University of Georgia students are entering the days of final exams and students in area high schools are also gearing up for those finals later in May
Graduate commencement for those receiving master’s degrees is set for 10 a.m
while doctorate degrees will be conferred later at 2:30 p.m
The larger undergraduate commencement is scheduled for 7:30 p.m
Athens Technical College will host its graduation exercise at 10 a.m
May 6 in Akins Ford Arena at the Classic Center in downtown Athens
Prom Time: <a href=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/2025/04/29/georgia-ranks-no-1-u-s-in-prom-dress-searches/83342117007/ rel=noreferrer target=_blank>Looking for a prom dress? A recent study shows how obsessed Georgians are with prom fashion</a>
Greece has expressed strong concern over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks on his envisioned future of Cyprus during a visit to the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus on Saturday
warning that any unilateral move to alter the status of the region undermines ongoing peace efforts
“At a time when a significant effort is being made by the UN Secretary General on the Cyprus problem
with the resumption of the informal talks and the appointment of Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar as personal envoy
any action to create a fait accompli in the occupied territories is an extremely negative development,” Greek diplomatic sources noted on Sunday
swiftly responding to Erdogan’s statements
During his visit to the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus on Saturday
the Turkish nation and the Turkish Cypriots
Whoever hasn’t heard it must hear it.” He pledged Turkey’s occupation of northern Cyprus will last “for centuries.” 
Athens reiterated its steadfast commitment to the reunification of Cyprus within the framework established by the United Nations
highlighting that a just and lasting solution would serve the interests of all Cypriots and contribute to regional peace and stability
Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup backed by Greece
Only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence in the island’s northern third
where it maintains more than 35,000 troops
Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights
opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox
The simple act of answering a telephone call recently lured two Athens residents into scams that cost them thousands
One scam is common and notoriously successful in that the caller convinces people they are wanted on an arrest warrant
The only way to avoid jail is paying money
but a method becoming more common is paying by cryptocurrency
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office warned people on April 28 that it was “seeing an uptick in scam calls impersonating law enforcement in our area.”
If someone calls saying you must pay with gift cards
you’re being scammed," the sheriff's office reported
we’ll save you the trouble and come by your house
and arrest you the old-fashioned way,” the Facebook post explained
School Shooting Case: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/crime/2025/04/30/trial-date-set-for-father-of-teen-accused-in-apalachee-high-shootings/83365993007/ rel=noreferrer target=_blank>September trial date set for father of accused shooter at Apalachee High School</a>
a 50-year-old Athens man reported to Athens-Clarke police on April 17 that he received a call from someone claiming to be a Clarke County sheriff’s deputy and due to a warrant he had to pay $2,000 to avoid arrest
The man received a Quick Response barcode that he scanned on his cellphone
The other case was different in that a 62-year-old Athens man reported he received a call on April10 from a man identifying himself as an official with his bank
The man reported he was on the phone with the caller for more than two hours
during which time he provided his debit card information
according to the report released on April 29
The man reported he discovered afterward that $12,000 was removed from his account
three debit charges were made to account for $7,550
The man told the officer he is working with the bank to prevent further transactions
Panathinaikos scored its first road win in 2025
as it downed AEK to clinch Greece’s second Champions League ticket
just as champion Olympiakos was celebrating its title
The Greens came from behind to beat AEK 2-1 at the OPAP Arena on Sunday
AEK led by half-time through Erik Lamela’s goal
but an Azzedine Ounahi superstrike and a Karol Swiderski penalty kick turned things around and forced AEK’s fifth loss in as many playoff games
Olympiakos partied through the night in Piraeus for the Super League trophy delivered to its players in a loud title fiesta at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium
Chiquinho and Gelson Martins to thank for their goals
while PAOK had Andrija Zivkovic score a brace
Therefore the only place still at stake is the third one
to be determined next Sunday when PAOK hosts AEK
On Saturday Aris clinched the fifth spot that leads to Europe under certain circumstances
while Asteras lost 4-1 at home to Atromitos
Aris will play in the Conference League qualifiers this summer unless OFI beats Olympiakos in the Cup final on May 17
when Levadiakos finished goalless with Lamia
Lamia has got mathematically relegated and Athens Kallithea is still five points from safety
trying to catch one of Volos and Panserraikos
Athens Kallithea hosts Panetolikos and Panserraikos entertains Volos in a genuine six-pointer
On the facade of the Karyatis taverna in a plaza of palm trees and garden plants beneath the Acropolis
With record numbers of tourists slated this summer to visit Athens
the restaurant’s owners are not taking any chances
“It’s becoming harder and harder to find employees,” said Dimitris Stathokostopoulos
“Tourism is definitely on the rise but these days Greeks prefer to work 9 to 5 office jobs that don’t require putting in hours at night
In the countdown to the season getting into full swing, the search for staff to keep the industry afloat has assumed an unexpected urgency. Greece may be among Europe’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/feb/15/athens-resists-plaka-investors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most popular</a> destinations but workers are in short supply
Shortages are such that just weeks away from tourists flying in
an estimated 80,000 work slots have yet to be filled in the food and hotel sector – the backbone of an industry that
Stathokostopoulos is not the only entrepreneur struggling to find staff to meet the demands of the popular taverna at what is likely to be the busiest time of the year
hoteliers are in race to find front desk managers
On big-draw islands such as Crete and Rhodes
reports of hoteliers poaching employees from competitors with promises of better pay and work conditions have soared
“It’s partly a legacy of the [Covid-19] pandemic
which all of Europe has felt but in Greece the problem is particularly acute,” said Giorgos Hotzoglou
president of the Panhellenic Federation of Workers in Food Service and Tourism (POEET)
“What we’re seeing is an unprecedented lack of qualified and experienced workers
following the exodus of employees during the lockdown
As a result an estimated 80,000 jobs are now needed.”
For Hotzoglou the sector’s seasonality is to blame
“Once the season is over workers are entitled to only three months of unemployment benefit
how are they expected the rest of the year to possibly survive?”
Tourism is not the only sector hit by the labour shortages
Construction and agriculture have also been affected by the scarcity in a country not only confronting a dramatic demographic decline but still reeling from the exodus of more than 500,000 mostly high-skilled students and workers at the height of its near decade-long economic crisis
In a bid to address the problem, partly because of pressure from local MPs, the centre-right government has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/19/greece-to-legalise-papers-for-thousands-of-migrants-to-counter-labour-shortage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sought to legalise</a> the status of about 30,000 unregistered migrants
It has also signed an array of bilateral agreements “for labour mobility” with third countries including Egypt
“I’ve just received a recruitment offer from a company in Dubai that I’m considering,” said Stathokostopoulos
“A Bangladeshi is working in our kitchen and he’s excellent
It’s people from Asia and other parts of the world who are now applying for this type of work.”
until recently languishing in refugee facilities
will take up jobs in northern Greece later this month after being trained by the Hellenic Hotel Association – a groundbreaking step in a nation where the coastguard and other officials have been accused by human rights groups of illegal pushbacks to keep migrants at bay
Since <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/14/greek-pm-seeks-reset-with-former-far-right-activist-as-migration-minister" target="_blank" rel="noopener">assuming the helm of the migration ministry</a> in March
tightening a government policy that takes a “tough but fair” approach to immigration
It is not lost on officials that Greece’s dilemma has also been spurred by its own success: in a resurgent economy that is also one of the fastest growing in Europe, unemployment rates have halved, dropping from 18% to 9%, over the past six years.
“Five hundred thousand new jobs have been created in areas ranging from construction to logistics, retail services and healthcare,” said Spiros Protopsaltis, the governor of the Greek public employment service, DYPA. “The rhetoric around job vacancies is, I think, a little inflated but there are still untapped sources of labour … starting with women.”
Time is of the essence. By 2028, Athens’ tourism ministry has forecast 40 million visitors – nearly four times the country’s population – a result of increased arrivals mostly from the emerging markets of India and China. The tourist season is also lengthening as travel habits change with climate change.
