The University of North Georgia's Student Newspaper

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This home in Savannah was for sale in 2013, over 10 years before Brian Kemp's Act to protect vacant houses on the market.
Squatters Gonna Squat… Or Not
May 5, 2025
A screenshot of an ‘E-ZPass’ scam text that claims a victim has outstanding fines.
Toll Fine Scams are on the Rise
May 2, 2025
AI-powered checkout allows a phone to replace traditional registers and offer a quicker, more efficient grocery shopping experience.
No Lines, No Wait: AI Powered Carts Are Changing the Way Consumers Get Groceries
May 2, 2025
Studies investigate the correlation of heat and crime.
Hotter Days, Higher Crime? Investigating the Link Between Summer and Violence
May 2, 2025
Trump's tariffs are causing major disturbances in the supply chain with many small businesses struggling to afford products and materials from China.
Trump’s Tariffs Hurts Small Businesses
May 1, 2025
Reunion Country Club: Golfing Beyond the Tee Box
June 16, 2025
Racers and Fans Unite at the Mitty for a Weekend of Speed and Nostalgia
May 26, 2025
Rylie Moody and Jenna Miles high fiving each other in NCAA National Championship game against Western Washington. Photo by David Trotter
North Georgia Softball’s Season Comes to an End in Round One of National Championship
May 25, 2025
North Georgia Softball team huddling during game one of 2025 NCAA DII Softball National Championship. Photo by David Trotter
North Georgia Softball Falls in Game One of 2025 NCAA National Championship
May 22, 2025
Sydnee Reaves and teammates celebrating her leadoff homerun against Lander in Peach Belt Conference Tournament. Photo by David Trotter.
UNG Softball Looking to Make Noise in National Championship Series
May 21, 2025
(Left to right) James Gottschang plays the drums for Jake Owens, Joseph Slusser, Colman Rowell and Brant Canup when Owen Locke (not pictured) is unavailable.
How UNG Has Shaped the Alternative Rock Band Tell My Sons
August 26, 2025
Joshua Broome, executive director of Walk Worthy, spoke with students at the University of North Georgia about the negative effects of pornography.
More Than a Click: Pornography’s Hidden Toll on Mental Health
May 12, 2025
Thyroid cancer is a growing concern for families in Northeast Georgia and its heath related impact it has on residents.
Thyroid Issues Rise in Hall County
May 1, 2025
Anna Kate collaborates as a BEARPAW Campus Ranger.
Campus Collabs: Unlocking Brand Partnership Opportunities for Students
May 1, 2025
The Lipstick Index suggests that the sale of lipstick and economic growth are inversely related.
Let Them Wear Lipstick: the Unexpected Economic Indicator
April 30, 2025
Beck in the Sunshine State: Carson Beck Transfers to the University of Miami
January 28, 2025
Redefining What It Means to be a ‘Happy and Healthy’ College Student
Redefining What It Means to be a ‘Happy and Healthy’ College Student
November 21, 2024
Before Friday, Mike Tyson's last professional fight was in 2005.
The Paul Versus Tyson Bout Could be Bad for Boxing
November 21, 2024
"Yellowjackets" season 3 comes out Feb. 14. 2025.
“Yellowjackets” Season 1 has Officially Arrived on Netflix
October 19, 2024
Core Destinations: Top Apple Orchards to Visit this Fall
Core Destinations: Top Apple Orchards to Visit this Fall
October 15, 2024
Legends of Rock jamming at the Cumming City Center.
Rain Doesn’t Stop Rock Fans at Cumming City Center Tribute Concert
August 22, 2025
Warner Bros’ “A Minecraft Movie” was released on April 4th and has already surpassed $500 million in box office worldwide.
“A Minecraft Movie” Mines Nostalgia
April 17, 2025
Disney is bringing back some of their most nostalgic shows on their streaming platform Disney+.
Disney Is Bringing Back Nostalgic Shows
April 10, 2025
O.A.R. performs on stage at the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival.
A Blooming Weekend at the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival
April 6, 2025
Michelle Trachtenberg passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 39.
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Actress Michelle Trachtenberg Dead at 39
March 6, 2025

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Lawson Smith-image

Lawson Smith, Editor-in-Chief

Hi, I’m Lawson! I’m a Junior at the University of North Georgia’s Gainesville campus studying Multimedia Journalism.  As Editor-in-Chief of Vanguard, I strive to make information accessible to all.

I joined Vanguard in the fall of 2024 and cover topics ranging from education to art to local programs and resources available to students.  I have over three years of experience working in both broadcast and print journalism with a local news outlet based in Gainesville.  I was also named as a recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters.

All content by Lawson Smith
The Lipstick Index suggests that the sale of lipstick and economic growth are inversely related.

Let Them Wear Lipstick: the Unexpected Economic Indicator

Lawson Smith, Staff Editor
April 30, 2025
The Newtown Florist Club has advocated for social and environmental justice in Gainesville since 1950.

