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100 days and counting KAITLIN HOGG NEWS STAFF WRITER It has been more than 100 days since Ohio University responded to the United Academics of Ohio University’s proposal regarding faculty compensation and benefits.
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MARCH 3, 2026
VOLUME 116, ISSUE 25
OU and the UAOU began negotiations in August 2025 following the union’s successful certification election in spring 2025. The negotiations will determine the terms of the university’s first faculty union contract. John O’Keefe, an associate professor of history at OU Chillicothe and UAOU’s director of communications, said the organization began forming in 2020 during the pandemic. The group held its certification election in spring 2025 and began formal bargaining later that year.
O’Keefe said although he holds the communications title, the union operates collectively and is focused on addressing concerns about faculty working conditions and equity. According to the UAOU website, the union’s mission includes securing “a just, safe, equitable and collegial environment” for teaching and research, negotiating compensation and working conditions that support recruitment and retention, strengthening shared governance and defending academic freedom. Since August 2025, UAOU representatives and university officials have met 14 times. Negotiations include UAOU’s negotiations team, university administrators and outside legal counsel retained by the university.
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Student organizations share concerns with OU administration, SB1 DAWNELLE BLAKE FOR THE POST
US Headlines State of the Union, U.S. military strikes Iran FINN SMITH FOR THE POST 23 Mon _________________
EU, US discuss trade agreements amidst Supreme Court ruling After the Supreme Court ruled against a handful of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, he expressed his intent to impose a global 15% tariff, according to The Associated Press. Trump’s statements have ushered concern from the European Union, with the European Commission describing Trump’s actions as detrimental to fair trade. The U.S. and EU landed on a trade deal in 2025 that imposed a 15% import tax on 70% of European goods exported to the U.S., the AP reported. Some of Europe’s largest exports to the U.S. include pharmaceuticals, cars, aircraft, chemicals, medical instruments and wine and spirits. If unresolved, the conflict could close off the access to the EU’s 450-million customer market and cause losses up to billions of dollars to U.S. businesses and the economy.
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USA women’s hockey team declines invite to State of the Union The recent gold-winning U.S. women’s hockey team declined Trump’s invitation to the State of the Union. The team said the inability to attend was due to timing and prior commitments, according to the AP. The women’s team was not set to return to the U.S. until Monday evening via a commercial flight, whereas the U.S. men’s hockey team, who were in attendance, flew by charter earlier that same day. Additionally, the women’s team was supposedly not notified of the invitation until Sunday night, giving little time to adjust travel plans. When inviting the men’s team, Trump joked he had to invite the women’s team or he would be impeached, the AP reported. continued, pg. 2
After Senate Bill 1 passed, many students believe the transparency between students and Ohio University administrators became muddled. Both parties have attempted to determine what is permissible under SB1. On Jan. 2, the Black Student Union posted a letter on Instagram directed at OU’s administration, which called out the lack of relationship between the administration and its students and expressed concerns with SB1 and its effects on the BSU and campus at large. continued, pg. 6 President Lori Gonzalez meets with student organizations to discuss how SB1 negatively impacts them. Feb. 26, 2026, in Baker Center. (CAMDEN PAELTZ | FOR THE POST)
Chamber of Commerce holds first state of Athens address AVERY ST. GEORGE FOR THE POST The State of the Athens City and County Address was held at the Athens Community Center on Wednesday morning. The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce organized the address to discuss the 2025 Year in Review from city and county departments. The Albany VFW Post 9893 started with the presentation of the colors to the full audience in the community center’s multipurpose rooms. The attendees included many local business owners and government officials across Athens County. Kristin Miller, president and CEO of Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, made welcoming remarks, then discussed the 2025 review for the AACC. Miller said the chamber represented 375 businesses and organizations last year and saved its members $201,000. She also announced the AACC is relocating its offices to the Athens Armory building this year. Next, Mayor Steve Patterson began by addressing the concerns about various construction projects around Athens. He mentioned the West Union Street construction, which affected business and traffic in the area, and the ongoing Stimson Avenue bridge construction Patterson said is 90% completed.
The Athens Community Center, Athens, Ohio. (PEARL SPURLOCK | FOR THE POST)
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US, Israel-led strikes in Iran bring war discussions to Congress ALEXANDRA HOPKINS COMMUNITY STANDARDS EDITOR The U.S. and Israel launched a joint attack against Iran on Saturday, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian military officials. These strikes came after weeks of growing U.S. military presence in the Middle East. President Donald Trump announced the U.S. military began “major combat operations” in Iran early Saturday. The first series of attacks included multiple strikes in Tehran, and over a dozen across the country. The attack occurred two days after failed negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to restrict Tehran’s nuclear program. Iran launched retaliatory attacks at Israel and Persian Gulf-based U.S. forces Sunday. Three U.S. service members have been killed and five more
have been wounded during military operations in Iran. More than 200 people have been killed in Tehran, according to Iranian leaders, and hundreds more wounded. Last June, Israel bombed Iran in a surprise attack supported by the U.S. The 12-day war weakened Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Around 40,000 U.S. military members were present in the region during the explosive war. The current operation, known by U.S. officials as “Epic Fury,” intends to defend the people of the United States from “imminent threats” posed by the Iranian regime, according to Trump. None of the countries have officially declared war. Canada, Australia, Britain, France and Germany, although not officially joining the war, have offered
Reported US and Israeli striked. Via The BBC
their support to the U.S. in their actions against Iran. A number of House and Senate members are calling for a Monday vote to hinder the attack on Iran until Congressional approval is met.
According to ABC News, gas prices are projected to jump $0.50 per gallon as Iran is one world’s top suppliers of gasoline.