Sydney Hood
Multimedia Journalist
WRDW/WAGT
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Sydney Hood grew up in Swainsboro, making her no stranger to the CSRA.
Growing up, she watched local and national news just about every morning before school and every evening before bedtime. From an early age, she knew she could transform her love for history, passion for asking questions and natural curiosity into a career.
Sydney interned for WRDW/WAGT during the summer of 2022. She joined the weekend team as a part-time multimedia journalist in August 2022 (a few days shy of the start of her senior year in college). She’ll join the team as a full-time MMJ in June 2023.
She will graduate from the University of Georgia in May 2023 with dual degrees in journalism and political science, a minor in communication studies and a certificate in news literacy.
Throughout her time in college, she has remained active in various extracurriculars outside of the classroom. She serves as president of DiGamma Kappa (UGA’s oldest broadcasting society), writes and delivers on-air content for the student radio program, writes for the Cox Institute’s Journalism Writing Lab and volunteers with Extra Special People.
During her freshman year at UGA, Sydney found Grady Newsource, the university’s television program, and started working as a technical volunteer, eventually becoming a senior production manager. She would later work her way up to reporter, opening the door to her covering Stacey Abrams’ 2022 run for governor of Georgia.
In her free time, she enjoys running, biking, playing tennis and cooking (although she isn’t very good at it, but she loves a good challenge). She is excited to work with the News 12 team and looks forward to connecting with the Augusta community. Feel free to connect with her on Twitter or through email.
Updated: 2 hours ago
|By Sydney Hood
The community rallies to support the family of Commen Schuttz. On Friday night, the victim’s mother talks about the last time she spoke with her daughter.
Updated: Mar. 23, 2023 at 11:26 PM EDT
|By Sydney Hood
Family and friends are marching for change, trying to make sure the death of an Augusta mom and business owner shines a light on a problem that lives in the shadows. They came together to honor her with a march and vigil.
Updated: Mar. 19, 2023 at 11:17 PM EDT
|By Sydney Hood
Between the green from St. Patrick’s Day and the greens of the Augusta National Golf Club, local businesses planned to be packed.
Updated: Mar. 18, 2023 at 11:34 PM EDT
|By Sydney Hood
Event dates back to 1942, when trainers wanted to give young horses the chance to race against each other. It’s now a traditional event.
Updated: Mar. 17, 2023 at 10:43 PM EDT
|By Sydney Hood
It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and you’ve probably seen a lot of green between clothes, shoes, and beer. Friday’s festivities kicked off starting with the downtown Augusta parade, and the fun continued into the night
Updated: Mar. 16, 2023 at 9:40 PM EDT
|By Sydney Hood
The brick wall on Whiskey Road took another hit Tuesday afternoon. This comes almost three months after two hits back in November.
Updated: Mar. 5, 2023 at 11:49 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Event was more than a walk in the park for man’s best friend as more than 100 walkers, both two- and four-legged, went the extra mile in support of FOTAS.
Updated: Mar. 4, 2023 at 11:21 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
With an ongoing teacher shortage happening across the county, school districts in the CSRA are looking for the next set of leaders for the 2023-2024 school year.
Updated: Mar. 3, 2023 at 10:38 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
ing Pong Extravaganza for Charity is a battle of who will become the ping pong pro champion at Brandon Wilde Senior Living Center. We caught up with the players after the match.
Updated: Mar. 3, 2023 at 5:25 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting that happened Thursday afternoon in New Ellenton.
Updated: Feb. 24, 2023 at 1:19 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Whatever’s in the sauce at Sconyers Bar-B-Que, it was enough to catch the attention of the president of the United States. Jimmy Carter, that is.
Updated: Feb. 24, 2023 at 10:51 AM EST
|By Steve Byerly and Sydney Hood
Right now, the mayor gets a vote only when there is a tie. But a new proposal sent to the state looks to change the way the Augusta Commission has operated.
Updated: Feb. 20, 2023 at 12:25 AM EST
|By Sydney Hood
A Georgia biker group, known as The Grateful Few Recovery Riding Group, is driving down the highways to help deliver Narcan to law enforcement.
Updated: Feb. 18, 2023 at 12:05 AM EST
|By Sydney Hood
One man is in critical condition after a shooting in Grovetown. It happened early this morning, the Grovetown Police Department got calls about someone banging on doors on the Battle Court.
Updated: Feb. 16, 2023 at 10:25 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
The spike in crime continues at Washington and Boy Scout Road, two weeks ago an employee found a body in a room at Motel 6.
Updated: Feb. 12, 2023 at 11:58 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Super Bowl Sunday comes with super appetites and food prepped for the big game. It’s one of the best days to indulge and have a cheat day with a diet.
Updated: Feb. 11, 2023 at 11:25 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
The Savannah Rapids Love Locks sculpture is open daily for anyone to come out with a lock and a pen to write with.
Updated: Feb. 10, 2023 at 10:35 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Local veterans are finding hope in having a home with the help of the Homeless Veteran Program. We spoke with an Army veteran who is used to moving from place to place and having somewhere to call home.
Updated: Feb. 9, 2023 at 10:45 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Parents had one last chance to weigh in on Highland Springs Middle School’s rezoning. We spoke with parents, and some of them are not thrilled.
Updated: Feb. 5, 2023 at 11:18 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
The Umoja Village had prayers, songs and remarks in celebration of Black History Month at the Lessie Price Aiken Senior and Youth center on Sunday.