Greece has begun actively recruiting abroad, holding career day job fairs in Germany, Holland and the UK. In addition to foreigners, the hope is that Greeks who left during the financial crisis will also return, said Protopsaltis.
“We tell people: ‘come back,’” he said. “The Greek economy is not what you remember. It’s doing very well.”
Married couple Steve and Paula Nedza pose for a portrait with their grandchildren on their recently permanently protected farmland in Oconee County, Georgia, on Friday, April 25, 2025. The preservation effort was led by Athens Land Trust. (Photo/Gabbi Santeiro)
Greenhouses at the Williams Farm in Athens, Georgia, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The WIlliams Farm educates new farmers on how to incubate and grow crops organically. (Photo/Valor Lekas, @photosbyvalor)
Joe Barbaree poses for a portrait at the Williams Farm in Athens, Georgia on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Barbaree is the director of land conservation for the Athens Land Trust. (Photo/Valor Lekas, @photosbyvalor)
Joy Brown hoses off fresh onions at the Athens Land Trust-owned Williams Farm in Athens, Georgia, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The Williams Farm produces food year-round to donate to the Athens community. (Photo/Valor Lekas, @photosbyvalor)
On March 21, Athens Land Trust announced that it permanently protected 42.5 acres of farmland in Oconee County. With the help of the Oconee County Farmland Preservation Committee and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, this was one of the land trust’s many conservation pursuits, which now add up to 20,598 protected acres of land across Georgia.
The farmland preserved in this effort belongs to the Nedza family. As lifelong Oconee County residents, married couple Steve and Paula Nedza consider themselves stewards of their land. The help they received from Athens Land Trust was born out of an interest in preserving their acreage and preventing it from being acquired by developers.
“It’s a business type thing… but really, life is, I think, a lot shorter than people realize,” Steve Nedza said. “I don't really own this land. I just consider myself, [and] I want to be a good steward of it. I've been blessed with a wonderful family, beautiful land, and why would I want to dismantle that?”
Athens Land Trust has a comprehensive mission. It recognizes that developments in Athens and its nearby towns affect various aspects of resident life, such as sustainable farming and affordable housing. It was founded as a Community Land Trust in the ‘90s by Skipper StipeMaas and Nancy Stangle with the understanding that land as something to conserve and land as a source of food and shelter are inextricably linked.
ALT Conservation Director Joe Barbaree emphasized the importance of infusing conservation with affordable housing for the sake of those affected by construction and development.
“There was no way to separate out the way we think about land and how it benefits communities without also thinking about how we ensure that housing on that land is affordable,” Barbaree said.
For families like the Nedzas looking to preserve their land for generations to come, ALT can act as their conservation easement holder. A conservation easement is an agreement between a landowner and a land trust that permanently protects tracts of land from future development. The owners themselves can sell or transfer ownership of the land at their discretion, and are given the right to use the land for tailored environmental purposes.
According to Barbaree, Oconee County farmers have the Natural Resources Conservation Service to help them pay off easements by contributing half of the easement’s value. The Oconee County government has prioritized farmland protection as a part of its budget since the early 2000s.
According to Thad Padgett, an environmental consultant and chairman of the Oconee County Farmland Preservation Committee, this assistance is vital, considering that much of Oconee County consists of farmland that is subject to development.
“Here in Oconee County, we're in the thick of that. You don't have to have many statistics to realize that,” Padgett said. “So we've got to make sure that we protect [the land] within reason before they are kind of chopped up and divided up or sold off.”
Paula Nedza, who spent 17 years working in information technology for Oconee County, projected that their end of the county will mostly consist of farmland until 2050, which was an important reason for the family to maintain the land. Now, the Nedzas can engage in agricultural practices at their discretion.
Steve Nedza has spent time on the farm raising cattle, but said he wants to further the family’s agricultural practice by engaging in micro farming—or the development of small sections of farmland to grow specialty crops—and agritourism, with the goal of education. They want future generations to learn about farming, agriculture and the process of growing their own fruits and vegetables.
Barbaree and Steve Nedza urge landowners to reach out to groups like Athens Land Trust, and Barbaree also encourages local involvement.
Opportunities for involvement include the Williams Farm, a property on Ruth Street that the land trust owns, where students and locals interested in hands-on volunteer work can engage in activities like planting and weeding. The Williams Farm also hosts youth programs that teach high schoolers about agriculture and serves as a launching pad for beginning farmers.
Farmers are among the many groups that can benefit from ALT’s resources, which include neighborhood sustainability and revitalization. Their resources benefit landowners at large, along with current and prospective low-to-moderate income homeowners. Their housing program entails entering families into 99-year leases on homes they wish to keep for future generations – an essential service for a constantly-developing area that accommodates a rotation of students.
The idea of generational stewardship motivates those who use various ALT resources, including the Nedzas. As Steve Nedza spoke, their young granddaughter Sophie ran out onto the porch. At this moment, Steve reflected on the reason their work with Athens Land Trust came to fruition.
“So, what’s she gonna grow up looking at…will it be this?” Steve Nedza asked, looking at the acreage. “Yes, it will be this.”
The Athens Regional Library System was able to loan over a million books and resources last &hellip;
11 comedians from around the United States surprised and entertained an audience of all ages&hellip;
Having begun on March 20, the spring season is now in full swing, and as the weather continu&hellip;
Athens’ first ever art and craft crawl, presented by Athens Institute for Contemporary Art on May 3, opened over 50 artist studios, galleries,&hellip;
The Red & Black serves the Athens and University of Georgia communities with reliable, independent news, while training the future of the free press.
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
Go to Home Page</a><a class="tw-heading-9 tw-inline-block tw-px-4 tw-py-5 tw-uppercase tw-text-cta-blue" href="/mailing-list/?utm_placement=nav">Subscribe</a>Advertiser disclosureSearch The Points Guy
a stylish glamping resort along Greece&#x27;s Athenian Riviera introduces a new kind of tented hotel concept: luxe seaside cabanas outfitted with all the elegant furnishings and amenities one would expect from a high-end hotel
Here&#x27;s what it&#x27;s like staying at 91 Athens Riviera
one of the area&#x27;s newest and most exciting properties
Related: <a href="https://thepointsguy.com/hotel/best-glamping-spots/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The best US glamping resorts for an outdoorsy summer getaway</a>
Operated by the hotel brand Domes, which has a collection of luxury resorts across Greece and Portugal, 91 Athens Riviera opened in mid-2024 and was part of a crop of new hotels in the 37-mile stretch of coastline outside Athens — contributing to why the buzzy destination earned a spot on our list of <a href="https://thepointsguy.com/travel/best-places-to-travel-2025/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Where to Go in 2025</a>
The property is located in a charming suburb called Voula
about a 30-minute drive from the city center
A taxi from Athens International Airport (ATH)
which is just under 15 miles from the resort
but note that when you use the Uber app to order a car
From the moment I drove through the gated entrance
it was clear that 91 Athens Riviera celebrates Greece&#x27;s natural splendors
the glimmering Aegean Sea — taking center stage
the lobby featured plenty of seating and an interesting mix of textures and patterns
from gleaming marble floors to an artistic mahogany wall to turquoise seating
A chic wood-and-marble bar sat below orb-shaped light fixtures
and through doors on either side of the bar
guests could exit to an outdoor seating area overlooking the property&#x27;s lagoon
which was encircled by a bounty of reeds and sizable olive trees
Previous slideNext slide1 of 4ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY0123On the property
guests could spend days drifting between their tented accommodations
the ocean-facing pool and the private beach
or indulging in treatments at the on-site spa
There were also plenty of ways to stay active
including private tennis courts and a well-outfitted
After checking the calendar for the rest of 2025
it looks like the lowest nightly rates for the base-level accommodations
start at around $445 in November (shoulder season)
while rates hover around $1,100 in the summertime
While the property is part of Mr and Mrs Smith, it doesn&#x27;t appear to yet be one of the <a href="https://thepointsguy.com/news/hyatt-mr-mrs-smith-hotels/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mr and Mrs Smith properties bookable using Hyatt points</a> — but we hope that might change in the future
There are 28 tents across five room types at 91 Athens Riviera: Couples Cabana
Cabana Two-Bedroom with Plunge Pool and Family Cabana with Plunge Pool
I stayed in the Cabana Two-Bedroom with Plunge Pool category
which offered plenty of space to spread out (462 square feet to be exact)
the cabana&#x27;s entrance was shrouded in lush shrubbery
A small staircase led up to a wooden deck featuring two white chairs on either side of a small table
and then a set of chaise lounges in front of a circular plunge pool
(Note that though they are surrounded by greenery
the cabanas&#x27; outdoor spaces aren&#x27;t exactly private
since accommodations are relatively close together and close to the main walking path.)
