Good morning, Athens.

Athens area communities will remember the 25th anniversary of 9/11 tomorrow with a memorial stair climb at UGA and flag ceremonies in Barrow and Oconee Counties — a screening of the documentary 9/11 is set at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Bowstrom Road in Athens.

Athens hip hop icon Elite Tha Showstoppa will headline his first hometown concert in seven years during Village Meeting on Sept.

17 at The World Famous (351 N. Hull St), where local stars, including his two sons, will perform as doors open at 9 p.m.

A recent study ranked UGA as the nation’s eighth best party school with an A+ for athletics and Greek life based on student surveys from Sept.

9. Clark Atlanta University also earned a No. 23 spot for its strong scores in student life and location.

A recent Niche study ranked UGA (with 43,888 students) No.8 for its party scene based on student surveys, bar access and grades for athletics and Greek life, while Clark Atlanta University placed No.23 nationwide, highlighting local college culture.

Athens area high school students (from Athens Academy, Clarke Central, North Oconee and Oconee County High) were named among the 16,000 National Merit semifinalists on Sept.

9. They now must advance to join nearly 6,700 finalists to share about $24 million in scholarships next spring.

UGA officially introduced its new scientific diving minor this fall, offering undergraduates the chance to earn open water certifications and gain hands-on research experience (with lectures on Tuesdays and pool sessions on Thursdays at the Marine Sciences building).

The program is open to all majors and includes an advanced course with a certification trip to a Florida freshwater spring.

UGA cleared Sigma Alpha Epsilon of hazing allegations after investigators, including the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD), found no evidence supporting the claims.

The fraternity remains in good standing with the university.

Food Truck Station now offers authentic Venezuelan cuisine with outdoor seating at 211 Tallassee Rd in Athens, providing locals a relaxed setup plus a chance to savor vibrant flavors.

Georgia volleyball overcame a first-set loss by defeating Notre Dame 3-1 on Tuesday in the 2026 Showdown at the Net.

Standouts Bianna Muoneke & Tori Harper led the Bulldogs, who now lead the series 5-2 and prepare for further matches at the South Alabama Invitational.

Following a 63-3 season-opening win, Georgia coach Kirby Smart and players discussed growth and physicality as the *Bulldogs* prepare for a matchup with Western Kentucky on Saturday.

The Ice Dawgs hockey team is launching their new Built Beneath Athens initiative to boost local hockey as it prepares for its season opener on Sept.

27 at Akins Ford Arena. The team emphasizes leadership and community service to grow the sport in Athens.

Georgia's archery deer season opens Saturday, Sept.

12 and hunters must follow a new rule for disposing of deer carcasses to help prevent chronic wasting disease. Special dates include an antlerless-only firearms weekend (Oct. 3-4) and youth firearms week (Oct. 10-16) so hunters should review requirements and secure proper licenses.

Marc Weiszer, the beat writer for the Athens Banner-Herald, has shared his score pick and bold predictions for the Bulldogs vs Western Kentucky game.

His forecast offers local insight as fans prepare for the matchup.