Good morning, Athens.

Athens officials said scammers posed as a Pepper Construction accountant in November—tricking staff into wiring $721,976 to a fake Republic Bank & Trust account—leading to a lawsuit in December and ongoing FBI, Athens Police and insurer investigations while $349,522 remains frozen.

Retired educators Bill and Linda Rothman became WOUB Public Media members after they loved watching shows like Masterpiece, which steered them away from violent network programming.

They support WOUB for its quality PBS programs and plan to watch PBS News Hour—an effort to stay informed during retirement.

ATHENS hosts the annual Spring Literary Festival that kicks off on March 19 with a lecture by Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan and free public readings recorded by Ohio University’s Creative Writing program.

The festival continues on March 20 with more lectures and readings by Deborah Landau and Kerri ni Dochartaigh — events open to all.

Cat’s Cupboard at Ohio University has been accepting non-perishable food donations since Monday—donations are dropped off at multiple campus locations and will continue through Sunday to help stock up before finals.

Four freshmen at Athens High School started the Atomic Cougar Press Association, an independent student publication with seven members that published its first article on Monday about a local sandstorm from Texas.

The group plans to publish articles weekly — following school guidelines and raising funds through online ads — while seeking extra places to distribute the paper.

Colin Porter, an Ohio University graduate in integrated media studies, got his start at WOUB and later worked in Denver and Phoenix before taking his dream job at WLWT as a sports photographer, where he now covers the Bengals — his journey coming full circle after interviewing Joe Burrow in high school. His story shows how hands-on learning and local roots led him back to Athens to cover the sports he loves.

Weekly Meditation Session at Athens KTC Buddhist Center

Athens KTC Buddhist Center hosts a weekly meditation session every Sunday morning, offering guidance for participants of all experience levels in a serene setting.

Charles Wesley Godwin Live Concert

Experience an evening of music with Charles Wesley Godwin at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium in Athens.

Casual Chess Night for Teens and Young Adults

Chess Night is an open meet-up event at the Athens Public Library that invites teens and young adults of all skill levels to learn, practice, and socialize around chess.

Rebreather Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — The Union — Ticketed event — Experience an exciting night of rock music in Athens.

Weekly Meditation Session

Athens KTC Buddhist Center hosts a weekly meditation session with varying practices and optional instruction at Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center.

AARP Tax Assistance

10 AM – 1 PM | Coolville Public Library | Appointment required | Get help with your 2023 tax returns from trained preparers with limited available walk-ins.

13th World Music and Dance Concert

7:30-9:00 PM — Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium — Purchase Tickets — Experience a vibrant showcase of global music and dance.

Sunday Meditation Session

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Engage in mindful meditation with the Athens KTC Buddhist Center in a peaceful environment.

Leighann Lord Standup Comedy Show

7-11 p.m. — Baker University Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with seasoned NYC comedian Leighann Lord.

Sunday Meditation Session

2-3 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Join the Athens KTC Buddhist Center for a peaceful meditation experience tailored for all levels.