Georgia / Public News Service

The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Court Battle Ends with Major Implications for Wetlands in GA, U.S.

More than 7.7 million acres in Georgia are wetlands, and groups aware of their value to the environment are worried the watery acreage might be in …

Georgia is the 26th jurisdiction to decriminalize medical marijuana use. (Adobe Stock)

Cannabis Equity: The Importance of Reform and Access to Dispensaries

The rise of medical cannabis dispensaries in Georgia is highlighting the need for reform and equitable access. One of the state's first dispensaries …

More 15-year-olds discussed finances with their parents when the topic was something the teens wanted to buy, according to a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics. (Adobe Stock)

Initiative Aims to Improve GA Teens' Financial Literacy

Aiming to close the financial literacy divide among teens and young adults, one investment company has set a goal of reaching one million of them by 2…

The global trucking industry is estimated to reach $1 trillion by 2025. (Carolyn Franks/Adobe Stock)

Groups Help Reduce Barriers for GA Women in Trucking

Two groups are working to create equal opportunities for Black and Latina women in the trucking industry. The Truist Foundation has pledged $1.5 …

In the decade prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 43% of students reported they felt like part of their school community. After dropping sharply, the numbers have rebounded. (Adobe Stock)

Data Shows Striking Gap in Student Support After Pandemic

As the pandemic draws to a close, one group is raising awareness of the crucial need for student support and mental health resources. According to …

Once laptops have expired, they don't receive updates and can't access secure websites. (Adobe Stock)

Right to Repair Chromebooks Could Save GA Schools $63 Million

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund is urging Google to allow Chromebook owners a right to repair the devices and extend their …

Kinship-care placements with relatives and close friends increased from 14% in 2006 to 22% in 2021 according to the Fostering in Youth Transitions 2023 report. (Pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Report: Older Foster Youths Lean Toward Higher Ed

Children who stay in foster care beyond age 18 are likely to pursue higher education, according to the Fostering in Youth Transitions 2023 report by …

In Georgia, 1,156,660 people are facing hunger - and of them, 335,720 are children. (Adobe Stock)

GA Food Banks Prep for Increased Need One Year After Pandemic SNAP Ends

Georgia's food banks are taking action to address the growing demand for their services ahead of summer break. Frank Sheppard, Feeding the Valley …

The state of Georgia hosted 412 productions, represented by 32 feature films, 36 independent films, 269 television and episodic productions, 42 commercials and 33 music videos between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Writers’ Strike Could Affect GA Economy, Jobs

Thousands of writers are currently on strike following a breakdown in negotiations with the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Pictur…

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, there are about 19 million veterans age 18 and older in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Georgia Acts to Improve Mental Health Support for Veterans, Families

A new effort is underway in Georgia to improve mental health support for veterans and their loved ones, as Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a bill aimed at …

In a 2019 survey, almost 50% of Democrats and almost 40% of Republicans said they'd consider crossing party lines to vote for a candidate they thought could

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Group Explores Ways to Have Difficult Conversations in Divisive Times

At a time when it's easy to find something to disagree about, whether it's politics or social issues, one organization is working to help others have …

The Muscogee County Bookmobile visits more than 40 locations monthly, on a biweekly basis. (Adobe Stock)

GA Libraries Work to Boost Literacy Rates for Library Week

Libraries across the country have been in the news lately, mostly for efforts to ban books. But this has been National Library Week, and they're …

In 2021, more than 9,700 people in Georgia were arrested for possession of marijuana. (Iarygin Andrii/Adobe Stock)

GA Group Targets Marijuana Reform

Georgia is among the 19 states that enforce jail time for marijuana possession, resulting in a significant impact on the Black community, with the …

Banning noncompete agreements for workers could reduce racial and gender wage gaps, according to researchers. (Fredericknoronha/Wikimedia Commons)

FTC Noncompete Decision Could Help Georgia Workers

Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission said it intends to ban noncompete agreements, and hundreds of people have submitted comments on the …

The overall child population increased in 23 states and the District of Columbia but declined in 27 states. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Decline of Child Population Could Affect GA

Georgia is one of only a few states to see an increase in its population of children, but a report indicates residents could soon see the impact of a …

Plants and plant material can spread the citrus greening disease infection even if no psyllids are visible, according to the state. (Ellen/Adobe Stock)<br />

USDA Warns GA Residents about Crop-Killing Pests

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is alerting Georgia residents about a citrus-killing disease caused by an invasive insect. The Asian Citrus …

Agriculture accounts for about 60% of the land area in Georgia, according to the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. (Budimir Jevtic/Adobe Stock)

GA Farmers Look to Congress for Support to Fight Climate Change

Georgia farmers are watching a bill that is being reintroduced in Congress for ways to help their farms become more sustainable and less likely to con…

