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Tuesday, January 6th, 2026

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Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of January.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Gameday Grooming provided a mobile grooming service for Aloka, the Walk for Peace dog, on Jan. 5, 2026 at 10:59 a.m.—its mobile service was arranged to match the monks’ travel schedule in Arnoldsville.  Athens Banner-Herald

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • Tropical Storm Risk has forecast that the 2026 hurricane season will produce 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes, which is close to the 30-year average. Coastal and inland Georgia residents are advised to prepare as conditions may shift before the season begins.  Athens Banner-Herald

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • MLK Day remains a federal and state holiday in GA and will be observed on Jan. 19, continuing to honor MLK's birthday and legacy even as recent DEI policy changes have adjusted other commemorative observances + confusing some public calendars.  Athens Banner-Herald

SPORTS NEWS

  • Athens football star Zachariah Branch announced on Monday that he is heading to the NFL after a record season at Athens where he logged 81 catches+6 touchdowns for the Bulldogs.  Athens Banner-Herald
  • A new 34,700 sqft track and field facility on South Milledge Avenue will open on Feb. 18, offering a nine-lane, 400-meter track and modern amenities for UGA athletes and local residents (it will host championship meets and public events throughout the year).  Classic City News
  • All-American Georgia football linebacker CJ Allen announced via Instagram that he is entering the NFL Draft. He led his team with 88 tackles and 3.5 sacks during his junior season — making him the third underclassman to declare, as expected.  Athens Banner-Herald
  • Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after his record-setting junior season, skipping his senior year to start his pro career. His departure means the Bulldogs must rebuild the wide receiver group by adding new talent through transfers and fresh recruits.  The Red & Black
  • Athens high schools are holding a vote for Football Player of the Year—local coaches selected the candidates and the poll remains open until Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 5 p.m.  Athens Banner-Herald
  • Georgia basketball moved to No. 20 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll after a 104-100 overtime win over Auburn, marking its seventh straight win and highest ranking since 2003. The Bulldogs will play Florida today at 7 p.m. on the SEC Network.  Athens Banner-Herald
  • Georgia linebacker CJ Allen declared for the 2026 NFL Draft and will not return for his senior season after a standout junior year where he led the Bulldogs with 88 tackles — Dawgs247 reported the move Monday.  The Red & Black
  • Georgia men's basketball jumped five spots to No. 18 in the AP Top 25—its best ranking in decades—after a 104 to 100 overtime win at Stegeman Coliseum over Auburn. The Bulldogs will return to action tonight against Florida.  The Red & Black

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry with Scott Low

    7-9 p.m. — The Foundry — $10 adv / $15 door — Experience a soulful night of Americana & Blues with traditional folk and lonesome bluegrass melodies.

    Fri, 1/9/26

    View event
  • Don Toberman: Ping-Pong Champ

    8-10 p.m. — Canopy Studio — Tickets required — Experience an absurd and hilarious clown showdown featuring pantomime ping-pong antics.

    Sat, 1/10/26

    View event
  • LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs Women's Gymnastics

    7-9 p.m. — Stegeman Coliseum — Stream available — Watch a thrilling women's gymnastics showdown as LSU visits Georgia.

    Fri, 1/16/26

    View event
  • Leif Ove Andsnes Piano Concert

    7:30-10:30 p.m. — University of Georgia Performing Arts Center — $10 (w/ UGA ID), $42–96 — Renowned Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes captivates audiences with works by Kurtág and Janáček.

    Wed, 1/21/26

    View event
  • Dead Beat Club Live Band Karaoke

    7-10 p.m. — The Foundry — $15-$50 — Experience the thrill of singing with a live rock band in a fun karaoke night.

    Fri, 1/23/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.

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