Good morning, Athens.

The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia in Athens is boosting food purchases and local partnerships to feed neighbors—delivering 5,375,417 pounds of food in 2024 and already 3 million pounds in 2025 while one in seven residents face hunger as federal supplies were canceled.

Community members are urged to help as the emergency reserve is used to meet rising needs.

Athens-Clarke County Animal Services has installed three microchip scanning stations to help rejoin lost microchipped pets with their owners.

The stations — at the shelter, Memorial Park dog park and Southeast Clarke Park’s Wiggley Field dog park — offer a way to reduce shelter strain and provide free microchip services this month.

Fausto and Elena Sarmiento discovered that about 1,000 square feet of woods behind their Hampton Heights home had been illegally cleared on Sept 27th — police advised them to contact their neighborhood association and post private property signs.

Athens' Porchfest 2025 on October 21 drew 260 bands to 7 historic neighborhoods — a returning trolley and a new Indie South Vendor Market at Normaltown Brewing Company added to the event — and despite rain threats, sunshine lifted the mood.

The USA Today Network is collecting jack-o-lantern photos from Athens-area residents to create a best-of-Georgia gallery celebrating Halloween next week—participants should email their photo, name, and area details to Miguel Legoas as instructed.

This gallery will showcase the region’s creativity and festive spirit ahead of the holiday.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart said he respects former Florida coach Billy Napier, who was fired on Oct.

19 after a 22 to 23 record, and expects interim coach Billy Gonzales to bring fresh energy into the matchup. The Bulldogs hold a 57 to 44 record with 2 ties overall against Florida and will face them on Saturday, Nov. 1 after bye weeks — a game that promises competitive play.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Tuesday that injured players Colbie Young, Talyn Taylor, and Kyron Jones will miss upcoming games—Young fractured his lower leg during the Oct.18th win over Ole Miss and Taylor needs surgery while Jones remains sidelined with a foot injury—and he expects them to focus on recovery during the off week.

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.

Nicotine Dolls Concert

7-9 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — $50-69 — Experience a lively evening with Nicotine Dolls at one of Athens' favorite spots.

Wieuca Halloween Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — No refunds — Experience a night of captivating performances by Wieuca and friends this Halloween.

Susto Stringband Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of alt rock with Justin Osborne and his band Susto.

Noah Hicks Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — VIP Meet and Greet $75 — Experience the rising star of country music with high-octane performances and small-town roots.

Stephen Wilson Jr Concert

7-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the compelling journey of Stephen Wilson Jr. as he blends country and indie rock at the historic venue.