Experts estimate that one in 10 kids experiences sexual abuse by their 18th birthday. (Nichizhenova Elena/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

GA Centers Combat Child-Abuse Misconceptions with Impactful Initiatives

Georgia saw more than 62,000 reports of child abuse in 2020, representing more than 120,000 children. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month…

A recent report found at the start of 2022, Dollar General and Dollar Tree -- which owns Family Dollar -- together operated more than 34,000 stores in the United States. (Rido/AdobeStock)

GA Legislation to Set Distance Requirements for Discount Retail Stores

Chain dollar stores are spreading at an unprecedented rate in cities and rural areas across the U.S. - a trend that is making waves in Georgia…

Around 77,900 transgender youths live in 11 states that passed bans or took other executive action this year or in years prior to prohibit or limit their access to gender-affirming care. (Adobe Stock)

Georgia's SB 140 Seen as Serious Threat to LGBTQ+ Youth

New legislation in Georgia targeting gender-affirming health care for transgender minors has health professionals and LGBTQ+ advocates on high alert…

Georgia elected not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to cover nearly all nonelderly adults under 138% of poverty, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Spiroview Inc./Adobe Stock)

Georgia Campaign Fights to Reopen Local Hospitals

Two Atlanta facilities are the latest hospital closures in Georgia, reflecting a trend for more than a decade that's left tens of thousands of people …

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Early Support for Black Students in GA Could Help Boost College Enrollment

Two reports confirm a troubling trend in terms of Black students attending college. According to the University System of Georgia, enrollment among …

The 2022 Georgia Broadband Map documents 454,950 unserved addresses, about 90% of which are in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Better Broadband Would Minimize Healthcare Gaps in Georgia

A half-million Georgians face the reality of inadequate internet access, according to the state's broadband annual report. The glaring digital …

Georgia SB 221 suggests that the USPS's national change of address database could be used to challenge voters. (Matt Bannister/Adobe Stock)

Mobilizing GA Voters in a Non-Election Year: A Crucial Strategy for Voting Rights Groups

There's no rest for Georgia's voting rights groups in this non-election year, though another slew of voting restrictions proposed by a group of …

Georgia has enrolled more than 2.4 million individuals in Medicaid and CHIP, a net increase of 59.77% since the first Marketplace Open Enrollment Period. (Cherryandbees/Adobe Stock)

GA Group Prepares for End of COVID-19 Emergency

A Georgia health advocacy group is concerned about people's health outcomes as the COVID-19 public health emergency is set to expire on May 11…

Most of the 2,900 internet service providers in the U.S. cover small geographic areas, according to BroadbandNow.com. Fewer than 240 of them serve parts of Georgia. (Alena Mozhjer)

Essential Roles for Broadband in Rural GA: A Catalyst for Farmers

In rural Georgia, hardworking farmers grapple with staying competitive in the global market, and some said they are hindered by limited broadband …

In 2023, community college completion rates are 44% for first-time, full-time students in Georgia, according to the Community College Review. (KDavis/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Online, Community Colleges Offer Flexibility for Non-Traditional Students

Many Georgia college students have to balance family and work responsibilities with academics. Some are finding non-traditional higher education is …

Georgia teachers are eager for increased mental-health support and planning time in schools. (Robert Peak/Adobe Stock)

GA Proposes Teacher Pay Hikes; Educators Say More Work Needed

Georgia's Fiscal Year 2024 budget could bring a $2,000 salary boost for teachers, addressing the alarming educator shortage. Educators say low wages…

The most iconic species that resides in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge may be the American alligator. An estimated 15,000 alligators live in the refuge area. (Wildspaces/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge Georgia DEP to Nix Mine Permit Near Okefenokee

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division wants the public to weigh in on whether a titanium mine will be allowed to operate near the Okefenokee N…

According to a study by the EPA's Center for Air, Climate and Energy Solutions, the disparity in soot exposure between white, Black, Latino, and Asian Americans was consistent across the country, in rural and urban settings and at all income levels. (Adobe Stock)

Group Urges EPA to Set Stronger Rules for Soot Pollution

In Georgia and across the country, advocates for clean air are asking the Environmental Protection Agency to do more to protect public health by …

The average student debt for a Georgia college graduate in 2019-20 was $27,759, according to the Institute of College Access and Success. (Damir Khabirov/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Georgians Head to D.C. to Rally for Student-Loan Debt Cancellation

The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments next week in the two cases on student loan debt cancellation. Groups across the country wanting at least …

According to CDC data, more than 37,500 abortions were performed in 2020 in Georgia, a rate of just over 17 per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44. (Lomb/Adobe Stock)