Previous slideNext slide1 of 3ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY012The front of the cabana was full floor-to-ceiling glass
with a door that opened using a wristlet-style electric key
Previous slideNext slide1 of 5ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY01234With taupe drapes drawn to either side of the glass entryway
which featured a very comfortable king-size bed with crisp white linens set against a wooden headboard
modern velvet chairs sat on either side of a black coffee table
in front of a cabinet that held a Nespresso coffee machine
Previous slideNext slide1 of 3ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY012The bathroom
which had a separate wash closet for the toilet and a walk-in rain shower
was a moodily-lit marble space between the primary bedroom and a smaller bedroom with two twin beds and a large arched window (this would be an ideal cabana type for families or groups of friends)
Previous slideNext slide1 of 6ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY012345Thoughtful and modern design elements throughout the tent included a Greece-centric Assouline coffee table book
There was plenty of closet space in the primary bedroom
which held a steamer (I&#x27;m always relieved to find a steamer rather than an iron) as well as robes
A flatscreen TV hung to the left over the velvet chairs
Previous slideNext slide1 of 10ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY0123456789There was also air conditioning inside
which I found easy to control from a small
I noticed that most cuisine was at once incredibly simple
This was a through line with every dish I tasted at 91 Athens Riviera
The hotel has one primary restaurant, <a href="https://www.barbarossaathens.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barbarossa</a>
airy indoor seating area as well as an outdoor ocean-facing area covered by a pergola
Previous slideNext slide1 of 4ELLIE NAN STORCK/THE POINTS GUY0123For breakfast
which is served a la carte at Barbarossa and included in the nightly room rate
I enjoyed a tray of delicious local pastries alongside fresh Greek yogurt with house-made granola and dried fruits
after snacking on house-made bread with organic olive oil and olives ($4)
the server advised that I try the &quot;Islands&quot; salad ($26)
which consisted of the sweetest cherry tomatoes I&#x27;ve ever tasted topped with a soft
nutty cheese from the island of Paros (it was the best thing I ate on the entire trip)
I enjoyed fresh linguine vongole ($43) — pasta with clams — which is one of my favorite things to order on a beach holiday
buttery sauce and topped with delicate fried leeks that rounded out the dish
I couldn&#x27;t come to Greece and skip out on fresh baklava ($28)
this was the cherry — or pistachio — on top of a beautiful dinner
These are the amenities and activities that 91 Athens Rivieras offers to its guests
The resort has two accessible accommodations with ramp access and modified bathrooms for guests with special needs.
In terms of the facilities, most of the walkways are wide and flat, though there are some gravel areas that could be difficult to maneuver a wheelchair around. I did not notice a pool lift in the primary or spa pools.
The resort asks anyone with accessibility needs to contact them before booking.
The creative minds at Domes certainly turned the concept of glamping on its head with this chic and upscale tented resort. With its enviable location on the Aegean Sea, it&#x27;s an ideal place to call home during a relaxing beach holiday, while still feeling close to the excitement and cultural thrills of Athens.
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives
helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach
That’s why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality
The Athens Area Humane Society held it's ninth annual “Kitten Shower" in Athens
Josie Shuman and Isla Sing pet a kitten during the Athens Area Humane Society’s ninth annual “Kitten Shower" at the Athens Area Humane Society in Athens
a kitten foster parent working for the Athens Area Humane Society hands a kitten to Erica Techo (left) during the Athens Area Humane Society’s ninth annual “Kitten Shower" at the Athens Area Humane Society in Athens
Kimberly Smith holds her newly adopted kitten during the Athens Area Humane Society’s ninth annual “Kitten Shower" at the Athens Area Humane Society in Athens
An adoptable kitten during the Athens Area Humane Society’s ninth annual “Kitten Shower" at the Athens Area Humane Society in Athens
Elizabeth Petrucci holds a kitten during the Athens Area Humane Society’s ninth annual “Kitten Shower" at the Athens Area Humane Society in Athens
a kitten foster parent working for the Athens Area Humane Society holds two kittens during the Athens Area Humane Society’s ninth annual “Kitten Shower" at the Athens Area Humane Society in Athens
Elise Pilson holds a kitten during the Athens Area Humane Society’s ninth annual “Kitten Shower" at the Athens Area Humane Society in Athens
Amy Johnson holds a kitten during the Athens Area Humane Society’s ninth annual “Kitten Shower" at the Athens Area Humane Society in Athens
Event attendees hold kittens during the Athens Area Humane Society’s ninth annual “Kitten Shower" at the Athens Area Humane Society in Athens
A man holds a kitten during the Athens Area Humane Society’s ninth annual “Kitten Shower" at the Athens Area Humane Society in Athens
Debbie Wilda holds her newly adopted kitten during the Athens Area Humane Society’s ninth annual “Kitten Shower" at the Athens Area Humane Society in Athens
Adrien Folley holds a kitten during the Athens Area Humane Society’s ninth annual “Kitten Shower" at the Athens Area Humane Society in Athens
Email notifications are only sent once a day
The Red & Black serves the Athens and University of Georgia communities with reliable
while training the future of the free press
News from the Metro Athens Crime Beat &amp; More
SearchMercedes-Benz gets shot up at Athens Cookout<a href="https://www.classiccitynews.com/profile/joejohnson8108/profile" data-hook="profile-link" class="IkAhjA">Classic City News</a>4 hours ago1 min readBy Joe Johnson 
An Oglethorpe County man’s Mercedes-Benz ML 350 SUV was targeted by gunfire while it was parked at Cookout on West Broad Street
Sunday when a white male  opened fire on the Benz
A Dodge Ram pickup truck owned by the fast food restsurant’s manager was damaged by a bullet th struck the side of its bed
Police officers recovered eight .380-caliber shell casings that were found in a cluster in the parking lot
&copy; 2023 by TheHours. Proudly created with <a href="https://wix.com?utm_campaign=vir_created_with" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="wixui-rich-text__text">Wix.com</a>
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information
Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information
The&nbsp;Athens Stock Exchange building in Athens
according to a person familiar with the matter
The Greek fintech company plans to offer shares at a price range of €5.04 to €5.46 apiece as early as next week
asking not to be identified because the matter is private
The company aims to sell as much as €57 million of new stock in the offering
while existing backers will likely offer another €41 million of shares
Cinco de Mayo honors Mexico's 1862 victory over the Second French Empire
and the annual celebration falls on a Monday this year
That day of the week is one that independent and family-owned restaurants in Athens are often closed in order to go shopping for supplies
but all of the ones in the Banner-Herald's list will be open for business and ready to fill customers' bodies with some of the city's finest cuisine
Here are five options for local places to eat on Cinco de Mayo
hand-picked by arts and culture reporter Andrew Shearer and staff photographer Joshua Jones
Eat Athens: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/03/22/eat-athens-tacos-los-plebes-is-a-jewel-in-the-mexican-cuisine-crown-secret/82595473007/ rel=noreferrer target=_blank>Authentic Athens Mexican restaurant no longer a well-kept secret</a>
A large group gathered Friday for the grand opening of The View at NoDA
a public-owned apartment development near downtown that was hailed as an achievement to bring affordable housing to the area
The ceremonious cutting of a ribbon took place in the shine of the new complex
a housing project erected in the 1970s that in its latter years had become a place riddled with crime and structural problems
But those old dwellings were razed to bring new and affordable housing to the site
gave thanks to those who ushered in the development
but he also thanked the citizens in Athens-Clarke County
“What I don’t want to leave out is the people,” he said
who grew up in the Broad Acres public housing
described the complex as “a place where you can feel good about raising your children
You can feel good about coming home from work every day
The View at NoDA (the name is a take on North Downtown Athens) is a 120-apartment complex
with rental rate structures that fit a range of financial incomes
Many of the former residents of  Bethel are expected to return
UGA Event: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/local/2025/05/02/ugarden-hostings-its-first-community-day-farming-event-in-athens/83388744007/ rel=noreferrer target=_blank>Take the family to UGArden to see the farm, enjoy events at student-run farm operation</a>
The complex is modeled after Columbia Brookside off Hawthorne Avenue in Athens
said this was the first phase of development for the north Athens area
quality and affordable housing that can change lives
“We’re going to be making people’s lives better for generations to come,” said Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz
who resides about 200 yards from the complex
The complex was developed through Columbia Residential and Jonathan Rose Companies in a partnership with the housing authority and the Athens government
Among those speaking for their companies were Carmen Chubb with Columbia Residential
LeMoni Burney with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Leslie Meyers of Key Bank and Charice Heywood of U.S
the latter which was the equity investor and lender for the project
who formerly was AHA director for 34 years before retiring in June 2023
He noted that for years people were concerned about what was happening in Bethel Homes
but he had to explain it was a privately-owned apartment complex
But in 2017 after people saw how the old Pauldoe Homes was turned into a modern mixed-income village called Columbia Brookside
a solution to create similar housing for Bethel was discussed by the AHA board
the ACC government approved a strategy to purchase Bethel Homes from the current owner with the use of SPLOST funding
but Parker explained the “first insurmountable challenge occurred almost immediately.”
