Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A dramatic rescue was captured on camera during Wednesday afternoon flooding when a vehicle was saved as other cars were trapped by rising water, and more rain may lead to similar incidents. FOX 5 Atlanta
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Athens drivers can save on gas this Memorial Day weekend by using discounts available through retail memberships such as Walmart+ and Amazon Prime — wholesale clubs, loyalty rewards, and fuel-saving apps add extra savings to manage rising oil prices. Athens Banner-Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UGA Extension agricultural climatologist Pam Knox is retiring later this month with her last day scheduled for May 29. She spent 25 years advising farmers on climate and agriculture and plans to enjoy handbell music and gym workouts in retirement. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ University of Georgia President Jere Morehead said at a meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds that the school is keeping its focus on reforming college athletics through the SCORE Act rather than responding to the NAACP boycott call (which targets SEC schools affected by redistricting). Morehead stressed that UGA’s athletic board remains concentrated on Georgia athletes. Athens Banner-Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ North Oconee girls' golf team claimed its sixth state title at the GHSA Class 4A championship on May 19. The Titans won by nearly 30 strokes & four team members finished in the top 10. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ A new professional indoor football team will begin play in 2027 at Akins Sports Arena after investors (Jerome Bettis and David Pollack) announced the plan and invited locals to suggest a mascot. The move follows the success of the Rock Lobsters hockey team. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia gymnastics landed top transfer Joscelyn Roberson on Thursday evening. The 2024 Paris Olympics alternate and 2023 world champion left Arkansas + now joins the team ahead of the 2027 season. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia’s catcher Daniel Jackson hit 27 homers this season and became the first Division I catcher with a 25—25 season. The 6—ft 2 junior from Sandy Springs shows rare speed and power as he joins legends like Charlie Condon and Gordon Beckham heading into postseason play. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ North Oconee will face Kell in the GHSA Class 4A baseball final on Saturday, May 23 at 5 p.m. at AdventHealth Stadium in Rome (roughly three hours from here); game two will start soon after with a tiebreaker set for Monday if needed. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia baseball played in the SEC Tournament on May 21 in Hoover when coach Wes Johnson started Joey Volchko after earning a double-bye; the team planned to rotate its bullpen to rest pitchers before the NCAA Regional (set for the following Friday). Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ On May 21, 2026, UGA alumnus Adam Wexler donated $10 million to the Georgia men’s basketball program to fund operations and bolster the Athletic Director Excellence Fund (a move noted at the board meeting). Athens Banner-Herald
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Ride the Airbase Georgia Warbirds
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Athens-Ben Epps Airport — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling ride in classic warbirds at this exciting aviation event.
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Cosmic Charlie Concert
8-11 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Concert tickets available — Experience a lively performance by Cosmic Charlie in the heart of Athens.
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Sips & Salads Cooking Class
7-9 p.m. — The Table @ Athens Cooks — $75 — Experience a culinary night of crafting salads paired with wines alongside fellow food enthusiasts.
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Wymberly Live at Nowhere Bar
7 p.m. — Nowhere Bar — Check for admission details — Experience the Savannah band Wymberly as they bring their sound to Athens.
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The Amazing Acro-Cats' Meowloween Performance
2-4 p.m. — Morton Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience amazing cats performing tricks followed by the unique all-cat band Tuna and the Rock Cats.
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Around the World Cooking Challenge Summer Camp for Junior Chefs
9 a.m.-12 p.m. — The Table @ Athens Cooks — $325 — Aspiring young chefs explore global cuisines and sharpen their culinary skills over four fun-filled days.
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The Ultimate Doors Tribute Concert
10 AM – 9 PM — Georgia Theatre — Tickets available March 13th — Experience an authentic journey back to the era of The Doors with this celebrated tribute band.
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KACCB Litter League Greenway Cleanup
9:30-11:00 a.m. — Dudley Park — Free entry — Join the community in an effort to clean up the Greenway and protect the local environment.
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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