The Newtown Florist Club: The 70-Year Fight for Environmental Justice in Gainesville

Lawson Smith, Staff Editor
April 28, 2025
Gainesville’s Art Walk invites local artists to share their work on the Downtown Square.

Downtown Gainesville Hosts Third Annual Art Walk

Lawson Smith, Staff Editor
April 23, 2025
The University of North Georgia’s “Valorant” Esports team warms up for the Peach Belt Spring 2025 Championships at Kennesaw State University.

An Inside Look into Esports at UNG

Lawson Smith, Staff Editor
April 15, 2025
University of North Georgia Alumna Joy Licciardi currently serves as the Public Information Officer for the Hall County Government.

Women of UNG: Alumna Joy Licciardi Reflects on Education, Professional Journey

Lawson Smith, Staff Editor
April 1, 2025
The Georgia Mountain Food Bank serves 35,000 people each month through its partnerships and services.

‘Filling the Gap’: Georgia Mountain Food Bank Fights Food Insecurity

Lawson Smith, Staff Editor
April 1, 2025
Rebecca Skelton (left) and Jon Moore (right) have been working as independent artists. Both musicians promote their work via social media.

The Art of the Social Media Musician: Independent Artists Share Their Experience with Self-Promotion

Lawson Smith, Staff Editor
March 4, 2025
The University of North Georgia's American Medical Student Association will continue to hold fundraising events for Good News Clinics throughout the month of February.

UNG’s American Medical Student Association Fundraising for Healthcare Access in Gainesville

Lawson Smith, Staff Editor
February 18, 2025
Rahab's Rope in Gainesville aims to combat sex trafficking in South Asia by providing resources to women seeking aid.

The Power of a Purchase: Gainesville Shop Combats Sex Trafficking in South Asia

Lawson Smith, Staff Editor
February 11, 2025
"And I am Multicolored" will premiere at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in June 2026.

UNG, Quinlan Arts Center to Collaborate for Exhibition Honoring Animator Lenn Redman

Lawson Smith, Staff Editor
February 6, 2025
Volunteers with the Lilburn Woman's Club made its first Book Mobile visit on Jan. 21, 2025.

Lilburn Woman’s Club to Provide 8,000 Students With New Books

Lawson Smith, Staff Editor
January 28, 2025
As the Holidays approach, local businesses, non-profits and agencies are working to reach out to those in need within their communities.

North Georgia Organizations Seek Donations, Volunteers Ahead of Holiday Season

Lawson Smith, Staff Writer
November 12, 2024
Sam Morgan (left) and the short film's star, Mick Pereira (right) hold the award for "Best Comedy" at the All American High School Film Festival.

Gainesville Filmmaker Wins “Best Comedy” at All American High School Film Festival

Lawson Smith, Staff Writer
November 5, 2024
While anyone can struggle with financial literacy, Kahmilah Williams, Ph. D. said college students often face challenges with maintaining debt and saving money. She provided her best tips to get started with understanding finances as a young adult.

UNG Professor Shares Financial Advice for College Students

Lawson Smith, Staff Writer
October 29, 2024
Auxiliary Services at the University of North Georgia hosted “Name–That–Shuttle events on Oct. 8 and Oct. 10 to encourage students to suggest new names for UNG shuttle services.

UNG Shuttle Needs A New Name

Lawson Smith, Staff Writer
October 10, 2024
Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal read to students at Sandra Dunagan Deal Elementary School on Oct. 8.

Georgia Celebrates Pre-K Programs Across the State

Lawson Smith, Staff Writer
October 10, 2024
Campus Recreation and Wellness at the University of North Georgia will put a spotlight on Breast Cancer Awareness Month with two Pink Out events in October.

University of North Georgia to Recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October

Lawson Smith, Staff Writer
September 27, 2024
The Georgia State Patrol Department of Public Safety brought its mobile driving simulator to the University of North Georgia's Gainesville Campus on Sept. 16.

Driving a Mile in Their Shoes: GSP Offers Driving Safety Simulation

Lawson Smith, Staff Writer
September 24, 2024
Young Americans for Freedom chapter at the University of North Georgia planted 2,977 American flags on the Gainesville Campus in honor of 9/11.

Young Americans for Freedom Plants Nearly 3,000 American flags in Honor of 9/11

Lawson Smith, Staff Writer
September 10, 2024
UNG Career Services will cut the ribbon on Nigel's Career Closet on the Gainesville Campus on Sept. 18.

UNG Gainesville Unveil Nigel’s Career Closet

Lawson Smith, Staff Writer
September 10, 2024
The Dance Fit class is offered Wednesdays at 5 p.m. at the Hugh Mills Physical Education Center on the University of North Georgia's Gainesville Campus.

Fitness is Dancing its Way to UNG Gainesville

Lawson Smith, Staff Writer
September 3, 2024
The University of North Georgia’s Fraternity and Sorority life held Greek-A-Palooza on Aug. 22, 2024, on the Dahlonega Campus’ Drill Field.

It’s a New Era for UNG Greek Life

Lawson Smith, Staff Writer
August 27, 2024
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