THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL, WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2025 - PAGE
State News
Federal judge halts Ga. law
restricting youth access to social media
By Ty Tagami
Capitol Beat News Service
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunc
tion Thursday against enforcement of a 2024
Georgia law that sought to limit social media
companies’ access to children.
The Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social
Media Act sailed through the General Assembly
with broad bipartisan support and was a top pri
ority for Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones.
But Amy Totenberg, a federal judge for the
Northern District of Georgia, said the indus
try-backed plaintiff in the case was likely to
prevail on claims that the law violates the First
Amendment’s speech protections.
To restrict speech, the government must have
a “compelling interest” that is “narrowly tai
lored,” the judge’s order says.
But this law had “flawed tailoring,” she wrote,
and it “curbs the speech rights of Georgia’s
youth while imposing an immense, potentially
intrusive burden on all Georgians who wish to
engage in the most central computerized public
forum of the twenty-first century.”
The plaintiff, a group called NetChoice, rep
resents a who’s who of social media companies,
Including Facebook and Instagram parent com
pany Meta, YouTube, Reddit, X and Pinterest.
“Free expression doesn’t end where govern
ment anxiety begins,” said Chris Marchese, Ne-
tChoice’s litigation director.
He added, “Parents — not politicians —
should guide their children’s lives online and
offline — and no one should have to hand over a
government ID to speak in digital spaces.”
NetChoice had urged Gov. Brian Kemp to
veto the bill last year, asserting that it was un
constitutional.
But Kemp signed the legislation, which re
quired social media companies to make “com
mercially reasonable efforts” to verify users’ age
and mandated parent consent for those under 16.
It also banned advertising to children.
Supporters had cited numerous studies that
found social media posed significant danger to
young people, particularly girls, increasing their
risk of suicide.
Among Judge Totenberg’s criticisms was the
age verification provision that she said imposes
“severe burdens” on all Georgians.
The judge noted that NetChoice has chal
lenged similar laws in at least eight other states,
including Texas, Ohio, Arkansas, California,
Utah, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
“Nearly all of those state laws are currently
enjoined on a preliminary or permanent basis,”
she added.
Cursive returning to
Georgia schools this fall
By Ty Tagami
Capitol Beat News Service
When younger students re
turn to Georgia public schools
this fall, they will learn an old-
school skill: handwriting.
New changes to the state
standards for English Language
Arts will require the teaching of
cursive writing in elementary
school. The state Board of Ed
ucation approved the standards
overhaul two years ago but gave
teachers until this fall to prepare.
Georgia is joining other
states, from Alabama to Texas,
that are resurrecting a skill that
had seemingly gone the way
of the dodo after the prolifera
tion of laptops and touchscreen
devices. Even California, the
cradle of computer keyboards,
passed a law requiring cursive in
schools in 2023.
Compulsory cursive writing
has been tucked into dozens
of pages that describe the stan
dards for English in elementary
school.
The state board approved the
revised standards in a 13-1 vote
in May 2023.
In third grade, students will
have to learn how to read phras
es and sentences in cursive, and
they will practice forming letters
and word connectors. By fifth
grade, they will be called on
to write whole texts in cursive,
“legibly and efficiently,” with
appropriate spacing throughout.
All along, they will be working
on fine motor skills that some
feared had gone extinct.
At a state school board meet
ing last month, Richard Woods,
the elected state school superin
tendent, introduced a new ini
tiative to promote those loopy
letter's: the John Hancock Award
will go to schools that demon-
state excellence in cursive.
“Cursive writing is more than
just a skill — it strengthens find
motor development, improve:
literacy, and connects student:
to historical documents in thei
original form,” the awar'd de
scription says.
Woods got big applause wher
he mentioned the new require
ments at the Republican stall
convention in Dalton in early
June.
People clapped when he an
nounced that students would
have to learn about personal fi
nances. But the audience erupt
ed when he said cursive writin;
was back.
“Every student will own thei
signature. Every student wil
know how to read our origi
nal documents in their origina
script,” Woods said, adding tha
childr'en should be able to rear
the U.S. Constitution, the Dec
laration of Independence am
other texts handwritten by the
nation’s founder's.
PSC hears Georgia Power freeze plan
By Dave Williams
Capitol Beat News Service
Executives representing Georgia Power and
the state’s energy regulating agency Thursday
defended the utility’s plan to freeze rates against
accusations that the temporary pause won’t stop
customer bills from increasing.
