Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

LightNews

Jill Nolin

@jillnolin.bsky.social

2.2K followers 270 following 200 posts

Editor of the Georgia Recorder

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Jane Norman @janenorman.bsky.social · 12h

Just a reminder--if you're a federal worker who wants to talk about the RIFs or anything else, we can chat on Signal--see below

Jane Norman @janenorman.bsky.social · Feb 27

If you are a federal employee or contractor and would like to talk to States Newsroom, you can contact me at JaneNorman.91 on Signal, a free app that uses encryption to keep conversations private. It is here: signal.org

Signal Messenger: Speak Freely

Say "hello" to a different messaging experience. An unexpected focus on privacy, combined with all of the features you expect.

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 8d

During a Wednesday event at the Carter Center, the U. S. Postal Service unveiled a new Forever stamp featuring Jimmy Carter’s portrait. Story by @mayahoman.bsky.social.

USPS unveils Jimmy Carter Forever stamp on his 101st birthday • Georgia Recorder

For many who knew him, a postage stamp is a fitting tribute to the former president, who died last December after more than a year in hospice care. Wednesday would have been Carter’s 101st birthday.

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 14d

New from @alander.bsky.social: Georgia’s limited Medicaid expansion program is extended through 2026 despite concerns about cost

Georgia’s limited Medicaid expansion program is extended through 2026 despite concerns about cost • Georgia Recorder

An approval letter from CMS noted that the temporary extension and its amendments are designed to help the program accomplish its goals.

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 17d

Follow along for live results of today's state Senate runoff featuring Democrat Debra Shigley - who turned heads last month when she won 40% of the vote - and Republican Jason Dickerson.

Live results: Georgia voters settle state Senate runoff that has drawn national attention • Georgia Recorder

Democrat Debra Shigley and Republican Jason Dickerson are on the ballot today for a special election that has attracted national attention since Shigley’s surprising first-place finish last month. Shi...

georgiarecorder.com

Jill Nolin @jillnolin.bsky.social · 17d

Our newsletter has a snazzy new look, and we are also starting a new weekly newsletter (called the Remix) that will serve up a recap of each week. (You can also just sign up for the Remix if you would like to receive fewer emails.)

Sign up for our newsletters here: georgiarecorder.com/subscribe/

Subscribe • Georgia Recorder

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

maggie-lee.bsky.social @maggie-lee.bsky.social · 17d

Georgia’s new program to subsidize private education has helped more than 8,000 children move from low-ranked public schools to educational organizations predominantly affiliated with Christian churches

#gapol via The Current GA & @georgiarecorder.com

thecurrentga.org/2025/09/23/c...

Christian schools, Amazon attract most Georgia voucher school dollars - The Current

Georgia's new program to subsidize private education has helped over 8,000 children move from public schools to private schools, with $5.4 million of the $7.1 million distributed going to 286 private ...

thecurrentga.org

Jill Nolin @jillnolin.bsky.social · 19d

“Every inch of ground that we win adds up. Every race that we flip adds up. That’s how we start rebuilding our party again, and Debra is an important part of that rebuilding process.”

Democrats’ chief visits Georgia to campaign with state Senate candidate as runoff enters homestretch • Georgia Recorder

MILTON – The national Democratic Party’s top official campaigned in Georgia this weekend with Democrat Debra Shigley in hopes of helping her flip a conservative state Senate district in the north Atla...

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 21d

An immigration judge ordered Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara to be deported on Friday despite a pending First Amendment case in federal court, setting off a frenzied attempt by his attorneys to stop the deportation from happening. Story by @samatl.bsky.social.

Spanish-language journalist in Georgia now faces imminent deportation • Georgia Recorder

An immigration judge ordered Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara to be deported on Friday despite a pending First Amendment case in federal court, setting off a frenzied attempt by his attorneys...

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 24d

“Who’s going to train the next generation of scientists and engineers in these areas? You need funding to do that, and that is gone,” said Geza Kogler, a now-retired Kennesaw State University professor who lost his National Institutes of Health training grant. Story by @alander.bsky.social.

