Daily
Athens
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Church friends are searching for 79-year-old Ernestine 'Erni' Merritt, who went missing at 4:20 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, as efforts continue in the community. FOX 5 Atlanta
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Queer Joy Dance Party II will be held tomorrow, Jan. 9 at 8 p.m. at Hendershot's as a benefit for the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition, featuring electronic DJs, drag, and mime art. The event is set to offer an inclusive queer space that honors the local music tradition. Flagpole
- ➤ Entertainment insider Tess Hammock provided casting call details for roles offered in Georgia on Jan. 7 (10:05 a.m.), giving local talent a heads-up on upcoming opportunities. FOX 5 Atlanta
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Jackie Paige offers simple tips for sticking to a fitness routine as a nationwide survey from the Health & Fitness Association shows that exercise tops America’s New Year’s resolutions. Her advice may help local readers make healthier choices. FOX 5 Atlanta
- ➤ Seven Athens restaurants earned perfect health inspection scores from inspections carried out between Dec. 16, 2025 and Jan. 6, 2026, while Waffle House received an 83 for minor issues such as an employee wearing a bracelet during food handling * reported by the Georgia Department of Health. Athens Banner-Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Georgia men's basketball saw its seven-game win streak end on Tuesday when the Bulldogs lost 92-77 to Florida in a road game, marking their first regulation loss of the season; they will face South Carolina on Saturday to try and bounce back. The Red & Black
- ➤ Georgia did not record a sack against Ole Miss on Jan. 7 as Trinidad Chambliss passed for 362 yards and key plays set up a late field goal, and the Bulldogs plan to boost their pass rush soon by considering transfer visits from Caleb Herring and Amaris Williams. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia defensive back Joenel Aguero entered the transfer portal on Wednesday after three seasons with the Bulldogs — his reduced playing time amid the arrival of new transfers fueled the decision. The Red & Black
- ➤ Players Colbie Young, Dillon Bell, and Oscar Delp declared for the NFL Draft on Monday and Tuesday after Instagram announcements, leaving questions on how Georgia’s receiving unit will perform next season — a challenge now facing the Bulldogs. The Red & Black
- ➤ Georgia football inside linebacker Raylen Wilson announced Wednesday he would return for the 2026 season after posting on Instagram that he still had business to handle. His decision adds veteran strength as he posted 74 tackles last season. Athens Banner-Herald
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Departure - Journey Tribute Band
8-10:30 p.m. — The Foundry — $20 (adv.), $25 — Experience the electrifying tribute to the legendary 80’s rock group Journey.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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