Good morning, Athens.

Passion Works—a well-known arts nonprofit in Athens—terminated longtime employee Nancy Epling for alleged religious discrimination linked to her pro-Palestinian remarks, and Epling said the action applied a double standard after more than 10 years of service.

She issued a public statement following her firing, criticizing how her political views were handled at the studio.

The Athens County Dog Shelter featured Kenna, a spayed mountain cur mix (about 1–2 years old, 39 pounds) found at the Elks building in Nelsonville on June 12.

Interested adopters or foster families may call the shelter for more details (740-593-5415).

A man died Thursday evening after an hours-long standoff at the Beasley Mill apartment complex on West Union Street—he allegedly shot a woman earlier—and he is believed to have taken his own life, police said.

The Ohio University Police Department is responding to a reported shooting near West Union (Depot Street) in Athens as the university issued a shelter-in-place advisory and law enforcement is on scene (no injuries or suspects have been confirmed) with further updates expected.

Former Federal Hocking Local Schools Superintendent George Wood will serve as interim superintendent on a one-year contract for the 2025-26 school year—his contract will be finalized at the board meeting on August 19.

Wood aims to lead the district with calm, transparent progress as it faces financial challenges from declining enrollment.

Alumna Angela Krile and Professor Dan Farkas set up the Scripps PRSSA Support Fund to help strategic communication students at OHIO get real-world public relations experience—removing financial barriers for hands-on learning.

The fund will offer more chances for networking and professional growth as students build skills that link classroom work with industry practices—preparing them for future success.

Athens City Council met Monday and approved funding for three projects—the SR 682 roundabout will start by late summer or early fall with the state covering 69% of its $5.9 million cost, the new Stimson Avenue fire station now has a $14.6 million budget, and a prefabricated restroom facility at West State Street Park has its cost raised from $250,000 to $325,000. Some council members raised concerns over the increased restroom cost, and officials said they will verify all project details before moving forward.

The Ohio Department of Health allocated $10M from the state budget to launch the Ohio Student Eye Exam SEE Program to help children who fail vision screenings get needed care and glasses.

Dr. Shane Foster from Athens Eye Care said many kids struggle with access to vision care—ODH is finalizing program details with eye care professionals.

Changes to Medicaid expansion in Ohio will require most recipients to complete 80 hours of community engagement each month and undergo eligibility checks every six months starting in 2027—rules that could cause thousands in southeast Ohio to lose their coverage if they fail to meet the new criteria. Advocates warn that the added documentation and potential costs may force patients with medical challenges to choose between essential treatment and meeting work requirements.

Beat the Heat: Song of the Sea

3-5 p.m. — The Athena Cinema — Ticket prices vary — Dive into the enchanting world of Irish folklore with a captivating animated tale of family and magic.

August Prospect Camp

10 a.m.–4 p.m. — Ohio Softball Field — Check website for cost — Enhance your skills with fun drills and live games at this elite youth softball event.

A.S. Coomer Music Gathering

9 PM – 1 AM — Near Athens, OH — Camping available — Experience original music in a forest setting with a taco enthusiast.

Lung Concert

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — The Union — Ticketed — Experience Lung's fierce, ethereal sound that blends grunge with thunderous cello and drums.