Local News

The Red Cross is hoping to prevent a summer blood shortage.  The agency says while about 38% of the population can donate, only about 10 of those eligible actually do so. The Red Cross is offering people considering becoming first-time donors some tips on how they can have the best donation experience possible.

The University of Georgia and Clarke County public schools are partnering for the second  annual Camp DIVE  Students will be spending the month of June immersed in history, reading, STEM projects and other subjects.

Over 90 students are taking part in Camp DIVE this year. Organizers say it's to help prevent 'summer slide,' where over the summer, students lose some of the academic gains they made during school year. Janna Dresden is the director of UGA's College of Education's Office of School Engagement. She says the effort is a true collaboration.

On this edition of Athens News Matters, guests Blake Aued and District 3 Commissioner Melissa Link join Alexia Ridley to share their opinions on neighborhood planning in the West Hancock neighborhood, a discrimination complaint filed against an Athens bar, and the District 9 commission race.

The Shepherd's Men, a 17-member team of active and former servicemen and civilians are taking part in their 4th annual run in eight cities through Memorial Day. The group will be in Athens Sunday, May 28. They'll gather on the steps of the University of Georgia Chapel at 10 am before starting their half marathon at 10:30.