advertised the property for sale nationwide
This happened when the important SPLOST vote on the proposal was still 10 months away
Making a competitive bid in these circumstances was a significant problem
But Columbia Brookside and Jonathan Rose offered to help and a $16 million bid was structured
There was also a private developer making a bid for the property
What tipped the scales in the bidding process
the founder and CEO of Columbia Residential
personally visited the Russell family and convinced them that the community-based effort in Athens “was their best course of action.”
“The purchase miracle was complete,” Parker said
A 70-year-old Athens man was killed two weeks ago when he fell out of a tree while trimming branches
The man was at his home on Championship Drive near Newton Bridge Road on April 20 when the man’s son found him unconscious and not breathing after he fell about 50 feet to the ground
according to an Athens-Clarke police report
The son told police that his father was using a rope to hold himself in the tree
He was at the top of the tree when he slipped through the rope and fell on his back
The report noted that the tree care industry
with logs and limbs being the primary source of 79 of the deaths
Also the website from the National Library of Medicine reported that tree care workers in the U.S
have experienced a disproportionately high rate of fatal injuries
Medical News: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/local/2025/05/02/st-marys-medical-group-expanding-services-to-two-more-locations-events/83394274007/ rel=noreferrer target=_blank>'State-of-the-art locations:' St. Mary’s Medical Group will host ribbon-cutting events</a>
A violent attack by masked assailants at the University of Athens Law School during a student-organized event last week has reignited concerns over security lapses at Greek universities
Eight assailants stormed a lecture hall during a gathering organized by the Department of Turkish and Modern Asian Studies
seriously injuring a student who tried to intervene and spraying a professor with a fire extinguisher
There was no one there to protect us,” says Professor Eleni Sella
The attack has caused frustration within the conservative government
which had made university security a key campaign issue
The government’s first legal action in 2019 was to overturn a law that had banned police from entering universities
Despite a 2021 law requiring universities to submit a security plan to the ministries of Education and Citizen Protection
implementation is another,” says Deputy Education Minister Nikos Papaioannou
“The security gaps have never really been closed.”
the police do not need permission to intervene on university grounds in cases of unrest
Next Up Sports partnered with Piedmont Orthopedic and Sports Medicine to honor student-athletes and coaches across the Athens-area for their successes on the field (and court
etc.) during the 2024-25 school year Sunday night
which used to be an annual event before the COVID pandemic
was set up by Next Up Sports creator Andiasean Johnson and sponsored by a long list of local businesses
The Classic Center (where the event was hosted)
"It was an absolute honor to be a part of something of this magnitude," Johnson wrote in a text to the Banner-Herald
"To be able to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of Athens-area student-athletes and coaches is something I’ve dreamed about since I first created the Next Up Sports platform
Last night was a part of that dream coming true
are often overlooked as a one of the athletic hot spots and talent beds in the state
and state championships can attest to that
An event like this allows us to shine a light on what’s happening here."
Here is the complete list of student-athletes and coaches that took home an award:
North OconeePlayers of the YearFall sportsGirls cross country: Maya Davis
Boys cross country: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/track-field/2024/05/10/aaron-brodrick-has-claimed-the-ghsa-3a-state-title-for-the-3200-meter/73644672007/>Aaron Brodrick, Oconee County</a>
Flag football: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2024/12/16/whats-next-for-north-oconee-flag-football-needs-after-two-runners-up-ghsa-greenbrier/77028522007/>Catherine Cooper, North Oconee</a>
Football: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2024/12/17/jt-doster-khamari-brooks-are-keys-to-truck-that-is-north-oconee-football/76935449007/>Khamari Brooks, North Oconee</a>
Volleyball: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/volleyball/2024/08/27/olivia-miller-discusses-breaking-her-leg-transition-to-healthy-return/74872095007/>Olivia Miller, Oconee County</a>
Softball: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2025/02/12/senior-guard-kendall-wells-is-a-baller-on-the-field-and-the-court/78307430007/>Kendall Wells, North Oconee</a>
Girls wrestling: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/wrestling/2025/02/19/north-oconee-senior-vera-spencer-one-of-the-best-high-school-wrestlers-in-athens/78973636007/>Vera Spencer, North Oconee</a>
Boys wrestling: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2024/08/30/jefferson-survives-hot-first-half-holds-off-clarke-central-by-four-tds/74872150007/>Dallas Russell</a> and Roman Belardo
Boys basketball: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/college/basketball/2025/03/07/justin-wise-is-a-two-time-state-basketball-champion-as-a-sophomore-north-oconee-ghsa/81837962007/>Justin Wise, North Oconee</a>
Girls soccer: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/soccer/2025/04/03/cedar-shoals-girls-soccer-junior-is-cooking-up-a-storm-has-a-year-left/82605609007/>Zulma Valdivieso-Gutierrez, Cedar Shoals</a>
Baseball: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2025/04/15/georgia-baseball-commit-cole-johnson-of-oconee-county-is-full-package/82525149007/>Cole Johnson, Oconee County</a>
Cross country: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/cross-country/2024/12/19/oconee-county-boys-xc-2nd-in-school-history-to-3-peat-state-titles/76333738007/>Jake Forrester, Oconee County</a>
Flag football: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2024/10/22/nicole-omara-takes-over-north-oconee-flag-football-head-coaching-spot/75691421007/>Nicole O'Mara, North Oconee</a>
Football: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2024/12/16/north-oconee-football-continues-to-make-history-with-ghsa-state-title-landon-roldan/77028571007/>Tyler Aurandt, North Oconee</a>
Volleyball: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/volleyball/2024/10/31/jefferson-volleyball-calhoun-class-3a-state-title-saturday/75917879007/>Brittani Lawrence, Jefferson</a>
Softball: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/softball/2024/10/02/prince-avenue-softball-sits-atop-region-in-final-week-with-new-leaders/75282123007/>Donnie Byrom, Prince Avenue Chrsitian</a>
Girls basketball: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2025/02/18/junior-guard-laura-frances-willis-credits-milestone-success-to-teammates/78568620007/>Erick Willis, North Oconee</a>
Boys basketball: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2025/03/06/north-oconee-boys-basketball-earns-another-ghsa-state-title-justin-wise/80712184007/>Rick Rasmussen, North Oconee</a>
Girls soccer: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/soccer/2024/04/11/ella-sellers-on-communication-leadership-growth-with-dragons-soccer/73195145007/>Molly McCarty, Jefferson</a>
Boys soccer: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/soccer/2024/04/10/chris-aiken-on-philosophy-changes-whats-led-them-to-stay-undefeated/73132867007/>Chris Aiken, Clarke Central</a>
Baseball: <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2025/04/23/prince-avenues-judson-hartwell-joins-aaron-philo-in-ghsa-record-books/83101816007/>Doug Jones, Prince Avenue Christian</a>
Scenes during ATHICA StudioFest at Nest in Athens
(Photo/Laney Martin; @LaneyMartinPhotography)
Scenes during ATHICA StudioFest at Lisa Freeman’s studio in Athens
Local artist Lisa Freeman poses for a portrait at her studio during the ATHICA StudioFest in Athens
Local artist Margaret Agner paints in her studio during the ATHICA StudioFest in Athens
Artwork in local artist Margaret Agner's basement studio during the ATHICA StudioFest in Athens
presented by Athens Institute for Contemporary Art on May 3
day-long art crawl aimed to shine a light on the creative community in Athens
Artist studios grouped in zones were available for visitation in differing two-hour blocks
allowing both the public and participating artists to explore a wide variety of work
an afterparty was held at ATHICA from 6 to 8 p.m
they needed to have a “capstone celebration.”