Georgia Power and the state Public Service
Commission’s Public Interest Advocacy (PIA)
Staff reached agreement last month to freeze the
company’s base rates for the next three years.
However, the proposal exempts “reasonable
and prudent” costs the utility has incurred from
storm damage primarily from Hurricane Helene.
The agreement, which the commission is due
to vote on next week, would cancel the rate case
Georgia Power had been plaiming to submit by
July 1. Had that case gone forward, the company
likely would have sought a significant rate hike,
Aaron Abramovitz, the utility’s chief financial
officer, testified Thursday during a hearing be
fore the commission.
Temporarily pausing rates would help Geor
gia Power customers recover from the impact of
several rate hikes the PSC has granted the com
pany in the past three years, Steven Ruetger, an
analyst with the PLA Staff, testified Thursday
during a hearing before the commission.
“Staff believes the (agreement) is a reason
able resolution,” he said. “Stabilizing these rates
has tremendous value.”
Abramovitz said Georgia’s Power electrical
capacity demand projections have risen substan
tially in recent years, from an expected increase
of just 200 to 300 megawatts forecast in 2022 to
about 8,000 megawatts covering the next five to
10 years. Some 80% to 90% of that new demand
will come from “large load” customers includ
ing data centers, he said.
To meet that demand, Georgia Power is plan
ning major investments in a variety of ener
gy-generating sources, Abramovitz said.
“We’re investing in three new [natural gas]
combustion turbines, 1,000 megawatts of bat
tery energy storage units and ... more invest
ment to come,” he said.
Environmental advocacy and consumer
watchdog groups have argued Georgia Power’s
energy demand projections are overblown since
not all data center operators that have shown in
terest in setting up in Georgia will actually come
here rather than somewhere else.
On Thursday, critics of the proposed rate
freeze also focused on the exemption that would
allow the company to recoup its storm recovery
costs, estimated at $860 million.
“The rate freeze isn’t a rate freeze,” Patty Du
rand, founder of the nonprofit Georgians for Af
fordable Energy, told commissioners. “It freezes
rates but does not freeze spending.”
But Ruetger said it’s important that Georg
Power be allowed to recover its storm dama
costs sooner rather than later.
“The under-recovery of storm damage co:
must be dealt with because Helene was so li
mendously damaging,” he said. "Otherwis
the company’s balance sheet is simply going
grow.”
Some of the agreement’s opponents ha
called upon three members of the PSC — coi
mission Chairman Jason Shaw and comm
sioners Tim Echols and Lauren “Bubba” M
Donald — to recuse themselves from voting i
the plan because they had publicly endorsed t
proposed freeze prior to Thursday’s hearing. /
three declined to do so Thursday after a memt
of the PSC’s Public Interest Advisory Staff sa
there were no grounds for sucli a recusal.
A INICTDECIT I A CCICIE DC Place Classified Ads Online
MVAINDIKtt I CLASSIFIEDS MAINSTREETNEWS.COM
120 AUTOMOTIVE
FOR SALE 1976 Ford Bronco
Truck. Runs Great. New Tires.
$40,000 Call for information. 706-
491-5241
JACKSON COUNTY DOUBLE-
WIDE 3/2 off of new cut road
outside Braselton on 2 acres very
private owner financing 8k down
1076 mt plus 155 mt escrow 3.49
percent fixed 30 yrs or 248k cash
770-882-8419
640 YARD/LAND
SERVICES
160 NOTICES
NOTICE OF AUCTION. Pursuant
to the Georgia Self-Service Stor
age Facility Act, Ga. Code Ann.
10-4-210 et seq., due to default in
payments, Sunshine Self Storage
2250 N Hwy 129 Bus, Jefferson
GA 30549, 706-387-0025, will per
form an online auction on iBid-
4storage.com ending 5/9/25 at
6p.m. The following units will be
auctioned to the highest bidder:
#530 Daniel Levine: Furniture,
Clothes, misc items. See website
for photos 7/18. Subject to can
cellation.
440 REAL ESTATE,
FARMS & LAND
FOR SALE
LAND FOR SALE By Owner
12 ACRES. PRIVATE with Pasture.
$180,000. Franklin County. 706-
491-5241.
BUILT ON YOUR Property an 8’ x
12’ Shed for $2,100. ph 470-941-
8076.
Need Some Extra Cash?
