Local
Nelsonville Music Festival’s production costs have skyrocketed in the last six years, with the price of some equipment rising up to 153%, according to founder and artistic director Tim Peacock. The event celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer. (Nelsonville Music Festival)
Indy context: The Independent captured snapshots and interviewed attendees at last year’s festival, which one artist described as an “oasis.”
Over 250 OU instructors are participating in generative AI certification. Meanwhile, a survey showed that 60% of faculty respondents have already incorporated AI into their teaching practice, including for course design, rubrics and testing materials. (Ohio University)
Exotic World Vape and Beauty in Athens asked the city for permission to sell vaping products but was denied based on its proximity to a church and another establishment selling tobacco products. (WOUB)
Two Ohio University students were arrested last Thursday during a demonstration at a board of trustees meeting in Baker Center. Students attended to protest OU’s compliance with Senate Bill 1, response to student demands related to ICE and investments in Israel, and lawsuit related to the OU faculty union. (WOUB)
State
Though schools will not be mandated to report absenteeism, a new tool released by the state allows taxpayers to track student attendance in districts and specific school buildings. (Ohio Governor Mike DeWine)
Last year in Ohio, there were more than 2,800 reported cases of Lyme disease, seven times the number reported for 2020. The state health director noted a rise in Alpha-gal, which can cause meat allergies, as an “emerging concern.” (Statehouse News Bureau)
Bipartisan representatives in the Ohio House introduced a bill requiring “addictive” social media platforms to display warning labels when opened. (Ohio Capital Journal)
The Republican-majority Ohio Senate voted along partisan lines to pass SB 278, which says towns and cities can be sued for their gun control laws if their ordinances are stricter than statewide law. The proposed legislation now moves on to the House. (Statehouse News Bureau)
Synthetically modified versions of the Asian botanical herb kratom will be outlawed permanently as of May 14. The ban will replace a current temporary measure. (Statehouse News Bureau)
All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Monday afternoon. Click the links for the most up-to-date information. The Athens County Independent believes the cited sources of information are reliable; however, these sources are responsible for the accuracy of their own reporting.
Submit news and information to info@athensindependent.com by noon on Mondays for inclusion in Tuesday’s issue of The Scoop.