Fancher said she hopes to make StudioFest an annual event that continues to grow and develop over time
She explained that although she had been wanting to do an event like StudioFest for a long time
“I hope that we'll continue to do this every year
to promote all the diversity of the arts in Athens,” Fancher said
“This is a way to try to pull together all the different things that go on besides galleries and the museum.”
Fancher recognized that every artist has a different creative process and style
is full of “wacky stuff,” while others on the tour were businesses offering locally made products
“Going to an artist studio is a unique experience,” Fancher said
what their practice is like…a painter's studio might look very different from an assemblage artist’s studio.”
Fancher explained that there are a lot of ways for people to experience StudioFest
She said that people should explore at their own pace and enjoy as much or as little as they want
“My favorite part [of StudioFest] is just that so many people decided they wanted to take part,” Fancher said
“There's a lot of events happening…this is a great way to bring together all these diverse pieces of the creative community.”
finding community amongst other artists is important
After moving from Los Angeles to Athens in 2019
joining ATHICA allowed her to find just that
“I was very eager to be a part of something bigger than just myself and making art.”
oil and graphite to create large paintings on canvas and smaller works on paper
She said that she grew up around her mother
who is a “prolific artist,” and Habibi has now been creating art herself for over 30 years
Habibi said StudioFest opened her eyes to how many artists there are in the Athens community
She said she was most looking forward to having conversations with people who appreciate art as much as she does
“You just don't get a whole lot of chances to connect with people interested in art,” Habibi said
“Having conversations and sharing my process and just meeting a lot of people
it's a great way to connect with the community.”
The event served as an important reminder of just how many artists live and work in Athens
Habibi said StudioFest brought visibility to the town’s creative diversity
highlighting artists who may not always have opportunities to show their work but are still creating and participating in the local arts scene
“It's always a wonderful thing to be able to share art with people in the way of having them have it in their own space and live with it and love it,” Habibi said
has been creating art since she was five years old
Freeman works with various materials to create both assemblage and paper pieces that allow her to express herself
“[Creating art is] my response to things in the world that upset me,” Freeman said
“It's a way for me to better understand the world that I find myself in.”
Freeman said that sharing her space with others has been a positive experience for her
explaining that being part of StudioFest is a good way to get into the art community
Freeman also said that she likes the ability to show people her home through StudioFest
While some people may have studio spaces that are more readily available to see
StudioFest allowed for a wider variety of spaces to be shown
“Opening up your home to the people is very positive
just showing people where I live [and] having people in.”
another participating artist at StudioFest
works out of her 2,000 square foot basement studio to create hand painted silk wall hangings
Agner said that she has always loved exhibiting
and StudioFest gave her an easy opportunity to showcase her work
Agner said that visitors of her studio were impressed to learn that she works with permanent
“Silk painting is kind of novel to see,” Agner said
“People just love seeing where people work…everybody loves seeing studios
a StudioFest attendee who visited Agner’s studio
Leiden said she loves visiting other artists’ studios
I love seeing where people actually work,” Leiden said
Agner said her passion for art began during her childhood
when she would draw during recess and make paper dolls for other girls
even though her school did not offer art classes
She decided to study art in college despite the uncertainty of the time
and women weren’t as worried about how they were going to make a living as they were later,” Agner said
Agner said that StudioFest allowed her to meet many new people from the community
including new neighbors and “locally famous” artists
She explained that StudioFest provided an opportunity for people to gain knowledge on what being in a studio is like
‘How many artist visits can I fit in one day
I didn't know we had an art studio right in my own neighborhood’…just all kinds of revelations,” Agner said
said they opened their store in order to get involved in the community and support local artists
locally made soaps and home decor as a part of StudioFest
“[Nest] is a resource for local artisans to display their work [and] for people to get gifts and home goods,” Vermillion said
cooling space…just a place to come and feel comfortable and to be involved.”
Vermillion said that he thinks StudioFest was a great opportunity for small independent businesses to become more of a “common place” to shop in the Athens community
Vermillion said there were many new customers at Nest throughout the day
“We have been very busy this morning with a lot of people in here and a lot of questions,” Vermillion said
“The StudioFest people have specifically said [they are] traveling around the community…trying to stop at all the different venues and just kind of make it a day
Vermillion said that Athens has an “amazing” creative community full of potential
Nest’s inventory reflects this diverse art community
“There aren't a lot of opportunities to kind of have an open studio
we don’t really have a lot of that here,” Vermillion said
“[StudioFest] spills over into knowing where all these places are and who's out there.”
