Jeff Amy, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - A cotton picker moves through Chris Hopkins' cotton field, Dec. 6, 2024, near Lyons, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

Georgia farmers will get $531M in Hurricane Helene aid, but the deal’s not done yet

September 30, 2025

Georgia farmers are still waiting for aid after Hurricane Helene, even as other states finalize agreements. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Georgia officials announced $531 million for Georgia farmers on Tuesday. However, unlike South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia, Georgia hasn’t completed an agreement on distributing the funds. Officials are still ironing out administrative details. The delays have frustrated farmers, who have faced financial stress and low crop prices. The September 2024 storm caused significant damage across several states, with Georgia’s poultry industry being a major target for additional aid.

Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones speaks at a rally kicking off his 2026 campaign for governor on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, in Flovilla, Ga. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Georgia’s 2026 candidates still can’t escape fallout from Trump’s false 2020 election claims

September 28, 2025

Fallout from the 2020 presidential election feels like it may never end in Georgia. Decisions made following Democrat Joe Biden’s narrow win — and Donald Trump’s false claims of victory that year — still define politics in the Peach State as 2026 elections approach. Some Republicans fear showcasing those questions could turn off a wider electorate more worried about economic issues even if the Trump fervor still drives many GOP voters. Disputes over 2020 still rage in other states including Michigan and Arizona. But in Georgia, 2020’s fallout may define the Republican choice for governor in 2026 and influence other races, including Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s reelection bid.

FILE - Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., speaks during a news conference on the Voting Rights Advancement Act, on Capitol Hill Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)

Trump extends Georgia health insurance program with work requirements, despite red tape findings

September 25, 2025

President Donald Trump’s administration has extended Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage program for 15 months. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday that the program will continue through December 2026. It was set to expire next week. Pathways requires low-income adults to document 80 hours of work or other activities each month to qualify for health insurance. Pathways has enrolled far fewer people than originally projected, covering 9,175 people as of August. It has spent twice as much on administrative costs than on providing actual health care. Georgia’s program is closely watched because Republicans mandated similar work requirements throughout the country as part of the tax and budget overhaul signed into law by Trump.

FILE - Vehicles move on the line at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, March 26, 2025, in Ellabell, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

Hyundai says it will spend $2.7 billion expanding the Georgia plant raided by ICE

September 18, 2025

Hyundai Motor Group confirms it’s moving forward with expanding its Georgia plant. The move comes after an immigration raid delayed startup of an electric vehicle battery plant at the site. The company plans to invest $2.7 billion to boost capacity by 200,000 vehicles over the next three years. The company aims to produce 10 electric and hybrid models at the facility west of Savannah, up from two now. Hyundai pledges that 60% of its vehicles will be electric or hybrid by 2030 as it aims to grow sales in South Korea, North America and Europe. Hyundai says 80% of its vehicles sold in the U.S. will be made domestically by 2030.

FILE - Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger participates during an election forum, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

Republican Brad Raffensperger to run for Georgia governor after defying Trump over 2020 election

September 17, 2025

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says he’s running for governor in 2026. The Republican made the announcement Wednesday. He famously rejected Donald Trump’s request to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia, a state he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Raffensperger is likely to aim his appeal at Republicans who have at times been lukewarm on Trump. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr are already seeking the GOP nomination. Raffensperger won reelection in 2022 despite Trump’s opposition. Although he starts later than other major candidates, voters already know who Raffensperger is. Plus the engineering entrepreneur can self-finance his campaign.

FILE - A sign warns against trespassing on government property at the site of a planned Rivian electric truck plant March 7, 2024, in Rutledge, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

Georgia judge won’t award attorneys fees to governments in lawsuit over Rivian vehicle plant

September 12, 2025

A judge has rejected an attempt by Georgia and a local development agency to make residents pay legal fees after they unsuccessfully sued to block the Rivian electric vehicle plant. The state and a development authority wanted six property owners to pay over $337,000 in fees. Judge Stephen Bradley says in a ruling filed Friday that the lawsuits weren’t frivolous and that awarding fees could hurt citizens’ ability to challenge government actions. The ruling comes days before a groundbreaking ceremony for the $5 billion Rivian Automotive plant east of Atlanta. Some locals oppose the plant, saying it is an inappropriate neighbor in a rural area.

Members of the District of Columbia National Guard standing next to an MATV vehicle scan the area as they patrol outside Union Station, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Georgia sends troops to DC in sign that Trump’s policing push will continue

September 5, 2025

Georgia is becoming the eighth state to send National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., to support President Donald Trump’s law enforcement operation in the capital. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp said Friday that most troops would deploy later this month to relieve guard members from elsewhere. The District of Columbia is challenging Trump’s use of the National Guard as an illegal use of the military for domestic law enforcement. The White House says the deployment is within Trump’s authority. Kemp earlier mobilized 75 Georgia National Guard members to support immigration enforcement in Georgia. Those soldiers won’t be making arrests. Georgia is one of 11 states where the guard will be helping ICE.

