT EDITOR

s TikTok faces a real threat of a ban in the U.S., many creators feel the pressure. They worry not just about losing their largest platform but also about the bigger issue of censorship and free speech. Although the idea of a TikTok ban raises anxiety, creators can adapt and thrive. If the government shuts down TikTok, other platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and X offer creators plenty of room to grow and connect with their audiences.

The government’s primary concern revolves around national security, particularly the fear that foreign entities could exploit user data for espionage or other malicious purposes.

Officials argue TikTok’s Chinese ownership presents a risk, claiming ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, could use the app to gather sensitive personal data. “The Chinese government could weaponize TikTok at any time to harm the United States,” said U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar during oral arguments, as she outlined the numerous ways the data collected could be exploited by the Chinese government.

Although TikTok’s massive user base contributes to these concerns, the platform also gathers data from non-users, which amplifies the risks. These serious issues need resolution, and national security experts continue to demand action. However, creators can’t simply dismiss the benefits of moving to other platforms.

If TikTok disappears, Instagram offers a powerful alternative. Creators can migrate their short, engaging videos to Instagram Reels, which mirrors

Mthe TikTok format. But Instagram provides more than just video-sharing, it also offers monetization through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts and ads, which keeps creators earning. Instagram’s large and diverse user base allows creators to maintain their reach and influence without skipping a beat.

Creators can also pivot to YouTube, which presents an even broader range of options. YouTube Shorts feature competes with TikTok, allowing creators to produce quick, engaging videos. Beyond Shorts, YouTube also offers a robust platform for long-form content, providing even more flexibility for creators. YouTube’s ad revenue, super chats and memberships give creators multiple ways to earn income, making it one of the most reliable platforms for creators who want to maintain financial stability.

Snapchat might be a smaller platform, but it offers a creative environment that suits creators looking to experiment. With features such as augmented reality filters and disappearing content, Snapchat provides a way for creators to engage with audiences in fresh and interactive ways. The platform also attracts a younger demographic, allowing creators to stay in touch with an active and engaged audience.

Even X can work as a replacement. X focuses on real-time engagement, allowing creators to share text, images and short videos to build their brand. The platform’s viral nature and emphasis on immediate reactions allow creators to connect directly with their followers. X’s distinctive combination

“Creators don’t need to rely solely on TikTok. National security concerns are legitimate, but the digital world is vast.”

– Abby Waechter

of features allows creators to share their ideas in a fast-paced environment without the algorithm-driven constraints that come with TikTok. Creators don’t need to rely solely on TikTok.

National security concerns are legitimate, but the digital world is vast. Although losing TikTok might feel like a major setback, it doesn’t signal the end of a creator’s career. The opportunities on other platforms — Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and X — are more than enough for creators to maintain their presence, build their brands and continue to make a living from their content. The key is adaptability, and creators who can embrace new platforms will continue to thrive.

Abby Waechter is a junior studying strategic communications at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post.

Lately with Layne: Journalists are not political leverage

LAYNE REY | FOR THE POST

ost career paths, including those involving international travel, do not pose the threat of random and unfair arrest. In this sense, international journalism stands alone because of the constantly looming presence of detainment.

Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist, was arrested in Iran Dec. 19, 2024, for “violating the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” according to the Islamic Republic News Agency. Sala’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of the personal dangers journalists encounter — and the ways these dangers are used as political leverage between countries.

International journalism, with its dangers aside, helps shape global understanding and connection. Sala was providing this service to Italy as a foreign

“Since October 2023, over 145 journalists have been killed by the Israeli army, including at least 35 whose deaths were linked to their journalism. What’s more, 550 journalists are currently imprisoned worldwide, a 7% increase from last year.”

– Reporters Without Borders

and war correspondent from Venezuela, Chile, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Iran. Her career has revolved around reporting from dangerous regions to offer diverse and niche perspectives that are not always mainstream.

And still, Sala was detained in Iran while carrying out her job tasks — tasks that she is certainly established and well-versed in. According to the Washington Post, Sala was capturing moments of everyday life in Iran for two Italian publications, and she posted photos of women socializing around Tehran. Chora News also reported that she was traveling with a valid journalistic visa and the protections of a journalist on assignment.

