Blog Topic: Breaking News

In the Loop: UGA Buses Won't Stop on Prince Avenue Anymore

By Blake Aued | April 17, 2014 1:50pm

Ever since the University of Georgia started operating a free bus that runs between the Health Sciences Campus in Normaltown and the main campus, Athens Transit has been struggling with lost ridership and revenue as riders opted to take the free bus that runs every 20 minutes rather than wait for the one that comes once and hour and costs $1.60.

No more. Starting July 1, the Health Sciences bus won't stop on Prince Avenue and won't pick up passengers who aren't UGA students or employees.

Read More...
Culture Briefs: Beresford Resigns from EcoFocus Film Fest

By Blake Aued | April 16, 2014 11:07am

UGA scientists Pam Knox, Tom Mote and Tish Yager speak on a climate change panel. Photo via Facebook.

After the EcoFocus Film Festival wound down Sunday, founder Sara Beresford announced she is stepping down. From an email to supporters:

Read More...
In the Loop: UGA Tuition Is Going Up—Again

By Blake Aued | April 15, 2014 6:39pm

The Board of Regents voted today to raise tuition at the University of Georgia by 7 percent, continuing the trend of shifting costs from taxpayers to students and their families.

In-state tuition for UGA students who take more than six hours of classes will be $4,295 per semester in the fall, compared to $4,014 this year.

Even before today's tuition hike, UGA students were already resorting to online fundraisersto pay their school bills. This fall, some of them will struggle even more, according to Claire Suggs, senior education policy analyst at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute:

Read More...
Homedrone: R.I.P. Athens Musician Brian Crane

By Gabe Vodicka | April 11, 2014 2:58pm

From Paul Reavis of The Dictatortots comes the very sad news that local musician Brian Crane has passed away. Crane, who played in The Sugar Daddies and North Hollywood Model Search, was also known for his offstage work, as tour manager for groups like Flat Duo Jets and The Cramps.

Two friends reportedly discovered Crane's body in his apartment earlier today. Flagpole is inquiring further into the circumstances surrounding Crane's passing and we will update this post as news becomes available.

Read More...
In the Loop: New Downtown Plans Are Worse than Selig

By Blake Aued | April 10, 2014 3:22pm

A rendering of the development as seen from Oconee Street.

Did you hate Selig Enterprises' plans for the Armstrong & Dobbs property on the eastern edge of downtown? Wait 'til you see this.

Atlanta-based Selig and its new majority partner, Athens student housing developer Landmark Properties, have submitted new plans drawn up by Oconee County's Williams & Associates for the eight-acre tract between East Broad and Oconee streets—and they're worse than ever.

Read More...
In the Loop: UGA Student Died of Fentanyl Overdose

By Blake Aued | April 9, 2014 1:12pm

A University of Georgia student who died in his dorm room in January was killed by an accidental fentanyl overdose, according to a toxicology report released today.

David Peacock Braun, 21, of Marietta, was found dead in his East Campus Village dorm room Jan. 14 after one of his suitemates told housing officials he hadn't come out of his room in days.

Read More...
In the Loop: Commissioner Kelly Girtz Endorses Rachel Watkins

By Blake Aued | April 2, 2014 3:05pm

Grippin' 'n' grinnin'.

Athens-Clarke County Commission District 3 candidate Rachel Watkins got a big boost today when her campaign announced that Commissioner Kelly Girtz has endorsed her.

Read More...
In the Loop: GDOT's Turning Prince Avenue into a Freeway

By Blake Aued | April 1, 2014 12:44pm

An artist's rendering of the planned Prince Avenue Freeway's interchange at the Loop.

The Georgia Department of Transportation announced plans today to turn Prince Avenue into a 12-lane expressway.

The $100 million project is in response to metro Atlanta residents' complaints about gameday traffic in Athens, Gov. Nathan Deal said in a news release. It is scheduled to open in time for the 2015 season.

Read More...
Homedrone: Reptar, Kishi Bashi, Drivin' N Cryin' to Headline AthFest 2014

By Gabe Vodicka | April 1, 2014 4:09pm

Kishi Bashi

It's about that time where folks start looking forward to AthFest, which takes place June 18–22 this year. Now, hot on the heels of the news of AthFest Educates' new director, comes the news of who will headline the event's music portion, which kicks off with the annual Flagpole Athens Music Awards at the Morton Theatre on Thursday, June 19.

(We promise there's no April Foolin' afoot here.)

More after the jump.

Read More...
In the Loop: AthFest Educates Hires New Director, Jill Helme

By Blake Aued | March 31, 2014 8:46pm

The nonprofit AthFest Educates has hired Jill Helme as its new executive director effective Apr. 14, replacing founder Jared Bailey, who resigned in January.

Read More...