WOUB News and Culture
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Based in Athens, Ohio, WOUB News and Culture is a nonpartisan outlet that provides information to southeast Ohio and beyond.
In an update to this story, Smith's attorney claims the university still has not provided a formal reason for his leave.
And court documents now under seal claim his ongoing divorce is not directly tied to Smith's leave.
And court documents now under seal claim his ongoing divorce is not directly tied to Smith's leave.
Ohio Football Head Coach Brian Smith on leave, John Hauser named interim - WOUB Public Media
(UPDATE 12/4/25 2:20 p.m.) According to Brian Smith’s attorney, Smith has still not been provided with a formal reason for why he is on leave. The attorney also claimed that Smith... Read More
woub.org
December 4, 2025 at 7:52 PM
In an update to this story, Smith's attorney claims the university still has not provided a formal reason for his leave.
And court documents now under seal claim his ongoing divorce is not directly tied to Smith's leave.
And court documents now under seal claim his ongoing divorce is not directly tied to Smith's leave.
🎉Thank you for your Giving Tuesday generosity!🎉
Thanks to your donations, we were able to raise $49,761 for the current student experience at WOUB.
Still want to make a donation? There are many ways to show that you're #WOUBProud through the year: woub.org/support-woub/
Thanks to your donations, we were able to raise $49,761 for the current student experience at WOUB.
Still want to make a donation? There are many ways to show that you're #WOUBProud through the year: woub.org/support-woub/
December 3, 2025 at 5:09 PM
🎉Thank you for your Giving Tuesday generosity!🎉
Thanks to your donations, we were able to raise $49,761 for the current student experience at WOUB.
Still want to make a donation? There are many ways to show that you're #WOUBProud through the year: woub.org/support-woub/
Thanks to your donations, we were able to raise $49,761 for the current student experience at WOUB.
Still want to make a donation? There are many ways to show that you're #WOUBProud through the year: woub.org/support-woub/
🚨🚨🚨One hour left in #GivingTuesday🚨🚨🚨
As of 11 p.m., we need just $364 to reach our $50,000 goal to benefit the current student experience at WOUB: bit.ly/WOUBProud2025
As of 11 p.m., we need just $364 to reach our $50,000 goal to benefit the current student experience at WOUB: bit.ly/WOUBProud2025
WOUB Giving Tuesday 2025
Join me and make a gift to #WOUBProud Giving Tuesday 2025
bit.ly
December 3, 2025 at 4:01 AM
🚨🚨🚨One hour left in #GivingTuesday🚨🚨🚨
As of 11 p.m., we need just $364 to reach our $50,000 goal to benefit the current student experience at WOUB: bit.ly/WOUBProud2025
As of 11 p.m., we need just $364 to reach our $50,000 goal to benefit the current student experience at WOUB: bit.ly/WOUBProud2025
The final push for this year's #WOUBProud Giving Tuesday 2025 Campaign is on: bit.ly/WOUBProud2025
We're less than $2,000 away from our $50,000 goal!
We're less than $2,000 away from our $50,000 goal!
December 3, 2025 at 12:20 AM
The final push for this year's #WOUBProud Giving Tuesday 2025 Campaign is on: bit.ly/WOUBProud2025
We're less than $2,000 away from our $50,000 goal!
We're less than $2,000 away from our $50,000 goal!
The city of Athens has been hit with another big, unexpected expense at the end of the year that could impact hiring decisions moving forward.
The City Council learned at its meeting Monday night the city owes a $750,000 income tax refund to a business.
The City Council learned at its meeting Monday night the city owes a $750,000 income tax refund to a business.
Athens' budget takes another big hit with an unexpected, and substantial, tax refund
Athens City Council learned at its meeting Monday night the city owes a $750,000 income tax refund to a business.
woub.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:53 PM
The city of Athens has been hit with another big, unexpected expense at the end of the year that could impact hiring decisions moving forward.
The City Council learned at its meeting Monday night the city owes a $750,000 income tax refund to a business.
The City Council learned at its meeting Monday night the city owes a $750,000 income tax refund to a business.
Our Giving Tuesday goal is within reach: bit.ly/WOUBProud2025
Thanks to your generosity, we've passed 70% toward our goal of $50,000 to benefit the current student experience at WOUB.
Thanks to your generosity, we've passed 70% toward our goal of $50,000 to benefit the current student experience at WOUB.