Athens Land Trust announced that it permanently protected 42.5 acres of farmlan&hellip;
preparing to walk across a stage or simply wrapping up the semester
Let the stars guide you into this next chapter
Osteria Olio has announced a new lineup of four spring spritzes with its Primavera Bar
The Athens Area Humane Society hosted its ninth annual Kitten Shower on Sunday
The AAHS puts on this event in the midst of kitten season to fundraise
educate and have as many kittens adopted as possible
The UGArden teaches students organic farming practices and interacts with the community through classes
The garden also donates 150,000 pounds of produce to local community members facing food insecurity
UGArden grown tea at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
The UGArden works to foster entrepreneurship with its herbs program
annual Holiday Market and student run Farmers Market
Local check out the section of herbs and other plants at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
Holy basil at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
People shop for herbs at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
The UGArden is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year
People walk through the farm at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
Lettuce and other spring vegetables in the field at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
Randy Priest with the Young Urban Farmers program coordinator helps a kid plant some seed to take home at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
A selection of seed people can plant and take home at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
People grab smoothie samples from the Campus Kitchen food truck at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
Beans growing at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
A fresh made doughnut is covered in farm made rose powder sugar at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
People Indigo dye clothes and garments at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
Indigo-dyed clothes and garments dry at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
An indigo-dyed bag is unwrapped after being dyed at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
Claps and bands to wrap up items before they are dyed with indigo at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
Tons of oyster shells from Athens Shellfest at the UGArden Community Day on Saturday
Athens Shellfest is a Shell to Shore annual event that recycles oyster shells to restore our Georgia coast
Greece and Bulgaria have agreed to a temporary five-year deal regulating irrigation along the Arda River
resolving water access issues for northern Evros after the expiration of a 1964 bilateral agreement
pending signature by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis
replaces short-term quarterly arrangements used over the past year to avoid water shortages in the region
Bulgaria will guarantee water supply via its Arda dam system for five years
Greece pledges to modernize its existing dam infrastructure and construct a new facility to enable independent storage and regulated water flow for its agricultural needs
Athens also agrees to compensate Sofia for operational losses when Bulgaria’s hydroelectric dam releases water solely for irrigation purposes rather than electricity generation
framed under EU cross-border cooperation guidelines
reflects a mutual intent to pursue a permanent water management solution in the future
Police at Athens International Airport arrested two men
after they broke into a parked vehicle using a frequency jamming device
the suspects accessed the car in the airport parking area and removed items from its interior
the suspects used physical force to retain the stolen goods
A subsequent search led to the arrest of the 41-year-old in a nearby area
Authorities found two frequency jammers in his possession – devices used to prevent vehicle locking – as well as prescription drug tablets
Both suspects have been taken to the competent prosecutor and are facing multiple charges
including robbery and illegal possession of devices and substances
From <a href=https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/2025/05/02/trump-cuts-funding-for-npr-pbs-georgia-public-broadcasting-impacted/83405763007/>NPR</a> to Radio Free Europe, the <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/2025/04/15/trump-raised-minimum-wage-to-25-what-we-know-about-ga-minimum-wage/83095934007/>Trump Administration</a> has been trying to seriously slash media funding
But, one of these organizations has an unlikely <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/2025/05/01/georgia-real-id-appearance-requirements-deadline-coming-soon/83385130007/>Georgia</a> ally: A rock band from <a href=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/2025/05/02/name-a-uga-squirrel-through-fundraising-effort-how-does-it-work/83365171007/>Athens</a>
recently did an interview with CBS Mornings to explain how they plan to donate to the organization that was the namesake of their first major hit
R.E.M. was formed in Athens in 1980 and is known for hits like "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" as well as "Losing My Religion," the latter of which won them two of their <a href=https://www.grammy.com/artists/rem/16369>three Grammy awards</a>
Their most popular albums are "Out of Time" in 1992
"Automatic for the People" in 1995; all four of which have sold 4 million units separately
<a href=https://about.rferl.org/about-rfe-rl/>Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty</a> is an uncensored news source for 23 countries including Afghanistan
This is particularly critical in countries where the free press is threatened and disinformation is a consistent issue
The organization reportedly reaches 47.4 million every week
What did the Trump Administration do to Radio Free Europe?In March, President Donald Trump signed an <a href=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/03/15/trump-executive-order-voice-of-america/82443203007/>executive order</a> downsizing multiple departments including the U.S
which operates Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
According to <a href=https://variety.com/2025/music/news/rem-radio-free-europe-2025-ep-benefit-trump-cuts-1236384894/>Variety</a>
the broadcasters have won court rulings to reverse Trump’s move but the White House has withheld funding
leading to layoffs and uncertainty at the outlets
a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore $12 million in congressionally appropriated funding for Radio Free Europe
has a single called "Radio Free Europe," and to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3
they have remixed and reissued the song with all of the proceeds going to the RFE/RL
The band is also selling a limited-edition orange vinyl recording of the song as well as merchandise
founder and lead singer Michael Stipe in an interview with CBS Mornings
RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus reflected on how R.E.M.'s music makes its audience think and is a celebration of freedom of expression
"Those are the very aims of our journalists at Radio Free Europe -- to inform, inspire, and uphold freedoms often elusive to our audiences," he said in a <a href=https://www.rferl.org/a/rem-releases-radio-free-europe-world-press-freedom-day/33403021.html>news release</a>
They go to great lengths to silence us -- block feeds and websites and even imprison our colleagues."
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at <a href=mailto:mlegoas@gannett.com>mlegoas@gannett.com</a>.
the average gross salary still stands 10% lower than in 2010
when Greece signed up to its first bailout
according to labour ministry data.The country is outperforming its 2% primary surplus targets
but the government says it must be fiscally prudent to limit interest levied on its debt
which is still the highest in the euro zone.It has promised to bring the minimum wage up to 950 euros by 2027
as it targets an average gross monthly salary of 1,500 euros
utilities and housing have been growing fast.&quot;It&#x27;s a gap that keeps getting bigger because of price hikes and inflation that affects energy and medicines,&quot; said Angelos Galanopoulos from the Seafarers Union.Public sector workers
who were hit by measures to reduce a spendthrift state
demanding annual bonuses that were scrapped over the past decade.&quot;Our wages are stuck at 2011 levels
and sometimes without proper working rights,&quot; said Diana Liakou
a kindergarten tutor.Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis told an economic conference in Delphi
Greece that he shared Greek workers&#x27; concerns
but that reducing taxation was still a key priority for the government.Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou
Renee Maltezou and Lefteris Papadimas; Editing by Toby Chopra and Philippa Fletcher
Our Standards: <a data-testid="Link" target="_blank" href="https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/about-us/trust-principles.html" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="noopener" class="text__text__1FZLe text__dark-grey__3Ml43 text__medium__1kbOh text__small__1kGq2 link__link__3Ji6W link__underline_default__2prE_ link__with-icon__3x3oD">The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab</a>
, opens new tab</a> Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts.
, opens new tab</a>Screen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks.
© 2025 Reuters. <a data-testid="Link" href="https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/policies/copyright.html" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" class="text__text__1FZLe text__inherit-color__3208F text__inherit-font__1Y8w3 text__inherit-size__1DZJi link__link__3Ji6W link__underline_on_hover__2zGL4">All rights reserved</a>
A bomb planted near the offices of Hellenic Train
exploded Friday night in a busy district of central Athens
(AP video shot by Lefteris Pitarakis and Derek Gatopoulos)
Police officers from the forensics department check the area after a bomb explosion outside of the Hellenic Train offices the company that runs Greece’s railway
Policemen close the road after a suspected bomb explosion outside of the Hellenic Train offices the company that runs Greece’s railway
following a bomb explosion Friday night causing causing limited damage but no injuries
Police investigators wearing coveralls inspect the site after a bomb explosion outside of the Hellenic Train offices the company that runs Greece’s railway
A municipal worker cleans the area outside Hellenic Train headquarters
A policeman guards an area after a suspected bomb explosion outside of Hellenic Train offices the company that runs Greece’s railway
Greece (AP) — A bomb planted near the offices of Hellenic Train
The explosion comes amid widespread public anger over a 2023 railway disaster
in which 57 people were killed and dozens more injured when a freight train and a passenger train heading in opposite directions were accidentally put on the same track
Local media said a newspaper and a news website had received an anonymous call shortly before Friday’s blast
with the caller warning that a bomb had been planted outside the railway company offices and would explode within about 40 minutes
Hellenic Train said the explosion had occurred “very close to its central offices” and said the blast had caused limited damage and no injuries to any employees or passers-by
It said authorities had acted immediately upon receiving information about the warning call
and that the company was cooperating fully with authorities and ensuring the safety of its staff
Police cordoned off the site along a major avenue in the Greek capital
keeping residents and tourists away from the building in an area with several bars and restaurants
Officers at the scene said a bag containing an explosive device had been placed near the Hellenic Train building on Syngrou Avenue
Police forensics experts wearing white coveralls were collecting evidence at the scene
Criticism over the government’s handling of the Feb
2023 collision at Tempe in northern Greece has mounted over the last few weeks in the wake of the second anniversary of the disaster
which killed mostly young people who had been returning to university classes after a public holiday
The crash exposed severe deficiencies in Greece’s railway system
and has triggered mass protests - led by relatives of the victims - against the country’s conservative government
Critics accused authorities of failing to take political responsibility for the disaster or holding senior officials accountable
only rail officials have been charged with any crimes
Several protests in recent weeks have turned violent
a heated debate in Parliament on the rail crash led to lawmakers voting to refer a former Cabinet minister to judicial authorities to be investigated over alleged violation of duty over his handling of the immediate aftermath of the accident
Hellenic Train said it “unreservedly condemns every form of violence and tension which are triggering a climate of toxicity that is undermining all progress.”
