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The Hartwell Sun

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National economic headwinds blow through Georgia

Thursday, December 18, 2025

ATLANTA — National economic headwinds driven in part by politics will continue suppressing Georgia's economy while raising the risk of recession, says a new economic forecast from a business think tank at the University of Georgia.

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Tentative agreement could mean new capacity for data centers

Ty Tagami – Capitol Beat News Service

Thursday, December 18, 2025

ATLANTA — Georgia's dominant electric power monopoly has a reached a tentative deal with state regulators that would allow a major expansion of energy production, mostly from natural gas.

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State legislation would expedite building approvals

Ty Tagami – Capitol Beat News Service

Friday, November 21, 2025

ATLANTA — With home costs rising beyond the reach of many Georgians, builders and developers are pushing for new limits on local control over construction permitting. State lawmakers heard Tuesday about legislation that would impose strict deadlines on local governments to issue permits.

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Legislators hear more about changing election law

Ty Tagami – Capitol Beat News Service

Thursday, October 23, 2025

ATLANTA — State lawmakers wrapped up another marathon hearing on Georgia’s election procedures Thursday, ahead of possible legislative changes next year.

The staff at the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter – pictured with board members Michelle Branton, John McGarity and Pam Stone – stand in the lobby of the new adoption building. The staff is available to help those looking to adopt a new dog or cat. (Photo by Shane Scoggins)

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Animal shelter shows off new adoption building

News Staff

Thursday, October 16, 2025

By Shane Scoggins Franklin County Citizen Leader and Rose Scoggins Editor/Publisher LAVONIA – The Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter (NEGAS) showed off its new adoption center Thursday to officials from the governments it serves.

Kim Caudell of Toccoa captured this photo of her sons, Britt and Benjamin, celebrating Independence Day at Lake Hartwell. Caudell won $100 for her photo, which was featured on the cover of the 2025 summer edition of Lake Living magazine. (Photo from Summer 2025 Lake Living)

Photo contest open for Lake Living magazine

News Staff

Thursday, October 16, 2025

By Kimberly Brown CNI News Service Northeast Georgia lakes are beautiful any time of the year. Winter’s clear skies, sparkling cold waters and frosty trees make this time of year on the lake especially beautiful.

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Solar power and data centers a focus for Public Service Commission candidate

News Staff

Thursday, October 16, 2025

ATLANTA — A solar power advocate who is running for a seat on Georgia’s energy regulation agency made his case without opposition Wednesday when his opponent declined to participate in a broadcasted debate.

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Judge upholds key provision of state elections overhaul

Dave Williams - Capitol Beat News Service

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

ATLANTA – A federal judge has upheld a portion of a controversial 2022 Georgia election law dealing with absentee ballots. In a 50-page ruling Monday, U.S. District Judge J.P.

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Teachers say they are overworked, underpaid and exposed to violence

Ty Tagami – Capitol Beat News Service

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

ATLANTA — Educators in Georgia’s public schools blame long work hours, low pay and misbehaving and even violent students for teacher shortages that undermine education, says the latest annual workforce survey from the largest teacher association in Georgia.

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State election board offers differing outlook on security

Ty Tagami – Capitol Beat News Service

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

ATLANTA — Members of the Republican-controlled State Election Board offered differing views on election security Aug. 29 when lawmakers held their third of six listening sessions around the state. Board members also disagreed about whether there is a problem.