Early Voting in Final Week

Georgia entered its final week of early voting Monday, with more than 400,000 ballots already cast statewide ahead of the May 19 primary.

Positions are up for grabs in four statewide offices: governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.

Voters say the crowded field of candidates competing for the offices is prompting more research before they head to the polls.

Media organizations around the state continue to release voter guides, including one here.

Gas Tax Break Ends Soon

Georgia’s gas tax suspension—saving drivers 33 cents per gallon since March—will expire at midnight on May 19, adding to the higher prices motorists are already seeing.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the 60-day suspension in late March, temporarily eliminating the state’s motor fuel excise tax as the Middle East conflict drove prices higher. The break helped keep Georgia among the lowest-priced states at the pump.

A group of lawmakers asked Kemp to extend the suspension, but his office won’t commit, noting the current suspension will cost Georgia about $180 million in lost revenue.

AAA reported the average gas price in Georgia was $4.04 per gallon as of Monday, up about $1.15 from a year ago but about 48 cents lower than the national average.

Super El Niño Ahead?

Forecasters say a potentially earlier and stronger El Niño could disrupt hurricane season and prolong dry conditions across Georgia.

University of Georgia climatologist Pam Knox said models show a 25% probability for a Super El Niño that could disrupt Atlantic storms and delay rainier weather until winter.

Currently, Georgia is expected to see near-average tropical impacts this hurricane season, even as overall Atlantic storm forecasts lean toward a quieter-than-usual year.

AccuWeather’s outlook for the Atlantic hurricane season that begins June 1 calls for 11 to 16 named storms and 4 to 7 hurricanes, including 2 to 4 major hurricanes.

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➤ Atlanta: A grandmother from Atlanta won the 2026 HGTV Dream Home, a $2.4 million lakefront property on Lake Wylie, North Carolina. (More)

➤ Ellenwood: Veteran theater teacher and cancer survivor Freddie Hendricks won the Tony Awards’ Excellence in Theatre Education honor, receiving a $10,000 award on behalf of his school. Hendricks previously founded the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta. (More)

➤ Cumming: Friends and family gathered to remember three Horizon Christian Academy students killed in an April 6 crash during a spring break trip to Florida. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Two cruise ship passengers exposed to hantavirus were brought to Emory University Hospital’s communicable diseases unit for evaluation. (More)

➤ Hall County: The county will host a free community event on May 29 to jointly celebrate America’s 250th birthday and Mental Health Awareness Month, featuring live music, food trucks, and a petting zoo. “We’re bringing the community together to celebrate 250 years of American independence while also highlighting the importance of mental health and well-being as a critical part of a strong community,” county commission chair David Gibbs said. (More)

➤ Lilburn: The Lilburn Women’s Club awarded $10,500 in scholarships to three graduating high school seniors and two Gwinnett County Technical College students. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Hawks landed the No. 8 pick in this year’s NBA draft, a selection acquired from last year’s draft-day trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. (More)

➤ Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is expected to make his season debut today against the Chicago Cubs after recovering from a finger injury. (More)

➤ Georgia and Georgia Tech softball made the NCAA tournament, with the No. 10-seed Bulldogs hosting the Athens Regional and the Yellow Jackets playing in the Gainesville Regional. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons held their 2026 rookie minicamp. Former running back Cash Jones drew attention while working at wide receiver. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | MLB | NCAAB | Soccer

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➤ A Texas oil and gas firm applied for a permit to drill exploratory wells in rural southwest Georgia, reviving interest in possible oil production in the Peach State. (More)

➤ Sweet Luncheonette owner Stephanie Chain built her St. Marys micro-bakery as a community haven for her daughter, diagnosed with autism at age four. A decade later, the daughter is shadowing employees and learning hospitality. (More)

➤ Businesses and residents impacted by the recent South Georgia wildfires will receive additional time to make monthly and quarterly sales tax and income tax payments. (More)

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➤ Kristen Stewart will play astronaut Sally Ride in Amazon’s The Challenger, a limited series slated to film in Atlanta starting in August. (More)

➤ The state Wildlife Resources Division released its 2026 schedule of Family and Kids Fishing Events, where volunteers and staff will help first-timers get started. (More)

➤ Berry College in Mount Berry landed the No. 2 spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of most beautiful college campuses, with the University of Georgia making the top 30. (More)

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Were you aware that the state’s gas tax suspension ends next week?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you check hospital report cards?

1. Yes: 55%
2. No: 45%

Which city is the birthplace of music legend Ray Charles?

Show me the answer