Daily
Athens
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 5th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Businesses, restaurants, churches, and schools in Athens are offering free Thanksgiving meals and resources during holiday week from November 23 to November 27 to help those in need — events include a community banquet at Classic Center, a hot meal and extra thankful bag at Athens First UMC, a free dinner plate at El Paso Tacos & Tequila, a buffet and hygiene products at Sparrow’s Nest, and a traditional feast at Chuck’s Fish with proceeds benefitting Project Safe. Flagpole
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local business owners in Athens are urged to explore employee co-ops as a way to pass on their businesses when they retire, with expert Matthew Epperson from the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership noting that more than 1,000 baby boomer-owned ventures could benefit. He said free online training every Thursday in November will detail models like ESOPs and employee ownership trusts—options that let retiring owners secure a fair exit—while offering a flexible plan for the future. Flagpole
- ➤ Chick-fil-A at 3637 Atlanta Hwy in Athens switched on its extravagant holiday light display this week featuring over half a million white string lights on the building — bushes and trees. The franchise hired an outside company — which installed the lights that first drew online attention in 2020. Athens Banner-Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Michael Guthrie will host a show called 'Sixty Years of Songs and Stories' on Friday, Nov. 7 at The Rialto Club—doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. A new plaque on Hull Street honors his band’s lasting impact on Athens music since the 1970s. Flagpole
- ➤ Cicada Rhythm will host its seventh annual farm show at Low Star Farm on Nov. 9 at 3 p.m.—tickets cost $30 and North Georgia artist Sam Burchfield will perform—for the release show of their new album Magic State, which is available for pre-sale now. Flagpole
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, the University of Georgia announced it was awarded nearly $5 million from the National Science Foundation for a pilot program to help science teachers improve through mentoring, leadership training, and research—creating three hubs to support these efforts in Georgia. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Lt. Col. Weston Layfield is now a military science professor at UGA Army ROTC and draws on over 18 years of Army experience—he trains cadets with hands-on sessions and early morning physical training to build future leaders. Classic City News
- ➤ Athens Academy this week hired Jeff Miles—former head at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee—to lead the school effective July 1 and replace retiring John Thorsen at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Athens Banner-Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ UGA Extension master gardener coordinator Lisa Klein advised Athens residents to plant trees such as red maples, ash, ginkgos, and white oaks to enjoy vibrant fall color, based on her recent online presentation. The Smoky Mountains 2025 Fall Foliage Prediction Map showed peak foliage on November 3 — a sign local yards offered a striking autumn display. Flagpole
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Over 20,000 Athens residents lost food benefits on Nov. 1st when SNAP funds expired due to a congressional funding impasse — many families relying on SNAP, WIC, and Meals on Wheels now face increased food insecurity. Local officials, nonprofits, and federal judges are taking emergency measures as efforts to restore benefits continue. Flagpole
- ➤ Athens-Clarke County stands to net $15 million and save the historic Foundry music venue if the commission approves a land swap with Core Spaces to build a downtown student apartment complex that adds affordable housing and public amenities—commissioners plan a work session to address concerns before seeking zoning approval by February as the project must be completed by Aug. 1, 2028. Flagpole
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Alvin was featured as Pet of the Day on November 4 at 1:23 p.m. and is described as a cute pup ready to be loved by a local family. FOX 5 Atlanta
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Georgia won 104—59 against Bellarmine at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens on Nov. 3. The Red & Black
-
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.
-
Glads Run ATH 5K
1-5 p.m. — 350 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA — Donation-based — Support the Clarke Central High School General Fund while enjoying a spirited 5K run.
-
K-Pop Warriors Live Show
3-7 p.m. — Morton Theatre — Adults $30, Children $20 — Experience dazzling performances that bring your favorite K-pop idols to life.
-
Shakey Graves Solo Show
7-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Cost not listed — Enjoy a unique blend of modern love themes and playful chords with Shakey Graves.
-
The Droptines Live
7-9:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Tickets required — Experience the rich storytelling and versatile melodies of alternative country band The Droptines.
-
Ax and the Hatchetmen Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — $40-$134 — Catch Ax and the Hatchetmen live for a night of high-energy music in Athens.
-
The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Classic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting mix of Rock & Metal anthems performed by a classical ensemble in a magical candlelit setting.
-
Flatline Drive Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — $10 — Enjoy a lively mix of country, rock, and indie music from local bands.
-
Campus Nights: Josiah Queen & Hulvey Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Classic Center — Tickets required — Experience powerful worship and hip-hop praise with rising artists captivating college students.
-
Northeast Georgia Livestock Auction
11:00 AM – 12:59 AM — Northeast Georgia Livestock, LLC — Free entry — Experience the thrill of real-time livestock auctions and enjoy a unique online viewing experience.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Athens
Welcome to the Daily Athens, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Athens, Georgia community. If you like the Daily Athens, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Athens.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Athens and across Georgia. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Athens
A free Athens community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyathensnews.com/sitemap