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July 5, 2026

Georgia Lottery Players Win Millions in June, Including Two $1 Million Scratch-Off Prizes

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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.

July 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Arrest Report – Saturday – July 4, 2026

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 4, 2026:

July 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

PSC Rule Limits Georgia Power Disconnects During Heat Advisories

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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.

July 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Department Of Public Health Urges Safe And Healthy Fourth Of July Weekend

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The Georgia Department of Public Health is reminding Georgians and visitors to stay safe and healthy while celebrating the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

July 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Opens Applications for Nonprofit Security Grants to Help Protect High-Risk Organizations

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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.

July 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

AAA Urges Fireworks Safety And Insurance Check Ahead Of Independence Day

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As families prepare for Independence Day celebrations, AAA is reminding homeowners that fireworks can bring more than safety risks — they can also lead to costly property damage and liability issues.

According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, fireworks were linked to 11 reported deaths and 14,700 injuries in 2024. Fireworks also started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023, including 3,760 structure fires and $142 million in direct property damage.

AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters says even well-planned fireworks displays can end in injury or property damage. AAA recommends homeowners review their insurance policies before the holiday to understand what is covered, including fire damage, guest injuries, detached structures and liability claims.

AAA also urges residents to keep fireworks away from homes, vehicles, decks, dry grass and trees; soak used fireworks in water before disposal; keep a water hose or bucket nearby; and never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers. AAA says the safest option is attending a professional fireworks display.

June 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

More Than 120 New Georgia Laws Take Effect Wednesday

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More than 120 new laws passed by the Georgia General Assembly will officially take effect Wednesday, July 1, bringing a wide range of changes that will impact consumers, public safety, agriculture, criminal justice, financial institutions, and businesses across the state.

June 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

USAA Drivers in Georgia to See Auto Insurance Rate Reduction

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More than 200,000 Georgia drivers insured through the USAA Group of Companies are expected to see lower auto insurance premiums following a newly approved rate reduction announced by Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King. The overall decrease averages about 2.6 percent and is expected to save Georgia policyholders more than $33 million statewide.

The rate reductions vary by company within the USAA group, with decreases of 4.7 percent for Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, 4.5 percent for USAA Casualty Insurance Company, and 2.4 percent for USAA General Indemnity Company. Commissioner King said the reductions reflect a more competitive insurance marketplace and ongoing efforts to improve affordability for Georgia families.

In addition to the lower rates, USAA has increased its SafePilot participation discount from 10 percent to 15 percent, giving eligible policyholders another opportunity to reduce their premiums. State officials say the latest filing continues a trend of recent auto insurance rate reductions in Georgia as regulators work to increase competition and lower costs for consumers.

June 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Nurses Say State Guidance Could Threaten Rural Health Care Access in Georgia

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A dispute over how Georgia law should be interpreted has advanced practice registered nurses warning that patients in rural communities could lose access to medical care if the issue is not resolved.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Agriculture Officials Ask Georgians To Watch For Yellow-Legged Hornets

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Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said this week that the Georgia Department of Agriculture is continuing its efforts to track, trap and eradicate the invasive yellow-legged hornet, and he is encouraging residents to help by watching for signs of the destructive insect.

Harper is asking Georgians to be on the lookout for possible secondary nests and to report any suspected sightings to the state.

Residents should watch for hornet activity around beehives, especially during the morning hours before noon and again after 5 PM.

Possible secondary nests may appear as large, round or oval-shaped structures located high in trees or other elevated areas. Officials say the nests are typically gray or brown and made of layered, paper-like material. Depending on temperatures, they may be visible from late summer through winter.

Anyone who believes they have spotted a yellow-legged hornet nest should report the sighting to the Georgia Department of Agriculture by email at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.