Good morning, Athens.

Athens-Clarke County recorded no murders in the first half of 2025, a first since its unification in 1991, with Mayor Kelly Girtz crediting ACCPD + community support after five murders were recorded by July 2024.

Researchers at UGA’s Warnell School found wild pigs cost farmers over $100,000 a year in southwest Georgia—drone surveys showed $107,000 in crop damage—and local control efforts like culling must continue to limit further losses.

The Athens-Clarke County Government is asking local artists to submit public art proposals for murals at Lay Park and Heard Park that honor the parks’ 50-year service—applications are due by September 19th at 5 p.m., and selected art will be installed by the end of Fall.

SEC Media Days on July 18 predicted that Georgia football, voted second behind Texas, could see a repeat SEC championship matchup—if the season follows the projection released by the league.

The Bulldogs, with 11 players named to the preseason All-SEC team, will prepare for their game in Athens on November 15.

Georgia football added Swedish four-star defensive lineman Valdin Sone to its 2026 recruiting class when he committed on July 18 via a Rivals livestream — he played at Blue Ridge School in St. George, Va. and chose Georgia over offers from Florida, Auburn and Nebraska.

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.

AJJ Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant sounds of AJJ, a band from Phoenix, Arizona.