Georgia

'America First' license plate approved by Georgia legislature

Published

10 months ago

April 4, 2025

'America First' license plate approved by Georgia legislature

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Majority Leader Steve Gooch, R–Dahlonega, shows a specialty “America First” license plate in the Senate chamber during the 2024 legislative session. (Georgia Senate Press Office)

ATLANTA – Georgia lawmakers have approved a bill that would create a specialty license plate emblazoned with the phrase “America First.”

Supporters say it promotes patriotism, but critics argue it carries divisive political undertones.

The backstory:

Senate Bill 291, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, and 24 other Republican senators, passed the House on April 2 by a vote of 95-68 after previously clearing the Senate in early March. The measure authorizes the Georgia Department of Revenue to begin issuing the “America First” plate without the standard requirement of 1,000 prepaid applications. If that threshold is not reached by Jan. 1, 2028, production of the plate would be discontinued.

The design would feature the American flag alongside the “America First” slogan. Revenue from the plate would be deposited into the state’s general fund.

Dig deeper:

Gooch initially promoted the idea during the 2024 legislative session, when a similar proposal was introduced as Senate Bill 507. At the time, he described the plate as a symbol of national pride.

“This license plate represents the tangible expression of patriotism and putting the needs of our country at the forefront,” Gooch said in 2024. “It provides Georgians with an opportunity to express their national pride, and underscores the importance of emphasizing domestic concerns like economic stability, national security, strong borders, and the protection of the rights of our citizens.”

What they’re saying:

The measure has sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Doreen Carter, D-Lithonia, who issued a public statement condemning the bill and urging Gov. Brian Kemp to veto it.

“Let me be clear—‘America First’ is not just a slogan. It carries a history rooted in exclusion, division and the marginalization of communities, especially Black Americans, immigrants and people of color,” Carter said. “To place this phrase on a state-issued license plate is not merely symbolic—it is an endorsement of a narrative that has too often left many Georgians behind.”

Carter warned that the phrase’s use on official state material could alienate large portions of the population and undermine efforts toward unity.

“At a time when we should be working toward unity, equity and justice for all, this bill sends the wrong message,” she said. “Georgia must choose a path that brings people together and affirms the dignity and belonging of every resident, regardless of race, background or political belief.”

Carter represents Georgia’s 93rd House District, which includes parts of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties. She has served in the legislature since 2015.

What’s next:

The bill now heads to Gov. Kemp’s desk for consideration. If signed into law, it will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

The Source: This story uses quotes from Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, and Rep. Doreen Carter, D-Lithonia. Details on the bill come from the Georgia General Assembly website.

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Georgia

South Florida cornerback transferring to Georgia Tech

Published

26 minutes ago

January 15, 2026

Press Room

Georgia Tech

At USF Jonas Duclona was in on 581 defensive snaps over 13 games.

Fans react after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Atlanta. Georgia Tech won 28-23 over Miami. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech has added another piece to its defense via the transfer portal.

Jonas Duclona, a third-year player from South Florida, intends to transfer to Tech for the 2026 season, according to multiple reports Thursday. Duclona is a 5-foot-11, 190-pound native of Florida who spent the 2025 season at South Florida.

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Chad Bishop is a Georgia Tech sports reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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Georgia

She helped guide Georgia small businesses for decades. Now, she’s retiring.

Published

12 hours ago

January 15, 2026

Press Room

Business

Terri Denison led the Small Business Administration’s Georgia District for about two dozen years.

Terri Denison, the recently retired Georgia district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. (Courtesy of Terri Denison)

After nearly 24 years leading the Small Business Administration’s Georgia office, Terri Denison has retired from the role.

“Being the Georgia district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration has been the greatest honor and I think highlight of my career,” Denison told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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Ashley Bell (from left), Region 4 Administrator, Linda McMahon, SBA Administrator, Catherine Downey, owner of CATMEDIA, and Terri Denison, District Director, SBA Georgia district office, as they gather for a photo in front of CATMEDIA. (Bob Andres/AJC)

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Mirtha Donastorg is a reporter on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s business team focusing on Black wealth, entrepreneurship, and minority-owned businesses as well as innovation at Atlanta’s HBCUs.

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Georgia

Georgia snow threat: Models hint at weekend winter weather

Published

1 day ago

January 14, 2026

Press Room

Georgia snow threat: Models hint at weekend winter weather

Wednesday evening forecast: Snow threats ahead

A blast of arctic air is headed into Georgia, expected to drop wind chills overnight to sub-zero while offering a dusting to a slight accumulation in the extreme North Georgia Mountains. That’s not the only snow chance over the next week; the FOX 5 Storm Team is tracking the arrival of winter’s fury. Here’s the latest.

ATLANTA – Temperatures will plunge on Thursday morning, setting up a one-two punch of winter weather threats across Georgia this weekend.

While light snow is possible in the mountains Friday night, a second, more uncertain system could bring snow or a rain-snow mix to parts of metro Atlanta and Central Georgia by Sunday morning.

