Category: News

The Georgia General Assembly is in the midst of its 2025 legislative session, which began in January and is expected to conclude by late March or early April.

As of this writing, a slew of bills have already passed both legislative bodies in Georgia and have been signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp.

What Bills Are Due To Take Effect in Georgia This Year?

Bills passed during this session that are signed will typically take effect on July 1, 2025, unless specified otherwise in the legislation.

However, since the session is ongoing and the governor has 40 days after the session ends to sign or veto bills, it’s not yet fully determined which bills will officially become law in 2025.

Below is an overview of notable bills that have either already taken effect on January 1, 2025, or are currently advancing through the legislative process with a strong chance of becoming law by July 1, 2025, based on available information and legislative progress.

Bills Already in Effect as of January 1, 2025

Several laws passed in previous sessions took effect at the start of 2025, such as these:

• Amendment 1 (HB 581): Approved by 62.92% of voters in November 2024, this constitutional amendment limits property tax increases by adjusting the statewide homestead exemption. Local governments can opt out via a specific process. It includes broader property tax changes outlined in HB 581.
• Amendment 2: Passed with 51.89% voter approval, this establishes the Georgia Tax Court to handle tax disputes, moving jurisdiction from the Department of Revenue to the judicial branch. Administrative setup begins January 1, 2025, with the court fully operational by August 1, 2026.
• HB 1072: Provides tax exemptions for donating drugs to a state drug repository program, effective January 1, 2025.
• SB 19: Requires superior court clerks and probate judges to disclose passport fee collections quarterly to county governments, addressing past concerns about clerks retaining these fees.
• SB 232: Updates probate court fees for various filings, including legal documents, weapons carry licenses, and marriage licenses.
• HB 1339: Includes a tax credit provision for rural hospital organizations, effective January 1, 2025.
• HB 880: Allows spouses of military servicemembers stationed in Georgia to practice their occupations without a state-specific license.
• SB 341: Amends legislative privilege rules for General Assembly staff communications with the Office of Legislative Counsel, aligning them with existing member privileges.
• SB 366: Reforms the process for introducing and formalizing the state budget (general appropriations bill).

Bills Advancing in the 2025 Legislative Session

The following bills are currently under consideration in the 2025 session and have either passed one chamber or are gaining traction. Their fate depends on passage by both the House and Senate and the governor’s approval:

• Tort Reform Package (Announced January 29, 2025): Governor Kemp unveiled a package to stabilize insurance costs and reform litigation. Key provisions include:
  • Limiting premises liability to what property owners directly control.
  • Requiring medical damages in personal injury cases to reflect actual costs paid, not inflated amounts.
  • Allowing bifurcated trials (separating liability and damages phases).
  • Permitting evidence of seatbelt non-use in auto accident cases.
  • Banning double recovery of attorney fees and reforming third-party litigation funding to exclude hostile foreign entities.
• SB 65: Mandates kindergarten attendance, under consideration in the Senate.
• HB 566 and HB 556: Address AI and deepfakes—HB 566 protects artists’ likenesses, while HB 556 curbs AI misuse. Both are being reviewed in the House.
• SB 303 and HB 215: Aim to protect voter roll integrity and election processes, highlighted as critical by some observers on X.
• Transgender Athletes Ban: A bill to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ school sports has been advancing, per StateAffairsGA.
• Gun Safety and Death Penalty Reforms: Bills on gun safety and banning the death penalty for intellectually disabled individuals are moving forward, as noted by GeorgiaRecorder.
• SB 233 (School Voucher Law): Already passed in a prior session, this law expands in 2025, offering $6,000 vouchers to students in the bottom 25% of schools under Georgia’s academic ratings.
• SB 189: Changes voting registration for homeless individuals, requiring them to use county election offices for mail, effective in 2025.

