Daily
Athens
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Athens-Clarke County Coroner Michael Eberhart said 14 fentanyl cases have been confirmed this year, including a 41-year-old woman found dead at her Vine Street home last Friday and a 32-year-old man who reportedly died in a Grove Street Extension incident earlier in December. Classic City News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mikhayla Smith’s two-year term as Athens Poet Laureate ends Jan. 1 — she will release a music album and host more poetry events while applications for her successor remain open until Friday, Jan. 9. Athens Banner-Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 30 at 3:59 p.m., Athens-Clarke County released details about emergency shelters for residents to seek warmth during the cold weather — including options for both individuals and families. Services may have limited hours, so it's best to call providers prior to visiting. Athens Banner-Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Joe Cox, a former Georgia quarterback remembered from a 41 to 10 game, spoke about his Bulldog days as he juggles coaching at Ole Miss and recruiting for LSU ahead of the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. He reflects on a coaching career spanning multiple SEC teams. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia football junior wide receiver Zachariah Branch (USC transfer) needs four more catches to set a new season record as he joins his first College Football Playoffs trip after his team beat Ole Miss. The Bulldogs will face a rematch with Ole Miss later in the season. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ The Georgia Bulldogs prepared Tuesday night in New Orleans for their Sugar Bowl playoff game (their second consecutive appearance) with focused practice sessions ahead of the contest. FOX 5 Atlanta
- ➤ No. 3 Georgia will face No. 6 Ole Miss tomorrow at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans for the 2025 Sugar Bowl, with tickets starting at $173 + closer field seats available for $461. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia football coach Kirby Smart said no major changes are planned after recent coaching shifts as the Bulldogs prepare for tomorrow's Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss. Analysts forecast a 34-21 win with standout plays from key players + the game offering fresh challenges as teams adjust. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Backup quarterback Ryan Puglisi said he remains committed to Georgia football and will work hard as he may not start until 2027 after Gunner Stockton retires. He made his comments on Dec. 30 at Sugar Bowl media day ahead of Thursday’s game against Ole Miss. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ A young UGA fan who made headlines by refusing to sing Tennessee's Rocky Top received surprise Sugar Bowl tickets on Tuesday, Dec. 30 — his viral moment earning him the reward. FOX 5 Atlanta
- ➤ The Sugar Bowl is scheduled for tomorrow at 8 p.m. at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, where BetMGM data (showing a -6.5 spread and -250 moneyline) indicates the Bulldogs are favored and likely to score first. Athens Banner-Herald
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Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreational Industry with Scott Low
7-9 p.m. — The Foundry — $10 adv / $15 door — Experience a soulful night of Americana & Blues with traditional folk and lonesome bluegrass melodies.
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Don Toberman: Ping-Pong Champ
8-10 p.m. — Canopy Studio — Tickets required — Experience an absurd and hilarious clown showdown featuring pantomime ping-pong antics.
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LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs Women's Gymnastics
7-9 p.m. — Stegeman Coliseum — Stream available — Watch a thrilling women's gymnastics showdown as LSU visits Georgia.
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Leif Ove Andsnes Piano Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — University of Georgia Performing Arts Center — $10 (w/ UGA ID), $42–96 — Renowned Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes captivates audiences with works by Kurtág and Janáček.
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Dead Beat Club Live Band Karaoke
7-10 p.m. — The Foundry — $15-$50 — Experience the thrill of singing with a live rock band in a fun karaoke night.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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