Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of February.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Authorities reported that freezing weather claimed two lives in Athens: a homeless woman, found Jan. 27 by American Pest Control in a business lot, showed no substance abuse, and a 22-year-old man was found dead in a tent off Old Hull Road + fentanyl may have contributed. Classic City News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Shake Shack plans to open its new Athens restaurant soon as the shop at 161 Alps Rd. (the former Gusto location) readies to offer its signature burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and shakes; the chain expects to serve customers in early March. Athens Banner-Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Athens native filmmaker Aaron Strand’s debut film Withdrawal returns to Ciné for daily screenings from Feb. 6 to 12. Each showing (hosted by a different local organization, including Mayor Kelly Girtz on Wednesday) will feature a question and answer session with cast and crew. Flagpole
- ➤ Drive-By Truckers will return for their annual HeAthens Homecoming residency at 40 Watt Club from Feb. 11 to Feb. 14; each night will feature a different guest act including MJ Lenderman on Feb. 11, T. Hardy Morris on Feb. 12, a Camp Amped youth band with The Lanes on Feb. 13, and Florry on Feb. 14. Flagpole
- ➤ Kinky Waikiki will lead a Western round-up benefit show on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. at Nuçi’s Space for $15 to raise funds for new microphones for the nonprofit’s rehearsal rooms, with guest singers performing Western swing and classic country. Flagpole
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UGA President Jere Morehead delivered his State of the University address on Tuesday (Feb. 3) where he highlighted a record $9.2 billion economic impact, increased R&D spending at $654 million, and rising alumni contributions that support new medical and nursing schools. WUGA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission seeks volunteer members for a three-year term — county residents can apply until Friday, Mar. 13 at 5 p.m., and selected candidates will begin this spring. WUGA
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled over 49,000 AitTuiTui Pull String Teething Toys sold on Amazon due to choking hazards, with 15 incidents reported. Athens consumers who purchased the toy from Aug. 2022 to Sept. 2025 are urged to stop using it and contact Vanfun for a refund. FOX 5 Atlanta
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Athens Christian wrestling won its second straight GIAA state duals title on Feb. 3 after defeating Strong Rock Christian 62-18 at George Walton Academy in Monroe, Ga — the match was postponed from Jan. due to Southern snowstorms. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia football is unlikely to sign new players when the traditional signing period starts today, Feb. 4, after adding 28 recruits in December+ Bulldogs' officials plan to wait on additional commitments as a pending decision on cornerback Chace Calicut remains uncertain. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Chidera Uzo-Diribe, who has coached the Bulldogs' outside linebackers since 2022, is expected to join the NFL's Dallas Cowboys as an assistant. His move follows fresh offseason staff changes announced by Kirby Smart (CBS Sports report). Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia basketball will try to end its three-game losing streak at LSU on Saturday, Feb. 7 as bracketology projections range between a No. 9 seed and a No. 10 seed. Coach Mike White said the team must improve after a tough SEC stretch. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia baseball is ranked 13th in the USA TODAY coaches poll, with coach Wes Johnson entering his third season as the Bulldogs prepare for a home opener on Feb. 13 against Wright State. The poll released on Feb. 3 involved 30 coaches (reflecting statewide support). 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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K-Pop Golden Show
6:00-9:30 p.m. — Morton Theatre — Adults $30, Children $20 — Enjoy an entertaining blend of music, dance, and comedy for the whole family based on the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters.
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