Greece has a long history of politically-motivated violence dating back to the 1970s
with domestic extremist groups carrying out small-scale bombings which usually cause damage but rarely lead to injuries
While the groups most active in the 1980s and 1990s have been dismantled
a man believed to have been trying to assemble a bomb was killed when the explosive device he was making exploded in a central Athens apartment
A woman inside the apartment was severely injured
The blast had prompted Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrisochoidis to warn of an emerging new generation of domestic extremists
which is a perfect time to take a trip to its hometown
Let's just say, you <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD3cYh5Pp1I" target="_blank">can get there from here</a>
You don't take a trip to Athens. You make a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvgUD9nnXQk" target="_blank">pilgrimage</a>
Now, get in your car and point it toward Athens, Ga. You're ready for some driving music like "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuFId1RYSZE" target="_blank">Driver 8</a>." The world outside blurs past you
Mary's Episcopal church," says Paul Butchart
who gives tours to people from all over the world who come here for one reason: "It was here
played their first show." It was a birthday party of a friend of his
But if you really want to go back to the beginning, to "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DELYQ9087o" target="_blank">begin the begin</a>," you're gonna go to Wuxtry Records in downtown Athens
This is the exact space where Wuxtry employee Peter Buck met a customer named Michael Stipe, who kept coming back to buy cool records. They struck up a friendship and, in true Athens fashion, formed a band, which in 1987, had their first big hit with "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7oQEPfe-O8" target="_blank">The One I Love</a>."
even though it's been 14 years since R.E.M
"All kinds of people come to this store asking questions about the history."
Less than a mile is away is the famous Weaver D's restaurant
along with a host of other Southern specialties
Outside the little green brick building hangs the sign with the restaurant's slogan: Automatic For The People
"we were nominated for album of the year," like he was on the album
even took Weaver up to New York for the Grammys
Half a mile down the way from Weaver's restaurant may be the most iconic R.E.M
an old wooden railroad bridge immortalized in a black and white
pure Southern Gothic photo on the back cover of its 1983 album
Today's bridge is a reconstruction, but it looks a lot like the old one. It spans a little creek, in a lush, green ravine. Bring your album cover and take a photo with it. The words ring in your ears. "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWPD1zPFZ3Q" target="_blank">This is where we walked.</a> This is where we swam
<a href="/about-npr/186948703/corporate-sponsorship">Become an NPR sponsor</a>
your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news
and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond
From the economy to the climate and the EU&#039;s role in world affairs
this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans
Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics
Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries
Deep dive conversations with business leaders
Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives
the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society
Europe&#039;s water is under increasing pressure
floods are taking their toll on our drinking water
Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters
and to discover some of the best water solutions
an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters
We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source
analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing
We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt
has exploded in a busy district of central Athens
There were no immediate reports of injuries
recalled how he had been eating dinner with his family when the explosion occurred
"I just heard the explosion and started smelling the powder," he said
I could tell there was just a big explosion
Local media said a newspaper and a news website had received an anonymous call shortly before Friday evening's blast
Commissioners approved a non-binding agreement between ACC and the Athens Housing Authority for the redevelopment of Bethel Homes if SPLOST 2020 passes
Project partners gather in front of The View at NoDA courtyard for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m
to celebrate the phase I completion and grand opening
The project is intended to increase the amount of mixed-income housing in Athens
Project partners and future residents alike gathered in The View at NoDA courtyard for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m
“Many years we spent meeting in the community room on this site trying to game out how to make this a better place for human beings: a place where people were going to be safe and comfortable, able to raise their children and enjoy their retirement,” Girtz said during his speech.
Project partners gather in front of The View at NoDA courtyard for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 2, to celebrate the phase I completion and grand opening. The project is intended to increase the amount of mixed-income housing in Athens. (Photo/Alexia Rule)
Residences in The View at NoDA feature one, two and three-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens and appliances. The facility is located a quarter of a mile from the University of Georgia campus with convenient access to public transport.
At least 40 of the 120 units in this phase I development are already allocated to residents of Bethel Midtown Village who were relocated during construction. Dash &amp; Dwell relocation services helped residents move into their new homes with all application, deposit and moving expenses covered by the development team.
The View at NoDA includes amenities such as a fitness center, community room, onsite leasing office, laundry center, business center, children’s playground, bicycle storage, access-controlled parking garage and a courtyard with outdoor grilling available.
It was soon sold back to the AHA when the local government was ready to buy the property with SPLOST funds. This entire property is now and will continue to remain in public ownership, according to Parker.
Chubb has since served as part of the master developer team working to implement the community-driven master plan.
“By the time we started having the first resident meetings, COVID hit, so we had to do a lot of that remotely, but really keep the momentum going despite the pandemic,” Chubb said. “What you see today is the result of so many people coming together to make sure it happens.”
According to Chubb, this area the project stands on was previously functionally obsolete and the inspiration started with the city’s idea that people deserve to live in better housing. AHA was then brought in, followed by Columbia Residential and Jonathan Rose Companies.
“They wanted to improve this area downtown, and they wanted to redevelop the housing that was the old Bethel,” Columbia Residential CEO Jim Grauley said. “It was a pretty bold vision, because it changes the block pattern and it puts more density here.”
According to Grauley, all of the old Bethel Midtown Village housing will eventually come down to make way for the completion of the next three phases of the project, and be replaced with mixed-income housing similar to The View’s.
Crisp said she is excited for the positive community impact this project will have in offering affordable, better and safer housing.
“The infrastructure when I started was little sticks, they were still going vertical, but now to see this in fruition with everything in place, it's great,” Crisp said.
The event ended with a concluding speech of gratitude from Parker and the official ribbon cutting by Girtz surrounded by the other speakers. Light refreshments and tours of The View at NoDA were made available to event attendees.
Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has signed numerous executive orders &hellip;
Athens-born and 2007 University of Georgia graduate Emily Dantzler, 41, was diagnosed with cancer in December of 2023. Dantzler was the spouse of University of Georgia baseball and women's basketball broadcaster Jeff Dantzler and passed away on Monday afternoon.
On Thursday, May 1 from 7 to 9 p.m, attendees gathered in 40 Watt Club to listen to music an&hellip;
Lexy Doherty announced her 2026 campaign for Georgia's 10th Congressional District on May 1, according to a press release. Doherty returns to the race after losing to U.S. Rep. Mike Collins by over 26 points in 2024. 
The Clarke Middle Health Center hosted its ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 1, welcoming a crowd of dozens of medical staff, students and community members to visit and tour the primary care teaching clinic’s new permanent location. The CMHC’s prior location was between the campuses of Clarke Middle and Bettye Henderson Holston Elementary schools, with the new placement being inside the middle school’s building.
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Highlight your business' news for only $10! We'll feature your content on our News From Local Businesses front page to give it maximum exposure for the next 30 days.
