Northeast Georgia News
Reporting from Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee and surrounding counties.
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Swap Shop Strives for Visibility as Students Go Against Fast Fashion
For fourth-year University of Georgia student Kennedy Fulton, thrifting used to be about saving money. Now, it’s about something bigger. “I first started thrifting back in middle school for affordability reasons, but now it is more about sustainability,” Fulton said. “Most clothes today are cheaply made in sweatshops, and I…
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UGA Minorities in Public Health Club Champions Professionalism and Diversity
The University of Georgia’s student-led Minorities in Public Health Club (MPH) hosted a meet and greet Sept. 4 at the Ramsey Student Center in Athens. The purpose of the event was to provide women and people of color studying public health with opportunities for networking and headshots. In a time…
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SNAP Benefit Cuts Leave Athens-Clarke Nonprofits Facing Sharp Rise in Demand
Geoff Rushing, founder of City of Refuge Athens, said Northeast Georgia has gone from “food insecurity crisis to food insecurity emergency.” On Nov. 1, for the first time in United States history, the federal government suspended benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program amid the federal government shutdown. The unprecedented…
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Groundwork: Stories of Sustainability in Northeast Georgia
A team of 20 student journalists created a news special responding to the needs of Northeast Georgia counties. Reporters traveled to five counties, spoke with residents, uncovered environmental gaps, and highlighted the solutions communities are building. Watch to see what they discovered and the solutions taking root. This is Groundwork:…
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Nicholson City Council Approves Increased 2026 Budget
The Nicholson City Council unanimously voted to approve a $1.21 million general fund budget for 2026. The budget approval and a motion to approve an open-air business at the Town Center District took up a majority of the 45-minute meeting on Nov. 3. 2026 General Fund Budget Approval “We are…
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Disqualified Bishop Official Asks Town Council to Challenge Jurisdiction Dispute
Former Bishop Town Council member Hudson Holder urged council members during public comment at the Nov. 10 meeting to stand up for the town’s jurisdiction. “The county continues to tell Council where your lines are and who your citizens are, and that’s not their decision to make,” Holder said. Holder…
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Northeast Georgia Food Bank Competes to Give Back
In Northeast Georgia, friendly competition is fueling a big impact. Food insecurity remains a pressing issue not only in Athens but across Northeast Georgia. Thousands of residents are impacted everyday and face challenges of getting food on the table. Every October, the Northeast Georgia Food Bank hosts their annual Hunger…
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Georgia Initiative Seeks to Open Up Conversation, Support High School Athletes’ Mental Health
Hayden Holland knows pressure. As a North Oconee High School volleyball player, she feels the weight of expectations and the time demanded of her. “I think it’s so looked down upon in sports; people don’t understand mental health is a big part of sports,” Holland said. Just so much to…
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Provider Shortages Limit Mental Health Access in Athens
Athens-Clarke County is facing a growing shortage of mental health care providers, leaving both college students and local residents struggling to find prompt and affordable treatment. Athens Mental Health Resources Fall Short of Demand Athens is officially marked as a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area, meaning the demand for providers…
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Pendergrass to Vote on Increased 2026 Budget Nov. 18
The Pendergrass City Council is scheduled to vote on the fiscal year 2026 budget during its Nov. 18 meeting. The proposed $3 million budget reflects an increase of nearly $400,000 from the FY25 budget. Approximately $125,000 will be added for employee benefits and another $125,000 for purchased services. Financial clerk…