The Georgia Assembly 2025 Legislative Session

• Crossover Day: March 6, 2025, is Crossover Day, the deadline for bills to pass one chamber to remain viable this session. Bills not passing by this date may still be revived via attachment to other legislation.
• Budget: Lawmakers are crafting a $40.5 billion state budget, the largest in Georgia history, which must be finalized and signed into law.
• Past Session Insight: In 2024, Kemp signed over 700 bills, suggesting a high volume of legislation could again become law in 2025.

Kemp Signs Amended Budget

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed an amended budget that includes some key initiatives for the state. Here’s what they entail:

n addition to investments in healthcare, public safety, education, and returning $1 billion to taxpayers through a third one-time special tax refund, the amended budget includes investments and allocations for:

• Hurricane Helene Relief: More then $867 million for response costs and relief, including but not limited to, one-time grants to public rural and critical access hospitals included in the major disaster declaration area to assist in financial stabilization and recovery efforts, disaster relief assistance to impacted farmers and timber producers, and grants to non-profits for Hurricane Helene rebuilding and recovery efforts.
• Education and Workforce Development: $140 million in additional allocations to fully fund QBE and support our local school systems to help us build an unrivaled workforce as we work to make Georgia the Top State for Talent.
• Public Safety and Corrections: More than $434 million in new funding for the Department of Corrections to fortify state facilities, invest in Corrections Officers, and equip them with the tools they need to be effective and efficient.
• Fighting Human Trafficking: $3.5 million to design a recovery center for victims of human trafficking – an effort championed by First Lady Marty Kemp – and over $187,000 to expand the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit to the Macon and Augusta regions.
• School Security: An additional $50 million in one-time funds for another round of security grants to all K-12 public schools.
• Coastal Water Infrastructure: $501.7 million in funding for the development and construction of water infrastructure in Georgia’s coastal region to meet the growing demand due to historic economic development.
• Local Water and Sewer Infrastructure: Over $266 million in funding for the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to support water and sewer infrastructure development projects across Georgia.
• Local Road Infrastructure: $265 million into the local maintenance and improvement grant program and $46 million to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank’s grant and loan program. 
• Combating Wildfires: $4.7 million for the Forestry Commission to purchase a new fire suppression helicopter

Since the legislative session is ongoing, the final list of laws effective July 1, 2025, will only be confirmed after the session ends (likely late March) and the governor acts by mid-May.

Final Word

Atlanta is filled with things to do, including dining options, from fine dining to trendy cafes, and some of the city’s best rooftop bars with skyline views.Boutique shops, unique galleries, and retail options add to Midtown Atlanta’s charm for those looking to shop local or find unique items.Downtown Atlanta is a hub for tech companies, startups, and corporate offices, giving it an energetic, innovative vibe.

Last Woof

A man’s body was recovered from Lake Lanier on Thursday evening, according to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. The incident makes for the first death at Lake Lanier this in 2025.

A spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources confirmed the recovery, though the man’s identity has not been released.

Forsyth County deputies reported a heavy police presence at the Six Mile Creek boat ramp in a Facebook post. Authorities stated that no foul play is suspected. Additional details have not yet been disclosed.

How Many Deaths Occurred at Lake Lanier Last Year?

In 2024, there were at least three reported drownings at Lake Lanier:

1. May 29, 2024: Matthew Mayo, 73, drowned after falling from his fishing boat when a seat became unbolted.
2. June 5, 2024: Jim Hansard, 76, was found deceased in 13 feet of water near his dock.
3. September 2024: Hasani Kamau Widemond, 46, drowned while attempting to swim to his boat from the shore, in view of his family.

While these incidents highlight the ongoing concerns about safety at Lake Lanier, comprehensive statistics for the total number of deaths in 2024 have not been publicly released. Historically, the lake has averaged about 10 deaths per year, though recent trends indicate a slight decrease.

Given the lake’s popularity, with over 11 million visitors annually, it’s crucial for visitors to exercise caution, wear life jackets, and be aware of potential hazards to ensure a safe experience.

