Fire behind Last Resort in downtown Athens ruled an accident; no fire damage to Morton Theater

Athens News Podcast: 10/10/23

1. Fire behind Last Resort in downtown Athens ruled an accident; no fire damage to Morton Theater:

A fire broke out at The Last Resort restaurant in Athens, seemingly accidental and unrelated to foul play, according to the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department. The fire started in a storage building behind the restaurant, ignited by a combination of stored items and heat. Fortunately, it didn't impact restaurant operations, and the affected area was turned into a garden for dining. Firefighters, responding to the incident, also entered the nearby Morton Theater as a precaution but found no signs of fire. Damage assessment is ongoing, but it won't hinder the Morton's upcoming plans for a free movie screening on October 13.................This from the Athens – Banner Herald

1. UGA joins College Cost Transparency Initiative:

The University of Georgia, along with 25 other schools in the University System of Georgia, has joined the College Cost Transparency Initiative, aiming to standardize language in financial aid offers for clarity. The initiative, comprising over 360 institutions, ensures easily comprehensible cost, terms, and conditions in aid offers. This move aids prospective students and families in comparing offers more efficiently. UGA's commitment to financial aid transparency aligns with the initiative's goals. The College Cost Transparency Initiative, created by a task force of higher education leaders, sets standards for transparent, plain language aid offers, promoting informed financial decisions.............This from UGA Today

1. 'Aggressive' bobcat attacked children in Athens area, fire department warns:

A video captured a security guard leaving a gun unattended on the floor of a Georgia Department of Labor building in Athens. The gun remained unattended for several minutes in a waiting room with employees and taxpayers. Russell Pickron, a government watchdog, recorded the incident and expressed concern about the risk, especially for children present in the area. It took at least four minutes before the security guard returned. The Georgia Department of Labor labeled the situation unacceptable, stating that the officer involved will no longer work at any GDOL locations.............This from 11 Alive

1. Student entrepreneurs from the 14 SEC schools to come to Athens for pitch competition:

The competition provides teams of SEC students at the undergraduate or graduate level a platform to showcase their ideas for ground-breaking products and services to a panel of judges, including SEC alumni, who are successful entrepreneurs and have built businesses that contribute daily to the region’s economic development.

The mission of the UGA Entrepreneurship Program is to help develop the mindset of future entrepreneurs and prepare students for business leadership roles............This from the Athens – Banner Herald

1. Protestors show support for Palestinian freedom at downtown Athens demonstration:

A protest titled "Free Palestine! End all U.S. Aid to Israel!" took place in downtown Athens as part of a national call to action by the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Approximately 30 people attended, expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid recent conflicts with Israel. The protest aimed to denounce U.S. aid to Israel, criticizing pro-Israel and pro-Zionism sentiments. The protesters, including UGA Students for Socialism members, highlighted opposition to what they perceive as a culture supporting Israel and capitalism. They called for movements challenging U.S. capitalism and its alleged support for the "Zionist entity." The conflict's ultimate cause, according to participants, was identified as U.S. capitalism............This from the Red and Black

1. Mexican national caught with nearly 3 pounds of meth in his car during traffic stop:

Esteban Palacios Chamu, a Mexican national residing in Atlanta, received a 10-year prison sentence for drug trafficking in the Athens-Clarke County region. Chamu was pulled over in December 2021 in Madison County for erratic driving and driving without a license or identification. Upon running his name, officers discovered warrants for his arrest in Doraville, GA. During the arrest, police found 1,190.21 grams (about 2.6 pounds) of methamphetamine, a drug ledger, digital scales, and other items related to drug distribution. Chamu pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a 10-year prison term without parole........This from WSBTV

1. Little girl who lost eye in Athens shooting working to find solace:

In April, a stray bullet struck and blinded Ne’vaeh Brown, a little girl inside a dance studio in Athens. The man responsible, Rasheed Scott, was recently sentenced to 30 years in prison for firing the shots during an argument. Ne’vaeh, who lost her left eye, sight, and childhood, now wears a prosthetic eye and struggles with PTSD. Her mother, Brittanie Wright, expressed the challenges Ne’vaeh faces, including fear of extracurricular activities and loud noises. Despite the emotional and physical scars, Ne’vaeh’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses as she navigates a changed life............This from Fox 5

Social:

Gabriel Calderon from Athens “Any new restaurants coming soon or stores coming soon”

Others Commented:

Rob J. Caskey from Watkinsville “Jim N' Nicks is great chain bbq in Oconee opens wed. It's regrettably probably going to be our best all-around BBQ option for the next few years.”

Tuawanda Wingfield from Bogart “Can we have a soul food restaurant that will stay open later than 3pm.”

Shaye Gambrell from Athens “Literally all three new places are latin/Mexican? Sigh”

Jack Briscoe from Athens “We need a Mexican restaurant!!!!“

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