Daily
Athens
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department is accepting applications for floats and performing units for the 2025 Downtown Parade of Lights scheduled for December 4—entries are due by 5:00 p.m. on November 4 with a $40 fee for a chance to win awards under the Cooking up a Great Holiday theme. Athens-Clarke County
- ➤ Athens-Clarke County Animal Services is launching new pet programs this month—Microchip Mondays offer free pet microchipping on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., while new scanners at key local parks will help identify lost pets. The shelter also invites volunteers to support Doggie Day Out, fostering, and adoptions so more pets find loving homes. The Red & Black
- ➤ 100+ Women Who Care Athens, a nonprofit that supports other groups, will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year after donating $275,000 to over 30 local organizations since 2015. Founder Sherry Clouser said donations are enhanced by a 50% matching grant from the Schulze Family Foundation — a program that multiplies the impact. WUGA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Athens native Manny Costello delivered a strong blind audition on The Voice on Sept. 22 that moved country star Reba McEntire to tears when he performed 'Almost Home' and saw both Reba and Snoop Dogg turn their chairs—he then chose Reba as his coach. Athens Banner-Herald
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ On Oct. 15, the Social Security Administration will announce the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment, estimated at about 2.7%-2.8% and expected to boost retired workers’ checks by roughly $54. Nearly 2 million Georgians (whose benefits total about $3.4 billion each month) may see that a rise in Medicare Part B premiums (expected to reach around $206.20) will reduce much of that gain. Athens Banner-Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mayor Kelly Girtz and seven Athens-Clarke County commissioners visited Gainesville from Sept. 19 to 20 to discuss long-range affordable housing plans and tour developments like Walton Landing where state and federal funds replaced old units with 164 new ones. Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon said the city added 500 affordable units though more are needed and local officials discussed ideas such as a new sales tax — FLOST — that may be voted on next year. Flagpole
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A $95 million housing and retail project called The Shoals will break ground in late spring 2026 in east Athens on a 90-acre site along Barnett Shoals Road—between Lexington Road and Lakewood Hills Senior Village. The development, led by Mallory & Evans, will have about 600 housing units in four distinct pocket neighborhoods and will add over a mile to the Greenway Trail to support retail and entertainment options. Athens Banner-Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Freshman Noah Johnston won the Flight 2 final at the Carolina Classic on Sunday by defeating Columbia’s Salchin Palta 6-2, 6-3 — meanwhile, the Bulldogs advanced in the ITA All-American Championships in Tulsa with qualifying rounds set to begin on Sept. 22. The Red & Black
- ➤ Georgia football's permanent SEC opponents were announced by On3's Chris Low Monday — the official unveiling occurred Tuesday night on SEC Network and ESPN2. Florida, Auburn and South Carolina will appear on Georgia’s schedule from 2026 through at least 2029 — the decision is reviewed every four years. The Red & Black
- ➤ Georgia men’s golf is heading to Fort Worth, Texas for the Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational this weekend—after a seventh-place finish at the Carmel Cup in Pebble Beach, the Bulldogs plan to build on their strong play as freshman JD Culbreth and sophomore Sungyeop Cho aim to improve their scores. The Red & Black
- ➤ Georgia coach Kirby Smart said his team is preparing for a big SEC rivalry game against Alabama at Sanford Stadium this Saturday at 7:30 p.m.— marking the Bulldogs' first home contest against Alabama in nearly a decade. Junior receiver Zachariah Branch and punter Brett Thorson stressed their key roles as part of extra bye week preparations. The Red & Black
- ➤ Sophomore Sydney Givens broke the record at the Schooner Classic at Belmar Golf Club in Norman by shooting a 63 in the opening round—her lowest score in tournament play—while winning the individual title and the team finished 11th overall with a total score of 847 over three rounds. The Red & Black
- ➤ No. 21 Georgia secured a 4 to 1 win at Ole Miss despite a 152-minute weather delay, extending its SEC win streak to three as junior defender Assa Kante and freshman forward Hailey Gordon scored key goals — the Bulldogs will host Florida on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Turner Soccer Complex as they work on improving their defense. The Red & Black
- ➤ Georgia coach Kirby Smart joined a Zoom call Monday with former quarterback Matthew Stafford on his SiriusXM show Lets Go where Stafford recounted Sunday's game and a blocked field goal by a former Bulldog. Smart also said he spoke with ex-Georgia defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt from Green Bay while discussing team strategy and challenging game moments. Athens Banner-Herald
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Night of Comedy with Brad Upton
8-10 p.m. — Rialto Club at Hotel Indigo — Check the venue for ticket prices — Experience a laugh-out-loud performance from comedy veteran Brad Upton, known for his viral specials and engaging humor.
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Waylon Wyatt Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $37 — Catch Waylon Wyatt perform live in a vibrant atmosphere at one of Athens' top venues.
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Georgia Bulldogs vs Alabama Crimson Tide Tailgate Party
3-9 p.m. — Sanford Stadium — All-inclusive access — Enjoy a tailgate extravaganza with BBQ, drinks, and live entertainment while cheering for your team.
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Classic City Sprint, Duathlon and Aquabike
7 AM – 2 PM — Sandy Creek Park — Check website for entry fees — Compete in a thrilling triathlon event combining swimming, biking, and running.
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Deerhoof Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Ticket info unavailable — Celebrate 31 years of Deerhoof with an evening of avant-garde tunes.
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Braxton Keith Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Georgia Theatre — Tickets starting at $50 — Experience an exciting night of live music with Braxton Keith at a popular local venue.
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Guardians of the Jukebox Concert
7-10:30 p.m. — The Foundry — $12 adv, $15 door ($10 with college ID) — Experience the ultimate 80s tribute band transporting you back in time with high-energy hits and a vibrant visual backdrop.
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Kentucky Wildcats vs. Georgia Bulldogs Football
12:00 – 1:30 PM — Sanford Stadium — Check for tickets — Experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Georgia football game with fans and the Redcoat Marching band.
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ZZ Top Concert
6:00-7:30 PM — The Classic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a rock legend live in concert at this iconic venue.
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October Club Meeting - Athens Radio Club
7:30-9 p.m. — Athens-Clarke County Police Department East Precinct classroom — Free entry — Connect with fellow ham radio enthusiasts in your local community.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake - you can't learn anything from being perfect.
~ Adam Osborne
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