Lake Lanier has gained a reputation for frequent drownings and boating accidents, leading to speculation about its dangers. Several key factors contribute to the high number of deaths:

1. Underwater Hazards

• Uneven Lake Bottom: The lake was created by flooding valleys, which left behind submerged structures, trees, and debris. This makes swimming and boating riskier.
• Strong Currents: Water releases from Buford Dam can create unpredictable currents.
• Poor Visibility: Murky water makes it hard for swimmers to see underwater obstacles.

2. Heavy Boat Traffic

• Popularity: Lake Lanier is one of the busiest lakes in the U.S., with millions of visitors annually. High traffic increases the risk of collisions and accidents.
• Inexperienced Boaters: Many visitors lack proper boating knowledge, leading to reckless or unsafe behavior.

3. Alcohol and Reckless Behavior

• Drinking and Boating: Alcohol is a common factor in accidents, impairing judgment and reaction times.
• Not Wearing Life Jackets: Many drownings involve individuals who were not wearing life vests, even in deep water.

4. Rapid Depth Changes

• Swimmers can easily go from shallow areas to deep water unexpectedly, increasing the risk of drowning.

5. Urban Legends and Myths

• Some believe the lake is “cursed” due to its history. It was built over communities, including the predominantly Black town of Oscarville, and cemeteries. While no supernatural evidence exists, the eerie history fuels speculation.

Despite its dangers, safety precautions—such as wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol while boating, and being aware of underwater hazards—can reduce risks.

Would you like to know more about specific incidents or safety measures?

Read about the infamous history of Lake Lanier.

Delta Air Lines on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, encountered several harrowing minutes after a plane had to turn around due to smoke or haze in the cabin.

On Monday morning, Delta Flight 876 had to return to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport due to “haze” inside the aircraft.

The flight crew followed proper protocols, declared an emergency for priority handling from air traffic control, and turned back to Atlanta after noticing the haze.

Upon landing on Runway 27, emergency slides were deployed to help passengers exit quickly.

In a statement, Delta said 94 passengers were on board the Boeing 717, which had just departed for Columbia, South Carolina, when the haze was detected. The pilots declared an emergency to ensure priority assistance from air traffic controllers.

Once on the ground, emergency slides were used for a fast evacuation. Delta spokesperson Samantha Moore Facteau confirmed via email that two passengers were treated by EMTs.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people,” the airline said, adding an apology to passengers for the experience.

The Boeing 717 was carrying 94 passengers, two pilots, and three flight attendants. The two passengers treated by EMTs were released after being evaluated. Delta provided ground transportation and rebooking for affected customers, and a new flight to Columbia was arranged on another aircraft.Attach

The two passengers treated by EMTs were released after being evaluated. Delta provided ground transportation and rebooking for affected customers, and a new flight to Columbia was arranged on another aircraft.

How Many Airline Incidents Have Occurred in the U.S. This Year?

Here’s a list of notable airline and aviation incidents reported in the United States in 2025 up to today, February 25, 2025, based on available information:

