Marietta schools say phone ban boosts learning, cuts stress and bullying

Close-up of student hand writing notes in open notebook, examination or textbook with number 2 pencil. Shows active learning and study process in educational setting.

Marietta schools say phone ban boosts learning, cuts stress and bullying

Marietta schools say phone ban boosts learning, cuts stress and bullying Two Marietta City Schools have reported a total transformation after banning cell phone use. The schools say teachers are less stressed, students learn better and they have had fewer instances of bullying this school year. Marietta Sixth Grade Academy and Marietta Middle School started a program last year requiring students to place their phones in magnetic locking pouches during […]

December 23, 2025 101

Close up image of marijuana, buds and blunt on a table

Business

Georgia hemp producer welcomes Trump order reclassifying marijuana

Georgia hemp producer welcomes Trump order reclassifying marijuana President Trump signed an executive order last week to reclassify marijuana, and Georgia hemp producers say it is a step in the right direction. The executive order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to move marijuana from a Schedule 1 drug, next to heroin, to a Schedule 3, which recognizes its medical use. Although it doesn’t legalize marijuana, Joe Salome, co-founder of Georgia […]

December 23, 2025 49

Library bookshelf: colorful spines, warm wood, neatly organized. Perfect for calm reflection and study

Community

Henry County libraries to cut hours as inflation strains budgets

Henry County libraries to cut hours as inflation strains budgets After the new year, libraries in the Metro Atlanta area will have to reduce their operating hours. Four out of five of Henry County libraries will close on Saturdays until further notice because of budget strains due to inflation. “The library system has also been affected by inflation, and we have done everything in our power to reduce costs so […]

December 23, 2025 35

Jennifer Whitfield, an attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center who’s representing Georgia Interfaith Power and Light and Southface Institute, speaks to the Public Service Commission Friday, Dec. 19, ahead of a vote on a historic expansion of Georgia Power's capacity.

Community

Georgia PSC approves 10,000-MW Georgia Power expansion amid protests

Georgia PSC approves 10,000-MW Georgia Power expansion amid protests Moments before the Georgia Public Service Commission voted on a historic expansion of Georgia Power’s capacity, protesters started chanting. “Nay, nay, nay, the people say nay.” After being escorted from the proceedings, the PSC unanimously voted to pass the stipulation. Georgia Power requested to add 10,000 megawatts of new power resources over the next five years mostly reliant on natural gas. […]

December 22, 2025 49

People visit the Christmas Light installation in downtown Macon, Georgia, on a winter evening.

Community

Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza returns with 1M lights, music and free shows

Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza returns with 1M lights, music and free shows The Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza kicked off on Nov. 28 with more than 1 million lights synchronized to music arranged and performed by Macon Pops. Luke Cox volunteered to help set up the lights and manage the event. Cox told 13WMAZ that he has grown up attending the event. “It was just amazing to see the work that […]

December 22, 2025 34

Homeless encampment under a bridge on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail along the Allegheny River. The encampments are a problem in the area as the trail is popular with walkers, runners and bikers. Unrecognizable people seen in background. This section of the trail is near downtown and PNC Park.

Community

HUD policy shift threatens Georgia housing programs for unhoused people

HUD policy shift threatens Georgia housing programs for unhoused people Changes in the mission of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) could impact Georgia service providers for unhoused people. Georgia Public Broadcasting reports that Georgia’s providers have been focusing on a supportive housing model, which prioritizes housing before other services, such as mental health care and employment. However, HUD is shifting to prioritize other services prior to […]

December 22, 2025 33

Doctor, hands and tablet with patient for consultation, medical advice or procedure at clinic. Closeup, healthcare employee and client with technology for health appointment or checklist at hospital

Featured

Georgia ACA enrollment drops as subsidy uncertainty drives premium shock

Georgia ACA enrollment drops as subsidy uncertainty drives premium shock Uncertainty around the Affordable Care Act subsidies expiring has caused people in Georgia to make definitive decisions about their health insurance. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Georgia’s Affordable Care Act enrollment is down by more than 190,000 policyholders. Open enrollment ended Dec. 15 for those who want their policy to start on Jan. 1, 2026. However, Georgians have until Jan. […]

December 22, 2025 57

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Featured

Georgia enters ‘moderate’ range for respiratory illnesses as flu cases rise

Georgia enters ‘moderate’ range for respiratory illnesses as flu cases rise Georgia has moved into the “moderate” range for respiratory illnesses as flu cases rise earlier than usual this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to WSB-TV, state health officials report nine flu-related deaths and more than 300 hospitalizations so far this season. CDC maps show Georgia shaded dark yellow, indicating moderate levels of respiratory […]

December 19, 2025 65 3

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Featured

Liberty Mutual, Safeco to cut insurance rates for Georgia drivers

Liberty Mutual, Safeco to cut insurance rates for Georgia drivers Three insurance companies are lowering rates for Georgia customers, according to an announcement from Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. In a WSB-TV report, King’s office said Liberty Mutual and two Georgia-based offices of its subsidiary Safeco will offer rate reductions for policyholders, with Liberty Mutual customers seeing an average decrease of nearly 6%. The reductions follow […]

December 19, 2025 33 1

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