The Georgia Department of Public Safety says 15 people lost their lives in traffic crashes across Georgia during the 2026 Independence Day holiday travel period, underscoring the dangers of one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
A new statewide program is now available to help protect the privacy and safety of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and other qualifying crimes in Georgia.
The homes of Grace Towns Hamilton, the first Black woman elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, and her father, George Towns, will be preserved as historic landmarks through a new multi-million-dollar restoration project in Atlanta’s Vine City neighborhood.
Preserve Black Atlanta is leading the effort with approximately $2.3 million in funding from a National Park Service grant and Atlanta’s Westside Tax Allocation District. Fulton County commissioners approved a portion of the local funding in June, allowing the project to move forward.
Grace Towns Hamilton made history in 1965 when she became the first Black woman elected to the Georgia General Assembly. She served in the Georgia House for nearly 20 years and is credited with helping expand political opportunities for Black Georgians during the Civil Rights era. Historians also recognize her as the first Black woman elected to state office anywhere in the South.
Her father, George Towns, was a professor at Atlanta University and helped found the Niagara Movement in 1905, an organization that laid the groundwork for the creation of the NAACP.
Project leaders say the restored homes will become public historic sites while also contributing to neighborhood revitalization. Restoration work is expected to take about two years once permitting is complete.
WABE
Thousands of Georgians may now have easier access to medical cannabis under a new state law that took effect July 1, marking the largest expansion of Georgia’s medical cannabis program since it was created.
Georgia households are paying significantly more to keep the lights on than they were just six years ago, as a series of rate increases and higher energy costs continue to push electric bills upward.
Georgia Lottery players enjoyed a lucky month in June, claiming millions of dollars in prizes across the state, including two $1 million scratch-off tickets and nearly $1.9 million in Fantasy 5 jackpots.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 4, 2026:
The Georgia Public Service Commission is reminding customers that special rules apply when dangerous summer heat is in the forecast.
Under PSC rules, Georgia Power cannot disconnect electric service to a residential customer for non-payment if a National Weather Service Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning is in effect, or forecast to be in effect, for that customer’s county before 8 a.m. on the scheduled disconnection date.
The rule applies specifically to Georgia Power, which is regulated by the PSC. Customers served by electric membership corporations or municipal electric systems should contact their provider directly to ask about similar policies.
The restriction is temporary. Once the heat advisory or warning ends, disconnection can be reinstated. The PSC encourages customers at risk of losing service to contact their provider and make payment arrangements.
Customers who need help may also contact PSC Consumer Affairs at 404-656-4501, 800-282-5813, or by email at gapsc@psc.ga.gov.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is reminding Georgians and visitors to stay safe and healthy while celebrating the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program, a federal initiative designed to help nonprofit organizations strengthen security and better protect their members, staff, and facilities.