1. January 29, 2025 – Midair Collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport, Washington, D.C.
   An American Airlines regional jet (PSA Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700) collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter while approaching the airport. The crash occurred over the Potomac River, killing all 64 people on the jet and all 3 onboard the helicopter, totaling 67 fatalities. This was the deadliest U.S. aviation incident in nearly 24 years and the first fatal commercial airline crash in the U.S. in 16 years.
2. January 31, 2025 – Learjet Crash in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
   A Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance as Med Jets Flight 056, crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport into the Castor Gardens neighborhood. All 6 people onboard perished, making it a fatal incident.
3. February 1, 2025 – Aircraft Tug Collision at O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois
   An American Airlines plane struck an aircraft tug vehicle at O’Hare, critically injuring the 64-year-old driver. This was not a crash but a ground incident affecting airline operations. No passenger injuries were reported.
4. February 2, 2025 – United Airlines Engine Fire in Houston, Texas
   A United Airlines plane experienced an engine fire during takeoff from George Bush Intercontinental Airport due to an engine issue. The flight aborted takeoff safely, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
5. February 6, 2025 – Bering Air Crash in Nome, Alaska
   Bering Air Flight 445, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, crashed over Norton Sound en route from Unalakleet to Nome. The wreckage was found the next day, confirming the deaths of all 10 people onboard, making it another fatal incident.
6. February 10, 2025 – Private Jet Crash in Scottsdale, Arizona
   A private jet veered off the runway at Scottsdale Municipal Airport, killing the pilot and injuring 4 passengers. While not a commercial airline incident, it contributes to the year’s aviation accident tally.
7. February 12, 2025 – Navy Jet Crash in San Diego Bay, California
   A Boeing EA-18G Growler Navy aircraft crashed into San Diego Bay during a training exercise. Both pilots ejected safely and were rescued, resulting in no fatalities.
8. February 19, 2025 – Midair Collision in Marana, Arizona
   Two small planes, a Lancair and a Cessna 172, collided midair near Marana Regional Airport around 8:25 a.m. local time. At least one death was confirmed, though full casualty details are pending. This incident involved general aviation, not commercial airlines.

These incidents include both commercial airline and notable general aviation events. As of February 19, 2025, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 87 aviation accidents in the U.S., with 13 being fatal, resulting in at least 85 deaths. The February 19 Arizona collision may adjust these figures once fully reported. Investigations are ongoing for most of these incidents, with preliminary reports expected within 30 days and final reports taking 12-24 months.

More From AtlantaFi.com:

• How To Get a Job at Delta Air Lines
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• Delta Economy Ticket: What It Is and Isn’t

A Delta Air Lines plane flying from Minnesota crash-landed in Toronto on Monday, Feb. 17, federal aviation officials confirmed.

Delta said in a statement that Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, injured closed to two dozen people.

“In total, 21 injured passengers were initially transported to local hospitals. As of Tuesday morning, 19 have been released,” the airline said in an updated statement.

After the incident, it was reported that two people were airlifted to Toronto trauma centers and one child was transported to a children’s hospital.

Images and video from social media showed the aftermath of the crash-landing, which happened in broad daylight.

“Our most pressing priority remains taking care of all customers and Endeavor crew members who were involved,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “We’ll do everything we can to support them and their families in the days ahead, and I know the hearts, thoughts and prayers of the entire Delta community are with them. We are grateful for all the first responders and medical teams who have been caring for them.”

While the FAA and local officials have launched a joint preliminary investigation, the immediate culprit seems to be strong winds, which have been blowing in Toronto all day.

Winds gusts were reported to be about 40 mph at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.

In a statement, the airport announced that flights, which were briefly halted, have begun again.

Departures and arrivals have resumed at Toronto Pearson as of 5 p.m.,” the statement read. “All 76 passengers and four crew from Delta flight 4819 were accounted for. A number of passengers were taken to local hospitals. GTAA staff are supporting families of passengers at arrivals,”

As of now, there have been four deadly plane crashes in the United States in 2025, resulting in a total of 85 fatalities. Prior to this year, the most recent deadly plane crash involving a U.S. airliner occurred in 2009.

Final Word

If you’re thinking about traveling abroad, make sure you get your passport, as soon as you can.

To save money, look for the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.  To keep costs down, use these travel hacks to save money and time.

To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.

Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interested in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.

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• 10 Travel Hacks That Save You Time And Money

The old saying “we all scream for ice cream,” will be heard anew this weekend as Pecan Jacks, a speciality ice cream and candy shop, opens its doors in West Midtown and joins the city’s best ice cream joints.

There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, February 16, 2025 at the new location.

Pecan Jacks is a a family-owned sweet shop serving up homemade alcohol-infused ice cream and handcrafted Southern treats like pralines, brittle, and more.