With the end of the Premier League campaign rapidly approaching, <a href="https://www.goodisonnews.com/2025/05/05/steve-bruce-confirms-plans-to-sign-everton-player-before-next-season/">Everton will have one eye on their recruitment plans</a> for the upcoming transfer window
progress has been made on and off the pitch
recruitment needs to be strong this summer
the Toffees have already identified a potential target
with a report stating that they have submitted an “official” offer
<a href="https://www.goodisonnews.com/club/">Everton</a>
despite their strong end to the current campaign
have a lot of work to do in the summer if they are to move away from being a side mentioned in relegation battles every season
Several players have <a href="https://www.goodisonnews.com/2025/03/19/hamza-igamane-signs-four-new-additions-everton-predicted-xi-next-season/">already been linked with Everton</a>, and the latest is Giorgos Vagiannidis of Panathinaikos, who, according to Aris Gatas as relayed by <a href="https://newspao.gr/podosfairo/650885_aris-gatas-konta-se-symfonia-me-vagiannidi-dyo-omades-tis-premier-league.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newspao</a>
has been the subject of an “official” offer from the Toffees
Brighton and Sporting Lisbon have also been linked with a move
but the idea of a move to England is said to have stood out for the defender
The report continues that the expectation is that he will be a Premier League player in the coming months with “intense interest” reported
and may be the first signing of Everton’s new era at Bramley-Moore
there is no reason why they can’t challenge for a top 10 finish in the Premier League
while lacking that little bit of quality going forward
and that will be the priority for the window
If that can be addressed, <a href="https://www.goodisonnews.com/2025/05/03/david-moyes-confirms-friedkin-transfer-budget-news-at-everton-live-on-bbc-sport/">Everton could be in for a very good season</a> and be able to put the misery of the last few behind them
Canadian comedian Russell Peters, recently named one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Comics of All Time, is set to perform at the Christmas Theater (139 Veikou) on May 31 as part of his global “Relax” tour. A trailblazer in the comedy world and one of the first to land a Netflix stand-up special, Peters is renowned for his razor-sharp wit and fearless cultural commentary, dissecting racial, ethnic and class stereotypes. Tickets start from 40 euros at <a href="http://more.com/">more.com</a>
It’s may not seem like a good omen when Athens
the city that’s the first leg of your vacation
But it turns out to be the perfect way to begin a story about the Greek economy
a subsidiary company of the Laskaridis family
the financial and political newspaper that’s appended to The International New York Times
a daily fixture in the hotel’s palm-dotted Winter Garden Restaurant
was filled with news of Greece’s economic outlook
much of it good but some of it challenging to say the least as the Greeks
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sounded a bullish note on the economy and working with President Donald J
Trump:  “…There is a possibility of finding a win-win situation when it comes to trade
a solution that is mutually beneficial.” That was music to the president’s ears:  “I agree
Think tank KOBE has projected the Greek economy will grow by 2.2% &#8212; down .2% of what was initially expected
the national budget saw a 12.1% increase in tax revenues over the winter
museum visits increased 14.7% while their revenues soared 22.3% and holiday homes remained a good investment for sale and rental
affordable housing for locals continues to be nettlesome
with more than half of tenants saying they spend more than 30% of their income on rent
and the country seeing a decline in revenues from house auctions due to less inventory
Even tourism &#8212; a continuing bright spot that accounts for 20% of Greece’s GDP and employment – is not without its questions:  Will the possible influx of tourists who might otherwise have gone to the United States make up for the anticipated loss of U.S
And will the looming challenge lead the nation to address the effects of tourism on infrastructure and the environment
As Greeks enjoyed the two-week Easter holiday
With the taxi demonstration over as the Athenian weather turned suddenly summery
the Grande Bretagne was flooded with Americans looking to take advantage of the pre-tourist season
In the afterglow of a $93.4 million renovation and its most successful year to date (both 2023)
the Bretagne might best be described as a cross between the fanciful place in “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” Wes Anderson’s movingly quirky film
traditional elegance (the 320 rooms and suites; the Winter Garden and GB Corner Gifts &amp; Flavors
both off the lobby) meets contemporary sleekness (the GB Spa and the GB Roof Garden Restaurant
with its stunning views of the Parthenon and Acropolis
Parliament and Mount Lycabettus) in an institution that’s a touchstone in modern Greece’s turbulent 195-year history
including Nazi occupation; civil war; strikes; demonstrations; terrorist attacks; celebrity sightings; presidential and royal visits:  The Grand Bretagne is a symbol of everything that Greece has lost and that has proudly remained
we photographed the hourly changing of the guard at the Parliament of the Hellenes
A 10-minute walk put us in the Plaka – or Plaka
as the Greeks call the neighborhood – for neoclassical tchotchkes
although for our money some of the best of these souvenirs can be found at Artpoint Papasotiriou at Athens International Airport
A 15-minute walk down Greece’s version of museum and embassy row led us to the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art
offering excellent overviews of ancient Greek history
(For the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum
you’ll need a timed ticket and a cab ride respectively.)
you could be forgiven for just wanting to lounge around the Grand Bretagne
Some of our fondest memories – the impeccable service from everyone; the lobster pasta dish in the Roof Garden; the puréed soups in the Winter Garden
where the pianist seamlessly transitioned from one standard to the next; and the chocolate hazelnut and chocolate pistachio cookies at GB Corner Gifts &amp; Flavors
One gesture encapsulated the experience:  At the Roof Garden
where the balcony is reserved for bar guests and a different menu
stole a cashew from a bowl of mixed nuts and flew off
Our all-too-brief two-day stay at the Bretagne was but a morsel in time, but like that bird we snatched what prize we could before we, too, flew off to the charming port city of Izmir, Türkiye (as Turkey now wishes to be known), to begin our Aegean odyssey aboard the 100-passenger <a href="https://www.emeraldcruises.com/yacht/yacht-cruising-experience/yacht-experience/our-yachts">Emerald Azzurra.</a> 
Founded in 2013 by Australian couple Glen and Karen Moroney and sailing out of Nassau under the Bahamian flag
Emerald Cruises has a fleet of Star-Ships for river voyages as well as two luxury yachts
the service aboard the Azzurra was impeccable
attentive but unobtrusive; the varied menu options
As we plied the relatively tranquil teal waters of the Aegean under sunny skies but variable temperatures
we were reminded of a banner we saw at Athens airport – “caring for culture.” No port or inland city
no island is too small or too humble to have a well-appointed
to say nothing of many jewel-like Greek Orthodox churches and chapels
Yet the culture that is so integral to Greece’s tourist industry comes with a healthy helping of relaxation
which we discovered  while strolling the sinuous cobblestone streets and artisanal shops or savoring coffee in the light-dappled squares of two off-the-beaten-path islands
<a href="#" class="pigeon-open">This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.</a>
and website in this browser for the next time I comment
&#916;document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value"
CNN (CNN) — Former Vice President Mike Pence said Sunday while receiving the John F
CNN (CNN) — Former Vice President Mike Pence said Sunday while receiving the John..
<a href="https://westfaironline.com/trending-westchester/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trending Westchester</a>
and his Hungarian counterpart Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky
listen to the national anthem of Hungary in front of a guard of honor
Olympiacos reclaimed the Greek Super League title in style
with a commanding 4-2 victory over PAOK in the penultimate round of the Stoiximan Super League play-offs
The win at the &#8220;Georgios Karaiskakis&#8221; Stadium capped off a dominant home campaign for the Piraeus giants
who remained unbeaten at home throughout the season and completed a clean sweep over their main rivals—AEK
Despite conceding within the opening minute after a costly error allowed Andrija Živković to score for PAOK
Olympiacos responded with composure and attacking flair
A well-worked move in the 14th minute saw Gelson Martins assist El Kaabi
who teed up Velde to hammer in the equaliser
The hosts took control of the match by the 30th minute
with a powerful header from El Kaabi off a pinpoint Santiago Hezze cross giving them the lead
remained in the fight and levelled the match once more before halftime through Živković
who completed his brace following a dazzling solo run and assist from Konstantelias
But Olympiacos proved too strong in the second half
Chiquinho restored the lead in the 80th minute after Martins sliced through the defence
a swift counterattack saw Yaremchuk set up Martins for a sharp finish
sealing the 4-2 triumph and sparking celebrations across Karaiskakis as the 48th title returned to Piraeus after a three-year absence
Panathinaikos locked in second place with a gritty 2-1 away win over AEK at the &#8220;Agia Sophia&#8221; Stadium
Erik Lamela gave the hosts the lead just before halftime
converting a low cross from Aboubakary Koita
The &#8220;Trifylli&#8221; responded with authority in the second half
equalising through a stunning long-range effort from Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi in the 51st minute
striker Karol Swiderski slotted home a penalty that would prove decisive
With Panathinaikos now mathematically secure in second and guaranteed a place in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers
the final round against Olympiacos on May 11 is reduced to a symbolic clash between the eternal enemies of Greek football
Aris secured fifth place despite being held to a 1-1 draw away to OFI
The Cretans struck early through Vasilios Lampropoulos
but Aris salvaged a point with a late equaliser from Dario Spikic in the 89th minute
Their position was guaranteed after Asteras Tripolis fell to a heavy 4-1 home defeat against Atromitos
who blitzed the first half with goals from Makana Baku
A solitary second-half goal from Tasos Chatzigiovanis did little to change the outcome
their European fate could hinge on the Greek Cup Final
they could snatch the final European ticket
Tuesday&#8217;s upcoming fixtures—Kallithea vs Panetolikos
and Lamia vs Levadiakos—will help determine the final standings in what has been a tightly contested battle for survival