Weekend winter threat uncertain

What we know:

A strong cold front is sweeping through Georgia, bringing gusty winds and frigid temperatures that will linger through the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. While the immediate focus is on mountain snow flurries and dangerous wind chills Thursday morning, the FOX 5 Storm Team is closely watching a second system arriving late Saturday.

Confidence in the Sunday forecast remains low, but latest data suggests a shift toward a potential winter event. Forecasters noted that about 40 percent of recent model simulations show a swath of winter weather across southern and central Georgia, with 20 percent bringing that threat into North Georgia.

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Snow threat for Georgia

What they’re saying:

FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Alex Forbes said Wednesday evening that while “the cold air will be in place,” questions remain regarding available moisture.

“The modeling with this has been all over the place, which is somewhat normal with systems like these,” Forbes said. “Yesterday, the models backed off almost completely from seeing any winter weather. Now, some are starting to get back on board.”

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST BY DOWNLOADING THE FREE FOX 5 STORM TEAM APP AND FOLLOWING @FOX5STORMTEAM ON X

Snow storm weather models

What we don’t know:

Forbes cautioned residents against relying on various maps circulating on social media, noting he is instead monitoring ensemble models that run multiple scenarios.

“There’s a distinct possibility, if not a likelihood, that nothing happens,” Forbes added. “We are at the mercy of the models, which typically don’t handle events like this well until about 24-48 hours out.”

Showers and snow showers chance

By the numbers:

The following figures represent the latest forecasts for the mountain region and the metro Atlanta area:

North Georgia Mountains

Friday: High of 44; 50 percent chance of rain and snow showers at night with a low of 29.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 41; low of 16 at night.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 30; low of 13 at night.
MLK Day: Sunny, high of 39; low of 15 at night.

Metro Atlanta

Friday: Sunny, high of 52; 40 percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. with a low of 38.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 49; low of 25 at night.
Sunday: Sunny, high of 38; low of 22 at night.
MLK Day: Sunny, high of 45; low of 24 at night.

When will the weather turn?

Dig deeper:

The first shift begins Friday night into Saturday morning as a cold front brings light rain to the region and possible snow to the higher elevations. The more significant window for potential winter weather opens late Saturday night and lasts through Sunday morning. Forbes noted that the forecast should become clearer by Friday night.

What areas are most at risk?

Local perspective:

If a winter storm develops, current data suggests the better chance for precipitation is south of Interstate 20. Forbes said any impacts would likely follow a “gradient south to north.” For the Friday night system, snow is primarily limited to the North Georgia mountains, specifically in areas above 2,000 feet.

How much accumulation is expected?

Big picture view:

Accumulation potential for the Friday mountain snow is very limited, ranging from a trace to 0.5 inches on the highest peaks. For the potential Sunday system, meteorologists have not yet released specific totals due to “very low confidence” in the storm’s track. However, Forbes warned that “significant impacts will be possible in metro Atlanta and Central Georgia early Sunday” if the snow materializes.

Preparing for winter weather

What you can do:

Here are several ways to prepare now for potential winter weather:

Stock essential supplies: Refresh batteries and flashlights, and ensure you have enough shelf-stable food and necessary prescriptions on hand.
Prepare for service disruptions: Be ready for temporary loss of internet and cell service, particularly in wooded areas prone to storm damage.
Protect your plumbing: Insulate outdoor pipes and locate your main water shut-off valve; frozen plumbing issues typically peak in January and February.
Prioritize heating safety: Ensure generators, fireplaces and space heaters are properly vented. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space due to carbon monoxide risks.
Stay informed digitally: Download the FOX 5 Storm Team weather app and enable location settings to receive direct emergency notifications.
Monitor local closings: Bookmark the FOX 5 Atlanta closings page for updates. Administrators should register their organizations now to ensure eligibility for posting cancellations.
Care for animals: Bring pets indoors during freezing temperatures and provide outdoor animals with shelter and fresh, unfrozen water.
Equip your vehicle: Assemble a car kit with blankets, chargers, a small shovel, snacks and sand or kitty litter for traction.
Maintain safety detectors: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries before increasing the use of heaters and fireplaces.
Check on neighbors: Coordinate with elderly residents, people with disabilities or those using powered medical equipment to create a plan for power outages.

The Georgia Department of Transportation gears up its winter weather response ahead of multiple fronts which could bring snow and showers to North Georgia. (FOX 5)

Cold here to stay

What’s next:

Beyond the weekend, the cold is here to stay. High temperatures on Tuesday are expected to reach only 36 in the mountains and 43 in Atlanta.

Dry air moving into the state will also trigger fire safety concerns. Relative humidity values could drop below 25 percent on Monday and Tuesday, which may prompt Fire Danger Statements from the National Weather Service. Conditions are expected to begin moderating by Wednesday, with highs returning to the upper 40s.

The Source: This article contains an original forecast by the FOX 5 Storm Team. The National Weather Service contributed to this report.

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