Athens-Clarke County
Reporting about Clarke County, Georgia. Some stories will be republished in the Athens Banner-Herald as part of a news-academic partnership with Grady Newsource.
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Faith Takes Center Stage at Turning Point USA’s Athens Tour Stop
Vice President JD Vance addressed potential tensions between the United States and the Vatican, amid recent disputes between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, during Turning Point USA’s tour stop Tuesday in Athens. In response to a question asking how he feels as a practicing Catholic also working alongside…
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Shaping Community: Photo Essay Inside Maria Dondero’s Pottery Studio
Nestled in her sunlit and airy studio, Maria Dondero puts her head down and molds clay for hours a day. Born in Yaounde, Cameroon, into family that loved art and food, Dondero made a career out of her art. Dondero recalls when her family would eat meals cooked by her…
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PHOTO GALLERY: 5th Annual Backlight Student Film Festival
Over a week ago, the Backlight Student Film Festival took center stage at the Morton Theatre and Live Wire Athens. From March 28-29, student filmmakers across Georgia came together in celebration of their achievements. From the red carpet to the awards ceremony, here are photos from Sunday’s events captured by…
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Clarke County School Board Discusses Proposed FY27 General Fund Budget
The Clarke County Board of Education reviewed Thursday the proposed 2027 fiscal year general fund budget, which includes almost $261 million in expenses. It’s a 2.37% increase from the previous year. Members highlighted the $6 million difference in expenditures and noted enrollment-related funding as a concern. This difference was attributed…
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Athens’ Leaders Cite Youth Programs, Police Staffing as Factors in Crime Rate Drop
Major violent crimes, including homicide and robbery, declined significantly in Athens-Clarke County in 2025, with local officials crediting several factors and initiatives introduced last year. Several members of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, including Mayor Kelly Girtz, believe preventing crime starts with the youth. “The stressors are sometimes related to…
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UGA Miracle Dance Marathon is this Weekend — Here’s What You Need to Know
UGA Miracle, the University of Georgia’s largest student-led philanthropic organization, will host its 31st annual Dance Marathon at Stegeman Coliseum on Saturday, following a record-breaking fundraising year. The event serves as the organization’s final fundraising push to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The dance marathon runs 13.5 hours featuring live…
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Athens’ De-Icing Chemicals Raise Waterway Concerns
Winter storms bring more to Athens-Clarke County than snow and ice. After the slush melts, salt crystals and sand linger on streets and sidewalks until the next rainstorm washes those materials toward storm drains, ditches and nearby waterways. During the two winter storms in Athens during 2026, Athens-Clarke County Emergency…
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Hyperlocal Forecasting Sharpens Winter Storm Predictions in Athens
When winter storms threaten Athens, accurate forecasting can be crucial to the safety of thousands. Georgia’s varied landscape stretches the limits of broad, statewide forecasting, often prioritizing metro areas like Atlanta over smaller cities. At the University of Georgia, students in the Weather Dawgs are closing that gap by using…
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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…