NIH grant cuts throw science into a ‘downward spiral,’ researchers and advocates say • Georgia Recorder

Following the Trump administration's $783 million cut to disease research projects with DEI elements, a researcher observed a "chilling effect" on Georgia's universities.

georgiarecorder.com

Jill Nolin @jillnolin.bsky.social · Sep 9

Excerpt: Democrats are hoping that the lack of an incumbent, along with Georgia’s shifting political terrain, put this race in play. Republicans, meanwhile, are hoping to maintain a nearly two-decade-long grip on Georgia’s executive offices.

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · Sep 9

New commentary from Niles Francis: Open attorney general seat in 2026 sets off competitive race to be Georgia’s next top cop

Open attorney general seat in 2026 sets off competitive race to be Georgia’s next top cop • Georgia Recorder

The upcoming race for governor won’t be the only wide-open constitutional office on the ballot next year. In addition to choosing Georgia’s next chief executive, lieutenant governor (and possibly Sec...

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · Sep 4

Georgia’s two Senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, have joined a growing chorus of public health experts and advocates calling for U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to step down from his role amid mounting criticism over his leadership.

RFK Jr. battles with Warnock, other members of US Senate panel over vaccines, removal of CDC director • Georgia Recorder

WASHINGTON — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vehemently defended his actions on vaccines and other public health issues under questioning by both Republican and Democratic s...

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · Aug 30

The winds of change might be blowing through Georgia.

At least, that’s what Democrats are hoping for as both parties gear up for a competitive runoff election for an open state Senate seat.

Story by @mayahoman.bsky.social.

Democrats raise their hopes as Debra Shigley, Jason Dickerson advance to runoff • Georgia Recorder

Democrat Debra Shigley easily secured the top spot in a seven-way race Tuesday, advancing to a runoff in a district that overwhelmingly reelected a Republican senator last year and helped send Preside...

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · Aug 28

Update: The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn’t appear inclined to leave her post, despite the Trump administration announcing Wednesday that she’s no longer running one of the country’s top public health agencies.

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · Aug 27

The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is leaving the job after less than a month, according to reporting by the Washington Post.

CDC director ousted less than a month after confirmation, Washington Post reports • Georgia Recorder

WASHINGTON — The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is leaving the job after less than a month, according to reporting by the Washington Post. The U.S. Senate voted along part...

georgiarecorder.com

Jill Nolin @jillnolin.bsky.social · Aug 27

The lone Democrat in a seven-way race easily advanced to a runoff in a special election that will decide who will replace former Alpharetta Republican state Sen. Brandon Beach, and the top GOP candidates battled it out for second place.

Georgia state Senate election to replace former Sen. Brandon Beach goes to a September runoff • Georgia Recorder

The lone Democrat in a seven-way race easily advanced to a runoff in a special election that will decide who will replace former Alpharetta Republican state Sen. Brandon Beach, and the top GOP candida...

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · Aug 27

Follow along as the results come in for today's special Georgia state Senate election. @mayahoman.bsky.social will have a full story on the results later.

Live results for Georgia's special state Senate election • Georgia Recorder

Voters in the northern suburbs of Atlanta are choosing a new state senator today – or at least narrowing it down to two options. The race to replace former Alpharetta Republican state Sen. Brandon Bea...

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · Aug 25

Seven candidates are vying to replace former state Sen. Brandon Beach as the lawmaker representing a northern Atlanta suburban district in the Georgia Senate. Early voting concluded Friday in the district, and just under 12,000 voters have already cast a ballot for an early turnout rate of 8%.

Voters head to the polls to pick new metro Atlanta state senator in low-turnout special election • Georgia Recorder

Seven candidates are vying to replace former state Sen. Brandon Beach as the lawmaker representing a northern Atlanta suburban district in the Georgia Senate. Early voting concluded Friday in the dist...

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · Aug 21

The federal immigration case against a jailed, Spanish-language journalist has been bolstered by the help of a metro Atlanta sheriff’s office, public records show. Mario Guevara’s two-month confinement in immigration detention has drawn outcry from free press and immigration advocates.

ICE relied on sheriff’s office to fight releasing Spanish-language reporter in Georgia, records show • Georgia Recorder

The federal immigration case against a jailed, Spanish-language journalist has been bolstered by the help of a metro Atlanta sheriff’s office, public records show. Mario Guevara’s two-month confinemen...

