Politics
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Athens Mayoral Candidates Talk Issues in February Debate
Candidates for Athens mayor — Mara Zuniga, Tim Denson, Dexter Fisher and Lakeisha Gantt — faced off at a public forum at Ciné on Feb. 7. Immigration enforcement, rapid growth and homelessness emerged as key issues shaping the future of Athens. Hosted by AthChat podcast co-hosts Drew Abney and Russell…
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Bill Prioritizes AI Transparency by State Agencies, Teachers Retirement System
Georgia lawmakers are considering a bill that would require an annual report on the use of artificial intelligence by state agencies, such as the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia. “I think there’s a lot of thirst to use AI to help with productivity, but I think there’s a lot of…
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Oconee Commissioners Deny Special Use Permit on Jimmy Daniell Road
Oconee County commissioners voted 3-1 Tuesday to deny a special use permit for Oconee Medical Properties on Jimmy Daniell Road due to strong opposition from Silverleaf residents. The Silverleaf subdivision lies adjacent to the property. “I am terrified that someone will get seriously injured or killed just trying to get…
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‘People Are Fed Up’: Community Members Protest Against ICE, Trump Administration Policies
Chants mixed with passing car honks at the Arch in downtown Athens on Jan. 20, as approximately 100 protestors rallied against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Trump administration policies. The protest was a part of a larger movement across the U.S. “People are fed up and they want…
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UGA, Athens Community Participate in Protest Against Trump, ICE
Approximately 100 protestors lined the sidewalks in front of the Arch on the University of Georgia campus Tuesday during a protest organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Protestors carried signs during the noon walkout made by PSL or brought from home with messages that expressed anti-ICE views and…
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GARViS Modernizes Voter Records, May Alter How Georgians Register
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger introduced Georgia Registered Voters Information System, or GARViS, in March 2023. This system provided a database for elections officials showcasing voter information, including status, reasons for vote denial and voting method. “GARViS is a tremendous step forward in the security and accuracy of Georgia’s voter…
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Rezone Withdrawn from Bishop Town Council Agenda
A request to rezone six acres on High Shoals Road for a special event venue was withdrawn from the December Bishop Town Council agenda. The Oconee County Planning Commission in November recommended denial of the rezone for the property adjacent to the planned location of St. Aelred Catholic Church, according…
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On 50th Anniversary, Lay Park Playground Faces Possible Changes
City officials and residents are split over a redevelopment plan of 295 E. Dougherty Street, where supporters expressed excitement for new parking, student housing and urbanization while others warned the project may disrupt community services, limit access to Lay Park Community Center and overlook housing needs. Lay Park Community Center…
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Athens Nonprofits Cope with Post-Shutdown SNAP Demand
Local nonprofits in Athens are continuing to feel the effects of the longest government shutdown in U.S history. “Until something gets taken away, you don’t really realize how much of a gift it is,” said Cole Phillips, CEO and Medical Director of Mercy Health Center, reflecting on the challenges faced…
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Athens-Clarke County Commission Delays Vote on Homewood Hills Redevelopment Plan
Jack Murphy, chief investment officer with development group Carter, presents updated details of the Homewood Hills redevelopment plan to Athens-Clarke County Commissioners on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. Murphy outlined the proposed residential buildings, commercial renovations and amenity areas with updates since the company’s previous proposal. (Photo/Hollis Turner) The Athens-Clarke…