Northeast Georgia News
Reporting from Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee and surrounding counties.
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Athens-Clarke Mayor Comments on Possible Immigration Crackdowns
Mayor Kelly Girtz said Athens-Clarke County is not a sanctuary city. “There isn’t even a formal definition of that term,” Girtz said on Monday. “Under Georgia law, cities and counties cannot legally function as sanctuary cities.” President Donald Trump’s administration has escalated its challenge against “sanctuary city” laws by threatening…
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New UGA School of Medicine Expected to Combat Physician Shortage
The University of Georgia announced the launch of the University of Georgia’s new School of Medicine for 2026 with the intention to help address the state’s shortage of medical professionals. Georgia’s healthcare system has faced a physician shortage for decades, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Thirty-six Georgia counties received a…
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Sacred Roots: A Farm Where Women Can Grow
Editor’s note: Hannah is identified by a pseudonym to protect her safety. On a rainy November day, Hannah stroked Jackson’s wet mane. He had grown fat over the years at this Northeast Georgia farm, but Hannah believed he had earned the right to be spoiled. She of all people…
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Athens-Clarke Names Former Planning Director as Interim Government Manager
Mayor Kelly Girtz has appointed former planning director Brad Griffin as the interim manager of Athens-Clarke County. Griffin will oversee the county government’s daily operations and manage more than 1,800 employees during a national search for a permanent manager. “In his role as planning director, Brad was always graceful in…
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Effectiveness of Scripted Curriculum in Athens Remains Unclear
Editor’s note: The Georgia elementary school principal is identified only by the state they are employed to protect the privacy of the school in which they work. Scripted curriculum is a one-size-fits-all approach to education, and its effectiveness remains unknown a year after its inception. This teaching system often requires…
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Snow Cancels Classes at University of Georgia
The second winter storm of the semester sent students, staff and faculty home at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. While the total accumulation was low, the extremely cold temperatures turned roads icy quickly.
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Reading System Improves Literacy in Area Special Education Programs
Northeast Georgia elementary teachers say Wilson Reading System, a phonics literacy program for special education children, has been successful in improving literacy rates. The Wilson Reading System (WRS) has been implemented in over 40 Northeast Georgia schools to support K-12 students in special education programs. Since its introduction 17 years…
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Oconee County Schools is 70 Followers Away From Meeting Social Media Goal
The Oconee County Board of Education highlights gaining social media followers in its 2024-2025 plans to reach the community. With less than 70 followers until completing the 20,300 goal, the county is close to accomplishing one of its community engagement plans. According to a November 2024 Pew Research report, “about…
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The Unlikely Librarian: Director Makes Library a Safe Space for Pinewoods Community
It’s a cool October morning in Athens, and a light breeze stirs leaves across the freshly trimmed grass outside the Pinewoods Library. Five women step through the library’s doors, escaping the chill. The doorbell lets out a pitched chime, and they gather around a wooden table in the center of…
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UGA Research Explores Link Between Structural Racism, Health Inequities
The University of Georgia School of Public Health launched the Family Matters Georgia study in partnership with the University of Minnesota in fall 2022, aiming to advance the understanding of structural racism and discrimination’s (SRD) effects on health equity. “We’re trying to look more at the why, not just the…