Athens Politics Nerd
@athenspoliticsnerd.bsky.social
Independent, progressive journalism for Athens, Georgia.
Even though SNAP benefits are flowing again, Athens' food emergency is not over, according to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/nega-food-ba...
athenspoliticsnerd.com/nega-food-ba...
NEGA Food Bank still reporting a "desperate level of need" | Athens Politics Nerd
The food emergency in the Athens area caused by the federal government's temporarily pause of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits is not over,
athenspoliticsnerd.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Even though SNAP benefits are flowing again, Athens' food emergency is not over, according to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/nega-food-ba...
athenspoliticsnerd.com/nega-food-ba...
The Human Rights Campaign evaluates over 500 US cities every year on the LGBTQ+ inclusiveness of their laws, policies and services.
This year, thanks to the ACC Police Department, the local government scored an "A" for the first time.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/acc-gov-scor...
This year, thanks to the ACC Police Department, the local government scored an "A" for the first time.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/acc-gov-scor...
ACC Gov scores "A" grade for LGBTQ+ equality for the first time | Athens Politics Nerd
The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government has scored over 90% on the Human Rights Campaign’s municipal equality index for the first time, showing continued
athenspoliticsnerd.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:16 PM
The Human Rights Campaign evaluates over 500 US cities every year on the LGBTQ+ inclusiveness of their laws, policies and services.
This year, thanks to the ACC Police Department, the local government scored an "A" for the first time.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/acc-gov-scor...
This year, thanks to the ACC Police Department, the local government scored an "A" for the first time.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/acc-gov-scor...
If you live in Oconee County or southeast Clarke, you can vote in a special election today that can help swing the balance of power statewide.
You can vote at the elections office downtown (155 E. Washington Street) from 8-5 Monday through Wednesday this week.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/2025-special...
You can vote at the elections office downtown (155 E. Washington Street) from 8-5 Monday through Wednesday this week.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/2025-special...
2025 Special Election Voter Guide | Athens Politics Nerd
In this article, APN’s editor will examine the candidates, providing information and analysis to help you decide who to vote for on December 9.
athenspoliticsnerd.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:11 PM
If you live in Oconee County or southeast Clarke, you can vote in a special election today that can help swing the balance of power statewide.
You can vote at the elections office downtown (155 E. Washington Street) from 8-5 Monday through Wednesday this week.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/2025-special...
You can vote at the elections office downtown (155 E. Washington Street) from 8-5 Monday through Wednesday this week.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/2025-special...
The nonprofit Mayday Health flew a banner over Sanford Stadium to remind everyone that abortion pills are available by mail in Georgia, despite the abortion ban.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/abortion-pil...
athenspoliticsnerd.com/abortion-pil...
Abortion pills: They're available by mail in Georgia | Athens Politics Nerd
The following is a press release from Mayday Health, an abortion pill education nonprofit. They've been flying banners over sporting events -- including in
athenspoliticsnerd.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:16 PM
The nonprofit Mayday Health flew a banner over Sanford Stadium to remind everyone that abortion pills are available by mail in Georgia, despite the abortion ban.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/abortion-pil...
athenspoliticsnerd.com/abortion-pil...
Democrat Eric Gisler is running to become the next state rep for district 121. His Republican opponent is Mack “Dutch” Guest IV.
Early voting is going on now at the ACC Elections Office (155 E. Washington Street) and the Tennis Center (4460 Lexington Road).
athenspoliticsnerd.com/interview-wi...
Early voting is going on now at the ACC Elections Office (155 E. Washington Street) and the Tennis Center (4460 Lexington Road).
athenspoliticsnerd.com/interview-wi...
Interview with Eric Gisler | Athens Politics Nerd
Democrat Eric Gisler is running to become the next state representative for district 121. His Republican opponent is Mack "Dutch" Guest IV.
athenspoliticsnerd.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Democrat Eric Gisler is running to become the next state rep for district 121. His Republican opponent is Mack “Dutch” Guest IV.
Early voting is going on now at the ACC Elections Office (155 E. Washington Street) and the Tennis Center (4460 Lexington Road).
athenspoliticsnerd.com/interview-wi...
