(GA. NEWS NETWORK)
*A tank of gas now costs around $20 more in Atlanta than it did before the Iran War started. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded skyrocketed 20 cents in just one day to land at $4.13 this morning. Metro prices have risen around $1.30 since late February. The statewide average rose to over four dollars.
*A wastewater treatment plant operator is accused of falsifying reports and polluting the Chattahoochee River. Court records show a Chattahoochee Riverkeeper staff member observed visible sewage entering the river from a pipe at the Fort Gaines Water Pollution Control Plant in 2024 with lab testing confirming bacteria levels far exceeding the plant’s permit limits. Meanwhile, water quality reports from the plant showed regulation compliance. WTVM reports Christopher Samuel Jones of Jones Water and Wastewater Consulting was indicted for criminal violations of the federal Clean Water Act following an EPA investigation. Riverkeeper Executive Director Jason Ulseth says in March testing showed bacteria levels in compliance with the plant’s permit limits for the first time since November 2024.
*Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill into law yesterday that extends a rule banning electronic devices in K-through-eight schools to include the high school level as well. There is to be no phone use between classes either. The law goes into effect next year.
*Bulloch County is standing firm against data centers for now. WSAV reports the board of commissioners decided yesterday to extend a moratorium blocking the centers through the end of the year.
*A Gwinnett County police officer is facing criminal charges. Officer Renee Downer is accused of using her position to stalk a former partner last week. She was arrested for both simple battery and stalking on Friday. FOX5 reports Downer has since been relieved of her duty.