FILE - Gabriel Sterling, chief operating officer for the Georgia Secretary of State, answers journalists' questions, Nov. 16, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Ben Gray, File)

Republican Gabriel Sterling, defender of 2020 Georgia election, runs for secretary of state

September 4, 2025

Gabriel Sterling, known for defending Georgia’s 2020 election results, is running for the state’s secretary of state. The 54-year-old Sterling announced his candidacy Thursday. He was a key figure in debunking election fraud claims and has been a close aide to Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Sterling’s campaign emphasizes maintaining the security of Georgia’s elections. He faces competition from Republicans Kelvin King and Tim Fleming. Both have appealed to Trump supporters who may dislike the record of Sterling and Raffensperger. The Republican primary will test whether Sterling can attract voters who approve of his handling of elections despite criticism from Trump.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Derek Dooley speaks, accompanied by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, foreground, at the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Kemp endorses Derek Dooley for Georgia Senate seat and says an outsider can beat Democrat Jon Ossoff

August 30, 2025

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has endorsed Derek Dooley for the Republican nomination for the Senate seat in 2026. Kemp says an outsider like Dooley without congressional experience can best challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. Kemp announced his support on Saturday before a University of Georgia football game in Athens. Kemp’s endorsement isn’t a surprise after he told other candidates last month he would back Dooley. Rival Republican Mike Collins argues Dooley lacks the record of political activity and support for President Donald Trump needed to motivate Republican voters. Trump hasn’t yet endorsed anyone, and candidate Buddy Carter argues that is a more important nod.

Elevated new houses stand west of downtown Aug. 12, 2025, in Gulfport, Miss. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

A Mississippi city’s tax break spurred post-Katrina building. But will homes stand the next storm?

August 29, 2025

A decade after 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, one Mississippi city began offering property tax breaks to encourage building near the waterfront. Gulfport’s goal was to speed up rebuilding and boost the economy. But like in other cities exposed to natural hazards, where to encourage construction can be a tough choice. Gulfport enforced stricter building codes and officials express confidence that today’s construction is better prepared. But most residents near the water are in at least a moderate-risk flood zone. Nationwide, many more homes are being built in flood zones than are being removed. Risk grows with rising sea levels, and the odds of flooding add up over time.

Printed copies of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are shown on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Atlanta Journal-Constitution to stop printing as it transitions to all-digital news

August 28, 2025

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will stop printing at year’s end, making Atlanta the largest U.S. metro area without a printed major newspaper. Publisher Andrew Morse says in a Thursday announcement that the company will bolster its news delivery in digital, audio and video formats. Morse says more people consume news in digital platforms than print, and this trend is growing. The newspaper is owned by the Cox family and has a rich history dating back to 1868. Despite the print edition still being profitable, the AJC’s focus will now be on expanding digital offerings and increasing online subscribers.

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins speaks at a Senate campaign event on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Jackson, Ga. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Mike Collins argues he can unite Georgia GOP in challenge to Democratic US Sen. Jon Ossoff

August 20, 2025

Georgia Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins is seeking to unite President Donald Trump’s base with traditional business conservatives in his bid to unseat Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026. Collins has endorsements from many Republican state lawmakers, although GOP Gov. Brian Kemp is backing newcomer Derek Dooley. Fellow congressman Buddy Carter is also seeking the Republican nomination. Ossoff is a key Republican target in 2026 because he’s the only Democratic incumbent seeking reelection in a state Trump won in 2024. But the Republicans lining up behind Collins may show that Kemp may finally be waning into lame-duck status late in his second term.

A top Republican in the Georgia governor’s race is suing his rival over campaign financing

August 7, 2025

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is suing Lt. Gov. Burt Jones over how Jones is financing his campaign as both Republicans run for governor in 2026. Carr claims Jones’ ability to use a special leadership committee gives him an unfair advantage by allowing unlimited fundraising. Carr says that because he has to follow campaign contribution limits, Jones’ use of the leadership committee violates Carr’s rights to free speech and equal protection. The Thursday lawsuit was filed in federal court in Atlanta. It seeks to stop Jones from raising or spending money from his leadership committee before the May primary. Jones’ campaign dismisses Carr’s complaints.

FILE - Missouri offensive coordinator Derek Dooley calls out instructions during an NCAA college football practice, Aug. 12, 2019, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

Former Tennessee coach Derek Dooley announces 2026 Senate bid in Georgia

August 4, 2025

Former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley has announced his 2026 Republican bid for the U.S. Senate in Georgia. He is running against Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff. Dooley is backed by Gov. Brian Kemp and on Monday joined a GOP field that includes U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter and Mike Collins. Kemp turned to Dooley after deciding not to run himself. Dooley has never held elective office and plans to run as a political outsider. He aims to bring “Georgia common sense” and work with President Donald Trump. Dooley’s candidacy has already faced criticism for his lack of conservative credentials.