Early voting is going on now at the ACC Elections Office (155 E. Washington Street) and the Tennis Center (4460 Lexington Road).
athenspoliticsnerd.com/interview-wi...
Reposted by Athens Politics Nerd
"The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI to investigate allegations against Chief Steffman. The investigation revealed that Steffman misused the automated license plate recognition systems to harass and stalk multiple individuals."
@404media.co
gbi.georgia.gov/press-releas...
@404media.co
gbi.georgia.gov/press-releas...
GBI Arrests Braselton Police Chief for Harassment and Stalking
Braselton, Jackson County, GA (November 19, 2025) – The GBI has arrested and charged Braselton Police Department Chief Michael Steffman, age 49, of Braselton, GA, with Violation of Oath by Public Offi...
gbi.georgia.gov
November 19, 2025 at 11:50 PM
"The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI to investigate allegations against Chief Steffman. The investigation revealed that Steffman misused the automated license plate recognition systems to harass and stalk multiple individuals."
@404media.co
gbi.georgia.gov/press-releas...
@404media.co
gbi.georgia.gov/press-releas...
They're coming after your THC, bro!
"the new language would prevent “the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp-based or hemp-derived products, including delta-8, from being sold...while preserving non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp products.”
flagpole.com/news/news-fe...
"the new language would prevent “the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp-based or hemp-derived products, including delta-8, from being sold...while preserving non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp products.”
flagpole.com/news/news-fe...
Bill Ending Government Shutdown Also Targets the Hemp Industry - Flagpole
Kentucky’s two U.S. senators sparred this week over the future of the country’s hemp industry—one arguing that a provision attached to the package that will reopen the government will close a problema...
flagpole.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:54 PM
They're coming after your THC, bro!
"the new language would prevent “the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp-based or hemp-derived products, including delta-8, from being sold...while preserving non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp products.”
flagpole.com/news/news-fe...
"the new language would prevent “the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp-based or hemp-derived products, including delta-8, from being sold...while preserving non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp products.”
flagpole.com/news/news-fe...
At a town hall meeting last week, Georgia Power representatives promised upgrades to the Eastside electrical grid that will stop the continued power outages on that side of town.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/georgia-powe...
athenspoliticsnerd.com/georgia-powe...
Georgia Power promises improved reliability of Eastside power grid | Athens Politics Nerd
The east side of Athens-Clarke County has experienced numerous lengthy power outages over the last couple years, but representatives from Georgia Power say
athenspoliticsnerd.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:41 PM
At a town hall meeting last week, Georgia Power representatives promised upgrades to the Eastside electrical grid that will stop the continued power outages on that side of town.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/georgia-powe...
athenspoliticsnerd.com/georgia-powe...
The commission will be designating Superbowl Sunday 2026 as our one Sunday a year when establishments with D, E or F alcohol licenses can serve alcohol.
November 19, 2025 at 2:33 AM
The commission will be designating Superbowl Sunday 2026 as our one Sunday a year when establishments with D, E or F alcohol licenses can serve alcohol.
Commissioner Ovita Thornton, who has stated multiple times that she opposes "social justice" resolutions, now is advocating for a resolution in support of the community around the rock quarry who say they have been impacted.
"Nobody gets no water," Thornton says, until the community is made whole.
"Nobody gets no water," Thornton says, until the community is made whole.
November 19, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Commissioner Ovita Thornton, who has stated multiple times that she opposes "social justice" resolutions, now is advocating for a resolution in support of the community around the rock quarry who say they have been impacted.
"Nobody gets no water," Thornton says, until the community is made whole.
"Nobody gets no water," Thornton says, until the community is made whole.
Yikes. We need to stop contracting with Flock Safety, y'all. This is awful.
I can't vouch for Benn Jordan's reliability but it seems legit to me.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0g...
I can't vouch for Benn Jordan's reliability but it seems legit to me.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0g...
We Hacked Flock Safety Cameras in under 30 Seconds. 🫥
YouTube video by Benn Jordan
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Yikes. We need to stop contracting with Flock Safety, y'all. This is awful.
I can't vouch for Benn Jordan's reliability but it seems legit to me.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0g...
I can't vouch for Benn Jordan's reliability but it seems legit to me.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0g...
