February 17, 2026

Ohio takes 3rd consecutive conference win against Kent State / pg. 6

US Headlines Trump tariffs policy, Measles vaccine encouraged FINN SMITH FOR THE POST 9 Mon ____________________ Health officials urge Americans to get the measles vaccine Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, recommended all Americans get vaccinated for measles, according to The Associated Press. The call comes as measles outbreaks appear across multiple states nationwide. While the Trump administration and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, expressed skepticism around vaccinations, the message to receive the measles vaccine seemed to be clear. Oz claimed Kennedy agrees on the measles vaccine, and said it is one vaccine people should get, the AP reported. The outbreaks, such as one in South Carolina and one on the Utah-Arizona border, are mainly impacting children and could be spreading fast due to public districts of vaccines pushed by public health officials, infectious disease experts claim.

THEPOSTATHENS.COM

FEBRUARY 17, 2026

VOLUME 116, ISSUE 23

Ohio eyes data center impact FIONA PETTICREW HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER

and existing industrial sites before expanding into rural green space.

New legislation in Ohio could create a nonpartisan council to examine the growing footprint of data centers. If the bill is passed, the subsequent council would review data centers’ environmental impact, electricity and water use, light and noise pollution and local economic effects. Data centers are large facilities that store computing equipment and power much of today’s digital infrastructure. As artificial intelligence becomes more prominent, their role is expanding and so are the resources they consume. The facilities require significant amounts of electricity and water, often driving up local utility costs and raising concerns about pollution. State Reps. Gary Click (R‑88) and Kellie Deeter (D‑54) introduced House Bill 646 as the number of data centers continues to rise. Ohio is home to 194 data centers, 113 of them in central Ohio, according to Data Center Map. The rapid expansion has prompted hesitancy in some communities; municipalities including Washington Township, the Village of Ashville and Jerome Township have enacted temporary pauses on data‑center development over local concerns, and others are considering similar measures. “We have heard the concerns of our communities and taken time to speak with those in the industry,” Click said in a press release announcing the bill. “We feel that this is the best approach to ensure that every voice is heard.” Deeter said residents in her rural district have raised alarms about greenfield development and the loss of productive farmland. She said the commission could help Ohio take a more thoughtful approach that prioritizes redeveloping brownfields

“The proliferation of data centers is necessary and inevitable, but the growth should be smart, balanced and respectful of local communities,” Deeter said in a press release. Randi Pokladnik, who has a Ph.D. in environmental studies and serves on the board of Ohio Valley Environmental Activists, said many Ohioans share concerns about the energy demands and environmental impacts of data centers. “I’m on a lot of Facebook pages of people that have had to form their own little groups to push back,” Pokladnik said. “They want to know, what is the use for this? How is it going to help us in these local communities that are being forced, in most cases, to be the host for these data centers?” Ohio residents saw electric supply prices rise 10-35% in June 2025, according to the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel. Connecting data centers to the grid often requires upgraded transmission infrastructure, which can increase costs for consumers. Pokladnik said many permits indicate data centers will rely on fracked gas. As a resident of Harrison County, one of the most heavily fracked counties in Ohio, she feels communities are already feeling the environmental strain. “People do not want their parks fracked,” Pokladnik said. “You can see it, you can smell it. They still take the water out of the streams and the rivers and the lake.” continued, pg. 2

Bobcats battle but can’t topple unbeaten Miami CHARLIE FADEL SPORTS EDITOR Few mid-major teams have the opportunity that Ohio (1313 overall, 7-6 Mid-American Conference) had Friday night in Millett Hall. With a win against its rivals in No. 23 Miami (25-0 overall, 13-0 MAC), Ohio would be playing spoiler for an undefeated MAC team that has been the talk of college basketball. The win would have been one of the biggest for the program since the 2021 NCAA tournament, when the Bobcats were able to pull off a huge upset against the defending champion, the Virginia Cavaliers.

10 Tue __________________

‘Walk for Peace’ led by Buddhist monks concludes in Washington “Walk for Peace,” a movement led by Buddhist monks, was cultivating attention for the last couple of months. The monks began their procession through the southeastern states in late October, according to the AP. The monks’ procession came to a close on Tuesday in Washington, with thousands gathering to witness the quiet march. The mission of the Buddhist endeavor was to spread a message advocating for peace.

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Hemlocke Springs stands out with debut album / pg. 11

Forward Aidan Hadaway (13) passes the ball during the Bobcats game against Northern Illinois, Jan. 20, 2025. The Bobcats beat NIU 80-77 in The Convo. (JOHN FOUSS | FOR THE POST)

Unfortunately for Ohio, the magic needed did not travel with the team to Oxford on Friday night, as the Bobcats fell to their rival RedHawks with a score of 90-74. continued, pg. 6

Students balance romance, busy schedules on Valentine’s Day FIONA PETTICREW HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER Love is in the air, and many people throughout Athens had something to be excited about this Valentine’s Day, whether it be the break from 20° weather or the presence of a loved one. Leading up to Saturday, many were seen walking with a bouquet of flowers or an armful of presents. The origins of Valentine’s Day is a topic of debate for many experts, due to conflicting opinions and a lack of concrete evidence. The day was believed to come from the ancient Roman festival, Lupercalia, which occurred in midFebruary, according to History. Pope Gelasius wanted to stop the

“debauchery” of these festivals and declared Feb. 14 a celebratory feast day for Saint Valentine, who was martyred 200 years before. Once the day was created, it soon caught the attention of large companies in England looking to make a profit, offering decorative stationery and pre-made cards in stores. In 1840, the Penny Post was put into effect, pricing letter delivery at one penny, according to the British Pilgrimage Trust. People were more likely to send a love letter for Valentine’s Day, due to the

continued, pg. 11

ABBY DOENCH | ASST. DESIGN DIRECTOR

STATE OF THE

ATHENS CITY & COUNTY ADDRESS

Join the Athens Area Chamber for a 2025 year-in-review from Athens city and county leaders, Ohio University, law enforcement and public works.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 Athens Community Center 11: 00 am - 1:00 pm Buffet Lunch Included This event is open to all - AACC membership not required

Register  $20