You can sell just about anything
through MainStreet classified ads!
180 FOR SALE
IS YOUR AMERICAN FLAG OLD
AND FADED? American flags (with
out pole kit) for sale at The Jackson
Herald office in Jefferson, $17. Pro
ceeds go to local Boy Scouts.
340 AUCTIONS
ABSOLUTE AUCTION
SAT, JULY 12, 10:00 AM
ESTATE OF RON & MARCIA LIT
TLE & PROPERTY OF OTHERS
754 HWY 72 E
COMER, GA 30629
2011 TOYOTA AVALON, Furniture,
Antiques, Appliances, Household,
Jewelry, Pump Organ, Wurlitzer
Upright Piano, Hundreds & Hun
dreds of Items. Bring a chair. We
do not accept credit cards. For
more complete list, info & color
photos visit our website.
PICHE AUCTION & Realty, LLC.
706-783-0061 GAL 1642
WWW.PICHEREALTYAUCTION.
COM
380 HELP WANTED
EMPLOYEE WANTED FOR small
horse farm located in Statham,
Ga. Feed/Groom Horses. Fur
nished living quarters available on
property plus weekly pay. 404-
290-1142.
400 HOMES
FOR SALE
JACKSON COUNTY BETWEEN
commerce and Jefferson 6.94
acres land with a older double
wide. Not liveable had a fire in one
bedroom. Covered full length front
porch and a metal roof. Running
creek on the land. Very private lo
cation. Owner financing 6k dn 674
mt 2.99 percent fixed 30 yrs. Or
166k cash 770-882-8419
LAND FOR SALE Madison County
111 acres 1/2 woods, 1/2 pasture,
small pond, double creeks flowing
through property for wager recre
ation or farm land. 10K acre 706-
621-0172 daytime only
HEW YOU
600 HOME CARE
SERVICES
AFFORDABLE JUNK REMOVAL
APPLIANCES • LAWNMOWERS •
Furniture. Also available for clean
up and haul out of Basements •
Attics • Garages • Barns • Out
buildings. Please call Jimmy & Jen
at 770-601-8989. Veteran Owned.
HANOI HELPER
IF YOU WANT IT DONE INDOOR
OR OUTDOOR. CALL OR TEXT
AND ASK 706-362-2260. OVER 20
YEARS EXPERIENCE.
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR paint
ing and repair, minor roof repair.
Over 20 years experience in house
washing. Call Danny Maxwell 706-
202-8796.
To enjoy this newspaper
each week
by subscribing
today!
Subscribe online at
MainSIreetNews.Com
SAVE $350 when you transform
your patio into an outdoor oasis.
Call 1-877-740-0337 now to
SAVE $350 TODAY!
America’s #1 Awning
• Instant shade-at the touch of a button.
• Enjoy more quality time with family and friends.
• Up to 10-Year Limited Warranty.
America’s #1 Awning!
BIG WIRELESS COVERAGE,
WITHOUT BIG WIRELESS COST.
Plans start at just $20/month.
Switch & Save Today
833-446-1847
Consumer Cellular
LOCAL
MATTERS
Your classified ad runs in the
Barrow News-Journal, The Jackson Herald,
The Madison County Journal, The Banks County
News, The Braselton News and online at
MainStreetNews.com for one low price!
Go to MainStreetNews.com to place your ad.
It only takes about 5 minutes!
Georgia
STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS
Publish your classified ad in more than 60 Georgia newspapers for only $350.
Call Georgia Newspaper Service: 770-454-6776
Denied benefits? We Can Help!
Strong, recent work history need-
ed. Call to start your application or
appeal today! 877-627-2704
We don’t knowingly accept adver-
tisements that discriminate, or
intend to discriminate, on any
illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly
accept employment advertise-
ments that are not bona-fide job
offers. All real estate advertise-
ments are subject to the fair
housing act and we do not accept
advertising that is in violation of
the law. The law prohibits discrimi-
nation based on color, religion,
sex, national origin, handicap or
familial status.
STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS
FOR THE WEEK 6/29/25
CELLULAR
Consumer Cellular - the same
reliable, nationwide coverage as
the largest carriers. No long-term
contract, no hidden fees and
activation is free. All plans feature
unlimited talk and text, starting at
just $20/month. For more informa
tion, call 1-833-446-1847
HEALTH CARE
Don’t let the stairs limit your
mobility! Discover the ideal solu-
tion for anyone who struggles on
the stairs, is concerned about a
fall or wants to regain access to
their entire home. Call AmeriGlide
today! 1-877-871-3210
HEARING AIDS!! High-quality
rechargeable, powerful Audien
hearing aids priced 90% less than
competitors. Tiny and NEARLY
INVISIBLE! 45-day money back
guarantee ! 866-797-5642
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY
USERS! Discover Oxygen
Therapy That Moves with You
with Inogen Portable Oxygen
Concentrators. FREE information
kit. Call 1-833-661-9339
Stroke and Cardiovascular dis-
ease are leading causes of death,
according to the American Heart
Association. Screenings can pro-
vide peace of mind or early detec-
tion! Contact Life Line Screening
to schedule your screening.
Special offer - 5 screenings for
just $149. Call 1-855-391-2065
HOME IMPROVEMENT
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP: A
small amount of water can lead to
major damage to your home. Our
trusted professionals dry out the
wet area and do repairs to protect
your family and your home’s value!
If you have water in your home
that needs to be dried, call 24/7:
1-833-871-2090. Have zip code of
service location ready when you
call!
ELECTRICAL SERVICES:
Reliable & experienced.
Competitive rates. From simple
household problems to installing
a brand new electrical system, we
can take care of it all! Call now
and have the zip code of the ser
vice location when you call! 1-833-
399-6566
NEED NEW FLOORING? Call
today schedule a FREE in-home
estimate on Carpeting & Flooring.
Call Today! 1-833-641-6602
Replace your roof with the best
looking and longest lasting mate-
rial - steel from Erie Metal Roofs!
Three styles and multiple colors
available. Guaranteed to last a
lifetime! Limited Time Offer - up
to 50% off installation + Additional
10% off install (for military, health
workers & 1st responders.) Call
Erie Metal Roofs: 1-866-939-2151
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT
YOUR HOME from pests safely
and affordably. Roaches, Bed
Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders
and other pests. Locally owned
and affordable. Call for service or
an inspection today! 1-833-406-
0231 Have zip code of property
ready when calling!
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in
as little as ONE DAY!Affordable
prices - No payments for 18
months! Lifetime warranty & pro-
fessional installs. Senior & Military
Discounts available. Call: 1-833-
781-0206
HOME BREAK-INS take less than
60 SECONDS. Don’t wait! Protect
your family, your home, your
assets NOW for as little as 70c a
day! Call 1-833-890-1269
MISCELLANEOUS
BANKRUPTCY RELIEF! Help
stop Creditor Harassment,
Collection Calls, Repossession
and Legal Actions! Speak to a
Professional Attorney and Get the
Help You NEED! Call NOW 855-
968-5222
BEHIND ON YOUR MORTGAGE
PAYMENTS? Threatened with
foreclosure? Denied a loan
modification? Let us help! Call the
Homeowner Relief Line to speak
with a mortgage specialist. 844-
797-7162
Wesley Financial Group LLC
Timeshare Cancellation Experts
Over $50,000,000 in timeshare
debt and fees cancelled in 2019.
Get free informational package
and learn how to get rid of your
timeshare! Free consultations.
Over 450 positive reviews. Call
866-411-5215
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
BENEFITS. Unable to work?
Moving Out of State? Licensed
and insured, full-service nation-
wide movers. Call now to get a
free, instant price quote on your
next move. 1-866-590-6443
DONATE YOUR CAR TO KIDS.
Your donation helps fund the
search for missing children.
Accepting Cars, Trucks and Vans.
Fast Free Pickup - Running or
Not Maximum Tax Donation - Call
(888) 515-3813
TV/INTERNET
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet!
Free Install, Free HD-DVR
Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand
Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To
$600 In Gift Cards. Call Today!
1-866-369-1468
COMPUTER ISSUES? FREE
DIAGNOSIS by GEEKS ON SITE!
Virus Removal, Data Recovery!
24/7 EMERGENCY $20 OFF ANY
SERVICE with coupon 42522!
Restrictions apply. 844-739-4842
WANTED
We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS!
No repairs. No fuss. Any condition.
Easy three step process: Call, get
cash offer and get paid. Get your
fair cash offer today by calling Liz
Buys Houses: 1-877-399-2113
TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD
GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson,
Martin, Fender, Gretsch,
Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite,
Rickenbacker, Prairie State,
D’Angelico, Stromberg. And
Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 1-833-
641-6792
