Georgia regulators unanimously approved a massive expansion of the state’s power grid Friday, approving Georgia Power’s request for nearly 10,000 megawatts of new energy capacity despite concerns over transparency and the potential financial risk to ratepayers. Story by @alander.bsky.social.

Behold: the first-ever list of news outlets that have banned generative AI in their reporting. As of today, this is literally information that you cannot find on Google. My goal is to fill the starter pack, so please send over suggestions with supporting evidence! go.bsky.app/8cn1XfT

NEW: She was set to give birth as a Georgia prisoner, again. Terrified, she asked a nonprofit for help.

“We had the right message in this time,” Democrat Eric Gisler said, adding that his opponent “ran on tired MAGA talking points.” Story by @mayahoman.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social

Protest erupted this morning as Georgia Public Service Commission hearings began with opposition to Georgia Power's huge energy buildout request. Several people protesting the upcoming commission vote, were kicked out before the hearing officially started. #gapolitics

The @apnews.com has called it and so has @tennesseelookout.com: republican Matt Van Epps has won the special election in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District by 6%.

It's Giving Tuesday! We're grateful for the support you've shown the Recorder this year. Help us continue to deliver independent, nonpartisan, ad-free journalism in 2026. The Recorder staff: @alander.bsky.social + @mayahoman.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social + @jillnolin.bsky.social

A Fulton County judge has dismissed the case against President Donald Trump and a group of alleged co-conspirators accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

“It was a different day, a different time,” said one of the GOP lawmakers who supported the move to ballot-marking devices in 2019 but who now want to pivot. “Everything’s changed since then.” Story by @mayahoman.bsky.social.

The Georgia election interference case against President Donald Trump appears to live on after the head of a nonpartisan state agency appointed himself the new prosecutor in the case.

We’re live! Tune into our new weekly podcast, Stories From The States. In our first episode, host @fitzsimon.bsky.social talks about federal cuts that are jeopardizing Medicaid coverage. www.newsfromthestates.com/podcast/stor... #FairFearlessFree #LocalJournalism

Voters at a south Atlanta polling place cited local issues like infrastructure and City Council accountability as top concerns Tuesday. Two statewide races for the Georgia Public Service Commission were often an afterthought. New from @alander.bsky.social.

New from @alander.bsky.social: Campaigning for two contested seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission has intensified during the early voting period, turning a relatively quiet election cycle into a partisan fight over utility rates and energy policy.

The Georgia Board of Natural Resources has voted in favor of a plan to increase parking pass rates at state parks, and the Department of Natural Resources could be considering further cost hikes. Story by @journalistross.bsky.social.

New from @journalistross.bsky.social: The next time you want to take in some of Georgia’s natural beauty at one of its state parks, it could cost you a little more.

The alleged theft happened at a time when a perceived lack of transparency in the PSC’s dealings with Georgia Power has been scrutinized more intensely. Story by @alander.bsky.social.

With a narrow 3-2 vote, a trio of Trump-aligned state election board members recommended that state lawmakers ban no-excuse absentee voting in Georgia. Story by @mayahoman.bsky.social.

The board for Planned Parenthood Southeast - covering AL, GA, MS - hired a law firm to investigate allegations of mismanagement. "The line between malice and incompetence can be very blurry," said a former PP director. Via @mayahoman.bsky.social www.newsfromthestates.com/article/plan...

“I’m not donating to them until I know for sure that leadership of our Planned Parenthood Southeast is leadership that shares a progressive political lens, that supports women’s rights, that supports non-binary rights, that supports the rights of the people that never get a voice,” said one donor.

The dogs of the No Kings protest in Atlanta. Despite only being 6-months old, Rahul Bose, sitting in front of the "No kings, No ICE" poster, is a frequent protester, starting with the Tesla Takedown protests earlier this year. "Ruff," he said. Jax, a 1 year old German Shepherd, wanted to play.

Follow along for national coverage of today's No Kings protests from @statesnewsroom.com. We'll also have updates from the Atlanta Civic Center, where a large group is gathered.

Early voting starts tomorrow for two seats in the Public Service Commission, which is responsible for regulating utilities in the state. Republicans, who are fearful Dems may flip one or both seats, are turning to national, culture wars themes while Democrats are running on energy affordability.

Just a reminder--if you're a federal worker who wants to talk about the RIFs or anything else, we can chat on Signal--see below

During a Wednesday event at the Carter Center, the U. S. Postal Service unveiled a new Forever stamp featuring Jimmy Carter’s portrait. Story by @mayahoman.bsky.social.

