Gas Tax Relief Hits Pumps

Georgia’s 60-day suspension of the state gas tax is keeping costs lower than otherwise, but drivers say the change is being overshadowed by still rising overall prices.

Nationally, as of Tuesday, the Iran conflict continued to drive up prices in Georgia and elsewhere, but Georgia’s average of $3.75 was lower than the U.S. average of $4.16.

The gas tax pause eliminates the state’s excise tax of 33.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel through May 19. Legislative leaders estimate the move will save Georgia taxpayers nearly $400 million over the two-month window.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr warned that retailers who fail to pass the savings on to customers could face investigation for unfair or deceptive practices.

  Masters Tees Off Today

The 90th Masters Tournament begins today at Augusta National Golf Club, with 91 golfers teeing off in the first round of the year’s opening major.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy, who won last year’s dramatic playoff over Justin Rose, is grouped with Cameron Young and U.S. Amateur champion Mason Howell.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the two-time Masters winner and betting favorite, will go out late alongside Robert MacIntyre and Gary Woodland.

ESPN will carry today’s first-round broadcast from 3 to 7:30 p.m., with early coverage on Amazon Prime Video starting at 1 p.m.

Among course changes this year, Hole 17 has been lengthened by 10 yards to 450 yards, and a new three-story Player Services Building is in use for the first time.

State Seeks Input on Aging Services

Georgia leaders want adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities to help shape the state’s next plan for aging services through a series of public listening sessions this spring.

Events will take place in each of the state’s 12 Area Agencies on Aging regions, starting Tuesday in Oakwood and continuing through May.

Virtual events are also planned. You can also provide feedback on the division’s website here.

Later this year, a draft of the 2028–2031 State Plan on Aging will be posted for a 30-day public comment period.

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➤ Statewide: The state will begin processing the one-time $2,000 bonus for state workers approved by the state legislature, with the first payouts set for April 17. (More)

➤ Hall County: The county unveiled an artificial intelligence chatbot to help field questions from residents about county services and programs. (More)

➤ Statewide: Gov. Brian Kemp can take up to 40 days to sign or veto bills passed in last week’s closing days of the legislative session. (More)

➤ Stone Mountain Park: The park’s 497 employees must reapply for their positions as a new operator prepares to take over the attraction by June 1. (More)

➤ Jackson County: National food provider Zee Zee’s awarded local schools a $73,000 grant to wipe out student meal debt, part of its Grab the Tab promotion. (More)

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➤ Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez exchanged punches with former teammate Jorge Soler on Tuesday night after nearly hitting him in the head with a high pitch. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons organization praised Atlanta Braves skipper Walt Weiss for the form he showed in tackling an opposing player in the midgame brawl. (More)

➤ Georgia football coach Kirby Smart said that he’s played Augusta National “a few times” and called the experience “humbling.” (More)

➤ Jake Wilkins, the son of former Georgia legend Dominique Wilkins, became the sixth Georgia men’s basketball player to enter the transfer portal this offseason. (More)

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

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➤ Coweta County commissioners voted 3-2 to approve an 829-acre, nine-building data center campus, with supporters arguing in part that the additional local tax revenue will help pay for a new high school. Opponents cited concerns about the project’s fit with the community and the potential for noise and water pollution. (More)

➤ Shrimp boat crews remain docked across the coast as diesel prices above $5 a gallon cast doubt on the profitability of the upcoming season. (More)

➤ Northeast Georgia Health System’s Center for Simulation and Innovation was named one of the top hospital simulation programs in the country. (More)

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➤ A rehabilitated sea turtle named Carnegie was released back into the ocean at Jekyll Island’s Oceanview Beach Park after months of treatment for tumors and parasites. (More)

➤ The Savannah Philharmonic launched its “Phil the Neighborhoods” spring concert series, bringing free outdoor performances to communities across the city. (More)

➤ Flags at the State Capitol and in Pierce County were lowered last week in honor of a soldier killed in World War II whose remains were returned to the state. (More)

Are you seeing cheaper gas prices in your area?

1. Yes
2. Not yet

Yesterday’s Results:

Did you attend graduate school?

1. No: 49% 
2. Yes: 38%
3. Current student: 13% 

What early naturalist explored Georgia’s wilderness and documented its plants and wildlife in his famous 1791 book Travels?

Show me the answer