The commission is discussing tightening up their short-term rental ordinance to prohibit commercial STRs in agricultural neighborhood zones, light industrial zones and multifamily zones.
Commercial STRs are currently allowed in these zones as a special use.
Commercial STRs are currently allowed in these zones as a special use.
November 19, 2025 at 1:06 AM
The commission is discussing tightening up their short-term rental ordinance to prohibit commercial STRs in agricultural neighborhood zones, light industrial zones and multifamily zones.
Commercial STRs are currently allowed in these zones as a special use.
Commercial STRs are currently allowed in these zones as a special use.
The ACC Commission is hearing about a potential resign of the Homewood Hills shopping center right now. It will include some townhomes and two apartment buildings.
November 18, 2025 at 11:25 PM
The ACC Commission is hearing about a potential resign of the Homewood Hills shopping center right now. It will include some townhomes and two apartment buildings.
The monthly mayor and commission agenda-setting meeting is about to start.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr28...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr28...
11-18-2025 Mayor & Commission Special Called & Agenda Setting Session
YouTube video by Athens-Clarke County (accgov)
www.youtube.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:01 PM
The monthly mayor and commission agenda-setting meeting is about to start.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr28...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr28...
Seems fair! Capitalism is truly the most efficient and best way to distribute resources. No notes.
November 18, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Seems fair! Capitalism is truly the most efficient and best way to distribute resources. No notes.
Reposted by Athens Politics Nerd
What is the through line for many of the cities who have ended up getting the brunt of federal escalation?
Black leaders, and especially black leaders who are defending their immigrant constituents. The enemy is not just immigrants, it is multiracial democracy.
boltsmag.org/north-caroli...
Black leaders, and especially black leaders who are defending their immigrant constituents. The enemy is not just immigrants, it is multiracial democracy.
boltsmag.org/north-caroli...
North Carolina GOP Is Cracking Down on the Black Sheriffs Who Stood Up to ICE - Bolts
Editor’s note: The GOP-run legislature passed this bill in September 2024, sending it to Democratic Governor Roy Cooper’s desk. After Cooper vetoed the bill, Republican lawmakers overrode his veto in....
boltsmag.org
November 16, 2025 at 10:13 PM
What is the through line for many of the cities who have ended up getting the brunt of federal escalation?
Black leaders, and especially black leaders who are defending their immigrant constituents. The enemy is not just immigrants, it is multiracial democracy.
boltsmag.org/north-caroli...
Black leaders, and especially black leaders who are defending their immigrant constituents. The enemy is not just immigrants, it is multiracial democracy.
boltsmag.org/north-caroli...
Y'all. What are we doing? We've got to do something about climate change. 😱
www.earth.com/news/study-a...
www.earth.com/news/study-a...
Study says it's already too late to save the luxury crops that make coffee, chocolate, and wine
Scientists warn solar cooling can’t guarantee stable harvests needed to save the luxury crops that produce coffee, chocolate, and wine.
www.earth.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Y'all. What are we doing? We've got to do something about climate change. 😱
www.earth.com/news/study-a...
www.earth.com/news/study-a...
The first debate in the 2026 Mayor's race was on Saturday and I've got the highlights for you here!
www.youtube.com/shorts/Rnm01...
www.youtube.com/shorts/Rnm01...
Highlights from the AthChat mayor's debate
YouTube video by Athens Politics Nerd
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:59 PM
The first debate in the 2026 Mayor's race was on Saturday and I've got the highlights for you here!
www.youtube.com/shorts/Rnm01...
www.youtube.com/shorts/Rnm01...
Unless the page hasn't been updated yet today, it looks like there will be just two candidates in the Dec. 9 special election in State House District 121:
Eric Gisler (D)
Mack “Dutch” Guest IV (R)
I've already interviewed Gisler. I wonder if Dutch would be willing to interview as well?
Eric Gisler (D)
Mack “Dutch” Guest IV (R)
I've already interviewed Gisler. I wonder if Dutch would be willing to interview as well?
November 10, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Unless the page hasn't been updated yet today, it looks like there will be just two candidates in the Dec. 9 special election in State House District 121:
Eric Gisler (D)
Mack “Dutch” Guest IV (R)
I've already interviewed Gisler. I wonder if Dutch would be willing to interview as well?