A statement from Chora News reads, “Cecilia Sala is a professional journalist working for Chora News and Il Foglio. She was in Iran doing her job with the diligence, care, passion and professionalism that everyone recognizes in her. Her free voice has been silenced, and neither Italy nor Europe can tolerate this arbitrary arrest.”

For an ordinary person and an ordinary journalist, it’s nearly impossible to imagine being detained for no reason. However, the likely truth is that Sala actually didn’t violate the law, and her unfair arrest was the result of a political game.

The Washington Post reported, “Her detention came three days after an Iranian engineer, Mohammad Abedini, was arrested in Italy on a U.S. warrant. Abedini is accused of leaking technology information that helped Iran launch a deadly drone attack a year ago on U.S. troops in Jordan, according to U.S. officials.”

The Associated Press also reported, “Meloni’s visit to Trump had a strong impact on the pre-

mier’s international standing, which strengthened Italy’s hand in negotiations, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said.”

Combined, these factors highlight the larger game both countries were playing — using Sala as leverage, which threatens not only journalists, but the larger truth. It’s frightening that this appears to not be an isolated incident, but a small part of a larger power game between Italy, Iran and the U.S. Journalists being killed and detained is not a new concept. Reporters Without Borders released their 2024 roundup that revealed, “Since October 2023, over 145 journalists have been killed by the Israeli army, including at least 35 whose deaths were linked to their journalism. What’s more, 550 journalists are currently imprisoned worldwide, a 7% increase from last year.”

Sala returned home Wednesday, sparking international applause. However, her unwarranted detention will long serve as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face everyday. When journalists such as Sala are used as a political pawn, it creates further divides between countries – which directly contrasts with the purpose of international journalism.

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

Metal Mondays: Bad Bunny’s ‘DeBí TiRaR MáS FOToS’ transcends his previous work

JACKSON MCCOY | COPY CHIEF

In the digital age, where everything is recorded visually for people to post to the world, photos are incredibly important in shaping our perceptions of what’s around us. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, professionally known as Bad Bunny, harnesses both the deeply personal and the overtly political feelings that comes with photographing history — familial, historical and individual — in his new album, “DeBí TiRaR MáS FOToS.”

“DeBí TiRaR MáS FOToS,” which translates to “I Should’ve Taken More Photos,” hit record shelves and streaming services hard after its Jan. 5 release; according to Chart Tracking, Bad Bunny’s sixth studio album earned 67 million streams in its first three days on Spotify. The single “EL CLúB,” one of the standout songs on his 17-track record, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Music chart.

The album is Bad Bunny’s most vibrant production yet; taking his usual style of tear-jerking party music and adding a layer of complexity with percussion-heavy reggaeton, traditional Puerto Rican instrumentation and activism-oriented lyricism paid off immensely for his newest outing. The tropical nightclub energy he usually takes with his music is still present but for fans willing to dive deeper into the meaning of “DeBí TiRaR MáS FOToS,” the experience is elevated beyond his previous work.

Bad Bunny is no stranger to embracing Puerto Rican slang and language from his home country; people who speak Spanish may not understand parts of his music without a certain level of cultural literacy. He has discussed this frequently while promoting “DeBí TiRaR MáS FOToS,” but it is not a new phenomenon for his artistry.

In an interview with the New York Times, Bad Bunny dove into the creative mindset behind his lyrical nuances which make his music linguistically different compared to several Latin artists.

“After ‘Un Verano Sin Ti,’ it was the biggest spot of my career and I came with this totally different album — ‘Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana’ — with a lot of bars and Puerto Rican analogies, and I’m 100% sure that people missed the best parts of that album,” Bad Bunny said in the interview. When asked by his interviewer if this is something he feels weird about or needs to “explain” to his listeners, he happily replied by singing “I don’t care.”

Following the path of “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana,” “DeBí TiRaR MáS FOToS” bears witness to Bad Bunny doubling down on this commitment to Puerto Rican heritage. He uses Puerto Rican musical elements, such as brass instruments in tandem with reggaeton-dancehall beats, tying this style to critical commentary on the realities of his home country.

