Flagpole Magazine

Plans for a facility near Athens to detain up to 10,000 immigrants appear to be dead.

Homeland Security Backs Off Plans for ICE Detention Center in Social Circle - Flagpole The Department of Homeland Security is abandoning a plan to use a warehouse as an ICE detention center in the small city of Social Circle.  The warehouse in Social Circle, located in Walton County about 40 miles southwest of Athens, had been slated to detain as many as 10,000 people—a figure dou...

There are several ways to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday at the end of the week.

Juneteenth Community Events Celebrating Our Second Independence Day - Flagpole Although Juneteenth was signed into law as a federal holiday just five years ago, it’s a date long commemorating the end of slavery in the United States—hence being known as the Second Independence Day. Juneteenth celebrations date back to more than 100 years ago, when African Americans were sti...

Rial Rye's exhibition is one of five opening tomorrow at the Lyndon House Arts Center as part of its summer series.

Q&A With Rial Rye: Art Exhibition ‘Son of a Griff’ Explores Biracial Identity - Flagpole Atlanta-based artist Rial Rye’s new exhibition “Son of a Griff” at the Lyndon House Arts Center concentrates on his biracial identity through vibrant, highly saturated works created with nostalgic children’s toys that invite visitors to consider race, identity and challenging histories in an...

Dexter Fisher will be the first Black mayor of Athens: https://flagpole.com/election2026/2026/06/16/polls-are-now-open-for-athens-clarke-county-runoffs/

The Westside brewery announced that it will be closing at the end of the month.

Akademia Brewing Co. Set to Close, and More Food News - Flagpole On the cusp of its 10-year anniversary, Akademia Brewing Co. has announced that it will be closing after service finishes on Sunday, June 28. A heartfelt message posted on social media explains the decision was made due to the same challenges in the industry that many are facing, like rising costs a...

This week's recap from Athens GA Live Music features Pilgrim, Trycoh and more!

Athens GA Live Music Presents: Silver Triplets of the Rio Hondo, Trycoh and More - Flagpole With Gregory Frederick and Frank Russell behind the camera, Athens GA Live Music seeks to document local and touring bands gracing stages across the Classic City. Explore the whole archive and subscribe to the channel here. Get up to speed with recent performances below, and remember to check Flagpo...

Yesterday's annual Hot Corner Festival was full of celebration, filling the downtown streets with live music, dancing, food and more.

Photo Gallery: Hot Corner Festival 2026 - Flagpole The 26th annual Hot Corner Celebration and Soul Food Festival took place on Saturday with live music, food and drink vendors, local entrepreneurs, a car and bike show and more. The heat didn’t stop the festivities at the corner of Hull and Washington streets yesterday. Flagpole photographer Jake Z...

Photographer Kat Wood captured Upon A Burning Body at Music Farm this past Sunday.

Photo Gallery: Upon A Burning Body at Music Farm - Flagpole Upon A Burning Body at Music Farm on Sunday, June 7. Check out the photographs below. Upon A Burning Body