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.

Georgia's 16 Electoral College votes officially cast for Biden, Harris

By Beau Evans Capitol Beat News Service Georgia’s members to the Electoral College have cast their 16 votes for a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Vaccines heading for Ga. hospitals

By Beau Evans Capitol Beat News Service Georgia could have “several hundred thousand doses” of COVID-19 vaccines in the next week or so for distribution to health-care workers and elderly care facilities, according to the state’s top public-health official.

Right to Farm debate likely in General Assembly

By Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service   ATLANTA — A recent court ruling awarding monetary damages to neighbors of a North Carolina industrial hog farm is stirring interest among Georgia agribusiness organizations in renewing a push to update the state’s Right to Farm Act. But the Nov.