What We’re Reading: Monday, June 2nd

Welcome to What We’re Reading, a brief summary of articles and resources that have caught our eye related to investing in our community or the things that make Athens great.

The AJC reports the tragic story of Jianchang Wu, the father of an Emory Doctoral student, who was struck by a car and killed while crossing a street in Decatur. Dangerous conditions for pedestrians were highlighted as contributing factors.  Last year saw the most pedestrian deaths in Georgia since 1997, and pedestrian safety on Prince Avenue sparked a year-long discussion on ways to improve one of Athens’ primary thoroughfares that played prominently between Tim Denson and Nancy Denson in the mayors race.

Athens Banner Herald reports on the record low water flows observed in the Oconee River. Researchers from Georgia and Georgia Tech comment on the relationship between changes in river levels and climate change and the need for the state to make plans in anticipation of future water shortages.

Athens Banner Herald reports that Hilsman Middle School teacher Audrey Hughes was chosen by UNICEF to travel to Tanzania this summer to evaluate children’s programs.  Hilsman sixth graders collected and sold recyclables and donated the proceeds to UNICEF and the Athens Area Food Bank last year. Way to go Mrs. Hughes!

In the New York Times Magazine, Paul Tough authors this longread on the challenges low-income students face when they get to college.  He describes the programs used at the University of Texas to help students who enter college from low-income families with doubts about their chances for success.

Finally, Dr. Jack Crowley issued the latest update in a multi-part series on the Downtown Master Plan on what should be done with the Old Jittery Joes Roaster building. Previous posts include an overview of plans for bikes, pedestrians, and the Athens-to-Atlanta Brain Train.