All information is current as of The Scoop’s production on Tuesday morning. 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.
Local
Up to 150 households in southeast Ohio could face homelessness after changes to a federal program that supports community nonprofits addressing homelessness. The program will shift its priority from permanent to transitional housing. Local nonprofit Integrated Services said it may be unable to maintain support for renters’ existing leases as a result. (WOUB)
Allison Russo, a Democrat representing Upper Arlington in the Ohio House, held three events in Athens last week to detail her goals if elected secretary of state in the 2026 midterm elections. Russo served as House minority leader until June. (Athens Messenger)
Bryn Sowash and Joe Brehm will serve as interim co-CEOs at Rural Action after longtime leader Debbie Phillips, chief executive at the nonprofit since 2018, exited in October. (Rural Action)
- Indy context: Phillips told the Independent in October that she was “not in a position” to explain whether or not her exit from the nonprofit was voluntary.
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Athens announced winners of its annual Impact Fund award, including local organizations Hocking Athens Perry Community Action, Athens Photo Project, Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program and The Gathering Place. (Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church).
On campus:
- Ohio University head football coach Brian Smith has been placed on leave for “an indefinite period of time.” The university did not offer a reason; it is still unclear if Smith’s leave is voluntary or by order. (NBC4i)
- The university has shut down a free skate park on its South Green Basketball Courts, despite Skate Club members collecting over 1,000 signatures on a petition to retain the “third space” for students. (The Post)
Regional
A federally owned Piketon plant that once produced enriched uranium for nuclear weapons and power plants may become a data center. Such centers notoriously require significant electricity and water input. (WOUB)
The proposed Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub is in jeopardy. The project, slated to bring nearly $1 billion in federal clean-energy investment to Appalachia, appeared on a draft Department of Energy list of projects facing possible funding cuts. (Mountain State Spotlight)
State
Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a bill that would allow 14- and 15-year olds to work until 9 p.m. throughout the year, as opposed to just while on school breaks. That’s two hours longer than the law currently allows. Republicans had proposed the legislation to help fill state staffing shortages. (Statehouse News Bureau)
The Ohio House passed the ‘Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act,’ which would establish that public and state university teachers may discuss the positive role of religion and of “Judeo-Christian” values throughout U.S. history. The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate. (The Statehouse News Bureau)
Ohio landfills are accepting oil and gas drilling waste without required tracking or testing, raising concerns that contaminated leachate could pollute nearby waterways. (Allegheny Front)
In-school religion education program LifeWise Academy expanded to more than 100 additional Ohio school districts since the start of the year. (Ohio Capital Journal)
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