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/

Georgia’s new program to subsidize private education has helped more than 8,000 children move from low-ranked public schools to educational organizations predominantly affiliated with Christian churches #gapol via The Current GA & @georgiarecorder.com thecurrentga.org/2025/09/23/c...

“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.

Peter Hubbard, a clean energy advocate, won the Democratic Party nomination for the District 3 Georgia Public Service Commission seat Tuesday evening.

Follow along with us for live results of today's Democratic runoff for the District 3 seat on the Georgia Public Service Commission.

As the dust settles in the wake of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” — the massive spending cut and tax break package signed into law early this month — it’s becoming clearer that Georgia’s health care landscape may look dramatically different in 2026. Story by @mayahoman.bsky.social.

NEW this morning: A south Georgia public library system is under pressure to rehire a librarian whose firing over a book about a transgender child has led to the resignation of a board member and a wrongful termination lawsuit, according to emails and text messages obtained by the Georgia Recorder.

For this Independence Day, we have an update on the recovery of America's favorite bird of prey years after bald eagles were nearly wiped out. Story by @journalistross.bsky.social.

U.S. House Republican efforts to pass the “big, beautiful bill” hit a roadblock Wednesday, when leaders left the chamber in a holding pattern for hours before sending members back to their offices.

U.S. Senate Republicans were in a holding pattern Tuesday morning, as party leaders struggled to find the votes needed to pass their “big, beautiful bill” following more than 24 hours of continuous debate.

The U.S. Senate launched a marathon amendment voting session Monday during which lawmakers will debate dozens of proposals from Republicans and Democrats that could significantly reshape the “big, beautiful bill” even as a final vote nears.

New from @jennifershutt.bsky.social: The U.S. Senate began floor debate on Republicans’ “big, beautiful bill” Sunday afternoon, though there are several steps to go before the legislation can become law, and any one of those could lead to additional GOP opposition — potentially dooming the measure.

The provision addressing silencers, also called suppressors, was added to the House’s version of the bill by Georgia Rep. Andrew Clyde.

ICYMI: Charges against a Spanish-language journalist who was arrested while covering a protest in metro Atlanta earlier this month have been dropped, though he continues to face potential deportation.

Several organizations dedicated to preserving free speech and protecting members of the press are calling for the release of a prominent immigration reporter who was detained while covering a protest in Atlanta earlier this month and is now on track to be deported.

An Alabama-based company that was close to receiving the final go-ahead from the state to mine near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has decided to instead sell the land to a nonprofit focused on conserving at-risk sites.

Georgia’s Juneteenth celebrations are happening at a fraught time nationally for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. And some celebrations have felt the impact, as sponsors withdrew support. via @georgiarecorder.com www.newsfromthestates.com/article/june...

Juneteenth celebrations march on in Georgia amid national DEI reversals and cutbacks

Stay tuned as the votes are counted in today’s primary election, which features two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission.

“I can’t believe how much my bill has gone up,” said a Clayton County voter. “I’m doing everything I can to save money. Nothing’s going to change unless we can send a message (this) election.”

Assassination of Minnesota lawmaker is met with bipartisan condemnation in Georgia

Minutes after Atlanta’s “No Kings” protest began Saturday outside the state Capitol, organizers announced that the venue’s 5,000-person capacity had been reached.

House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, dead after targeted shooting. Sen. John Hoffman was also shot, though he's expected to recover.

Shortly after the Atlanta #nokings event kicked off at 10, organizers said Liberty Plaza near the state Capitol had already reached maximum capacity of 5,000.