Good morning, Athens.

LawnStarter ranked Athens as the fifth cleanest city in the nation—showing high marks for air quality and living conditions from its review of 300 U.S. cities, while Macon was named the dirtiest in Georgia.

The historic Saye Building was demolished on July 24 after Athens First United Methodist Church and local officials agreed to replace it with 14 new parking spaces despite a $10 million preservation plan and community petitions.

Historic Athens' Executive Director Tommy Valentine said the removal erases a chance to repurpose a valuable local asset—this loss has sparked widespread discussion.

A fire destroyed a home in Nicholson on Tuesday when a motorist helped a wheelchair-bound resident escape—which is under investigation—and a separate fire at the Enclave 425 Apartments off Riverbend Parkway, caused by outdoor cooking equipment early Sunday, heavily damaged the building with no injuries reported.

The Athens Banner-Herald has assembled a photo gallery that shows local life with images of fresh juice making at Journey Juice, downtown celebrations, market scenes, and the start of UGA fall practice, all capturing summer moments in Athens—each photo reflects a piece of our community’s vibrant spirit.

Nike has released the Georgia Air Zoom Pegasus 41 running shoe as part of its 2025 NCAA Collection ahead of the college football season — the shoe is priced at $154.99 — and Bulldogs fans will be able to purchase it online soon.

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart said on July 31 that the Bulldogs are young and hungry as they began a 15-practice, 18-day preseason camp—despite the heat advisory—with senior tight end Oscar Delp expected to bolster the run game.

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart said that offensive lineman Jahzare Jackson, arrested on July 16 in Athens and charged with felony marijuana possession and related traffic offenses, is facing internal discipline and suspension pending review by the athletic department’s Comprehensive Action Plan Committee — which will send a recommendation to athletic director Josh Brooks as the Bulldogs begin preseason practice on July 31.

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.

Leanne Morgan: Just Getting Started Tour

7:00-8:30 p.m. — The Classic Center — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening of laughter with beloved Southern comedian Leanne Morgan, known for her charming and relatable storytelling.

Them Dirty Roses Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Tickets available — Experience southern rock from the heart of Georgia with Them Dirty Roses.

Cosmic Charlie Concert

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $28+ — Experience a fresh, high-energy take on the Grateful Dead catalog with Athens' own Cosmic Charlie.

An Evening with The Mountain Grass Unit

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Georgia Theatre — $39 — Enjoy an evening of live bluegrass music in Athens with The Mountain Grass Unit.

Chamomile & Whiskey Concert

8-11 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy deep roots rock sounds from Nashville's Chamomile & Whiskey with incisive lyricism and nostalgia.

Tom Segura Live

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Classic Center — Tickets starting at $40 — Experience a night of laughter with one of comedy's biggest stars as he brings his latest tour to Athens.