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · Aug 21

“We’re not complying with the court orders,” said Commissioner Bridget Thorne, a Republican who represents north Fulton. “We’ve had two hearings, one on Friday, one on Monday, forcing us to comply. And the decision today was to not comply.”

Fulton County commissioners disobey Georgia judge's order to appoint members to election board • Georgia Recorder

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners violated a Georgia Superior Court judge’s order Wednesday by failing to approve two nominees to the county election board in a case that involves accusations o...

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Alander Rocha @alander.bsky.social · Aug 20

First byline (as a staff writer) for @georgiarecorder.com.

Lawmakers are considering eliminating the state's income tax to be more competitive with states like Florida and Tennessee. Income taxes currently account for over 50% of Georgia's total state revenue.

georgiarecorder.com/2025/08/19/g...

Georgia lawmakers explore ways to end the state income tax, though critics caution against it • Georgia Recorder

Lawmakers eliminating the income tax would make Georgia more competitive with neighboring states, such as Florida and Tennessee.

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · Aug 20

New from @alander.bsky.social: Georgia officials discussed eliminating the state income tax Tuesday but provided little detail on how to do so.

Georgia lawmakers explore ways to end the state income tax, though critics caution against it • Georgia Recorder

Lawmakers eliminating the income tax would make Georgia more competitive with neighboring states, such as Florida and Tennessee.

georgiarecorder.com

Reposted by Jill Nolin

Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · Aug 15

We're thrilled to welcome @alander.bsky.social to our staff. He's done great work at our sister newsroom in Alabama (@alabamareflector.com), including an impressive job chasing down the large amounts of First Liberty money that ended up with Alabama politicians. We're fortunate to have him join us.

Brian Lyman @brianlyman.bsky.social · Aug 15

Alander was the first reporter we hired at the Reflector, and he’s done top of the shelf work on mental health, gun violence, health care access and the Alabama Legislature. Hate to lose him, but @georgiarecorder.com is getting a great journalist.

Alander Rocha @alander.bsky.social · Aug 15

Today is my last day with the @alabamareflector.com. Starting Monday, I will be joining the team at the @georgiarecorder.com.

I'll have more to share about my new role next week. For now, I'm feeling incredibly thankful for my time in Alabama.

Jill Nolin @jillnolin.bsky.social · Aug 15

Help me welcome @alander.bsky.social to Georgia, y’all. We’re so excited for him to join us at the @georgiarecorder.com starting Monday.

Alander Rocha @alander.bsky.social · Aug 15

Today is my last day with the @alabamareflector.com. Starting Monday, I will be joining the team at the @georgiarecorder.com.

I'll have more to share about my new role next week. For now, I'm feeling incredibly thankful for my time in Alabama.

Jill Nolin @jillnolin.bsky.social · Aug 13

Calls for action follow CDC shooting as police confirm suspect’s ‘discontent’ with COVID-19 vaccine, reports @mayahoman.bsky.social.

georgiarecorder.com/2025/08/12/c...

Gun safety, public health advocates push for action in wake of CDC shooting • Georgia Recorder

At Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health, lepidemiology, pediatric health and violence prevention experts held a rally to call attention to a “culture of misinformation” they say contributed to Frid...

georgiarecorder.com

Jill Nolin @jillnolin.bsky.social · Aug 1

New guest commentary: Georgia’s youngest children deserve continuous Medicaid coverage

Georgia’s youngest children deserve continuous Medicaid coverage • Georgia Recorder

Each year, parents must renew their children’s Medicaid — a burdensome process that often leads to children losing health care coverage for months at a time. Renewal letters get lost in the mail, phon...

georgiarecorder.com

Jill Nolin @jillnolin.bsky.social · Jul 29

“Most of all the victims are either in politics or very faith-based investors, and all of them that I talked to were influenced by the charitable giving and the feel-good side of the company,” said the court-appointed receiver.

Georgia Republicans rush to return First Liberty donations but majority of funds are still missing • Georgia Recorder

A growing list of politicians and groups who received money from the conservative lending firm First Liberty Building & Loan and its founder, Brant Frost IV, are sending donations back after Frost was...

georgiarecorder.com