Good morning, Athens.

The Athens-Clarke County Police closed West Broad Street between Billups Street and S Milledge Avenue at 8:20 a.m. today due to a gas leak—officials ask drivers to avoid the area until repairs are made.

Willy's Mexicana Grill—started by Willy Bitter in 1995—is celebrating its 30th anniversary with summer deals that include weekday Happy Hours from 2 to 5 and 30% off nachos on Mondays and the Frito Burrito on Fridays.

More than two dozen locations from Cartersville to Athens will host pop-up events in June and July while the chain also revisits a live burrito-rolling contest from five years ago.

Today, the Star Spangled Classic at Southeast Clark Park in Athens offers carnival rides, face painting and inflatables from 6 p.m., a Funk Brotherhood concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m.—fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. Other celebrations across Georgia, including events at Fort Benning and Stone Mountain, will feature fireworks and family activities before, during and after 4th of July.

On June 26, the Georgia Department of Labor said unemployment rose in all 12 regions, with Athens' rate climbing by four-tenths to 3% — lower than the 3.3% seen a year ago — as the labor force dropped to 108,426 and employment fell to 105,201.

The report also noted that initial unemployment claims decreased slightly.

Will Keyes, a University of Georgia graduate, was sworn in as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia on Tuesday—covering 70 counties from Athens to Albany and Valdosta—and he will prosecute federal offenses in the region.

He was appointed by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi four days earlier and earned his degrees in economics, statistics, and law from UGA.

Researchers from the University of Georgia found that regular exercise slowed cognitive decline in adults over 50 in a study that analyzed data from more than 13,000 participants.

The benefits of everyday physical activity – from running and gardening to household repairs – may delay dementia and help people live independently longer.

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.

Baking from Books

6-8 p.m. — Oconee County Library — Free entry — Create delicious treats inspired by classic literature for grades 6-12.