Each song tackles different aspects of partisan politics and the battles we all face as humans. “NUEVAYoL,” the opening track of “DeBí TiRaR MáS FOToS,” tackles Bad Bunny’s internal struggles with his Puerto Rican identity and relates them to the strive for authenticity in a world bent on modernization. By sampling “Un Verano en Nueva York,” a ‘70s salsa song by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, and combining its beat with his own signature production throughout the track, he perfectly mirrors the lyrics of the song. Without knowing the context of the sample, listeners could easily miss the power of the song and fail to appreciate its true meaning, similar to how people often miss the meanings of the Puerto Rican slang on “Nadie Sabe Lo Que

Va a Pasar Mañana.”

Combining the embodied emotional experiences of those in Puerto Rico with the deeply private feelings of love and loss is central to the success of “DeBí TiRaR MáS FOToS.” On the song “TURiSTA,” Bad Bunny uses the pain the tourism industry inflicts on Puerto Rico as an analogy for his own heartbreak after a failed relationship. “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” showcases Bad Bunny’s experimental step into the music of his childhood: salsa. He sings about a woman he can’t forget, comparing her to an unforgettable dance that seamlessly lines up with the album’s production.

Listening to “DeBí TiRaR MáS FOToS,” it is obvious Bad Bunny put an insurmountable amount of thought and time into this project. The passion Bad Bunny conveys in his on-stage performances and off-stage interviews is more than just present on “DeBí TiRaR MáS FOToS” — it is a constant sonic element, thumping on the chests of listeners from its opening track to its closer. There is so much to love on the album, and with each listen a new aspect of the production or originally misunderstood lyric makes the album dig its way further into any Bad Bunny fan’s psyche. A contender for album of the year emerged Jan. 5, less than a week into 2025, and listeners won’t forget about “DeBí TiRaR MáS FOToS” as the year goes on.

Jackson McCoy is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to share your thoughts? Let Jackson know by emailing or tweeting him at jm049122@ohio.edu or @_jackson_mccoy_.

Sassy Cassie: Streaming services are too expensive

CASSIE DYE | FOR THE POST

In 2024, 86% of Americans paid for at least one streaming service. Streaming services also now get more viewers than traditional cable. At the end of 2023, about 54.4% of households ditched cable for streaming. Streaming is often seen as cheaper than cable; however, the more popular streaming is getting, the more expensive it is. Netflix was the first video-on-demand streaming service in the U.S. When Netflix’s streaming service first started in 2007, it was free with the purchase of its DVD plans, the DVD plan at the time cost $15.95 per month. In 2010 when the company split their streaming and DVD services, streaming cost $7.99 per month. Now Netflix’s cost has not only gone up, but it has two separate streaming plans. Netflix’s basic plan costs $11.99 per month and the Premium plan costs $22.99 per month.

Streaming was something that people got because you could watch shows and movies without ads. Now basic plans have ads and people have to pay even more for them without ads. When people make the decision to drop cable in favor of streaming, they often replace live television with YouTube TV. Youtube TV costs $82.99 per month and it includes over 100 channels. Customers can also purchase add-ons for

the service. The service has multiple add-ons including Spanish language channels for $14.99 per month, or purchase Entertainment Plus which includes Showtime, Starz and Max for $29.99 per month. For sports fans, these services have NFL Sunday Ticket which is $379 per year, and Sports Plus for $10.99 per month. These add-ons can add up for the customer.

Netflix used to be one of the only streaming services. At the time people could find almost everything on the service from Marvel movies to old television shows. However, now people need multiple services to watch their favorite shows. If someone likes “Criminal Minds,” the show’s first 15 seasons are available to watch on Disney+ and Hulu, but to watch “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” users must purchase Paramount Plus. If someone loves sitcoms like “Parks and Recreations” or “The Office,” he or she has to purchase Peacock because it has the rights to those shows. Marvel or Star Wars fans who love sports are best off purchasing the Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ bundle starting at $16.99 per month. Streaming services are also cutting down on “password sharing.” Netflix and Disney+ both now do not allow password sharing outside of a household. To add members outside of a household people have to purchase an extra member. This adds costs for families who use the same

service, but may not live in the same household.

