Good morning, Athens.

Elliot Williamson has been named APQC’s first executive director as he works to unite Athens’ queer community through new support groups & outreach programs.

He will host Queer Prom in August & a drag show in September to raise funds for trans surgery scholarships while promoting inclusion.

On January 26th, an Athens man shot his marijuana dealer on a sidewalk along Nellie B Avenue after a phone dispute over weed quality and quantity—he was later arrested and indicted on charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and he pleaded not guilty in court.

Morton Theatre will mark its 115th anniversary with yearlong programming that begins soon and includes an African American film festival.

The historic theatre—long a center for Black business on the Hot Corner—will host community events that reconnect Athens with its rich cultural past.

Noel Holston from Athens released his new book “OZmosis” that traces 125 years of The Wizard of Oz’s influence on art, music and literature.

The book features interviews and a Spotify soundtrack—showing how the classic story still shapes creative work.

Diane Russell, a longtime judicial assistant to Judge Lawton Stephens at the Superior Court, is retiring at the end of the month after 34 years of service and was honored with the Liberty Bell Award by the Western Circuit Bar for her contributions—she was praised for her professionalism and essential support in the court’s operations.

Georgia is hosting the MLB Draft at Coca-Cola Roxy in The Battery Atlanta during All-Star Game week.

The opening night held the first three rounds on Sunday and rounds 4 through 20 will begin at 11:30 a.m. today—Bulldog signees and other local players are among those chosen—though the Bulldogs do not have a projected first-rounder.

Georgia baseball sophomore Tre Phelps announced on April 13 that he will return for his third season, boosting the 2026 team ahead of the MLB Draft.

He posted graphics saying 'I’m back' + 'Part III' on X and hit .318 with 10 homers and 44 RBI last season.

Jack Lance, a 75-year-old Athens resident, swam in his first Masters meet at Georgia Tech after recovering from back surgery and working hard to improve his mobility at the Athens Bulldog Swim Club + with coach Mary Owen Howell's support and advice from his granddaughter Ava, he won his age group races and celebrated a big personal victory.

Georgia football updated its support staff listing in its new online media guide ahead of SEC Media Days and former coach Will Muschamp is not included; he had a reduced role last season to spend more time with his family + Georgia promoted Andrew Thacker and hired new coaches for quality control.

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.

The WannaBeatles Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Foundry — $25-30 — Experience spot on covers of Beatles classics and '60s hits with Grammy finalists The WannaBeatles.