The 25-year old Athens murder case, reopened

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We’re having our Second Athens Scoop Dinner Club this month. If you’ve been thinking about joining, now’s the perfect time to grab your seat at the table (before it books up).

How it works:

You just show up.

Dinners are happening in Athens, GA, where we’re gathering small groups for meaningful conversation and great company - all around one table.

The date: February 18th at 7:00 PM

If you’ve been craving conversations with substance (the kind that remind you why community matters) this is for you. Spots are limited.

Any questions? Just reply. See you there.

Athens Wine Weekend returns to The Classic Center this Friday through Sunday (Feb. 6-8) with a lineup built for anyone who loves good food and better wine. Friday night's Amuse-Bouche pairs creative dishes from Athens' top chefs with hand-selected wines, while Saturday's Grand Tasting (presented by Akins Ford) lets you sip and stroll through wines from around the world with educational seminars throughout the afternoon. Wrap up Sunday with a Sparkling Wine Brunch and specialty mimosas. Proceeds benefit The Classic Center Cultural Foundation's student scholarships. Grand Tasting tickets start at $30, and brunch is $35. Tell them we sent you!

Read more here.

When's the last time you actually rested? Not scrolled on the couch, but actually let your body unwind.

The Body Temple Spa is owned by Lalita Sundari, a local Licensed Massage Therapist who's been working in Athens for over 7 years. She opened her practice specifically for people who work hard, carry stress in their shoulders, and rarely make time for themselves.

New to massages? Start with a Swedish. Dealing with chronic pain? Try a full, Deep Recovery. Regardless, she’s your perfect option and it’s an absolute must have for a loved one this Feb 14th.

"I feel like a whole new person. She was so sweet, so respectful, and she gave me what I paid my money for. I highly recommend this place." — Tay M.

Athens Scoop readers get a special Valentine's pricing:
Swedish Massage (60 min) — $97 instead of $120
Deep Recovery (60 min) — $125 instead of $170

Book at thebodytemplespas.com. Spots are limited through Valentine's week. You deserve to feel good in your body, not just push through another week.

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The Gist: The trial of Edrick Faust, charged with the 2001 murder of UGA law student Tara Baker, began this week at the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse. Prosecutors say DNA evidence linked Faust to Baker's death after the case went cold for over two decades. Defense attorney Ahmad Crews has called for a mistrial twice so far, both denied by Judge Lisa Lott.

Why It Matters: Baker's case led directly to the passage of Georgia's Coleman-Baker Act, which funded the GBI's Cold Case Unit. The trial could take up to six weeks.

What's Next: The trial continues daily at the ACC Courthouse, with forensic and DNA witnesses expected in the coming days.

Read more here.

The Gist: At their Feb. 3 regular session, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission approved a new downtown bar, voted to hold the 2045 Future Land Use map until April, and denied two commercial short-term rental applications in Five Points and on Fifth Street.

Why It Matters: The C-STR denials signal the commission's continued pushback against short-term rentals pulling units out of Athens' tight housing market. One resident called out ongoing parking and noise issues in Five Points.

Read more here.

The Gist: George Whittenburg, a 21-year-old UGA student from Austin, Texas, died Jan. 30 after a parked truck rolled in reverse and struck him on Peabody Street two days earlier. Hundreds gathered for a prayer vigil at Sigma Phi Epsilon on Monday night, and a benefit concert, Jam4Jam, was held Feb. 3 at the 40 Watt Club.

Why It Matters: This was Athens-Clarke County's first traffic fatality of 2026. The community rallied quickly to honor Whittenburg's memory.

Read more here.

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⚾ Inaugural Fanfest at Foley Field | Foley Field | Athens | 02/08 | More Meet UGA Baseball players and coaching staff, take photos and get autographs. Free family-friendly afternoon.

🥎 UGA Softball - Red & Black Showcase | Turner Softball Stadium | Athens | 02/06-02/08 | More Dawgs open the season at home vs. Missouri State, Fordham, and Belmont. Multiple games across all three days.

🎨 Home & Family: A Printmaking Exhibit Opening Reception | Taylor-Grady House | Athens | 02/06 | More Black History Month exhibit showcasing work by artist Jamaal Barber, UGA student artists, and Lamar Dodd School of Art faculty. 5:30-8 PM. Free.

🥁 Drum Tao | Hodgson Concert Hall | Athens | 02/06 | More Explosive Japanese taiko drumming fused with choreography and traditional instruments. $42-$74.

🍷 Athens Wine Weekend | The Classic Center | Athens | 02/06-02/08 | More Three days of tastings, seminars, gourmet dinners, and sparkling brunch. Tickets from $30.

🎸 Sicard Hollow (Late Night After Billy Strings) | Live Wire Athens | Athens | 02/06 & 02/07 | More Nashville psychedelic punk-grass rockers keep the energy going after the arena clears. 11 PM.

🎭 The Vagina Monologues | Marigold Auditorium | Winterville | 02/05-02/07 | More The Cottage's fourth annual production. All proceeds support survivors of sexual violence. $16 presale.

🍲 SOUPer Bowl Charity Potluck | Athentic Brewing Co. | Athens | 02/08 | More Teams compete for the "Superb Bowl Crown" with chilis and stews. Proceeds benefit Athens Community Council on Aging. $5 minimum donation. 6-10:30 PM.

🎵 MJ Lenderman | 40 Watt Club | Athens | 02/11 | More One of indie rock's sharpest rising voices at Athens' most iconic small venue.

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