December 2, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Our Giving Tuesday goal is within reach: bit.ly/WOUBProud2025
Thanks to your generosity, we've passed 70% toward our goal of $50,000 to benefit the current student experience at WOUB.
Thanks to your generosity, we've passed 70% toward our goal of $50,000 to benefit the current student experience at WOUB.
WOUB has been unable to learn much about the proposed data center. It appears most of the details are covered under a nondisclosure agreement that prevents people in the know from talking about it.
A data center is being proposed at the site of the former uranium enrichment plant near Piketon
A data center is proposed at a site near Piketon that for decades produced enriched uranium for nuclear weapons and power plants.
woub.org
December 2, 2025 at 4:13 PM
WOUB has been unable to learn much about the proposed data center. It appears most of the details are covered under a nondisclosure agreement that prevents people in the know from talking about it.
Today is the day to make your impact and show that you are #WOUBProud: bit.ly/WOUBProud2025
Support the current student experience at WOUB this Giving Tuesday!
We've already past 40% of our $50,000 goal to support programming like NewsWatch, Gridiron Glory and Hardwood Heroes.
Support the current student experience at WOUB this Giving Tuesday!
We've already past 40% of our $50,000 goal to support programming like NewsWatch, Gridiron Glory and Hardwood Heroes.
December 2, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Today is the day to make your impact and show that you are #WOUBProud: bit.ly/WOUBProud2025
Support the current student experience at WOUB this Giving Tuesday!
We've already past 40% of our $50,000 goal to support programming like NewsWatch, Gridiron Glory and Hardwood Heroes.
Support the current student experience at WOUB this Giving Tuesday!
We've already past 40% of our $50,000 goal to support programming like NewsWatch, Gridiron Glory and Hardwood Heroes.
The owners of the Triple Nickel Diner in Chesterhill announced early Monday afternoon they will be closing the restaurant for good in the spring.
The Triple Nickel Diner in Chesterhill will be closing for good in the spring
The owners of the Triple Nickel Diner in Chesterhill announced they will be closing the restaurant for good in the spring.
woub.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:24 PM
The owners of the Triple Nickel Diner in Chesterhill announced early Monday afternoon they will be closing the restaurant for good in the spring.
Rumors are circulating on social media that federal immigration agents raided at least one Ohio University dorm and possibly student apartment complexes in Athens.
Local police say there is no truth to rumors that ICE agents raided Ohio University dorms
The Athens police chief and a captain with the university police department told WOUB they are unaware of any raids by ICE.
woub.org
November 19, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Rumors are circulating on social media that federal immigration agents raided at least one Ohio University dorm and possibly student apartment complexes in Athens.
The Bobcats possess the second longest active home winning streak in college football. With 12-straight wins on the Frank.
“I’m excited that we’re playing at home,” head coach Brian Smith said. “We’re a different team right now when we’re playing on the Frank.”
“I’m excited that we’re playing at home,” head coach Brian Smith said. “We’re a different team right now when we’re playing on the Frank.”
Ohio Football rounds out its 2025 home schedule with UMass on Tuesday
ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – Ohio Football (6-4, 4-2 MAC) will play its final home game of the season with MAC Championship Game stakes against UMass (0-10, 0-6 MAC) on Tuesday... Read More
woub.org
November 17, 2025 at 4:48 PM
The Bobcats possess the second longest active home winning streak in college football. With 12-straight wins on the Frank.
“I’m excited that we’re playing at home,” head coach Brian Smith said. “We’re a different team right now when we’re playing on the Frank.”
“I’m excited that we’re playing at home,” head coach Brian Smith said. “We’re a different team right now when we’re playing on the Frank.”
The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court by the owner of a group recovery home located in a residential neighborhood in the city.
Earlier this year, the city filed criminal charges against the owner, alleging the group home violates city zoning code.
Earlier this year, the city filed criminal charges against the owner, alleging the group home violates city zoning code.
A lawsuit alleges zoning codes in Ironton discriminate against residents of group recovery homes
A lawsuit against Ironton alleges that sections of its zoning code illegally discriminate against people in recovery from substance use.
woub.org
October 23, 2025 at 8:53 PM
The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court by the owner of a group recovery home located in a residential neighborhood in the city.
Earlier this year, the city filed criminal charges against the owner, alleging the group home violates city zoning code.
Earlier this year, the city filed criminal charges against the owner, alleging the group home violates city zoning code.
