Gun bill to ease cross-state carry permits in Georgia clears Senate

By Beau Evans Staff Writer Capitol Beat News Service     Legislation to loosen restrictions on gun owners who carry weapons into Georgia from out of state is close to clearing the General Assembly amid backlash from recent mass shootings in the Atlanta area.   The bill, sponsored by Rep.

Manhunt for Hart man ends in Lumpkin

By Matt Aiken The Nugget A night-long manhunt on the south side of Lumpkin County took on a heightened sense of urgency last week when Dillon Findley disappeared into the woods in the area around Blackburn Elementary School, said Sheriff Stacy Jarrard.

Training for Georgia drivers on how to act in police traffic stops advances

By Beau Evans Staff Writer Capitol Beat News Service   Legislation to create a new driver’s education course on how to interact with police officers during traffic stops advanced Wednesday in the General Assembly. The bill, sponsored by Sen.

Georgia Ag STEM challenge open to students

MACON — Georgia elementary classes in third through fifth grades are being challenged to put their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills to work to explore the real-world issue that farmers face of maintaining soil health.

Pandemic visitations in Georgia hospitals, nursing homes moves in state House

By Beau Evans Capitol Beat News Service Legislation allowing visits from some family members, caregivers and legal representatives of Georgians in hospitals or nursing homes during emergencies like COVID-19 advanced in the state House of Representatives on Monday.

Term limits for Georgia lawmakers proposed in General Assembly bill

By Beau Evans Capitol Beat News Service A state Senate committee debated a measure Monday to limit terms for Georgia House and Senate members to 12 years total, as well as doubling the term for state senators from two to four years. A constitutional amendment proposed by Sen.

Economic outlook rosy despite the pandemic

By Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service   ATLANTA — The unusual nature of the current pandemic-driven recession has put Georgia in a stronger economic position than could have been expected otherwise, the state’s chief economist said Tuesday.

$65,000 in scholarships offered by ag foundation

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is offering $65,000 in scholarships to Georgia students pursuing a degree in agriculture, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences or a related field, Larry Haley, Hart County Farm Bureau president, recently announced.

Ossoff declared winner

By Beau Evans Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA -- Democrats have captured both of Georgia’s seats in the U.S. Senate for the first time in nearly 20 years, a momentous feat that gives the party control of Congress and the White House.

Sports betting front and center in renewed legalized gambling debate

By Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA —  Advocates for bringing legalized gambling to Georgia will be back under the Gold Dome next month, pitching the financial benefits of casinos, horse racing and sports betting together and separately.