Good morning, Athens.

An Athens judge ordered a mental health evaluation for Jose Ibarra—convicted in February 2024 of murdering Laken Riley—to determine his mental competence during the crime and trial using a certified Spanish interpreter from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

On Thursday, July 10, about twenty residents gathered outside office hours held at Fire Station Number 7 to protest a megabill affecting Medicare and Medicaid.

The protest—organized by Indivisible Georgia 10—occurred while Representative Mike Collins did not attend and left protestors hoping to see him at a future event in Athens.

Dan Everett runs ESM, a sports marketing firm that has arranged over $10 million in NIL deals for Georgia football players and high school prospects.

The company—originally an autograph service—now secures revenue-share agreements and endorsements for talent including quarterback Gunner Stockton while planning future deals for top prospects.

USA TODAY Network columnist Blake Toppmeyer released a ranking of SEC college football stadiums that names Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as the toughest because its fans drive a strong home-field advantage.

Georgia's Sanford Stadium is ranked fifth — reflecting Kirby Smart’s intense support at home — while the list also highlights venues like LSU's Tiger Stadium and Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium.

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.

Nick Smith - New South Tour

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Georgia Theatre — $35+ — Experience a high-octane performance by Nashville's rising country star with a fresh take on modern Southern sound.

Athens Food Truck Event

7-8:30 a.m. — Hilsman Middle School — Free entry — Distributing 30,000 lbs of food to support those in need in the Athens community.

80s Night with Atlanta Vice

8:00–10:30 p.m. — The Foundry — Tickets available — Atlanta Vice returns to jam with the best tunes from the 80s!

Classic City Sprint, Duathlon and Aquabike

7 AM – 2 PM — Sandy Creek Park — Registration fee required — Compete in swim, bike, and run events tailored for athletes of all levels.