Feb. 23, 2026: Athens MidDay Rundown
Today, on Athens MidDay, anchor Tessa Searcy is bringing you the latest news from Ohio University and Athens, OH. You can see our full coverage of some exciting local and global stories live on E.W. Scripps School of Journalism's Youtube at 3:30 p.m. EST or on the stream's recording, uploaded directly following the completion of the live broadcast linked above. Here's a quick look at today's top stories from Athens MidDay:
Athens News Halts Production
By: Jack Zwiezinski
The free, weekly newspaper, Athens News, has shut down after 49 years. Starting their print run in 1977, they strived to bring centralized news to Athens County, an area where news can be hard to stumble across. This move leaves many journalists reflecting on the importance of local news. With many of Athens’ news sources falling behind a paywall or scattered across various social media platforms, Athens County residents may be wondering where to look next for consistent, local news. Having one of their main sources gone, Athens residents will have to look to supplement their information from new sources and may have to change how they go about receiving their news as a critical blow is dealt to Athens County. Hear from E.W. Scripps Journalism School Professor Nerissa Young on her thoughts in our full news report.
Green Beer Day Celebration
By: Tessa Searcy
Athens will be kicking off its St. Patrick's Day festivities on March 4 this year with the annual Green Beer Day celebration. Every year the bars on Court Street commemorate the holiday by selling green beer and well drinks. Students go out as early as 11 a.m. decked out in green to celebrate. Students, like senior Ayiana Andrella, love to celebrate this holiday that continues to bring the community together one green drink at a time, safely.
Warm Weather Lifts Spirits
By: Isabelle Isco + Steve Nedlik
After a strong snowstorm and bitter cold temperatures dampened spirits in Athens, the sudden warm up this week has brought more than just melting ice. As temperatures continue to climb, residents say they have noticed a boost in their mood. Students are taking advantage of the opportunity to put away the shovels and get back outside. Pet owners have also been enjoying the warmup. Experts say most dogs need a minimum of twenty minutes of exercise daily; the snow and ice made that hard to achieve. With the sidewalks being cleared and milder temperatures in place, locals and their four-legged friends are enjoying the weather. While forecasters at Scalia Laboratory for Atmospheric Analysis say that this warm weather may not be here to stay, the above average temperatures are expected to last through the work week and allow for a great excuse to get outside while you can.
Ohio University Founders' Day Virtual 5K Race
By: Jenna Bolton
The Ohio University Alumni Association is challenging students to take part in the Founders' Day Virtual 5K Challenge. Ending on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, Bobcats nationwide have had that opportunity to celebrate OHIO's 221 years by helping reach a mileage goal. The total goal mileage is made up on the distance from the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston where Ohio University was chartered to Cutler Hall in Athens, equating 730 miles. Individual 5K submissions can be completed anywhere and will be counted toward the combined mileage goal.
___________________________________________________________________________
Tech Director: Joey Blankenship
Producer: Kylie Bridgeman
Anchor: Tessa Searcy
Weather Reporter: Steve Nedlik
Sports Reporter: J Mcilwain
Floor Manager: Jack Zwiezinski
Audio: Dan Gray
Teleprompter: Isabelle Isco
Online Content Manager: Peyton Ann Hodge
Professor: Dr. Janice Collins
Today, on Athens MidDay, anchor Tessa Searcy is bringing you the latest news from Ohio University and Athens, OH. You can see our full coverage of some exciting local and global stories live on E.W. Scripps School of Journalism's Youtube at 3:30 p.m. EST or on the stream's recording, uploaded directly following the completion of the live broadcast linked above. Here's a quick look at today's top stories from Athens MidDay:
Athens News Halts Production
By: Jack Zwiezinski
The free, weekly newspaper, Athens News, has shut down after 49 years. Starting their print run in 1977, they strived to bring centralized news to Athens County, an area where news can be hard to stumble across. This move leaves many journalists reflecting on the importance of local news. With many of Athens’ news sources falling behind a paywall or scattered across various social media platforms, Athens County residents may be wondering where to look next for consistent, local news. Having one of their main sources gone, Athens residents will have to look to supplement their information from new sources and may have to change how they go about receiving their news as a critical blow is dealt to Athens County. Hear from E.W. Scripps Journalism School Professor Nerissa Young on her thoughts in our full news report.
Green Beer Day Celebration
By: Tessa Searcy
Athens will be kicking off its St. Patrick's Day festivities on March 4 this year with the annual Green Beer Day celebration. Every year the bars on Court Street commemorate the holiday by selling green beer and well drinks. Students go out as early as 11 a.m. decked out in green to celebrate. Students, like senior Ayiana Andrella, love to celebrate this holiday that continues to bring the community together one green drink at a time, safely.
Warm Weather Lifts Spirits
By: Isabelle Isco + Steve Nedlik
After a strong snowstorm and bitter cold temperatures dampened spirits in Athens, the sudden warm up this week has brought more than just melting ice. As temperatures continue to climb, residents say they have noticed a boost in their mood. Students are taking advantage of the opportunity to put away the shovels and get back outside. Pet owners have also been enjoying the warmup. Experts say most dogs need a minimum of twenty minutes of exercise daily; the snow and ice made that hard to achieve. With the sidewalks being cleared and milder temperatures in place, locals and their four-legged friends are enjoying the weather. While forecasters at Scalia Laboratory for Atmospheric Analysis say that this warm weather may not be here to stay, the above average temperatures are expected to last through the work week and allow for a great excuse to get outside while you can.
Ohio University Founders' Day Virtual 5K Race
By: Jenna Bolton
The Ohio University Alumni Association is challenging students to take part in the Founders' Day Virtual 5K Challenge. Ending on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, Bobcats nationwide have had that opportunity to celebrate OHIO's 221 years by helping reach a mileage goal. The total goal mileage is made up on the distance from the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston where Ohio University was chartered to Cutler Hall in Athens, equating 730 miles. Individual 5K submissions can be completed anywhere and will be counted toward the combined mileage goal.
___________________________________________________________________________
Tech Director: Joey Blankenship
Producer: Kylie Bridgeman
Anchor: Tessa Searcy
Weather Reporter: Steve Nedlik
Sports Reporter: J Mcilwain
Floor Manager: Jack Zwiezinski
Audio: Dan Gray
Teleprompter: Isabelle Isco
Online Content Manager: Peyton Ann Hodge
Professor: Dr. Janice Collins