Georgia
Georgia Secretary of State gives Chatham County elections clean bill of health
The Chatham County Board of Elections underwent an election systems health check Monday, and the state’s top elections official was on site for the event.
Election systems health checks will be conducted in each of Georgia’s 159 counties in the run up to this year’s presidential election on Nov. 5. The health checks were a plan instituted by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who visited Savannah Monday.
After the health check at the BOE, Raffensperger took to the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce for a press briefing on his office’s efforts to boost confidence in the state’s election systems. The secretary delivered his remarks to a room of about 20 community leaders.
“We want to make sure that this is a peaceful election, that it is quiet,” Raffensperger told the group.
The local election systems health checks focus on the electronic security of the technology on site, although the Department of Homeland Security does its own checks of the building’s physical security, Raffensperger said.
The check entails scanning ballots and making sure those scanners record information properly. Raffensperger said Chatham County passed the test.
“Everything is working according to how it should be,” Raffensperger said in an interview. “The machines are still accurately recording the votes.”
Some of the election security measures Raffensperger mentioned included implementation of the new GARViS voter registration system, which he said is “tailor made” for Georgia and replaces an old system.
The SOS office has also increased encryption levels for people’s personally identifying information. Other efforts to boost confidence in the elections are a set of six “security convenings” where the Federal Bureau of Investigation, DHS and local law enforcement gather to talk about election security issues, Raffensperger said. Those convenings will continue.
“We understand that security is really important, and that’s really our job every day,” Raffensperger said.
Raffensperger also provided an update to the presidential ballot now that President Joe Biden has dropped out of the race. There is no impact to the ballot in Georgia, because the SOS office does not complete ballots until both parties have chosen a nominee.
The Democratic National Convention is slated for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago. There, delegates will select their nomination for both President and Vice President. Raffensperger said ballot preparation starts that month.
“We’ll be in good shape, and it’s a big process,” Raffensperger said.
Evan Lasseter is the city and county government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@gannett.com.
Georgia is being invaded by tegu lizards that are taking over the state
Argentine black and white tegus have not been a threat to humans and common household pets, but do pose a danger to native species.
USA TODAY
Georgians pride themselves on Southern hospitality, but there’s one animal that’s overstayed its welcome.
The state department of natural resources and its partners are working hard to remove the Argentine tegus trying to build a home here.
What is a tegu?
The tegu is a large, invasive, commonly black and white lizard from Argentina. They can grow up to 4 feet long and weighing 10 pounds or more, according to Georgia Wildlife. Unlike some other lizards, the tegu rarely climbs more than a few feet off the ground, but they are strong swimmers.
From late fall and through the winter months, tegus head into burrows for brumation, a hibernation-type period, to avoid freezing temperatures. They usually breed in the spring and typically lay 35 eggs per year which have a 60-day incubation. They may live up to 20 years.
What does a tegu look like?
The Argentine tegu has mottled black and white skin. The colors are often arranged into a banding pattern across the back and tail. Hatchlings display similar markings, but typically have bright green heads. The green fades after they reach about one month of age.
Where have tegus been reported in Georgia?
The University of Georgia runs an interactive map with detailed info about tegus in Georgia. Over the last few years, there have been 56 reports spread out across counties across the state. Here are the counties with the most reports:
- Tattnall County: 16
- Toombs County: 10
- Gwinnett County: 5
Are tegus dangerous?
Although not considered aggressive toward people, tegus will defend themselves if threatened, according to Georgia Wildlife. They can react fast and lash with their tails. They also have sharp teeth and claws and strong jaws.
Tegus also represent a natural threat because they have few predators and can multiple quickly. They eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds—including quail and turkeys—and other reptiles like the American alligator and gopher tortoise which are protected species. They will also eat chicken eggs, fruit, vegetables, plants, pet food, carrion and small live animals.
Can you kill a tegu if you see it?
Tegus can be trapped or killed on private property in Georgia with the landowner’s permission and using legal methods in accordance with local ordinances, animal cruelty laws, and safety precautions.
Also, on public Wildlife Management Areas, tegus can be killed with firearms legal for the current hunting season. Using traps to catch tegus is not allowed. Anyone who sees a tegu on a WMA should also alert that region’s Game Management office.
How do you report a possible tegu?
Contact Georgia DNR when you see a tegu in the wild, dead or alive. These reports help biologists document occurrences and respond effectively. Note the location, take a photo if possible and report the sighting:
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
ATHENS — Kylie Chung of Cumming chased down two accomplished college players to become the second-youngest winner of the Georgia Women’s Amateur Championship on Wednesday. Not bad for a girl won won’t start high school until this fall.
Chung, 14, a soon-to-be freshman at Lambert High School, birdied the final three holes at Athens Country Club to shoot 5-under 67 to finish 6-under 210. She won by two shots over defending champion Ava Merrill of Johns Creek, who plays at Vanderbilt, and Mary Mille of Savannah, who plays at Ole Miss.
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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.
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