Good morning, Athens.

Ten new restaurants opened in Athens in 2026 and local owners now offer fresh dining choices, including an Arabic coffee shop, a downtown Indian restaurant, and a reimagined Chinese eatery.

Openings from January to early July show the evolving local dining scene.

Target, Walmart, and Home Depot now offer fast local delivery and pickup for Athens customers, promising competitive speed, price + convenience compared to Amazon.

Customers can choose the option that best meets their needs.

The Athens Moon Tree, planted during the 1976 Bicentennial from Apollo 14 seeds, is at risk from the new courthouse project near downtown; local officials & preservation advocates are exploring design changes to protect this treasured link to space history.

Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz and the Clarke County Association of Educators honored school personnel at City Hall on Tuesday, July 21 — presenting the 'You Matter' proclamation that names July 27 as School Personnel Appreciation Day.

The event recognized the dedication of district staff.

Clarke County School District adopted Science of Reading methods to boost literacy after low post-pandemic scores.

Local partners like Books for Keeps and Creature Comforts Brewing Co. help train tutors at elementary schools, and Superintendent Scott invites community members to join literacy mentoring efforts (aiming to meet a 2029 goal).

Clarke Middle School students in Athens urge teachers to reduce screen time & increase outdoor recess to boost focus and memory.

Their essays from Expanded Learning Time classes call for more engaging, hands-on lessons based on research and personal experience.

A UGA food safety researcher warned today — that fully cooking produce is the most effective method against Cyclospora — after over 1,600 cases were reported nationwide.

A Taylor Farms recall, later retracted as a false positive, has prompted extra caution with fresh produce in the community.

Don Carne's tacos are popular at Live Wire Athens — they are served every Tuesday evening through the end of August.

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a six-story apartment building behind the 40 Watt Club downtown last week, requiring the developer to adjust the building's yellow-green brick.

The project is part of Landmark Properties' broader downtown development plans.

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart said his twins will begin college next month, with Weston headed to UNC and Julia starting at UGA close to home, while his son Andrew received early football offers from Georgia Tech and Colorado State.

Georgia center Drew Bobo is recovering from a foot injury sustained after getting stepped on during a touchdown drive and should return for the season opener on Sept.

5 at Tennessee State, Coach Kirby Smart said. Bobo has progressed during spring training and is ranked No. 5 nationally.

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.