Good morning, Athens.

Due to a federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits will not reload after Nov 1—recipients must use remaining funds—and local food pantries, community dinners, and take-home meals remain available seven days a week across Athens County.

Tom Hayes and Jim Koenigsaecker premiered their documentary Voyage of the Handala on October 27 at the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival in Spain to bring attention to Gaza's ongoing conflict.

The film features firsthand footage and symbolic imagery—like a striking portrayal of a young Palestinian boy—to highlight how aid restrictions continue to worsen conditions for civilians.

Julie Roche, a professor of physics at Ohio University, was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society today for her work in deep virtual exclusive scattering—an honor that marks one of the highest achievements in physics since she joined the faculty in 2006.

Voters in Athens County will decide competitive school board races in Federal Hocking Local, Trimble Local, and Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center as Election Day is Nov.

4. Some candidates address fiscal challenges and declining enrollment — while several districts see uncontested contests.

Dakota Tackett, a first-generation college graduate from rural Appalachia, earned his degree at Ohio University and now teaches full-time at PRCTC while also serving as head mechanic at Shawnee Lanes (where he helps upgrade equipment).

He has traveled to teach in Belize, Cologne, and the Czech Republic and is working on a master’s in educational leadership while planning more global trips.

The Voinovich School hosted its first Public Service Day on campus for students and alumni to learn about careers in public service.

Alumni from government groups, including Erica Wilson and Nick Strahan, offered advice and created networking chances with local organizations — helping students see real-world paths in public service.

Applications are open for Ohio University's free Community Health Worker Training Program at its Lancaster campus during Spring Semester 2026.

The hybrid program runs from January 12th through May 2nd — featuring online classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m. and full-day sessions on January 16th, February 13th, and March 13th — and includes classroom and supervised field hours for certification.

After breast cancer treatment, survivors in Athens work with OhioHealth Survivorship Clinic to manage ongoing physical and emotional challenges with regular exams, support services, and referrals to local programs—helping them adjust to life after cancer.

Since Raising Cane's opened on Oct.

7, students and residents have reexamined their chicken dining options in Athens, with Cane's drawing attention for its signature sauce and convenient location near Alumni Gateway. Many locals still choose local spots such as Earl's Coop, Hot Box, and Miller's Chicken for affordable meals and a personal touch.

MAC teams are racing into a four-game sprint as they fight for a spot in the championship game in Detroit—focusing on key matchups—and their final standings will be shaped by contests later this month.

Athens' Ohio will host Miami under the lights on Nov. 4—an important rivalry game—and other contests on Nov. 1, 11, 12, 19, 28, and 29 will decide postseason hopes.

Megan Bee Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — Eclipse Company Store — Ticket prices vary — Experience the evocative folk-Americana music of singer-songwriter Megan Bee reflecting her love for the land and wanderlust.

MAC-SBC Challenge: Arkansas State at Ohio Bobcats Basketball

1-4 p.m. — Convocation Center — Tickets starting at $37 — Catch the thrilling matchup between Arkansas State Red Wolves and Ohio Bobcats in this NCAA basketball showdown.

Ohio Bobcats vs. Miami (OH) RedHawks Football Game

7-8:30 p.m. — Baker University Center — Lowest Price Guaranteed! — Catch the Ohio Bobcats take on the Miami (OH) RedHawks in a thrilling college football match.

5k Glow Run/Walk

6-8 p.m. — TailGreat Park — Free entry — Light up the night with a fun 5k run/walk supporting survivors in neon gear.

Deep Listening Gong Journey

7-8:30 p.m. — Trauma Sensitive Yoga Project, LLC — $28 presale, $35 day of show — Experience an immersive gong meditation to foster stillness and connection.

Weekly Meditation Gathering

3-4 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free — Relax and find your inner peace through guided meditation every Sunday.

UMass Minutemen vs. Ohio Bobcats Football

7-8:30 p.m. — Peden Stadium — Check for ticket prices — Experience college football action as the UMass Minutemen take on the Ohio Bobcats live.

Euchre Club

5:45-9:30 p.m. — Hole in the Ville — $5 — Enjoy a lively night of euchre with light refreshments and BYOB.

Weekly Meditation Session

3-4 p.m. — Serenity Roots Wellness and Yoga Center — Free entry — Experience a peaceful Sunday morning meditation with the Athens KTC Buddhist Center.