Diner of R.E.M. fame may close

ATHENS, GA. • The owner of a Georgia restaurant that inspired the name of rock band R.E.M.’s Automatic for the People album says he might have to close.

Dexter Weaver tells The Athens Banner-Herald that a utility employee showed up Friday to cut off the gas to his Athens restaurant. Weaver says he paid what he could and the restaurant remains open. He has been running the soul food restaurant for more than 25 years.