In today’s Scoop:
🏫 Athens votes Tuesday on $215 million for school buildings, buses and tech
🗳️ Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 3
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☕ Espresso and pastries in Normaltown
Sips Espresso Cafe sits at Prince and Satula in Normaltown. Its espresso drinks use beans from Athens Coffee Holding & Roasting, and the shop also serves iced tea, sodas and freshly baked pastries.
The menu includes a Cubano, Cortadito and Mexican Mocha. There is a patio if you want to stay; doors open at 6:30 a.m. on weekdays, 7 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday.
Read more here.
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👶 Want Another Look at Your Baby Before the Next Scan?
Waiting for your next prenatal ultrasound can feel like forever when you’re excited to see your little one. Blossom Ultrasound Boutique, founded by Jade Hopcraft, offers elective keepsake ultrasounds for expecting parents in the Athens area.
A keepsake visit gives you a chance to enjoy another glimpse of your baby outside a medical appointment. Just remember to keep your scheduled prenatal scans and any health-related questions with your healthcare provider.
Ready for a little extra baby time? Visit Blossom’s booking page to explore the available visit options and choose an appointment.
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🏫 Tuesday's ballot decides whether Athens keeps paying a penny for school buildings
The Gist: Clarke County voters decide Tuesday, Nov. 3, whether to renew E-SPLOST, the 1% sales tax that pays for school buildings, buses and technology. The renewal would run five years, from 2027 to 2032, and can raise up to $215 million, about $40 million more than the last round. Athens voters have approved the tax every time since 1997, and the last renewal passed with almost 80% of the vote in 2021.
Why It Matters: The money can only go to capital projects like HVAC, roofs, technology and renovations, not salaries. The last round paid for the $55 million Clarke Middle School rebuild that opened in 2024, and this one would prioritize elementary schools due for a 20-year refresh. Oversight committee chair Alex Sams warns a loss would leave a funding gap, and the board could raise property taxes to cover it. Former supporter Jeff Snowden says he no longer backs it because a sales tax hits lower-income residents hardest and pushes shoppers to cheaper neighboring counties.
What's Next: The renewal needs a simple majority. If it fails, the district has to wait at least a year to try again. If both E-SPLOST and the FLOST on the same ballot pass, Athens' sales tax rises from 8% to 9%.
Read more here.
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🥕 Athens Farmers Market | Bishop Park | Athens | Sat, Nov 7, 8 a.m.–noon | More | Find local produce, baked goods, flowers and hot coffee.
🎨 Family Day: The Science of Art | Georgia Museum of Art | Athens | Sat, Nov 7, 10 a.m.–noon | More | Try hands-on gallery activities and make an art project to take home.
🍂 Fall Festival at Taylor-Grady House | Taylor-Grady House | Athens | Sat, Nov 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | More | See local artisans demonstrate papermaking, textiles, woodworking and candle making.
🏒 UGA Women's Hockey vs. Alabama | Akins Ford Arena | Athens | Sun, Nov 8, 4 p.m. | More | Watch UGA face Alabama on Girl Scouts Patch Night; admission is free.
🖼️ Tour at Two | Georgia Museum of Art | Athens | Wed, Nov 4, 2 p.m. | More | Docents guide visitors through highlights of the museum's permanent collection.
🎸 Josh Turner: This Country Music Thing Tour | The Classic Center Theatre | Athens | Thu, Nov 5, 7:30 p.m. | More | Hear Turner's traditional country sound with special guest Belle Frantz.
🎭 UGA Theatre: Guys & Dolls | Fine Arts Theatre | Athens | Fri, Nov 6, 7:30 p.m. | More | UGA Theatre stages a Broadway musical about gamblers, romance and New York nightlife.
🎻 Athens Symphony Orchestra: Fall Concert | The Classic Center Theatre | Athens | Sun, Nov 8, 3 p.m. | More | The orchestra closes its free concert with Gershwin's An American in Paris.
Want to see more events or add your own? View our events calendar →
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