Good morning, Athens.

The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement hosted an end-of-year town hall Wednesday evening at the Athens-Clarke County Library—featuring community leaders like Broderick Flanigan and Grace Bagwell Adams—to discuss SNAP challenges, food insecurity and housing issues in Athens.

The event aimed to unite residents for practical solutions as AADM nears its 10th anniversary.

T. Rogers Wade was named the 2025 Dooley Friends of the UGA Libraries Award recipient in honor of his longstanding support of UGA Libraries.

His name now graces a meeting room in the Richard B. Russell Special Collections Building after a Dec. 1 celebration.

A bipartisan state Senate committee recommended a $126 million need-based college aid program funded by lottery reserves on Tuesday, saying it would help more local students stay in state.

Lawmakers will review the proposal to boost affordability while keeping HOPE scholarships' legacy.

Georgia football holds a record (5-7) in SEC Championship games from 13 appearances, including eight at Mercedes Benz Stadium, and the Bulldogs faced Alabama on Dec.

4 at 4 p.m. on ABC.

Athens-area high school flag football teams advanced in the GHSA state playoffs after first-round games on Dec.

4. Teams will play quarterfinal and semifinal rounds on Dec. 8 and compete for championships at Mercedes Benz Stadium Dec. 15-17.

Georgia cornerback Ellis Robinson IV has rebounded from early season struggles with a key interception against Georgia Tech (his fourth this year), boosting team confidence ahead of Saturday’s SEC championship.

Alabama players will also look to extend their strong play if the matchup unfolds as expected.

Athens-area high school football fans can watch the semifinal game at 7:30 p.m. at Jefferson High School as Jefferson faces West Laurens — Jefferson advanced with a 47-28 win over Cairo while West Laurens defeated Jenkins 21-16 last week.

The Rock Lobsters are launching a brand ambassador program for Athens residents and UGA students that offers free tickets, personalized jerseys, a monthly credit, and other perks + opportunities to promote the team both online and at games.

Applicants can apply on the team’s website.

Coach Kirby Smart said center Drew Bobo will miss the SEC Championship game on Saturday due to a foot injury and further evaluation is underway; backup centers Toliver and Smith have taken extra plays while Bo Walker faces surgery (after an auto accident) and Taylor is cleared to play.

WILLIS Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $32+ — Experience the indie rock sound of WILLIS, a band with viral success and a loyal fanbase.

Nuçi's Space 25th Anniversary Benefit Concert

6:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — Nuçi's Space — Ticket information not available — Celebrate 25 years of music, healing, and community with live performances from beloved local musicians.

Athens Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Market

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Tanger Outlets Commerce — Free entry — Discover unique handmade crafts and festive goods at this magical holiday market.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Performance by Good Grief Trio

7-9 p.m. — Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture — Tickets $15-20, Family pack for $60 — Enjoy a soulful rendition of the beloved holiday classic with the Good Grief Trio.

Now After Nothing Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — Flicker Theatre & Bar — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of music featuring Fixation Fantasy by Now After Nothing.

BloodKin Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening with BloodKin & Friends featuring special guest Kevn Kinney.

27th Annual Will Chamberlin Memorial Santa Stroll 8K

1:30-5:30 p.m. — Bishop Baptist Church — Entry fee proceeds support outreach programs — Participate in a festive 8K run with a charitable cause.

The Nutcracker Ballet

2:00 – 3:30 PM — The Classic Center — $33.75+ — Experience a dazzling holiday tradition that brings joy and imagination to life through breathtaking performances.

Pee Dee IceCats vs. Athens Rock Lobsters

7:05-8:35 p.m. — The Classic Center — Check for ticket pricing — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of local hockey action with the Pee Dee IceCats facing off against the Athens Rock Lobsters.

Blackberry Smoke Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — The Classic Center — $108.50+ — Experience the vibrant blend of Southern rock, blues, and country from Georgia's own Blackberry Smoke.