New from @alander.bsky.social: Georgia’s limited Medicaid expansion program is extended through 2026 despite concerns about cost

Follow along for live results of today's state Senate runoff featuring Democrat Debra Shigley - who turned heads last month when she won 40% of the vote - and Republican Jason Dickerson.

Our newsletter has a snazzy new look, and we are also starting a new weekly newsletter (called the Remix) that will serve up a recap of each week. (You can also just sign up for the Remix if you would like to receive fewer emails.) Sign up for our newsletters here: georgiarecorder.com/subscribe/

“Every inch of ground that we win adds up. Every race that we flip adds up. That’s how we start rebuilding our party again, and Debra is an important part of that rebuilding process.”

An immigration judge ordered Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara to be deported on Friday despite a pending First Amendment case in federal court, setting off a frenzied attempt by his attorneys to stop the deportation from happening. Story by @samatl.bsky.social.

“Who’s going to train the next generation of scientists and engineers in these areas? You need funding to do that, and that is gone,” said Geza Kogler, a now-retired Kennesaw State University professor who lost his National Institutes of Health training grant. Story by @alander.bsky.social.

Excerpt: Democrats are hoping that the lack of an incumbent, along with Georgia’s shifting political terrain, put this race in play. Republicans, meanwhile, are hoping to maintain a nearly two-decade-long grip on Georgia’s executive offices.

Georgia’s two Senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, have joined a growing chorus of public health experts and advocates calling for U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to step down from his role amid mounting criticism over his leadership.

The winds of change might be blowing through Georgia. At least, that’s what Democrats are hoping for as both parties gear up for a competitive runoff election for an open state Senate seat. Story by @mayahoman.bsky.social.

Update: The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn’t appear inclined to leave her post, despite the Trump administration announcing Wednesday that she’s no longer running one of the country’s top public health agencies.

The lone Democrat in a seven-way race easily advanced to a runoff in a special election that will decide who will replace former Alpharetta Republican state Sen. Brandon Beach, and the top GOP candidates battled it out for second place.

Follow along as the results come in for today's special Georgia state Senate election. @mayahoman.bsky.social will have a full story on the results later.

Seven candidates are vying to replace former state Sen. Brandon Beach as the lawmaker representing a northern Atlanta suburban district in the Georgia Senate. Early voting concluded Friday in the district, and just under 12,000 voters have already cast a ballot for an early turnout rate of 8%.

The federal immigration case against a jailed, Spanish-language journalist has been bolstered by the help of a metro Atlanta sheriff’s office, public records show. Mario Guevara’s two-month confinement in immigration detention has drawn outcry from free press and immigration advocates.

“We’re not complying with the court orders,” said Commissioner Bridget Thorne, a Republican who represents north Fulton. “We’ve had two hearings, one on Friday, one on Monday, forcing us to comply. And the decision today was to not comply.”

First byline (as a staff writer) for @georgiarecorder.com. Lawmakers are considering eliminating the state's income tax to be more competitive with states like Florida and Tennessee. Income taxes currently account for over 50% of Georgia's total state revenue. georgiarecorder.com/2025/08/19/g...

New from @alander.bsky.social: Georgia officials discussed eliminating the state income tax Tuesday but provided little detail on how to do so.

We're thrilled to welcome @alander.bsky.social to our staff. He's done great work at our sister newsroom in Alabama (@alabamareflector.com), including an impressive job chasing down the large amounts of First Liberty money that ended up with Alabama politicians. We're fortunate to have him join us.

Help me welcome @alander.bsky.social to Georgia, y’all. We’re so excited for him to join us at the @georgiarecorder.com starting Monday.

Calls for action follow CDC shooting as police confirm suspect’s ‘discontent’ with COVID-19 vaccine, reports @mayahoman.bsky.social. georgiarecorder.com/2025/08/12/c...

New guest commentary: Georgia’s youngest children deserve continuous Medicaid coverage

“Most of all the victims are either in politics or very faith-based investors, and all of them that I talked to were influenced by the charitable giving and the feel-good side of the company,” said the court-appointed receiver.

A new column from Niles Francis: Gov. Brian Kemp might have nudged John King out of the U.S. Senate race, but his involvement doesn’t seem to be deterring other candidates — at least not yet.

I am excited to share Niles Francis’ first column for the @georgiarecorder.com. Niles will offer his analysis of the 2026 legislative session and election as a commentary writer for us.

Georgia man accused of running $140M Ponzi scheme contributed to 3 Alabama officials, reports @alander.bsky.social with @alabamareflector.com.