By Rome News-Tribune Staff, Rome News-Tribune — When it comes to quality, some Georgia hospitals need a checkup — and it looks like Floyd County is a safe place to get it done. Of the 81 Peach State hospitals graded in a new report, 32 received a “C,”...
More infoState regulators hear pleas for relief from rising electric bills in Georgia Power fuel rate case
By Stanely Dunlap, Georgia Recorder — Savannah resident Evelyn Jackson told Georgia utility regulators Tuesday that being a retiree on a fixed income means making more sacrifices in order to cover the rising costs to keep her home’s lights on. Jackson was...
More infoCorporate lobbyists, trial lawyers set to rejoin battle next year after legislative split decision
By Stanely Dunlap, Georgia Recorder — A renewed debate about how victims are compensated in civil lawsuits is expected to resume in 2024 as Georgia legislators, insurance companies, attorneys, and business leaders deliberate everything from medical...
More infoCredit scores shed some medical debt; critics say it’s only partial help
By Michael E. Kanell, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution — Medical bills of less than $500 have been removed from credit scores by Atlanta-based Equifax and the other two leading consumer reporting companies. The action will help consumers by undoing some...
More infoAU Health, Wellstar merger hailed by some, dreaded by others
By Abraham Kenmore, The Augusta Chronicle — The merger of Augusta University Health with the Atlanta-based Wellstar Health System has drawn praise from Gov. Brian Kemp, University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue, and leaders of both Augusta...
More infoHow Georgia’s top GOP leaders have blocked title lending reform
By Margaret Coker, The Current and Mollie Simon, Probulica, Georgia Public Broadcast — In February, Georgia lawmaker Josh Bonner introduced a bill that he hoped would fix a thorny problem that entangles tens of thousands of state residents in debt each...
More infoEarnin advances cash before payday; watchdogs say it preys on the poor
By Dana Fowle | Fox 5 Atlanta — ATLANTA – A new way to get a payday advance is emerging in the area of finance called fintech. These financial apps aren’t banks, but they move money around. They are striking up controversy nationwide by filling...
More infoBetter Broadband Would Minimize Healthcare Gaps in Georgia
By Shanteya Hudson | Public News Service — A half-million Georgians face the reality of inadequate internet access, according to the state’s broadband annual report. The glaring digital divide drastically affects essential services in business...
More infoUnsung health care heroes, community health workers seek more awareness
By Donovan J. Thomas | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution — Community health workers help reduce health disparities, improve access to healthcare. For decades community health workers have helped people from underserved communities navigate their way through...
More infoMedical debt affects millions, and advocates push IRS, consumer agency for relief
By Noam Levey, NPR — Dozens of advocates for patients and consumers, citing widespread harm caused by medical debt, are pushing the Biden administration to take more aggressive steps to protect Americans from medical bills and debt collectors. In letters...
More infoFuel costs could drive up Georgia Power bills by another 17%
By Jeff Amy, The Associated Press — ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Power Co. bills could go up another 17% in June to cover the higher costs of natural gas and coal that the utility is burning to generate electricity for its 2.7 million customers. The unit of...
More infoProposed bill would close loophole, putting restrictions on title pawn companies
Watch full video here. By Justin Gray, WSB-TV — ATLANTA — New legislation at the State Capitol could place new restrictions on title pawn companies. The companies offer up immediate cash and then charge sky-high interest rates on the loans. Critics say the...
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