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Write-in candidates file for general election (Updated)
The deadline to run in the general election as a write-in candidate was Monday.
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OU jettisoned diversity division staff along with their programs
Unlike some other universities, Ohio University did not seek to reassign employees affected by the state-mandated closure of DEI programs.
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Local nonprofit apparently fired longtime employee over Palestine activism
Nancy Epling was terminated from Passion Works over accusations of religious discrimination, apparently related to her activism against Israel’s war on Gaza.
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Athens plastic bag ban is officially dead
Given the political make-up of the Republican-dominated Ohio Supreme Court, Athens will not appeal a court decision that blocked the city from implementing a ban on single-use plastic bags.
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Planned Parenthood Medicaid funding cuts would be big hit to Athens clinic
A quarter of Athens Planned Parenthood patients rely on Medicaid coverage for their visits.
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Athens vendors may continue providing plastic bags after city loses legal fight
The Fourth District Court of Appeals upheld a lower court’s decision that the city’s bag ban is unconstitutional. The city is considering whether to appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court.
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County residents share concerns with congressman’s staff in Albany (Updated)
Case workers with Rep. Troy Balderson’s office held office hours in Albany May 1. Many attendees were there to talk about policy, rather than seeking help accessing federal programs.
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Athens voters reject income tax hike proposal
Citing increased costs, the city asked voters to increase the municipal income tax from 1.95% to 2.25%. Voters resoundingly rejected that request.
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Nelsonville votes down Issue 4
The proposed charter amendment failed with 53.90% voting against it.

