Good morning, Athens.

Chanda Santana rebuilt her life and founded DIVAS Who Win in Athens to support women recovering from substance abuse and trafficking.

The nonprofit now offers safe spaces with basic needs and enrichment programs — including art therapy and outreach for local girls.

Athens-Clarke police said a 44-year-old man from Lavender Road was found dead in his basement at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday after his wife, who had not seen him for a month, discovered his body while bringing a bicycle down—and investigators noted a buzz saw damaged by fire nearby as they continue their probe.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced grants to 30 historically Black churches, including Athens’ First AME Church on Hull Street, which was established in 1866.

The grant supports the church’s preservation and financial stability—part of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund program—aimed at addressing maintenance and structural challenges.

Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz said the 15-minute 2025 State of the Community Address video is now available and that it reviews ACCGov actions and community accomplishments from 2024 while outlining future plans.

The video can be viewed on ACCGov Roku channel, ACTV, and the county website.

Georgians now have until May 1 to file their taxes after the IRS granted a two-week extension because FEMA declared all 159 counties disaster areas following Hurricane Helene's impact in late September.

The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to middle Georgia—especially in the Augusta area.

Mayor Kelly Girtz delivered his State of the Community address on Thursday, highlighting Athens’ creativity, education access, job growth and upcoming development projects.

He also discussed affordable housing challenges and efforts like partnering with the Athens Housing Authority and SPLOST program to rebuild the North Downtown area (formerly Bethel Homes).

Tuesday night, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission approved the next phase of the West Broad St—West Hancock roundabout project at a special called session.

The project will use eminent domain for a small parcel near Minor St. and West Broad, and construction is expected to begin later this year.

On Tuesday, April 8th the Georgia men’s baseball team played against Presbyterian College at Foley Field in Athens and won 16-2.

The Georgia Bulldogs softball team, ranked 16th, defeated the USC Upstate Spartans 3-2 in the ninth inning on April 9th at Jack Turner Softball Stadium in Athens—1,825 fans attended the game.

G-Day Spring Scrimmage

10:30 a.m. — Sanford Stadium — $10 admission — Experience the excitement of the intra-squad game featuring the Red team vs. the Black team.

19th Annual Dawg Jog 5K

1-5 p.m. — Sandy Creek Nature Center — Registration required — Lace up your running shoes for the fun-filled Dawg Jog 5K event in beautiful Athens.

Flipturn Live

8:00 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $30-$35 — Experience the indie rock powerhouse flipturn as they perform tracks from their albums, reflecting both their journey and contemporary alt-pop beats.

STRFKR Live Concert

7:00 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $25-$30 — Experience the energetic and danceable pop of STRFKR with their latest album Parallel Realms.

Songwriters in the Round: Athens Edition

6:30 – 8:00 p.m. — Tapped Athens Wine Tasting Market — Free entry — Celebrate local talent with an open floor for songwriters inspired by the Bluebird Cafe.

The Grawks - EP Release Party

Evening — 40 Watt Club — Ticket information not provided — Celebrate the release of The Grawks' 7th EP with special performances by Shehehe and Five Eight.

Cameron Sacky Band Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — $17+ — Experience the genre-bending sounds of the Cameron Sacky Band from Texas as they showcase their new tracks.

Evan Honer Live Concert

7:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $25-$30 — Experience the captivating blend of modern outlaw country and indie folk from rising star Evan Honer.

Oklahoma at Georgia College Baseball Game

7-11 p.m. — Foley Field — Stream with Fubo starting at $84.99/mo — Catch the thrilling college baseball matchup between Oklahoma and Georgia live from Athens.

Normaltown Music Festival 2025

4-10 p.m. — Athentic Brewing Company — $10-$85 — Experience two days of diverse musical talent and local camaraderie at Athens' vibrant music festival.