Athens-Clarke County
Reporting about Clarke County, Georgia. Some stories will be republished in the Athens Banner-Herald as part of a news-academic partnership with Grady Newsource.
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Students Spread Sustainability through EcoReps
With more than 6,200 first-year students enrolled in 2025, the University of Georgia’s growing freshman class presents both excitement and sustainability challenges. The Eco-reps program is using that growth as an opportunity to educate students on environmentally friendly habits. Sadie Eubanks, a second-year EcoRep, joined the program her freshman year…
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How Athens’ Only Art House Theatre Is Bridging the Gap Between Cost and Community
With national box office sales struggling to return to pre-pandemic highs, Ciné continues to serve as a cultural beacon for the Athens community. Just last year, Beechwood Cinemas permanently closed after serving Athens movie-goers since its opening in 1962. But Athens’ only arthouse theatre, Ciné, is still thriving in…
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Sourcing Food Locally: How Local Restaurants Get From Farm to Table
Peter Dale, owner of Five & Ten and Maepole in Athens, has built his menus around one idea: sourcing food close to home. Sustainable sourcing is a manner of obtaining ingredients in ways that support the environment and local communities. According to an article from the Global Seed Initiative, this…
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Classic City Kick: Deep Dive into History, Title IX Legacy Behind Athens Soccer
A college town built on the foundation of SEC football is undergoing a quiet, athletic transformation. The new podcast, “Classic City Kick: The Rise of Soccer in Athens, GA,” dives into the local trend that explains why Athens — and the state of Georgia — have become a hotbed for…
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From Soil to System: How Marigold Collective is Redefining Local Food Access
Each Saturday, Winterville’s Pittard Park becomes a living, breathing testament of community resilience and sustainability. Local vendors line the walkways, tables overflowing with bright leafy greens and fresh homemade bread, while live music and the scent of roasted coffee set the mood. Responding to Community Need Athens-Clarke County qualifies as…
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Hope Behind Bars: How Clarke County Jail’s Re-Entry Program Is Changing Lives
When Cheyenne walked into the Clarke County Jail four and a half months ago, she thought she was stepping into another setback. Instead, she was greeted with a support system, new connections and eventually a diploma. On Oct. 16, 22-year-old Cheyenne became the second jail resident and first female to…
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On 50th Anniversary, Lay Park Playground Faces Possible Changes
City officials and residents are split over a redevelopment plan of 295 E. Dougherty Street, where supporters expressed excitement for new parking, student housing and urbanization while others warned the project may disrupt community services, limit access to Lay Park Community Center and overlook housing needs. Lay Park Community Center…
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Athens Nonprofits Cope with Post-Shutdown SNAP Demand
Local nonprofits in Athens are continuing to feel the effects of the longest government shutdown in U.S history. “Until something gets taken away, you don’t really realize how much of a gift it is,” said Cole Phillips, CEO and Medical Director of Mercy Health Center, reflecting on the challenges faced…
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A Punch a Day Keeps the Doctor Away: Woman Gains Strength While Boxing Through Parkinson’s
Rolling hills, wandering deer and quaint towns slip past the clear windows of Marcy Floyd’s car as “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” drifts out of the speakers. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Floyd makes the hour-and-a-half commute from her house in Lake Oconee to the X3 gym off Milledge…
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West Broad Complex Coverage: Clarke County School District Outlines Redevelopment Plans
Reporting II students have covered the discussions and decisions throughout fall 2025 around the Clarke County School District’s plans to repurpose and redevelop the West Broad Street School site. Nearly 80 students researched and reported on this high-interest issue in Athens. See a few of their stories below. Click the…