Good morning, Athens.

Fifty UGA union members and supporters protested at the Arch last week against planned federal research funding cuts and job losses, urging university leaders and the state to boost higher education funding and protect worker rights.

Clarke County School District approved permanent principals for two local middle schools on March 13, and a DMV kiosk at Kroger on Epps Bridge Parkway now lets Athens residents renew vehicle tags from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

On March 22 at 10:32 p.m., an Athens-Clarke County officer arrested a woman for a hit-and-run after she gave false address details — on March 14 at 10:20 p.m., another officer arrested a sedan driver for DUI following a crash near Chevron, and on March 12 at 9:15 p.m., a victim recovered his stolen wallet after fraudulent charges were made.

Suspended Georgia football lineman Marques Easley was arrested in Oconee County last Friday after his 2021 Dodge Challenger crashed into an apartment complex in Watkinsville — state troopers charged him with three counts of reckless conduct and one of reckless driving and booked him briefly, noting evidence that he was laying drag.

Governor Brian Kemp signed a warrant that will extradite Michael Thomas Dusch—charged with murdering 69-year-old David J Stewart in Oglethorpe County—and he is also under investigation in Arkansas for another killing.

An Athens man was assaulted last week at a Westchester Lane party where his attackers—alleged members of a Venezuelan gang—punched, kicked and threatened him with a rifle, breaking his nose, and two suspects, Gabriel Jose Zerpa-Gonzalez, 31, and Rafael Simon Patino-Silva, 23, were charged with aggravated assault and battery and are held without bail pending a deportation hearing.

The Iron Horse sculpture, an important UGA landmark, fell on Feb.

16 when strong winds knocked the 12-foot, 2,000-pound piece over and was put back two days later along Highway 15 in Greene County—workers added extra security to its base. Experts said the repair shows its value to Athens and UGA and want it to be safely kept as the artist intended—helping the community honor its history.

The Clarke County School District announced today that five students from Clarke Central and one from Cedar Shoals were chosen as finalists—while Cedar Shoals junior Lilly Cohen was named as an alternate—for the Governor’s Honors Program, a residential summer course held at Georgia Southern University from June 15—July 12. The students will attend classes in their specialized subjects and join daily social activities during the program.

Lawmakers held a Senate subcommittee hearing on HB 268 on Monday to discuss a bill that would make death threats at school a felony, add mental health coordinators, form threat teams, and create a statewide student tracking database (S3).

Sen. Bill Cowsert from Athens asked questions about the plan as critics warned that the new record system could hurt students while supporters said it would help stop school shootings.

The Georgia Square Mall redevelopment project remains in doubt as red flags over its $630M plan and $189M in TAD revenue raise financing concerns and questions about the mayor’s management of the redevelopment committee.

District 6 Commissioner Stephanie Johnson will hold a Mall Town Hall on 27 March at 6 p.m. in the Mall Food Court—public input and developer responses are expected.

Shovels & Rope Live at 40 Watt Club

Shovels & Rope will perform at 40 Watt Club, delivering a night of energetic storytelling and dynamic music from their latest album, along with a special performance by Langhorne Slim.

Auburn Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldogs Baseball Game

This outdoor baseball game at Foley Field will feature nearly 3,000 attendees, including fans, students, alumni, and families, with a community-focused presence from LifeLink.

Athens Home Expo 2025

The Athens Home Expo offers attendees the opportunity to engage with industry experts, gain insights, and explore various home improvement options.

Easter Egg Hunt at Taylor-Grady House

1-3 p.m. — Taylor-Grady House — Free — Kids can enjoy an exciting Easter Egg Hunt, meet the Easter Bunny, and partake in festive activities.

Mercer Bears at Georgia Bulldogs Softball

6-10 p.m. | Jack Turner Softball Stadium | Ticket information not provided | Catch a thrilling softball matchup as the Bulldogs take on the Bears in Athens.

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Texas A&M Aggies Softball Match

3:30 a.m. | Jack Turner Softball Stadium | Affordable tickets available | Experience the thrill of Georgia Bulldogs battling Texas A&M in an exciting live softball match.

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

11:30 p.m. — Jack Turner Softball Stadium — Affordable tickets available — Witness an exciting showdown between the Bulldogs in a thrilling softball matchup.

Outpace Parkinson's 1-Mile and 5K

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Sandy Creek Park — Entry fee applies — Run or walk to support Parkinson's research and help make strides for a cure.

Roommate, Goodjoys, and Echolocations Concert

8 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $8 - $12 — Experience a night of indie rock with dynamic performances from local favorites.

Nightly Live Concert

8:00 PM — Georgia Theatre — $27.50-$35 — Experience the electrifying alt-pop trio Nightly as they perform hits from their chart-topping album 'wear your heart out.'