Georgia’s bald eagle population continues to thrive, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ annual nesting survey, which found nesting success well above long-term averages despite surveying fewer areas than usual this year.
Many Georgia Power customers may have noticed that electric bills remain high this summer, even though the utility recently lowered the fuel portion of its rates.
According to WABE, the biggest reason is increased summer electricity use. As temperatures climb, air conditioners run longer and harder, driving up the amount of electricity households consume. At the same time, Georgia Power’s higher seasonal summer rates take effect, meaning customers pay more for electricity during the months when demand is greatest.
Although the Georgia Public Service Commission approved a reduction in Georgia Power’s fuel costs that lowered the average residential bill by about $4 per month beginning in June, those savings are often outweighed by increased air conditioning use and higher summer rates.
Georgia Power recommends several ways to reduce bills, including raising the thermostat by one degree, using a programmable thermostat, replacing HVAC filters regularly, sealing air leaks around doors and windows, and taking advantage of free home energy audits and available rebates for energy-efficient improvements. Consumer advocates also encourage customers to carefully review optional billing plans before switching, as some may cost more over time depending on energy usage.
Authorities in Florida say a Georgia prison inmate has admitted to posing as a sheriff’s deputy in a phone scam that stole money from a Palm Coast, Florida resident.
Families of children with special needs across Georgia are raising concerns after proposed Medicaid payment reductions could make it harder to access critical therapy services.
Students and recent graduates interested in public service and state government now have an opportunity to gain firsthand experience inside Georgia’s Executive Office.
Summerville Parks and Recreation is sharing information about a new statewide opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a sports official.
The Georgia Recreation and Park Association has partnered with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to offer sports officials training for anyone 16 years of age or older who is willing to complete the online training.
The program includes sports officials training, medical insurance, liability insurance, background checks, and uniform and equipment funding. The upfront cost to take the online training course is just $20.
The first training course available is for baseball and softball umpires. Additional training videos for tackle football, flag football, and soccer are expected in July, with volleyball and basketball training videos scheduled for August.
Those interested can scan the QR code shared by Summerville Parks and Recreation to get started.
Georgia motorists saved an estimated $188 million during a temporary suspension of the state’s motor fuel tax that ended June 2, according to newly released state revenue figures.
The tax relief measure, approved earlier this year by Governor Brian Kemp and state lawmakers, temporarily reduced the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel for consumers across Georgia. The suspension was intended to help offset higher fuel costs and provide financial relief to families and businesses.
State officials reported that fuel tax collections dropped significantly during the period the tax break was in effect, contributing to lower overall revenue from motor fuel taxes. Despite the decline in fuel tax collections, Georgia’s broader revenue picture remained stable due to strong collections from other tax sources.
The savings translated into lower prices at the pump for drivers statewide, with the average motorist paying several cents less per gallon during the suspension. State leaders have frequently used temporary fuel tax suspensions in recent years as a way to provide relief during periods of elevated fuel prices or economic uncertainty.
With the tax break now expired, Georgia’s full motor fuel tax rate has returned, meaning drivers are once again paying the standard state tax on gasoline and diesel purchases.
Supporters of the measure say it delivered meaningful savings to Georgia households, while critics note the temporary suspension also reduced transportation-related revenues that help fund road and infrastructure projects.
Georgia’s temporary suspension of the state motor fuel tax contributed to a significant decline in tax collections during May, according to state revenue figures.
State officials reported that net tax revenues for May declined by 12.6 percent compared to the same month a year ago. The decrease comes after Georgia suspended its motor fuel excise tax for part of May in an effort to provide relief to drivers facing higher fuel costs. The suspension remained in effect through June 2.
The gas tax holiday temporarily removed Georgia’s fuel excise tax, which currently amounts to about 33 cents per gallon on gasoline. State leaders said the suspension was intended to help offset rising fuel prices and reduce costs for consumers at the pump.
While the suspension provided relief for motorists, it also reduced one of the state’s major sources of transportation-related revenue. The tax is normally collected at the wholesale level and helps fund transportation and infrastructure projects throughout Georgia.
The gas tax suspension officially expired on June 3, and state officials have indicated it will not be extended. As a result, motorists across Georgia may continue to see fuel prices fluctuate throughout the summer as the tax returns and market conditions evolve.
Skywatchers around the world are preparing for a rare celestial event this summer as a total solar eclipse is scheduled to occur on August 12, 2026, the first total solar eclipse visible anywhere on Earth in more than two years.
Georgia wildlife officials are warning residents about an invasive lizard species that is spreading across parts of the state and threatening native wildlife.