Daily
Athens
Friday, January 30th, 2026
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 30th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Community members launched a fundraiser to cover final expenses for 22-year-old Dequavious Ragsdale, who froze to death Tuesday night at a homeless camp in Athens. Donations will honor his memory and support his family. Classic City News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ In December, Athens saw its unemployment rate drop to 3.0% from 3.7% and 106,816 residents remained employed despite a 200-job decline. The Georgia Labor Commissioner (Bárbara Rivera Holmes) said gains statewide are paving way for career opportunities in 2026. WUGA
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Last week, UGA monitored a severe winter storm approaching Athens and advised students to leave campus after classes on Jan. 23 to avoid power outages and burst pipes. The university closed on Jan. 26, reopened on Jan. 27 + a winter storm warning remains until Feb. 1 with slick roads. The Red & Black
- ➤ Joy Mission, a club started by UGA students, offers support to children coping with grief. It held its first interest meeting at Tate Student Center and will soon meet with the Clarke County School District superintendent to discuss expanding its program. The Red & Black
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A winter storm watch is in effect for Athens as Winter Storm Gianna is forecast to intensify into a bomb cyclone this weekend, with forecasts indicating a high chance of light snowfall and gusts reaching up to 50 mph (according to weather officials). Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ The State Botanical Garden broke ground on a $5-million project to relocate its main entrance and add parking as visitor numbers grow, allowing larger vehicles (including school buses for over 4,000 students) with construction set to finish in late 2026. WUGA
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The UGA women's basketball team met Alabama at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens on Thursday, Jan. 29, with Alabama winning 68 — 53. The Red & Black
- ➤ Georgia baseball's Tre Phelps defended his open-button look on national TV despite criticism from Chipper Jones and said his style has been part of his identity since his teens. The Bulldogs will start their season on Feb. 13 at home against Wright State. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia's women's basketball sophomore guard Dani Carnegie scored 6 points in the 68-53 loss to Alabama on Thursday night (her second lowest scoring game), and the Lady Bulldogs will face Tennessee on Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network. Athens Banner-Herald
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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.
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T. Hardy Morris Live Concert
7:00-11:00 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Tickets available — Experience the melodic tunes and engaging lyrics of T. Hardy Morris live on stage.
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Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special
7:00 p.m. — 1051 Baxter — $43 — Experience the enchanting music of Hans Zimmer performed by a string quartet under candlelight.
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Jeremy Would Let Me Drown Concert
8-10:30 p.m. — The Foundry — Secure your tickets — Experience an engaging live performance with Jeremy Would Let Me Drown in Athens.
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Laundry Day Concert
7-10 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Tickets from $44 — Enjoy a lively night with last-minute concert tickets at one of Athens' iconic venues.
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Georgia Bulldogs vs. Samford Bulldogs Baseball
2-4 p.m. — Foley Field — Tickets starting at $33 — Cheer on the Bulldogs in an exciting spring baseball matchup.
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Fashioning the Classic Bride: A Conversation with Anne Barge Clegg
6-8 p.m. — Richard B. Russell Building Special Collections Libraries — Free entry — Explore bridal fashion insights from renowned designer Anne Barge Clegg during a discussion and exhibition tour.
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STOMP - Athens
7-9 p.m. — The Classic Center — Tickets required — Experience explosive rhythms with the unique percussion spectacle that enthralls audiences worldwide.
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Spirit Brands North American Open 2026
8:00 AM - 7:59 AM — 300 N Thomas St, Athens, GA — Fee required — Cheer on all-star teams as they compete at this exciting multi-day cheerleading event.
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