Seasonal visitors help support local economies. When they come for the scenery, tourists spend on lodging and local restaurants. In Hocking and Guernsey counties, tourism makes up 15% and 10% of all jobs.
Festivals to foliage: Southeast Ohio’s communities shape fall tourism to boost local economies
Many businesses and communities in Southeast Ohio say the fall tourism season helps get them through the rest of the year.
woub.org
October 20, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Seasonal visitors help support local economies. When they come for the scenery, tourists spend on lodging and local restaurants. In Hocking and Guernsey counties, tourism makes up 15% and 10% of all jobs.
A judge in Franklin County has for now blocked Gov. Mike DeWine’s short-term “intoxicating” hemp ban for products with psychoactive ingredients, such as delta-8 THC and THC-A.
A judge blocks Gov. Mike DeWine's 'intoxicating' hemp ban in Ohio for two weeks
A judge in Franklin County has for now blocked the short-term “intoxicating” hemp ban for products with psychoactive ingredients.
woub.org
October 14, 2025 at 8:54 PM
A judge in Franklin County has for now blocked Gov. Mike DeWine’s short-term “intoxicating” hemp ban for products with psychoactive ingredients, such as delta-8 THC and THC-A.
Treasurer Taylor Sappington wrote in an email last week to the county commissioners that he wanted to give them a heads up on the reinvestment decision before they saw it in the quarterly update on investments.
Athens County's treasurer clarifies the reasons to not again invest in Israeli bonds after a successful maturation were not political
He notified Athens County Commissioners the decision to take money invested in Israeli bonds and reinvest domestically was a financial one.
woub.org
October 14, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Treasurer Taylor Sappington wrote in an email last week to the county commissioners that he wanted to give them a heads up on the reinvestment decision before they saw it in the quarterly update on investments.
July delivered close to 9 inches of rainfall in the Athens area, well above the normal amount in years past.
But does it make sense to talk about normal and use past weather patterns to help predict — and prepare for — the future?
But does it make sense to talk about normal and use past weather patterns to help predict — and prepare for — the future?
Climate data show the past is no longer a good predictor when it comes to preparing for severe weather in Appalachia
Evidence suggests weather in central Appalachia is getting more severe, particularly when it comes to rainfall and the risks of flooding.
woub.org
October 10, 2025 at 2:57 PM
July delivered close to 9 inches of rainfall in the Athens area, well above the normal amount in years past.
But does it make sense to talk about normal and use past weather patterns to help predict — and prepare for — the future?
But does it make sense to talk about normal and use past weather patterns to help predict — and prepare for — the future?
In case you missed it:
Ohio University Football entered week two of Mid-American Conference play off a 35-20 win over Bowling Green. The Bobcats (4-2, 2-0 MAC) offense struggled immensely in the second half and fell 20-14 to Ball State (1-4, 0-1 MAC) for the first time since Nov. 14, 2012.
Ohio University Football entered week two of Mid-American Conference play off a 35-20 win over Bowling Green. The Bobcats (4-2, 2-0 MAC) offense struggled immensely in the second half and fell 20-14 to Ball State (1-4, 0-1 MAC) for the first time since Nov. 14, 2012.
Ohio University Football was unable to overcome a sloppy second half and lost to Ball State 20-14
The Ohio University Football team's offense struggled immensely in the second half and fell 20-14 to Ball State.
woub.org
October 6, 2025 at 3:21 PM
In case you missed it:
Ohio University Football entered week two of Mid-American Conference play off a 35-20 win over Bowling Green. The Bobcats (4-2, 2-0 MAC) offense struggled immensely in the second half and fell 20-14 to Ball State (1-4, 0-1 MAC) for the first time since Nov. 14, 2012.
Ohio University Football entered week two of Mid-American Conference play off a 35-20 win over Bowling Green. The Bobcats (4-2, 2-0 MAC) offense struggled immensely in the second half and fell 20-14 to Ball State (1-4, 0-1 MAC) for the first time since Nov. 14, 2012.
If you’ve ever wondered what your hometown might look like as part of a nuclear wasteland, the popular video game series Fallout may soon give you the chance.
A post-apocalyptic version of southeast Ohio will be featured in an update to the Fallout 76 video game
Bethesda announced it will add parts of Appalachian Ohio to the online video game Fallout 76 as part of the Burning Springs DLC.
woub.org
October 3, 2025 at 4:56 PM
If you’ve ever wondered what your hometown might look like as part of a nuclear wasteland, the popular video game series Fallout may soon give you the chance.