Updated: Feb. 5, 2023 at 12:12 AM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Saturday celebrated the change Rosa Parks brought change to the bus systems, change for access that people are still calling for.
Updated: Feb. 3, 2023 at 10:39 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Monday will mark one month since an 11-year-old boy lost his ear and most of his scalp in a violent dog attack. We spoke with Justin’s family for the first time since they filed a lawsuit against the dog owner.
Updated: Feb. 2, 2023 at 10:49 AM EST
|By Nick Viland and Sydney Hood
With 11-year-old Justin Gilstrap due for more surgeries, he's the owner of a new bike and the recipient of support from a business and others.
Updated: Jan. 30, 2023 at 12:15 AM EST
|By Sydney Hood
The story is told through pictures, specifically in a graphic novel format.
Updated: Jan. 28, 2023 at 11:31 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
LAUNCH Augusta partners with Doctors Hospital to make the hands-on experiences possible.
Updated: Jan. 27, 2023 at 10:34 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
We’re speaking to the family of the bicyclist who died two weeks after being hit by a vehicle on Olive Road. His family is finding laughter through tears.
Updated: Jan. 26, 2023 at 10:18 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
After gunshots flew through the mayor of Keysville’s home in a drive-by shooting, we spoke with her about those scary moments.
Updated: Jan. 23, 2023 at 4:35 AM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Law enforcement officers are making some highly visible efforts to cut down on traffic deaths across the region.
Updated: Jan. 23, 2023 at 12:02 AM EST
|By Sydney Hood
“There’s a lot of history, and it’s personal mission of mine to do what I can to preserve the buildings,” said Nathan Jolles, Augusta Jewish Museum board member.
Updated: Jan. 22, 2023 at 12:28 AM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Family, friends, co-workers and student of Latimer Blount Jr. gathered Saturday to celebrate the life of the North Augusta Middle School teacher.
Updated: Jan. 19, 2023 at 10:13 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
It’s been a week since a car hit five people on Olive Road as they prayed over a person hit by another car. Now, those involved are trying to redirect sorrow into action.
Updated: Jan. 15, 2023 at 11:19 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Many in the CSRA are honoring Dr. King’s legacy by looking back at his influence and ties to Augusta.
Updated: Jan. 14, 2023 at 11:16 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Hundreds lined the streets on Saturday to see the parade. It’s a tradition for many and it’s all to support the message that Dr. King spent his entire life trying to spread.
Updated: Jan. 13, 2023 at 11:19 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
We stopped by Euchee Creek Elementary, where students and teachers rallied in support, wearing green with the hashtag “JustinTough.”
Updated: Jan. 12, 2023 at 10:39 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Within 24 hours, cars hit seven people in the Augusta area. We took a look at what neighbors call a dangerous speedway that needs more enforcement.
Updated: Jan. 9, 2023 at 2:14 AM EST
|By Sydney Hood
11-year-old Justin Gilstrap is going through multiple surgeries in the hospital after three pit bulls attacked him on Friday.
Updated: Jan. 7, 2023 at 11:49 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Family of Justin Gilstrap speaks on the three dog attack that leaves Gilstrap hospitalized .
Updated: Jan. 3, 2023 at 6:46 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
After a deep freeze, one plumbing company prioritizes clients that are without running water. As many have learned, damage from burst pipes extends beyond plumbing.
Updated: Jan. 2, 2023 at 6:38 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
It only takes a couple of months and maybe even a couple of weeks for the new year motivation to run out. We met with a local gym to get advice on how to stick to your goals.
Updated: Jan. 1, 2023 at 11:54 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Among the top ten search items for Augusta, according to Google’s “Year in Search” report, “AA meetings near me” ranks number ten.
Updated: Dec. 30, 2022 at 11:38 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
As people get ready to celebrate the new year or cheer on the Bulldogs in the Peach Bowl, we spoke with a local restaurant and fans about how they are getting ready for the big day.
Updated: Dec. 27, 2022 at 7:14 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Here in Georgia, the fight to access federal disability benefits is getting harder. One local woman says she waited over three years for the help she needed.
Updated: Dec. 26, 2022 at 5:35 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
First comes the shopping, then the returning. If you’re brave enough to face the return crowds, we’re on your side with what you need to know.
Updated: Dec. 23, 2022 at 11:16 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
- When temperatures get low, there are questions about how to prepare you and your home for the cold. We’re on your side to break down some common cold-weather myths.
Updated: Dec. 22, 2022 at 7:37 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
While the holidays are a time for Christmas cheer, some people struggle with seasonal depression. We sat down with a veteran to learn how he was able to push through.
Updated: Dec. 21, 2022 at 6:33 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Pharmacies nationwide are starting to see a shortage of cold and flu medicine. We talked to pharmacists about what impacts we’re seeing in Augusta.
Updated: Dec. 19, 2022 at 6:35 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
Election day is Tuesday, and here’s what you need to know about the candidates running for the District 129 seat.
Updated: Dec. 19, 2022 at 12:21 AM EST
|By Sydney Hood
For six years, a metal gate blocked the entryway off to make room for a new project to help reduce erosion.
Updated: Dec. 17, 2022 at 11:29 PM EST
|By Sydney Hood
At Sunset Memorial Gardens in Graniteville, roughly 100 people showed up to lay wreaths on the graves of more than 1,000 veterans.
Updated: Dec. 12, 2022 at 12:42 AM EST
|By Sydney Hood
The Healthy Grandparents program came together for the first Christmas party in person since 2019.
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