Solutions Journalism
Solutions Journalism is rigorous reporting on responses to social problems. The Solutions Journalism Hub of the South, housed at UGA’s Cox Institute, trains students to tell “the whole story” by applying the same investigative and thorough reporting skills to ways in which people and organizations are responding to the challenges and obstacles in our communities.
-
Small-Town Business Owner Makes Big Changes for Communities in Need
In the town of Lake Park, Georgia, just 18 miles south of Valdosta, Jennifer Singleton assists the elderly and disabled through the skills she acquired in cosmetology school. Singleton’s business, The Comb Over, offers in-home services that prioritizes the comfort of those who are unable to leave home or…
-
Coping with COVID-19: Researching, Reflecting on Love and Life During A Pandemic
According to the CDC, one of the best and only lines of defense we currently have against COVID-19 is social distancing, isolation and quarantining. Staying 6 feet apart and avoiding groups/crowded places is essential to protecting ourselves and others from the virus, as well as flattening the curve globally. However,…
-
Northeast Georgia Mask Production Continues With No End In Sight
“We have all felt like we couldn’t stop [making masks],” Barbara Mock, a retired professional seamstress said. “Initially when we did this we thought if we did this for a couple of weeks until the businesses that actually do make masks ramp it up and take over, but we’re not…
-
‘A Matter Of Ethics And A Matter Of Equity’: Students Request Systemwide Pass/Fail Grading Option for University System of Georgia
The University System of Georgia (USG) has remained unchanged in its decision to not offer a pass/fail option to students following the closure of Georgia colleges due to coronavirus on March 16, 2020, despite pleas and numerous petitions from students across the state. Georgia public colleges and universities are among…
-
Fundraiser for Athens Businesses Feeds Hospital Workers
With the coronavirus wreaking havoc on the lives of both people and businesses, Gloria Chu, a pediatrician for Piedmont Athens Regional, and her friend Ellie Macknight got together to make a solution. “When we saw the restaurants start closing, I mentioned to Gloria that someone should pay the restaurants to…
-
Local Restaurants Lend A Hand To Waiters In Need
A Sunday supper might bring up memories of home, but Matt Casey is cooking up food for a new family. He’s providing dinner for his service industry family. “We’re trying to do something, I guess, because it helps keep our minds on the positive,” Casey said. He owns Akademia Brewing…
-
Local Groups Sew Face Masks During Shortage
Citizens all over Northeast Georgia are stepping up to do their part in the fight against COVID-19, by sewing and donating face masks. Julie Strickland, 48, a member at Trinity Baptist Church in Danielsville, Georgia, is part of a group of quilters at the church who have been making…
-
Can You Recycle That? An AI Bot Can Let You Know
Greasy pizza boxes, single-use coffee cups and plastic bags are commonly used items, and people often wonder whether these types of items can be recycled. Now, an artificial intelligence bot on social media may be able to answer the question—“Can I recycle this?” Misplaced materials are common, and these incorrectly…
-
Disease Creates Challenges For Peach Farmers, Need For Change In Farming Patterns
If you’ve lived in the state of Georgia, more than likely you are familiar with the concept of “the Georgia peach.” It’s on the welcome sign at the border, on licence plates and part of the state’s official logo. According to USDA statistics, however, the overall utilized production of peaches…
-
Solar Panels, Sustainable Workplaces Bring New Energy to Athens
A growing trend in the world of work is the rise of sustainability – which means that businesses and governments are taking responsibility for their actions and resource use by incorporating renewable energy, waste management, and resourceful practices into their business models. The implementation of sustainability can look like Starbucks…