In case you missed it:
As a defending conference champion, Ohio University Football expects to get the best effort from all of its opponents. And that was the case Saturday afternoon at Peden Stadium as Bowling Green rolled into Athens for Eddie George’s first Mid-American Conference game.
As a defending conference champion, Ohio University Football expects to get the best effort from all of its opponents. And that was the case Saturday afternoon at Peden Stadium as Bowling Green rolled into Athens for Eddie George’s first Mid-American Conference game.
Ohio University Football overcomes Bowling Green - WOUB Public Media
Ohio University Football opened MAC play by hosting Bowling Green. The Bobcats came out victorious 35-20 over the Falcons.
woub.org
September 29, 2025 at 3:46 PM
In case you missed it:
As a defending conference champion, Ohio University Football expects to get the best effort from all of its opponents. And that was the case Saturday afternoon at Peden Stadium as Bowling Green rolled into Athens for Eddie George’s first Mid-American Conference game.
As a defending conference champion, Ohio University Football expects to get the best effort from all of its opponents. And that was the case Saturday afternoon at Peden Stadium as Bowling Green rolled into Athens for Eddie George’s first Mid-American Conference game.
Mid-American Conference play is always delivers exciting results and coming into week five of the season there have already been a couple of MAC Football games. This week, both Ohio (2-2) and Bowling Green (2-2) will open their conference schedules against one another in Athens.
Ohio University Football hosts Bowling Green to open the 2025 MAC Schedule
Ohio University Football starts the 2025 MAC season as the defending champion for the first time since 1969.
woub.org
September 26, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Mid-American Conference play is always delivers exciting results and coming into week five of the season there have already been a couple of MAC Football games. This week, both Ohio (2-2) and Bowling Green (2-2) will open their conference schedules against one another in Athens.
This database, named the Peaceful Encounter Program, went live recently, and since then people have been signing up at a pretty steady clip.
This new program makes Athens deputies better prepared to handle calls involving a mental health crisis
The Peaceful Encounter Program has people with mental health disorders fill out a form and answer questions to help law enforcement.
woub.org
September 26, 2025 at 6:39 PM
This database, named the Peaceful Encounter Program, went live recently, and since then people have been signing up at a pretty steady clip.
An opinion issued by the Athens city law director this week could complicate a zoning proposal to allow three temporary housing shelters in a North Congress Street parking lot.
Athens' law director says a zoning proposal to allow emergency housing shelters uptown is legally complex.
The three planned shelters for Athens are part of The Gathering Place’s Conestoga Hut Project.
woub.org
September 19, 2025 at 9:18 PM
An opinion issued by the Athens city law director this week could complicate a zoning proposal to allow three temporary housing shelters in a North Congress Street parking lot.
A decision Wednesday by the Ohio Supreme Court leaves Nelsonville residents with no clarity when it comes to what form of government they will have starting next year or who will represent them.
November's election could result in competing claims over who are the rightful leaders of Nelsonville's government
Nelsonville residents have no clarity when it comes to what form of government they will have starting next year or who will represent them.
woub.org
September 19, 2025 at 1:44 PM
A decision Wednesday by the Ohio Supreme Court leaves Nelsonville residents with no clarity when it comes to what form of government they will have starting next year or who will represent them.
The Ohio Supreme Court has denied the city of Nelsonville’s request that certain candidates for office be removed from the ballot.
Election confusion remains as the Ohio Supreme Court refuses Nelsonville's request to remove candidates from the ballot
The Ohio Supreme Court has denied the city of Nelsonville’s request that certain candidates for office be removed from the ballot.
woub.org
September 17, 2025 at 10:34 PM
The Ohio Supreme Court has denied the city of Nelsonville’s request that certain candidates for office be removed from the ballot.
More than a dozen Athens residents gathered at a City Council meeting Monday night to discuss the proposed installment of three emergency housing shelters on a parking lot next to The Gathering Place, also known as the Conestoga Hut project.
woub.org
September 10, 2025 at 10:23 PM
More than a dozen Athens residents gathered at a City Council meeting Monday night to discuss the proposed installment of three emergency housing shelters on a parking lot next to The Gathering Place, also known as the Conestoga Hut project.