The Downtown Athens Parade of Lights starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

December 5th Podcast

Hello and welcome to the Athens News podcast, I’m Melissa Carter. The Georgia Bulldogs are playing in a Bowl game, just not the one many wanted. Plus, a warning about delivery texts this holiday, some may not be real. But first…Here are your top stories brought to you by Drake Realty.

Athens News

The Downtown Athens Parade of Lights starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Rain or shine, this festive celebration promises a small-town community feel.

Park early at Washington Street decks or ParkMobile lots.

Explore downtown gems before the parade, featuring "An Art Filled Holiday" theme, led by Grand Marshal Harold Rittenberry Jr.

Over 70 participants, including dance teams, the Classic City Rollergirls, and even Santa in an artistic sleigh.

This from the Athens-Banner Herald.

Athens News

U.S. health officials are issuing a warning amid a growing salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated cantaloupe.

At least 117 people across 34 states have fallen ill, with 61 hospitalized and two fatalities reported.

Pre-cut cantaloupe from various sources, including Kwik Trip, Bix Produce, and GHGA, distributed to Kroger, Sprouts Farmer's Markets, and Trader Joe's, is under recall.

The CDC urges caution, advising consumers to discard such products if unsure of their origin due to the severity of the illnesses reported.

This from Fox 5.

Athens News

In a concerning incident on Nov. 5, an unknown male gained access to a three-woman apartment at The Standard on 600 Thomas Street.

Shockingly, security staff reportedly allowed entry by unlocking doors, leaving the residents unaware.

Ring doorbell footage revealed the security guard's actions, prompting the roommates to notify property management and corporate.

While nothing was reported stolen or damaged, the unknown male's actions inside the apartment remain unclear.

Athens-Clarke County Police are now investigating this security breach.

This from the Red & Black.

Social Media

From WSB’s Facebook page:

The final season of the four-team College Football Playoff turned out to be the most controversial with an unprecedented snub of Georgia.

Greg George said: The irrelevant Bowl!

Ronny Bailey responded: They are Playing in the CRY BABY bowl.

Terry Brookins offered: Most of the players will probably sit out and prepare for the draft.

Chris Powert added: I am not happy about how the SEC. Championship game went down either..but UGA vs Florida St could be really good game.

UGA News

In the era of telehealth, a UGA study questions the accuracy of existing clinical decision rules for flu diagnosis via remote visits.

With almost a quarter of Americans opting for telehealth, the research, published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, examines patient-reported symptoms.

Epidemiology student Zane Billings highlights concerns over patient-clinician disagreement and the need for accurate diagnoses.

Although a new model using machine learning was explored, challenges remain, emphasizing the importance of further research for a telehealth-ready clinical decision rule.

Learn more at jabfm.org.

This from the Athens-Banner Herald.

UGA Sports

After its loss in the SEC Championship game, UGA will take on Florida State in the Orange Bowl on December 30th. Kickoff is at 4pm.

This from ESPN.

Athens News

This holiday season, a warning from AARP: Beware of fake delivery service texts.

With the rise of online shopping during the pandemic, scammers exploit curiosity, sending texts claiming undelivered packages.

Legitimate delivery services won't ask for personal info.

If the link and sender details look suspicious, don't click.

Remember, a genuine delivery update won't ask for your data.

This from Atlanta News First.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.