In The News | Page 17 Of 99 | The Georgia Sun

📚 The Gist: Keisha Sean Waites has resigned from her position on the Atlanta City Council to pursue the role of Clerk for Fulton County Superior Court, signaling a new chapter in her career of public service.

In The News, Your Government

Atlanta Councilwoman Keisha Sean Waites Resigns: Here’s Why

by Thom ChandlerMarch 4, 2024March 4, 2024

Campaign season is officially in full swing in Georgia, where President Joe Biden is expected to pay a visit to the Atlanta area March 9, just over a week after first lady Jill Biden stopped by downtown Atlanta to launch a nationwide effort to engage with women voters. The White House has not yet released details about Joe Biden’s planned trip other than to say he will participate in campaign events.

Jill Biden Was in Atlanta Friday: Here’s Her Message to Women

by Ross Williams | Georgia RecorderMarch 2, 2024March 2, 2024

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump and several co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case asked a judge Friday to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case.

Ruling in Fani Willis Disqualification Hearing Expected Within Two Weeks

by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News ServiceMarch 1, 2024

🔎 The Gist: Senator Raphael Warnock and 16 other senators want President Biden to spend more money on border security and stop the dangerous drug fentanyl from coming into the country.

Warnock Calls For Biden to Spend More on Border Security and Fighting Fentanyl

by Thom ChandlerMarch 1, 2024March 1, 2024

The Gist: Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz's press conference, intended to address community safety, was overtaken by protestors accusing him of fostering a sanctuary city environment linked to the murder of Laken Riley on the UGA campus.

Athens Mayor Faces Fiery Criticism Amid Tragic Student Death

by Thom ChandlerMarch 1, 2024March 1, 2024

Officials Say Tax Exempt Data Centers Drove Georgia Electric Bills Up

by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News ServiceFebruary 28, 2024February 28, 2024

inscription on the courthouse

Athens DA Appoints Special Prosecutor in Laken Riley Murder Case Amid Cries for Death Penalty

by Thom ChandlerFebruary 27, 2024February 27, 2024

Republican Sen. Chuck Hufstetler said he filed SB 457 in response to the PSC recently signing off on Georgia Power’s multiple utility bill increases due to increased electricity base rates, overrun costs associated with building the Vogtle nuclear power plant units, coal ash cleanup and other expenses.

After Georgia Power Rate Hikes, Lawmakers Want You to Have a Voice in Future Increases

by Stanley Dunlap | Georgia RecorderFebruary 26, 2024

House Bill 1172, which passed 107-60, is a follow-up to a bill the General Assembly passed on the final day of last year's legislative session. Senate Bill 115 was quickly introduced and enacted after a property owner along the Upper Flint River filed a lawsuit seeking to ban public fishing along his stretch of the river.

Fishing Rights Bill Passes in Georgia House

by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News ServiceFebruary 26, 2024February 26, 2024

Jose Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan man in the country illegally, has been arrested and charged with the murder last Friday of Laken Riley, who was killed while jogging by a lake near the intramural fields at UGA.

Was Laken Riley’s Death Linked to Immigration Policy?

by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News ServiceFebruary 26, 2024

🌍 The Gist: A magnitude 2.2 earthquake lightly rattled Eatonton on February 25, highlighting the state's occasional susceptibility to earthquakes.

Did You Feel An Earthquake in Georgia This Weekend?

by Thom ChandlerFebruary 26, 2024February 26, 2024

The News: Funeral services for Laken Hope Riley have been scheduled, with a visitation and service at Woodstock City Church to honor her memory.

Funeral Services Announced for UGA Student Laken Riley in Woodstock

by Thom ChandlerFebruary 26, 2024February 26, 2024

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, in a letter to President Joe Biden, directly attributed the death of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University, to the broader issue of the immigration crisis and the federal government's handling of it. Kemp's letter delves into the implications of an "unsecured U.S. southern border," emphasizing the strain it puts on state resources and the safety of its communities.

Kemp Blames Unsecured Border for Laken Riley’s Murder on UGA Campus

by Thom ChandlerFebruary 25, 2024February 25, 2024

📈 The Gist: The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an estimated $525 million as no ticket matched all six numbers in the last drawing on February 20.

Mega Millions Jackpot Climbs to $525 Million After No Winners in Latest Draw

by Thom ChandlerFebruary 21, 2024February 21, 2024

waters, nature, tree

Drowning in Valdosta: What We Know

by Thom ChandlerFebruary 19, 2024February 19, 2024

Today, Georgia pays tribute to a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for her country. Flags across the state are lowered to half-staff in honor of three US Army Reserve troops who died in a drone attack. Sergeant Breonna Moffet's funeral service was held Saturday. She was killed along with two other Georgia service members who lost their lives in a drone strike while serving in Jordan.

Why Are Flags at Half-Staff Today?

by Thom ChandlerFebruary 17, 2024February 18, 2024

Researchers on Thursday examined the carcass of a 1-year-old female north Atlantic right whale found dead offshore, looking for clues to her death. The whale is the December 2022 calf of north Atlantic right whale #4340, also known as Pilgrim. The 1-year-old had been seen looking healthy less than two weeks ago.

A Dead Whale Was Towed to Tybee Island for Burial

by Mary Landers | The CurrentFebruary 15, 2024February 15, 2024

A combative Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis denied Thursday that her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she hired to pursue election interference charges against Donald Trump affected the case.

Fani Willis Fights Back in Hearing to Disqualify Her from Trump Trial

by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News ServiceFebruary 15, 2024February 15, 2024