Georgia
Georgia Lt. Gov. announces bill inspired by Charlie Kirk to protect student speech
Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones on Monday unveiled legislation inspired by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk that he says would expand students’ free speech rights in public schools, making Georgia the first state in the nation to pursue such a measure.
Jones announced the “True Patriotism and Universal Student Access Act,” known as the TPUSA Act, on Monday as a priority for the 2026 legislative session. The proposal, sponsored by State Sen. Ben Watson (R–Savannah), would strengthen First Amendment protections for public school students by safeguarding their right to speak, organize, and express political and religious views on campus.
The bill is explicitly shaped around the work and legacy of Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA and its political arm, Turning Point Action. Jones and others have framed the legislation as a way to honor Kirk’s efforts to mobilize young conservatives and defend free speech in schools and on college campuses.
“In the spirit and memory of Charlie’s work, the TPUSA Act in Georgia would ensure that students’ First Amendment rights to organize, gather and speak are protected, regardless of their religious, political, or social viewpoints,” Jones said in a press release. “Georgia is leading the way as the first state in the nation to do it.”
Jones, who is running for governor and is endorsed by both former President Donald Trump and Turning Point Action, also emphasized his broader commitment to free speech rights as part of his campaign rhetoric.
“Georgia is building on the work of Charlie Kirk to ensure students can speak, organize and express their beliefs freely,” Jones posted on social media.
The TPUSA Act would require public schools in Georgia to permit political expression before, during and after the school day to the same extent that non-political expression is allowed. It also would let students form political clubs and groups during non-instructional time, bar discrimination against groups based on viewpoint, and guarantee that students could wear politically themed clothing and accessories under the same standards that apply to other permitted attire.
Supporters say the legislation would ensure that school administrators cannot block students from engaging in peaceful political activities and that all viewpoints, partisan and nonpartisan, would have equal access to meeting spaces and facilities.
Sen. Watson said the move reflects the belief that schools should not restrict students’ free speech or prohibit them from organizing around their beliefs.
“School officials should not have the power to enforce their own ideologies on students,” he said.
Josh Thifault, senior director at Turning Point Action, praised Georgia’s effort, asserting that Kirk “lived and died for the First Amendment.” He added that the legislation will benefit students “for decades to come” by removing barriers to student expression.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — per gallon on regular gas and 37 cents per gallon on
For two months, Gov. Brian Kemp suspended the state gas tax, saving drivers 33 cents per gallon on regular gas and 37 cents per gallon on diesel. For the average driver who fills up twice a week, that adds up to more than $60 back in their pocket.
“I think it’s uncalled for. It’s very much uncalled for,” said Marie Okafia, a driver.
Looking for alternatives
The sharp spike in prices has some drivers looking for a different way to get to work. Rebecca Serna, executive director of Propel ATL, said riding a bike is a cost-cutting measure, and more people are already doing it.
“We’re seeing more bike lanes, more scoot lanes,” Serna said. “The cost of car ownership has gone up dramatically, but the cost of these other types of transportation have stayed relatively the same. So, it can really save families a lot of money.”
The city has added several miles of protected bike lanes in recent months, making the commute safer for anyone ready to ditch the pump. Propel ATL also noted the opening of the southeast and southside Beltline, connecting to those new bike lanes.
Impact on families
For Georgia families already stretched thin, the timing couldn’t be worse. The price increase affects not just what drivers pay at the gas station, but what they’ll give up somewhere else.
“We’re already grappling with high cost of food, and then we have to face this too. They both go hand-in-hand,” Okafia said.
Atlanta is bringing back its e-bike rebate program this fall. You can learn more about the program and the nonprofit Propel ATL here.
Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.
How climate change is expanding mosquito populations in Georgia
Fight mosquitoes in Augusta—remove standing water, cover containers, fill tree holes, fix septic cracks.
Mosquito numbers are rising fast in Augusta as heat and drought linger. Here are 5 things to know — and how to protect yourself now.
1. Drought can actually boost mosquito populations
Dry conditions don’t eliminate mosquitoes. Instead, they concentrate standing water in storm drains and pipes, creating ideal breeding grounds where larvae can thrive.
2. Standing water in urban systems drives mosquito growth
Without regular rainfall to flush them out, storm drains and catch basins hold stagnant water — a prime habitat for mosquito development.
3. Georgia’s climate supports a wide range of species
From mountains to coast to the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia’s diverse environments allow dozens of mosquito species to thrive, with many found across the Augusta area and surrounding communities.
4. Only a few species pose major health risks
Of the many species present, a smaller group is linked to disease concerns, including the Southern house mosquito and Asian tiger mosquito.
5. Warming temperatures are shifting mosquito ranges
Experts say species typically found farther south are moving north as the climate warms, expanding the types of mosquitoes seen in Georgia.
How to reduce mosquito breeding around your home
- Empty, scrub or discard items that collect water, like buckets or birdbaths
- Cover containers such as rain barrels and cisterns
- Use mesh covers where lids aren’t available
- Fill tree holes and repair septic cracks
- Cover vents and exposed pipes
Mosquitoes can lay eggs that remain dormant for months — even in dry conditions — and hatch once water returns, making prevention key heading into wetter periods.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
The man pictured is wanted for questioning in connection with a stabbing at the Georgia State MARTA Station on May 24, 2026. (Credit: MARTA Police Department)
ATLANTA – Authorities are asking for the public’s help to identify an armed and dangerous suspect wanted for questioning in connection with a stabbing at the Georgia Tech MARTA Station.
What we know:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority police are searching for a suspect following a stabbing at the Georgia State MARTA station. Law enforcement officials said the suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Investigators last saw the man at the transit station on May 24 around 1:26 p.m. wearing a plaid shirt, black pants, a black hat and tan sneakers.
The search comes after a man was stabbed several times at the rail station that day. Responding emergency crews transported the victim to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Anyone who has information about the identity or location of the suspect is urged to call transit police or Det. S. Haalliburton at 404-406-4266 or 404-848-4582.
Man stabbed multiple times at Georgia State MARTA station, police say
What we don’t know:
Officials have not publicly revealed a motive behind the violent attack. It also remains unclear if the suspect and the victim had any interaction prior to the stabbing or if the assault was entirely unprovoked.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the MARTA Police Department.
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