Good morning, Athens.

The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government will host the Star Spangled Classic at Southeast Clarke Park on June 28 with free carnival rides, face painting, inflatables and a photo booth starting at 6 p.m. A special concert by the Funk Brotherhood is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m and fireworks will launch at around 9:30 p.m — free shuttles will run from Wal-Mart, Whit Davis Elementary and World-of-Wonder Playground beginning at 5:30 p.m to manage parking.

Athens Regional Medical Center faced two drug scandals when security guard Kevin Gordon overdosed on confiscated drugs early on June 12th and nurse Mark Cherry was arrested on May 17th for DUI, possession of controlled substances and battery during a domestic violence incident—both cases remain under police investigation.

A study by UGA found that alligators in Okefenokee Swamp had mercury levels eight times higher than those on Jekyll Island and at Yawkey Wildlife Center, raising concerns for both wildlife and people who rely on the waterways for food.

Researchers plan to investigate the source of the mercury and study its impact on the ecosystem.

Athens-Clarke County will receive a $1.7 million transportation grant to realign the intersection of Hawthorne and Oglethorpe avenues (aimed at boosting safety and expanding the city’s sidewalk and bike networks).

The Georgia Department of Revenue confirmed it is distributing surplus tax rebate checks in daily batches to eligible taxpayers who filed Georgia returns for 2023 and 2024—taxpayers will receive $250 for single filers, $375 for heads of household, and $500 for married couples filing jointly via direct deposit or mail.

UGA graduate Will Keyes was sworn in as the new U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, which covers 70 counties including Athens.

Keyes has served as an assistant U.S. Attorney and as a judge advocate in the Army Reserves—he remains active with UGA's Terry Business School alumni board.

Starting July 1st, Athens-Clarke County will raise its stormwater fee by 3.75%, adding about $2.11 to the average residential bill to fund repairs and replacements of aging culverts on Olympic Drive—Barber Street, Seagraves Drive, and Athena Drive.

New bills with the updated rates will be mailed beginning in July.

A list of health and safety resources has been compiled for UGA students as the new school year nears.

The guide covers the UGA Safe app for emergency contacts and live location, UGA Ride Smart ride discounts, services at the University Health Center, and campus safety numbers—ensuring students know where to turn in an emergency.

Asa Newell from Georgia basketball was picked by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the NBA Draft as the 23rd overall selection.

The 19-year-old (who averaged 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs) helped lead the team to its first NCAA Tournament in a decade.

Motown, R&B & Soul Night with The Original Splitz Band

7-10 p.m. — The Foundry — $10 adv (+tax/fees) — Dance the night away to the iconic sounds of Motown, R&B, and Soul classics.

Homebuyer Education Workshop

9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Athens Land Trust — $10 — Learn essential home-buying skills through this HUD-certified course for first-time homeowners in Georgia.

Band of Horses Concert

6-10 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $40+ — Experience the emotionally charged sound of Band of Horses as they perform their latest album and classic hits.

Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop

10 a.m. — SpringHill Suites Athens Downtown/University Area — Book Now on Eventbrite! — Explore ancient techniques to create stunning mosaic lamps while enjoying Turkish delights.

Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze

9:30 p.m. — Nowhere Bar — Check for entry cost — Enjoy captivating hooks and stellar songwriting from Vern Daysel and his band.

Brad Williams Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-11 p.m. — The Classic Center — $26.00-$121.50 — Experience the hilarious high-energy performance of comedian Brad Williams, famous for his sharp and inspiring humor.

Cottage Charity Golf Tournament

7:30 AM - 1:30 PM — UGA Boyd Golf Center — Support a good cause while enjoying a round of golf for charity.

Athens Restaurant Week

Various times — Restaurants around Athens — Special pricing — Indulge in delicious prix fixe meals and local culinary delights during this week-long food celebration.

34th IAEE Southeastern Classic

8 AM - 12 PM — The Classic Center — $200-$650 — Celebrate 34 years of networking and education in the events industry with industry experts.

Udder Reunion Show

7-9:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — $10 — The iconic heavy rock band returns for a record release show featuring local favorites.