The owners, husband and wife duo Sherika and Mae Ekpo, are the first franchisees for the brand, which is expanding its Florida (Santa Rosa Beach, Sea Grove, etc.) footprint into Georgia.

Where Is Pecan Jacks Located in Atlanta?

Pecan Jacks is located at 800 Marietta Street NW Atlanta, GA 30318. Here’s a map to help you find it.

Final Word

West Midtown has it going on these days, from new restaurants, places to chill and hang out and more.

Check out the best places to eat in West Midtown.

The best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.

The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.

• WhereTo Eat In Atlanta
• The Best Atlanta Restaurants Near Atlanta
• Best Date Night Restaurants You Have To Try Right Now

Check out Pecan Jacks.

Atlanta’s very own Jaume Martinez Vich and Emily Cenderquist, Major League Pickleball stars for the Atlanta Bouncers, are serving it up on the small screen this Super Bowl Sunday.

Martinez Vich and Cenderquist are among the stars appearing in Michelob ULTRA’s Super Bowl ad, as the brand once again brought together superior names in sports and entertainment for a fun-filled spot that celebrates the joy and spirit of friendly competition.

The pair makes a cameo alongside Academy Award nominee Willem Dafoe and Emmy Award winnerCatherine O’Hara, plus WNBA Champion and Olympic gold medalist Sabrina Ionescu, NFL legendRandy Moss and Olympic gold medalist Ryan Crouser.

In “The ULTRA Hustle,” the 60-second spot follows the iconic pairing of Dafoe and O’Hara as an unassuming duo who take to the pickleball court and dink, shake-n-bake, and hustle their way to beating the competition and collecting Michelob ULTRA. 

Another arctic blast is headed toward the Southeast, meaning dangerously cold weather for Atlanta, Georgia for the second out of four weeks of the new year.

As to just how cold it’s actually going to get, there is much speculation.

The weather forecast for Atlanta over the next few days suggests that snow is a certainty, as some forecasts indicate. But with the frigid temperatures, the issue is how much snow?

How Cold Will It Be in Atlanta?

According to the Weather Channel, next Sunday through Wednesday will drop down to below freezing temperatures.

If you have an iPhone, it may show a snowflake icon next to Tuesday, which indicates snow.

But really it only indicates the possibility of snow.

Meteorologist Jennifer Valdez of Atlanta News First says it’s clear that a polar plunge is coming, but it becomes a matter of degree after that.

Ed Piotrowski with WABE says weather models are not definitive yet, so there’s no way to tell whether Atlanta will be hit with another winter storm.

Fox 5 Atlanta meteorologist Alex Forbes posted on social media that it’s just too early to know how the weather will shake.

“There is very little reliability in model data, which the app is using, beyond seven days. Even then, we only get confident usually within three days,” he said on X.com. “For the next several days, you are going to see meaningless ice and snow totals for North Georgia tossed around like no tomorrow. Truth be told, there is no guarantee that anything will happen. We had runs yesterday showing exactly that.”

He went on to say: “There is no meteorologist, or human for that matter, touching the forecast data that lives in the Apple Weather app. It is straight computer data that has proven to be maybe the worst on the market,” he said.

“I don’t usually ask you to share posts, but here’s an exception. Most people have this information on their phones this morning. So, please spread the word so that we don’t send the city into chaos and end up with everyone being confused,” he continued.

Bottom Line

Will Atlanta be cold? Yes. Is it still winter? Yes.

It’s recommended to keep an meye on the local weather updates as the week progresses for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
For detailed forecasts and updated weather conditions, you can check sources like the Weather Channel and yes, Fox 5.

Final Word

Atlanta has just what you need, not just today but every weekend. From exploring the city’s diverse restaurant scene to taking in a beautiful park greenspace or even checking out the hidden gems, Atlanta has some of everything.

First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are.

Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

• Here are the REALLY FUN things to do in Atlanta
• Read our Atlanta Weekend Guide
• Where To Eat in West Midtown Atlanta
• Feeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL