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🌱 Patch AM: How low did Athens’ unemployment rate fall this September?

Also check out An Evening of Storytelling & Comedy with Stormy Daniels on the Athens Patch calendar

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Greetings Athens! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How low did Athens’ unemployment rate fall this September?
  • How investigators tracked a downtown Athens murder suspect across counties
  • Cancer-surviving Santa brings comfort to patients at an Athens clinic

Also on today's calendar: Basketball Team Christmas Show! and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Athensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Athensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 59 and low of 35 degrees.
  • Sunday: Periods of clouds and sun, temps: high: 66, low: 37.
  • Monday: Cooler with partial sunshine, with a high of 57 and low of 38 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Metro Athens Unemployment Rate Falls in September (athensceo.com) — Athens-area unemployment dipped to 3.1% in September, with more residents working and a modest increase in total jobs across the four-county metro. State labor officials say nearly every Georgia region saw similar gains, and Athens also experienced a drop in new unemployment claims compared with both last month and last year.
   

2. Suspect in downtown Athens slaying arrested in Newton County (onlineathens.com) — Athens-Clarke police say a suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old Athens man near West Broad and Pulaski streets early December 18. Multiple local agencies and state and federal authorities helped track the suspect to Newton County, where he was taken into custody on murder and related firearm charges.
   

3. Cancer-surviving Santa spreads cheer, hope in Georgia (wrdw.com) — A pancreatic cancer survivor who plays Santa is bringing cheer back to the University Cancer and Blood Center in Athens, where he once received life-saving treatment. Jonathan Byrd now visits patients there, offering encouragement and a bit of Christmas magic during their treatments. His return each year highlights the strong bond between local caregivers, survivors, and current patients.
   

4. Almost half of college students have tried CBD, says it relieves stress, UGA study says (wsbtv.com) — A new University of Georgia study out of Athens finds nearly half of surveyed college students have tried CBD, often to manage stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. Researchers say college towns like Athens are prime markets as students juggle classes, jobs, and social pressures while turning to gummies and other CBD products for relief.
   

5. Electric Postal Service Vehicles Deliver Holiday Cheer and Clean Air (earthjustice.org) — A longtime letter carrier in Athens is among the first in the country to deliver mail in a new electric USPS truck, bringing quieter service and cleaner air to local neighborhoods. The Postal Service has now deployed more than 2,600 zero-emission vehicles nationwide after legal and public pressure, with plans to buy only electric mail trucks after 2026.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Has anyone seen our cat, Simone?
    She hasn't been home for a few days and would love to know she's safe out there! (Nextdoor Chicopee-Dudley)
  • Hi Everyone!
    Just an update… Whiskers is still missing. If anyone has seen or heard anything please let me know!! I appreciate all of the feedback and have been… (Nextdoor Five Points)
  • University of Georgia posted a job opening for Assistant Dean for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in Athens. Apply here.
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Material Handler Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$36/Hr in Athens. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Athens here.

Ok Athens! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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