A final farewell in Plains, as close friends and family gather to lay former first lady Rosalynn Carter to rest.

December 2nd Podcast

Hello and welcome to the Athens News podcast, I’m Melissa Carter. The SEC Championship is staying here awhile.… and UGA is represented in the latest Apple commercial. But first…Here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty.

Athens News

A final farewell in Plains, as close friends and family gather to lay former first lady Rosalynn Carter to rest.

The funeral, held in the couple's hometown, brought an unexpected touch that adorned attendees—the wearing of leis.

Why leis? It was a nod to the Carters' time in Hawaii during President Jimmy Carter's naval career.

Mrs. Carter even won a hula dancing contest while living there.

The funeral concluded a three-day tribute to Carter, whose grave is within view of the front porch of the home where Jimmy Carter still lives.

This from Fox 5.

Athens News

The search for a man wanted in connection with a fatal wreck nine months ago has taken a new turn.

The U.S. Marshal's Office in Macon has now taken charge of the case.

The suspect, Cesar Macias, remains at large after the tragic incident that claimed the life of 23-year-old University of Georgia doctoral student Beth Buchanan.

Macias is wanted on charges of vehicular homicide, drunk driving, and driving on the wrong side of the road.

The fatal crash occurred at 3 a.m. in Winder, as Macias, allegedly speeding with a malfunctioning headlight, collided head-on with Buchanan's car.

Beth Buchanan lost her life, and her mother, Julie, sustained life-threatening injuries.

This from the Athens-Banner Herald.

Athens News

Due to the bad weather this weekend, the Beechwood Holiday Market is rescheduled for Dec. 15th, from 6-9pm at the Beechwood Shopping Center on 196 Alps Rd.

In addition to food trucks, hayrides, s'mores and a chance to meet Santa Claus, the Beechwood Holiday Market is scheduled to feature a free screening of the "Polar Express.”

Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and chairs.

Admission is free.

This from the Athens-Banner Herald.

Social Media

From the Athens-Clarke County Facebook page:

In a recent arrest, police seized an illegal machine gun tied to a carjacking two years ago.

Eighteen-year-old Demetrius Collins was apprehended on Nov. 22 at Parkview Homes, West Broad Street.

A search revealed four guns, including a 9mm pistol converted to a fully-automatic firearm.

Another shocking discovery—an M&P 15 assault-type rifle with a 40-round magazine.

Jabece1903 said: Well...there is that elephant in the room again…

Common sense responded: No doubt that stricter gun control laws would have prevented this repeat offender from possessing such a fine collection.

ThatGirl sarcastically offered: There's no way someone out on bond in Athens committed ANOTHER crime.

UGA News

The agonizing wait continues for Ron Tsur, a UGA 3rd-year student, as his family grapples with the kidnapping crisis in Israel.

After more than 50 days, Hamas released two of his cousins, 12-year-old Erez and 16-year-old Sahar Kalderon, but their father, Ofer, remains in custody.

Tsur expresses a bittersweet emotion, cautioning that many families still endure this ordeal.

As the cease-fire deadline looms, concerns grow for those yet to be released.

This from WSB.

Meanwhile, UGA Students for Justice in Palestine rallied by the Arch in downtown Athens last week for the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Students for Justice in Palestine, joined by Students for Socialism at UGA and UGA Young Democratic Socialists, aim to end U.S. aid to Israel.

Conflicting voices clashed at City Hall, prompting police intervention.

This from the Red and Black.

UGA Sports

Philadelphia Eagle and former UGA standout Jordan Davis is making headlines for more than just his prowess on the football field.

A video of the 6-foot-6, 336-pound defensive lineman singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" has gone viral on the NFL's TikTok page.

* maybe insert some audio here?*

Known for his gentle giant personality, Davis showcased his vocal talents in a studio alongside teammate Jordan Mailata.

Fans are now wondering if a Christmas album might be in the future for this multi-talented player.

And, The Georgia Bulldogs take on the Alabama Crimson Tide this afternoon in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is at 4.

Meanwhile, the SEC Championship Game isn’t leaving Atlanta anytime soon.

SEC officials and Mercedes-Benz Stadium announced last week that Atlanta will host the game through at least 2031. The previous contract was set to expire in 2026.

This from 11 Alive and WSB.

Athens News

Did you catch the latest Apple commercial featuring a UGA cameo?

In the 15-second spot titled "Discovering a Planet on Mac," UGA physics and astronomy doctoral student, Jason Terry, takes the spotlight.

Released on Nov. 9, the ad showcases Terry logging in and coding on his Mac.

The screen lights up with a notification about an interview with UGA Today and Astronomy.com.

The headline on UGA Today reads, "UGA researchers discover new planet outside solar system," featuring a study co-authored by Terry.

The commercial wraps up with the catchy tune "All I Do is Work" by Kurtis Perrie, leaving us with the slogan, "Great Work Happens on Mac."

This from the Athens Banner-Herald.

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