Good morning, Athens.

A recent feature reviews Athens’ five oldest restaurants still open.

The list includes Strickland’s, ADD Drug, Taco Stand, Peking and The Grill, which have served locals since 1960 and continue to add to our culinary tradition.

UGA named Dr. Ron Walcott as interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; he will begin on August 1 while the search for a permanent replacement unfolds.

Walcott—who has served as Dean of the Graduate School for over five years—brings nearly 30 years of experience at the university.

Hurricane season has started and runs through Nov.

30, so residents are advised to review their flood insurance since many FEMA policies exclude costs for repairs, temporary housing & vehicle damage. Heavy rains may lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses in Athens.

A new law (Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act) renamed Georgia’s medical cannabis program and eased restrictions by dropping 5% THC cap and switching to a milligram system, letting patients access oil and dry herb vaporization products; it took effect July 1 and is expected to triple patient numbers by mid-2027.

A group that bought the former Clock Factory plans to transform the building into a family-friendly entertainment center with putt-putt golf and affordable workspaces (they also seek to rezone part of the site, preserve 3.5 acres of greenspace, and revisit a pending North Oconee River Greenway spur connection).

The Athens Banner-Herald is set to cover every high school football game this season, with padded practices (starting Monday, July 27), season games from Friday, Aug.

21, and playoffs beginning mid-November while also noting new classifications and coaching updates among local schools.

A SEC football ranking updated July 14 shows Alabama leading and Oklahoma close behind, with Georgia noted for its strong coaching and long history.

The list blends past wins with present season successes and signals promising prospects for local sports fans.

Georgia basketball added a nonconference game against Gardner-Webb scheduled for Sunday, Dec.

20 (with a $95,000 guarantee) and its 2026-2027 slate includes additional buy games at Stegeman Coliseum (confirmed through contracts and open records).

Cinemechanica Live at 40 Watt Club

7-10 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic pop/rock of Cinemechanica in an intimate setting that promises tight musicianship and emotional performances.

Athens Farmers Market

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Bishop Park — Free entry — Discover local produce, handmade crafts, and community connections at this vibrant weekly market.

Kevn Kinney & Peter Buck Concert

7-11 p.m. — Hotel Indigo's Rialto Club — Sold out — Experience an unforgettable night with music legends Kevn Kinney and Peter Buck in an all-seated show.

Randall Bramblett Band

8-11 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of the Randall Bramblett Band in a seated show.