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March 28, 2026

Georgia Literacy Bill Becomes Key Battle In Final Days Of Legislative Session

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A major education bill aimed at improving reading skills across Georgia has become one of the biggest political fights at the State Capitol as lawmakers head into the final days of the legislative session.

March 26, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Gas Tax Relief, Refund Checks Highlight Busy Week Under Gold Dome

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State Representative Eddie Lumsden of Armuchee says lawmakers are entering the final stretch of the 2026 legislative session, with just five days remaining after completing Legislative Day 35 last week.

March 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Erin Brockovich Returns To Northwest Georgia Amid PFAS Concerns

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Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is set to return to Northwest Georgia next week as the PFAS Georgia team announces a major expansion of water, soil, and dust testing in Rome and several surrounding counties. Organizers say the renewed push comes after more than 20 months of work in the region uncovered some of the highest levels of “forever chemicals” found anywhere in the country.

March 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Absentee Ballots for April 7th Runoff Election Available Until March 27

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Voters in Chattooga County will be asked to return to the polls on April 7, 2026 to vote in two runoff elections. The runoffs were a result of no candidate getting more than 50% of the vote in the Special Election for the Georgia 53rd Senate District and the 14th U.S. Congressional District races.

March 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Fuller, Harris Clash Ahead of April 7 Runoff in Georgia’s 14th District

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Voters in Northwest Georgia are set for a high-stakes runoff election on April 7, as Republican Clay Fuller and Democrat Shawn Harris compete to fill the seat vacated by Marjorie Taylor Greene in the 14th Congressional District.

March 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Lawmakers Advance Bills Focused on Child Welfare and Abuse Protections

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Georgia lawmakers are moving forward with several bills this session aimed at improving child welfare services, supporting foster children with autism and related disorders, and strengthening legal protections for victims of abuse.

March 19, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Update Released on Health of State Senate Candidate Lanny Thomas

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An update has been released on the health and campaign status of Republican State Senate candidate and former Trion Mayor Lanny Thomas following a recent medical emergency.

March 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Tax Rebate Bill Heads To Governor Kemp

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Georgia lawmakers have approved House Bill 1000, a measure that would provide a one-time state income tax rebate for eligible taxpayers, and the bill is now headed to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature.

Under the proposal, taxpayers who filed timely Georgia income tax returns for both the 2024 and 2025 tax years would qualify for the rebate. The bill sets the rebate at $250 for single filers or married people filing separately, $375 for heads of household, and $500 for married couples filing jointly.

The rebate would be funded using part of the state’s budget surplus, which lawmakers say currently stands at around $14 billion.

If signed into law, the measure would mark another round of tax relief for Georgia residents, continuing a series of rebates issued by the state in recent years as lawmakers return surplus revenue to taxpayers.

March 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Democratic State Senate District 53 candidate Jack Zibluk Suspends Campaign

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Democratic State Senate District 53 candidate Jack Zibluk has announced he is suspending campaign activities following the recent medical emergency involving his opponent, Republican candidate Lanny Thomas.

March 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Senate Candidate and former Mayor of Trion Lanny Thomas Undergoes Emergency Surgery

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Lanny Thomas, Republican candidate for Georgia State Senate District 53 and former mayor of the Town of Trion, has undergone emergency surgery after what his family described as a sudden and unexpected medical emergency. He is currently recovering in the hospital.

A statement released by the Thomas family says prayers and well wishes are appreciated as he continues his recovery. Before surgery, Thomas spoke with his family and expressed his determination to return to the campaign as soon as possible.

The statement says he remains committed to serving Northwest Georgia and providing honest and effective representation. Updates on his condition are expected to be shared as they become available.

Thomas, along with Democrat Jack Zibluck are on the ballot in a runoff election for State Senate District 53 on April 7.