Reproductive Freedom Act Takes Aim at Current GA Abortion Ban

Reproductive rights groups are supporting legislation to restore abortion access in Georgia. The Reproductive Freedom Act was filed to repeal House …

The CDC recommends parents assist children under age 6 with brushing their teeth until they have developed good brushing skills. (Cecilie Skjold Wackerhausen/Adobe Stock)

Pediatric Dentists See Uptick in Cavities in GA Children

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, giving parents another reason to watch their children's intake of Valentine candy this week…

In the United States, approximately 697,000 people died from heart disease in 2020, accounting for one in every five deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (AdobeStock)

GA Heart Expert Explains Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest, Prevention

February is American Heart Month, and a Georgia medical expert said knowing the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest can help save a …

In Georgia, the birth rate in 2023 is just over 12 births per 1,000 people, a 2.25% decline from 2022. (Pololia/Adobe Stock)

Groups Work to Improve Maternal, Infant Death Rates in GA

Preventing maternal and infant mortality in Georgia is a top priority for health care providers in the state. Georgia already has the nation's …

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes provisions to lower prescription drug costs for people with Medicare coverage, including those who take insulin, which went into effect this month. (Sebra/Adobe Stock)

New Changes to Medicare Set to Benefit Georgia Seniors

Big changes are underway for Medicare participants, after historic legislation put them in motion this month. More than 1.8 million Georgians who …

The top 10 states certified 1,225 projects and more than 353 million gross square feet of commercial space. (Kristina Blokhin/AdobeStock)

GA Ranks in Top 10 for Green Buildings

The Peach State made it onto the top 10 list of states focused on sustainable building practices, according to a new report. Georgia comes in at …

For Black women in Georgia, pregnancy-related maternal mortality is higher at 47 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to white women, at 14.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)

Study: Medicaid Expansion Reduces Postpartum Hospitalizations

New research makes a compelling case for expanding Medicaid coverage in states like Georgia that have not. The study examines postpartum …

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, five species of sea turtles are found on the Georgia coast, but only the loggerhead nests regularly on Jekyll, Ossabaw, Sapelo, Sea and other barrier islands. (JEANNE/Adobe Stock)

GA Group Challenges Elimination of Coastal Dredging Protections

The new year brings a new legal challenge to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, asking it to reconsider its decision to dredge year-round on the …

Over 37,000 abortions were performed in Georgia in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Trac1/Adobe Stock)

Women's Health Played Major Role in 2022 Midterms

By Jennifer Weitz-Wolf for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Georgia News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

Across the country, home heating bills are expected to increase by 17.2%, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association. (Novikat/Adobe Stock)

Final Vote This Week on GA Power Rate Hike

The Georgia Public Service Commission will hold a final vote this week on Georgia Power's next three-year plan. After months of public hearings…

According to the Georgia Secretary of State, within the state's 159 counties, over 3.5 million ballots were cast in the U.S. Senate runoff this month. (Richelle/Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS Decision Could Affect Future GA Elections

A Georgia group said the outcome of Moore v. Harper in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court has potential consequences for future elections in the …

According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Peach State is sixth in the nation for public EV charging stations, at more than 1,500 outlets. (Michael Flippo/Adobe Stock)

EV Charging Stations Coming to Underserved GA Communities

Electric vehicles are an environmentally friendly way to get from one place to another, but the lack of charging stations often limits drivers to …

Access to Care, Medication is Key to HIV Prevention in GA

Today is World AIDS Day, an annual observance to support people living with HIV and remember those who have died from the virus, and encourage others …

According to the Guttmacher Institute, in 2017, some 95% of Georgia counties had no clinics that provided abortions, and 55% of Georgia women lived in those counties. (Longfin Media/Adobe Stock)

Georgia Supreme Court Reinstates 6-Week Abortion Ban

The Georgia Supreme Court granted an emergency stay of a lower court's ruling, once again allowing a six-week abortion ban to take effect in Georgia …

Small Businesses Help Georgians Find Health Insurance

Open enrollment for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act is already underway, and ends on Jan. 15. More than 1.3 million Georgians do …

The Georgia Rental Assistance Program has either spent or committed more than $830 million in rental, utility, and other housing-related expenses for Georgians in need. (Paolese/Adobe Stock)

Some GA Households to Receive Assistance with Utility Bills

The Georgia Rental Assistance Program and Georgia Power have partnered to help eligible households with their past-due utility bills. The state and …

According to OpenSecrets, the 2021 Georgia contests that decided party control of the Senate were the top two most expensive congressional elections in the country. (Pixabay)

Runoff Continues Record Spending in Georgia's U.S. Senate Race

Control of the U.S. Senate could once again be decided in Georgia as a tight race between Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock and Republican …

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