Good morning, Athens.

On Monday, a multi-car crash on I-85 in Jackson County injured a driver and caused a Furkids Animal Rescue van carrying 37 cats to scatter, with 35 cats recovered but two still missing and one treated at UGA—Furkids said its team is using live traps with help from local authorities.

Athens-Clarke County is inviting local poets to apply for the Poet Laureate role for the 2026-2028 term with applications due by 5 p.m. Dec 5—applicants must be residents of approved counties and at least 18 years old.

On Tuesday, Oct. 14, the Red & Black hosted the second segment of its indoor office concert series On the Beat at its newsroom in Athens with featured artist Cardynal performing.

Federal grants for research at Georgia universities and private institutions stopped during the shutdown—disrupting projects that build the state’s growing research reputation.

This funding gap, noted since Oct 15, is expected to affect upcoming research efforts.

The Clarke County School District is planning to board up West Broad School after a fire, drug use and trash have marred the historic campus.

The board will discuss new ideas today for a magnet or STEAM academy—costing 142,000 dollars for asbestos abatement—as it decides on the building’s future use.

Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services is accepting applications for the 2025 Downtown Parade of Lights, scheduled for December 4 at 7:00 p.m. with a $40 fee and a firm deadline of November 4 at 5:00 p.m.—applications must be submitted online—and the theme is Cooking up a Great Holiday.

Three high school football games will take place tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.—Prince Avenue Christian visits Franklin County High School, Athens Academy hosts Elbert County, and Jackson County plays at Winder-Barrow High School as playoff contention heats up the season.

The Georgia Bulldogs defeated Georgia State 65—61 in an exhibition game last night, debuting eight new players including five transfers and three freshmen.

Coach Mike White said the team will build on the win as it prepares to play Troy at Stegeman Coliseum on Sunday Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.

Georgia football will host Ole Miss at Sanford Stadium on Saturday Oct.

18 at 3:30 p.m. The Bulldogs are 7-point favorites — they face key injury challenges while both teams aim to boost their chances for the College Football Playoff.

Stewart & Winfield with Me'An Mills

8-9:30 p.m. — The Foundry — $15 adv, $20 day of show — Discover the sounds of lowcountry-rock and Americana roots with local legends and special guests.

Georgia Bulldogs Football Game vs. Mississippi Rebels

12:00–5:00 p.m. — Sanford Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of a Bulldogs game day with lively fan festivities and the Redcoat Marching Band.

Athens Porchfest

1-8 p.m. — Big City Bread Cafe — Free entry — Experience the vibrant Athens music scene with performances across 250 porches in historic neighborhoods.

Circus Delman

7:30-9 p.m. — Georgia Square Mall — Tickets starting at $76 — Experience the enchanting performances of Circus Delman in Athens, GA.

Gannon Fremin and CCREV Live

7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Cost info not provided — Experience the rockin' sounds of Gannon Fremin & CCREV as they bring the grit of Southwest Oklahoma to Athens.

Johnnyswim Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Tickets starting at $29 — Enjoy an evening of soul-soothing music with the talented duo Johnnyswim.

Ella Langley with Laci Kaye

8:00 PM — Georgia Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the phenomenal voice and songwriting of Ella Langley, a rising star in country music.

Matisyahu Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Georgia Theatre — $42 — Experience a night of uplifting music from Matisyahu in an iconic venue.

Jack O'Lantern Jog 5K and Goblin Fun Run

2-6 p.m. — Sandy Creek Nature Center — $25 — Dress in costume for a fun fall run that supports the Nature Center and includes finisher's medals for kids.

Jammy Buffet Concert

7-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $22.47 — Experience a lively performance from the Jammy Buffet band as they revitalizes Jimmy Buffett's classic tunes.