News
State Election Board shelves bid to allow more hand-marked ballots, affirms touchscreen use
On Tuesday, the Georgia State Election Board rejected a proposal that would have increased the number of voters casting hand-marked paper ballots in the 2024 election cycle when existing touchscreen machines raise ballot privacy concerns. By rejecting requests to enhance ballot secrecy and security, the election board likely eliminates any possibility of meaningful election rule […]
McCarthy abandons another bid for U.S. House speaker, votes on spending bills canceled
WASHINGTON — California Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy announced Tuesday evening he will not try to become speaker for a second time, ending his tenure holding the gavel after eight GOP lawmakers and Democrats voted to remove him from leadership. “I will not run for speaker again. I’ll have the conference pick somebody else,” McCarthy said. […]
Georgia GOP leaders trumpet another top ranking by national business trade publication
Georgia has been named the top state for business for the 10th year by Area Development Magazine. The designation is from an executive magazine focused on site selection and relocation that won’t be found on the average living room coffee table. But Georgia’s dominance in the ranking has provided steady fodder for Republican leaders when […]
After the pandemic, too many kids are still missing school
On the first cool day of fall in Macon, Bruce Elementary Principal Kizzie Lott walked out the back door of her school in a floppy green poncho and baby blue rubber boots. Then, sitting in a plastic chair, she faced about 20 of her students who each had their own red bucket of water. Then, […]
U.S. House votes to remove Kevin McCarthy as speaker
WASHINGTON — Dissident Republicans in the U.S. House voted with Democrats on Tuesday to oust Kevin McCarthy as speaker, a historic move that came just nine months after he secured the gavel following days of negotiating with the GOP’s right flank and 15 rounds of voting. It wasn’t immediately clear after the vote how the […]
Bipartisan U.S. Senate group to travel to East Asia amid rising China tensions
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Idaho Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo will lead a bipartisan delegation to China, Japan and South Korea next week, Schumer’s office said Tuesday. The trip, scheduled for a week when the Senate will not be in session, comes amid escalating tensions with China, including the country’s internet regulator banning Boise-based […]
Next battle in Congress over Ukraine aid, as Biden presses House speaker for vote
WASHINGTON — Republican and Democratic lawmakers are searching for a way to clear more aid for Ukraine, after Congress approved a short-term spending bill that didn’t include any additional money for the country. President Joe Biden on Sunday said that U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy agreed to find the votes needed to pass a supplemental […]
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz files motion to oust McCarthy as U.S. House speaker
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House likely faces a decision this week on whether Kevin McCarthy should keep the role of speaker, after Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz on Monday night offered a motion to remove the California Republican. The so-called motion to vacate gives House GOP leaders up to two days to hold a vote […]
Rural America a focus for bipartisan health caucus formed in U.S. House
WASHINGTON — A bipartisan congressional caucus aims to improve accessibility to quality health care and services in rural U.S. communities. The Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus had its first meeting in late September and serves as a forum for U.S. representatives to promote legislation and policy actions regarding rural health. Members came together to discuss the […]
Congress clears bill to avert shutdown, with vote promised later on Ukraine aid
This story was updated at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023. WASHINGTON — Congress approved a bill Saturday night that would stave off a government shutdown until at least mid-November, though the measure doesn’t include Ukraine aid backed by both Republicans and Democrats. The bipartisan 88-9 vote in the U.S. Senate, just hours before […]
Fulton 19 recap: Trump sticks with Fulton venue, first defendant accepts a plea agreement, and more
Former Republican President Donald Trump’s decision to no longer press for his Fulton County election interference case to be moved to federal court signals a change of course in the conspiracy case against Trump and his 18 co-defendants. Trump’s attorney Steven Sadow notified Fulton County Superior Court about the ex–president’s decision on Thursday. Several weeks […]
Judge clears Oct. 1 start for new prosecutors oversight panel
A judge ruled Friday that a new prosecutors disciplinary council can begin investigating complaints on Sunday. Georgia’s Prosecuting Attorneys Oversight Commission remains intact after Fulton County Judge Paige Reese Whitaker rejected four district attorneys seeking a temporary injunction on the first ever oversight panel for county prosecutors. The plaintiffs – Democratic DeKalb County District Attorney […]