Daily
Athens
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Eagle Tavern in Watkinsville, once a rowdy stagecoach stop, is now a museum (26 N. Main St.) that shows how its wild past may have influenced UGA's move to Athens. The preserved building offers a rare glimpse into early frontier life. Athens Banner-Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UGA closed the application period for its new School of Medicine last week, drawing over 2,000 submissions for the inaugural class. Only 60 students with strong Georgia ties will be admitted, with fall classes set to begin at the Health Sciences Campus in Normaltown (applications closed on Mar. 6). Flagpole
- ➤ Katie Hanks (formerly interim principal) has been named permanent principal at Whit Davis Elementary by Clarke County School District. The appointment announced today supports continued student progress as she leads staff, students, and parents into the new school year. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ On Mar. 12, district officials reported that behavioral incidents in Clarke County schools fell from 4,442 to 3,506 while fights dropped from 438 to 304 after cellphone restrictions were applied in 2023-24. Board members remain concerned about discipline as the student code is updated (data from August to February). Flagpole
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local officials recommended naming the 1926 sanitarium a historic landmark to protect it from demolition — the Mayor and Commission discussed the proposal at an Agenda Setting Meeting and may vote on it April 7. WUGA
- ➤ Last Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill that limits institutional investors to owning 350 single-family homes, a move favored by Sen. Warnock to help first-time buyers compete. State lawmakers have also introduced bills with different limits & the House’s stance remains unclear. Flagpole
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Mar. 17, the Athens Rock Lobsters beat the Monroe Moccasins 7-2 at Akins Ford Arena — the game showed strong plays by local forwards. The Red & Black
- ➤ Georgia football began its spring practice Tuesday as Kirby Smart provided a list of players sidelined by injuries, including junior center Drew Bobo (recovering his foot from last season) and junior defensive lineman Jordan Hall, who remains limited. Some players are expected to return in the summer. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia women's basketball coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson is on a business trip in Iowa City in preparation for today's NCAA game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena with her team. Their seven seed means a matchup is set for 1:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Hamilton Coleman, the U.S. Junior Amateur champion and UGA signee, will use a special exemption to play in the Club Car Championship at Landings Golf Club in Savannah starting March 26 (junior clinic on March 23). The Augusta native aims to boost his path to the PGA Tour. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Kirby Smart said that Georgia football could wear all-white uniforms in the 2026 season if Glory, Glory reaches triple subscriptions by G-Day on April 18 — a condition that will let fans choose the team’s look. The Bulldogs will open against Tennessee State at Sanford Stadium on Sept. 5. Athens Banner-Herald
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Grupo La Ventaja Live Concert
8 p.m. — RODEO NIGHT CLUB ATHENS — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of Grupo La Ventaja, a Cumbia Norteña band with captivating rhythms.
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St Joe's Jog 5K
10:30 a.m. — Sandy Creek Park — Registration fees apply — Participate in a community-focused race benefitting St. Joseph Catholic Parish School.
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Barnhouse Concert
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Ages 18+ — Experience the high-energy southern rock sounds of Barnhouse as they turn up the dance party in Athens.
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Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram - The Hard Road Tour
7-10 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Check for ticket prices — Experience the sound of a modern blues guitar hero blending Delta spirit with innovative musical exploration.
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Old Crow Medicine Show Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $78/ticket — Enjoy an evening of live music with the renowned Old Crow Medicine Show.
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2000's Party
6-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Get ready to groove with the biggest hits from the 2000s in a night filled with nostalgia and Y2K fashion.
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Willy Tea Taylor Concert
12-3 AM — Flicker Theatre & Bar — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of live music with singer-songwriter Willy Tea Taylor.
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French Language Class
6-7 p.m. — Oconee County Library — Free entry — Dive into the basics of French with expert instructor Emma Auer.
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Warren Hollow with Maple Street Band and The Midknighters
7-10 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — $10 (adv.), $12 — Experience Southern rock echoes from the 1970s as Warren Hollow takes the stage alongside local favorites.
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Drivin' N' Cryin' Live
7-10 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Under 18 with parent or guardian — Enjoy a night of legendary Southern rock with recent music hall inductees Drivin' N' Cryin'.
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.
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