Streaming also affects how society consumes media today. Movie theater attendance is down, causing more films to premiere exclusively on streaming services. “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” spent one week in very select theaters before it hit streaming, despite its potential box office success. It has also changed how shows are made. To read more about how TV shows have changed because of streaming check out my column on it from last year.

With multiple streaming platforms available now and each of them having different shows and new originals, it is almost impossible to go without having at least one. However, the cost of these services is getting too high for the average person who purchases them.

Cassie is a junior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ ohio.edu.

CROSSWORD

Editorial: Journalists must handle LA wildfires with care

POST EDITORIAL BOARD

The wildfires in Los Angeles have created wide-scale destruction beyond comprehension. At least 16 people have died as a result of the fires with over 100,000 LA residents under evacuation orders and 12,000 structures destroyed. Throught Los Angeles County, 42,600 people do not have power. Although not the largest fires the state has experienced, they are some of the most destructive on record. With such immense and egregious losses, it is hard to put a number on just how many have been affected.

The deadly nature of these fires and the consequences for those directly impacted make this a difficult but extraordinarily important event for journalists to cover. In such a crisis, journalists must act with sensitivity to tell the stories of those who have been left in the wreckage of their homes without voices. What is most important in covering disasters is taking care to not trivialize or exploit tragedy. In LA, people have

not only lost their homes. They have lost family photos. They have lost pets. They have lost their workplaces.

Emotions are heightened and a lot of people are probably going to be too overwhelmed to talk to journalists. A journalist might be met with tears or even anger. Regardless, it is important to meet people where they are with empathy and to not put pressure on anyone to talk.

SUDOKU

ALAINA DACKERMANN DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

For larger outlets, it is important to avoid parachute journalism, or the act of journalists dropping into a place for a story with little knowledge of the circumstances or cultures and leaving without fully understanding the situation. This often leads to an inaccurate or incomplete depiction of a place or the people living there. In the age of the 24-hour news cycle, it can be hard for journalists to find the time to truly embed themselves in a place and understand every aspect of the place, especially when the place is experiencing a disaster like what is playing out in LA. This is where it is up to those running large media corporations to focus more on quality of work instead of pushing out stories as quickly as possible and lessen the pressure on reporters.

As vital as it is to report on real human experiences for information’s sake, the ultimate goal of reporting on disasters should be to inspire people to help. Thus, when reporting on the LA fires, it is important to share resources and nonprofits that can directly provide aid to those impacted and that have been properly vetted. NBC provided several vetted charities, including World Central Kitchen, American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles, Pasadena Humane Society and the LA Fire Department Foundation, along others. If any readers are looking to help out, The Post encourages them to contribute to these resources.

Amid all the chaos brought on by these fires, there has been an outpour from those with large platforms looking to support those struggling in LA. Influencers and other celebrities’ Instagram stories are flooded with links to charities and shelters. Bill Hader even offered to help an LA news station with coverage.

In the face of unspeakable tragedy, people of all walks of life have come together to support LA residents. It is the role of journalists to uplift stories from LA and embrace humanity in such difficult times.

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

Ohio puts on a show for 10th annual Cure Bowl

Ohio wrapped up its storybook season Friday afternoon with a 30-27 Cure Bowl Victory against Conference-USA champion Jacksonville State. Bobcat quarterback Parker Navarro led the way with an MVP-worthy performance in the Bowl Game that included four total touchdowns. The Bowl game was Ohio coach Brian Smith’s first game and first win in his new position as head coach after Tim Albin left the team following the MAC Championship Game.

Head coach Brian Smith celebrates with the team after defeating Jax State in the Crue Bowl in Orlando, Flordia.

Ohio player tackels Jax State reciver and prevents him from making the catch during the Cure Bowl.

Blake Leake(9) signals no good after Jax state misses field goal.

Bradly Weaver(94) and Marcel Walker-Burgess(17) celebrate after sack.

From left to right

Anthony Tyus III (2) hurdles Fred Perry (6) during the game. Carson Heidecker (57) smiles after getting helmet knocked off.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW UHRIG | FOR THE POST