🧯Fights at Clarke County schools dropped 31%. Here's why.

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Thank you to everyone who came to our second Dinner Club. It was so amazing and everyone loved it!

Groups of six each met up at tables at The National, Osteria Olio, The Place, and more. It was a great chance to meet some you reading my newsletters each week.

If you have no idea what the event I’m talking about is:

We pair tables of 6 strangers together at a great local restaurant as a way to meet new people in the city specifically tailored to your vibe.

How it works:

• Take a short personality quiz

• Get matched with 5 compatible guests

• We pick the restaurant, handle the details, and provide conversation starters

You just show up.

NEXT DATE: Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00 PM

If you've been craving conversations with substance (the kind that remind you why community matters) then this is for you. If you want to reserve your limited spot (or read about it more), just click below:

Any questions? Just hit reply. See you there.

P.S. - Come by on the 28th for Bag Day, where everything’s on clearance! You can pay $10 to purchase a massive bag and fill it with as many books as you can.

Thanks to our local sponsors who make this newsletter possible 🙏 

🍜 Thai Small Plates Meet Southern Roots

Tucked inside the historic Southern Mill complex on Oneta Street, Puma Yu's serves non-traditional Thai small plates built from locally sourced Southern ingredients alongside one of the most creative cocktail programs in town. Chef Pete Amadhanirundr earned a 2024 James Beard semifinalist nod for Best Chef: Southeast, and co-owner Ally Smith curates natural wines from women and underrepresented producers. The exposed brick, Edison bulb glow, and heated covered patio make this the kind of spot your most food-obsessed friend would keep to themselves.

Read more here.

📦 A New UPS Store Just Opened on Jefferson Road

If you live or work on the west side of Athens, you no longer have to drive across town to ship a package.

The UPS Store on Jefferson Road is brand new, locally owned by Bhaumik Patel, and open 7 days a week. It's a full-service location: packing, shipping, returns, printing, notary, shredding, passport photos, and mailbox rentals all in one spot.

Need to drop off a return? They've got you. Running a small business and need something printed or shipped today? Same place. It's the kind of errand stop you didn't know you needed until it's five minutes from your house. Mention Athens Scoop if you go!

📍 5375 Jefferson Rd, Ste 220 · (706) 395-6003 · Open 7 days

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

☕ Cafe Racer Pours Into a Third Athens Location

The Gist: What started as a food truck now has a full bar and restaurant. Cafe Racer opened its third Athens location at 377 Oak Street on March 17, right along the Firefly Trail, with room for 115 guests and an expanded lunch and dinner menu alongside its signature potato donuts and smash burgers.

Why It Matters: A beloved Athens-grown business brings serious new energy to the East Athens food corridor.

Read more here.

📚 Fights and Suspensions Are Falling in Clarke County Schools

The Gist: Clarke County School District reported that fights dropped from 438 to 304 and total behavioral incidents fell from 4,442 to 3,506 over two years. Administrators credit cellphone restrictions, first implemented in 2023-24, for much of the improvement. "Once that hit and kids started getting the message, you saw the trend go down," said Director of Student Services Jabari Cobb.

Why It Matters: Encouraging news for Athens families, with cellphone policies emerging as a measurable factor in safer schools.

What's Next: An updated student code of conduct for 2026-27 is in the works.

Read more here.

🗳️ ACC Commission Candidates Clash Over ICE, Housing Costs

The Gist: A March 9 town hall revealed sharp divides among Athens-Clarke County Commission candidates ahead of the May 19 elections. District 9 incumbent Ovita Thornton declared, "I do not support ICE, period," while District 7 candidate Bennie Coleman III countered, "Yes, I support ICE." Housing costs also sparked debate, with District 5 candidate Zander Mason calling rents "too damn high."

Why It Matters: With multiple contested commission races and a five-candidate mayor's race, 2026 is shaping up as a pivotal election year for Athens.

Read more here.

🤠 51st Great Southland Stampede Rodeo | UGA Livestock Instructional Arena | Athens | 03/19–21 | More The nation's largest student-run rodeo is a beloved UGA tradition since 1974.

🥬 Athens Farmers Market | Bishop Park | Athens | 03/21 | More Local produce, live music, and Saturday morning community vibes at their finest.

🌸 Georgia Questival | State Botanical Garden of Georgia | Athens | 03/22 | More Families explore Georgia's natural history on guided quests through the garden.

🔭 Journey Through the Stars: Spring Skies | Sandy Creek Nature Center | Athens | 03/21 | More Celebrate the equinox with a kid-friendly planetarium show about spring constellations.

🎭 Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical | The Classic Center Theatre | Athens | 03/25–26 | More The beloved Broadway touring production rolls into town for two nights only.

🎸 Yacht Rock Revue: "Stop Making Sense" | Georgia Theatre | Athens | 03/19 | More Atlanta's yacht rock kings take on Talking Heads' legendary concert album.

🎹 Isata Kanneh-Mason Solo Piano Recital | Hodgson Concert Hall | Athens | 03/19 | More World-class Beethoven and Ravel from a Decca Classics recording artist.

💃 Dancing with the Athens Stars | The Classic Center Theatre | Athens | 03/21 | More Local leaders pair with pro dancers in this beloved Project Safe fundraiser.

🎵 Starboro + Cannon Rogers Album Release | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 03/21 | More Members of Futurebirds and Susto unite for a night of Southern indie rock.

🎶 Wonderland Rangers Album Release | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 03/25 | More A triumphant return after a year away, celebrating "Trouble & Treasure."

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.

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