Eric Gisler (D)
Mack “Dutch” Guest IV (R)
I've already interviewed Gisler. I wonder if Dutch would be willing to interview as well?
The 2026 local election is kicking off early in Athens!
Russell Edwards and Drew Abney, hosts of the AthChat podcast, held the first mayoral debate of the election cycle on Saturday at Cine.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/2025-athchat...
Russell Edwards and Drew Abney, hosts of the AthChat podcast, held the first mayoral debate of the election cycle on Saturday at Cine.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/2025-athchat...
2025 AthChat Mayoral Debate | Athens Politics Nerd
The AthChat podcast, hosted by Russell Edwards and Drew Abney, held the first mayoral debate of the election cycle on Saturday at Cine in downtown Athens.
athenspoliticsnerd.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:12 PM
The 2026 local election is kicking off early in Athens!
Russell Edwards and Drew Abney, hosts of the AthChat podcast, held the first mayoral debate of the election cycle on Saturday at Cine.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/2025-athchat...
Russell Edwards and Drew Abney, hosts of the AthChat podcast, held the first mayoral debate of the election cycle on Saturday at Cine.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/2025-athchat...
I'm on the left, but I hate government shutdowns really for any reason. It's a failure of government.
Now that SNAP funding is secured, anyone who still wants to shut things down can do it in January. I understand why they did it but I can't say I hope they do it again.
Now that SNAP funding is secured, anyone who still wants to shut things down can do it in January. I understand why they did it but I can't say I hope they do it again.
November 10, 2025 at 5:01 AM
I'm on the left, but I hate government shutdowns really for any reason. It's a failure of government.
Now that SNAP funding is secured, anyone who still wants to shut things down can do it in January. I understand why they did it but I can't say I hope they do it again.
Now that SNAP funding is secured, anyone who still wants to shut things down can do it in January. I understand why they did it but I can't say I hope they do it again.
Reposted by Athens Politics Nerd
Democratic senators are still getting paid and don’t need SNAP, but of course some gave in as soon as they were personally affected by flight delays.
November 10, 2025 at 4:12 AM
Democratic senators are still getting paid and don’t need SNAP, but of course some gave in as soon as they were personally affected by flight delays.
Reposted by Athens Politics Nerd
BREAKING: Senate takes first step to end government shutdown after some moderate Democrats agreed to proceed without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies, angering many in their caucus who say Americans want them to continue the fight.
Senate takes first step toward ending the government shutdown
The Senate took the first step to end the government shutdown on Sunday after a group of moderate Democrats agreed to proceed without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies, angering many in their caucus who wanted to continue the fight.
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 4:03 AM
BREAKING: Senate takes first step to end government shutdown after some moderate Democrats agreed to proceed without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies, angering many in their caucus who say Americans want them to continue the fight.
If the existence of billionaires is a policy failure, what does it mean when trillionaires exist?
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/b...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/b...
Tesla shareholders approve $1 trillion pay package for Musk | CNN Business
Tesla shareholders approved a pay package on Thursday that could make CEO Elon Musk, already the world’s richest person, the world’s first trillionaire.
www.cnn.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:50 PM
If the existence of billionaires is a policy failure, what does it mean when trillionaires exist?
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/b...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/b...
A food emergency is spreading across Athens in the wake of the federal freeze of SNAP food assistance benefits.
As Athenians wait for a fraction of their normal benefits this month, the local gov has stepped up to help fund the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/commission-h...
As Athenians wait for a fraction of their normal benefits this month, the local gov has stepped up to help fund the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/commission-h...
ACC Commission helps NE GA Food Bank keep Athenians fed as SNAP delay continues | Athens Politics Nerd
The ACC Commission has agreed to give $150,000 to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia as some Athenians continue to wonder when they will receive food
athenspoliticsnerd.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:09 PM
A food emergency is spreading across Athens in the wake of the federal freeze of SNAP food assistance benefits.
As Athenians wait for a fraction of their normal benefits this month, the local gov has stepped up to help fund the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/commission-h...
As Athenians wait for a fraction of their normal benefits this month, the local gov has stepped up to help fund the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
athenspoliticsnerd.com/commission-h...