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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: DanceATHENS 2026 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. ACC commissioners approve reformed rights-of-way and homelessness ordinance (wuga.org) — Athens-Clarke County commissioners have approved a new rights-of-way ordinance that will ban camping on sidewalks and other public areas near commercial districts, taking effect January 6. After lengthy public comment and debate, officials also attached $1 million in funding, though some questioned how it will be used to support residents experiencing homelessness in downtown Athens.
2. Athens police officer fired after alleged Flock camera searches of ex-girlfriend's plate (wrdw.com) — An Athens-Clarke County police officer has been fired after an internal investigation found he allegedly misused the department's Flock license plate reader system to look up his ex-girlfriend's car. ACCPD has now restricted Flock searches to supervisors and above, while the Georgia Bureau of Investigation conducts an independent criminal probe. A similar misuse case led to another ACCPD firing in August.
3. Athens VHS Fest: Five Years of Celebrating Analog Media (flagpole.com) — Athens VHS Fest returns this weekend with a free analog-media vendor market, live music, and a film screening spread across Creature Comforts, Ciné, and The World Famous. Organizer Brad Staples highlights local bands and recycled VHS promos while celebrating physical media's charm and preservation value. Expect a special VHS-themed beer, experimental performances, and chances to trade tapes with fellow collectors.
4. Athens Weekly Concert Preview: North Georgia Folk Festival, Athens VHS Fest, Jon Langston (redandblack.com) — Athens music fans have a packed week ahead, from Jon Langston's Georgia Theatre stop to the North Georgia Folk Festival at Sandy Creek Park and the analog-loving Athens VHS Fest at Creature Comforts. Local acts, tribute sets at Terrapin, a Classic City Band anniversary concert, and indie-rockers Women in STEM round out a busy, mostly affordable live-music calendar.
5. Swainsboro native excelling in Athens (emanuelcountylive.com) — An educator and district leader with Clarke County School District is making a name for himself in Athens through literacy, storytelling, and youth-focused TED programs. He uses YouTube, TEDx CCSD Youth, and school-based initiatives to help local students discover their voices and confidence. His journey from small-town reader to Athens changemaker centers on empowering young people.
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Ok Athens! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white?" — A chalk board (Thank you Charlie H. for sending it in!)
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