November 25th Podcast

Hello and welcome to the Athens News podcast, I’m Melissa Carter.  More about the teen who was shot last week before school … and a remarkable achievement from one UGA student heading abroad, but first…Here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty.

Athens News

Cedar Shoals High School students in the AP African American Studies class had a rare opportunity to engage with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead. 

The acclaimed writer discussed his work, including the inspiration behind "The Nickel Boys," with students. 

Cedar Shoals is part of a pilot program for AP AAS, set to launch nationwide in 2024-2025. 

Students expressed the importance of learning about their heritage and cultural identity, with the class providing a platform for discussions not covered in standard U.S. history courses.

This from the Red & Black.

Athens News

Georgia high school seniors are receiving letters through the groundbreaking Georgia Match program, revealing likely admissions to state institutions. 

Launched last month, the initiative aims to boost higher education enrollment. 

Though not a guarantee, the letters provide insights based on 11th-grade HOPE GPA and test scores. 

Critics highlight the need for earlier distribution and outreach for minorities.

This from the Red & Black.

Athens News

The U.S. flu season is underway, and at least seven states are already reporting high levels of illnesses. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed heightened flu activity last week in Georgia. 

Health officials express concern, as traditionally, flu season peaks in December or January, but this year it's making an early entrance in November.

This from the Athens-Banner Herald.

The Bulldogs nab a recruit away from another SEC team, but first…

Social Media 

From the Athens-Clarke County News Facebook Page:

UGA News

In a keynote address at the University of Georgia School of Computing’s Research Day, Irfan Essa, senior associate dean of the College of Computing at Georgia Tech, delved into recent advancements in artificial intelligence and their societal implications. 

Emphasizing the transformative potential of AI, Essa urged consideration of when people using AI might replace those not leveraging this technology. 

The event, featuring computer science trivia, a panel discussion, and student poster presentations, celebrated the interdisciplinary School of Computing established in July 2022, emphasizing both innovation and ethical responsibility in computing applications.

This from the Red & Black.

UGA Sports

UGA Women’s Soccer team made it to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998.  There they were defeated by No. 1 seed Clemson.

And in football, Georgia will attempt the first three-year undefeated regular season streak in college football history with a win against Georgia Tech tonight in Atlanta.

Kick-off is at 7:30.

Athens News

Get ready to usher in the holiday cheer as the Athens Parade of Lights returns on December 7th at 7 p.m., themed "An Art Filled Holiday." 

Rain or shine, the festive procession will brighten downtown Athens, concluding with Santa lighting the Christmas tree at City Hall. 

Plan your visit with convenient parking at the Washington Street and College Avenue decks or nearby street parking. 

For more details and a parking map, visit downtownathensga.org.

This from the Athens-Banner Herald.