FILE - Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, R-Ga., presides over a House Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Feb. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene won’t run for governor in 2026

July 29, 2025

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says she won’t run for governor in Georgia. The staunch ally of President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that she isn’t running with a long social media post saying she is turned off by Georgia’s “good ole boy” system and alleging that it is endangering Republican control of the state. Greene chose earlier not to run for Senate under pressure from Republicans who feared she would hand a second term to Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff. Greene had been saying she was considering running for governor. She appeared at the Georgia Republican Party convention in Dalton in June wearing a “Make Georgia Great Again” hat and discussing state issues.

FILE - Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., center,, is joined from left by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., and Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., as they talk to reporters about the Laken Riley Act, a bill to detain unauthorized immigrants who have been accused of certain crimes, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Georgia Republican Mike Collins joins field seeking to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026

July 28, 2025

Georgia Republican Mike Collins is joining the GOP field to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2026. The second-term congressman made the announcement Monday. He’s the newest major Republican to enter the race in the key battleground state. Already running in the GOP primary is U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, while former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley is expected to announce soon. State Insurance Commissioner John King dropped out. Collins styles himself as a “MAGA workhorse” and strong supporter of Donald Trump. He has a combative social media presence that has drawn publicity and criticism. Ossoff won his seat in 2021 and is campaigning for a second term.

FILE - Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones speaks at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Georgia Ethics Commission won’t investigate source of Republican Burt Jones’ $10M loan

July 22, 2025

Georgia’s State Ethics Commission is declining to investigate Lt. Gov. Burt Jones over a $10 million loan to a campaign committee. The commission wrote in a Monday letter to a lawyer for Attorney General Chris Carr’s campaign that the complaint didn’t allege a legal violation. Carr and Jones are both running for the 2026 Republican nomination for governor. Carr questions the source of the funds. He says Jones’ earlier financial disclosures don’t show enough cash. Carr’s separate request on whether it’s legal for Jones to make loans to his leadership committee remains pending. Carr argues loans can be made only to a candidate committee, not to a separate leadership committee.

A Georgia Republican governor candidate questions legality of rival’s $10M campaign loan

July 17, 2025

A Republican candidate for Georgia governor accuses his rival of illegally lending $10 million to a campaign committee. Attorney General Chris Carr’s campaign lawyer said in a Thursday letter to state ethics officials that Lt. Gov. Burt Jones violated state law by giving the money to his so-called leadership committee. That committee can raise unlimited funds. Carr is asking the state Ethics Commission to agree with his position that Georgia law only allows such loans to candidate committees, which have limits on contributions. Jones made the loans in July to boost his campaign. A spokesperson for Jones calls Carr’s claims “a weak attempt to get attention.”

Judge disqualifies Democrat Daniel Blackman from Georgia Public Service Commission primary

June 10, 2025

Votes won’t count for Democrat Daniel Blackman in the June 17 primary election for Georgia Public Service Commission. A judge ruled Tuesday that Blackman hasn’t proved that he’s lived in Fulton County for the required year before the November election. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville earlier kept Blackman on the ballot temporarily after Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger had disqualified him. But Glanville says after a hearing that Raffensperger’s ruling was correct. Blackman can appeal. If he loses, votes for him won’t be counted in the District 3 Democratic primary for the utility regulator. Democrats Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones and Keisha Waites also seek their party’s nomination.

2026 races loom at Georgia Republican convention as Trump loyalty dominates

June 7, 2025

Many Georgia Republicans are already thinking about races for governor and Senate in 2026. The state party held its yearly convention Friday and Saturday in Dalton. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says she’s still thinking about a run for governor and gave a speech that centered on state-level issues. Attorney General Chris Carr, a declared candidate for governor, greeted delegates but didn’t give a speech. Another likely candidate for governor is Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. He emphasized his accomplishments and support for President Donald Trump. U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter and state Insurance Commissioner John King both boosted their candidacies to challenge Democratic U.S. Senate incumbent Jon Ossoff.

FILE - Tennessee Volunteers head coach Derek Dooley watches his team warm up before an NCAA college football game on Sept. 22, 2012, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)

Former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley eyes GOP Senate run against Jon Ossoff in Georgia

June 6, 2025

Former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley says he is considering running for U.S. Senate in 2026 as a Republican against Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff. Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision not to run for the seat has left Georgia Republicans looking for other options to face off against Ossoff. The 56-year-old Dooley says he will decide on a bid in coming weeks. Among Republicans who have declared their candidacies are U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, Insurance Commissioner John King and activist Reagan Box. Dooley would be banking on his status as the son of legendary University Georgia coach Vince Dooley and Kemp’s long ties to the Dooley family.

FILE - A ninth grader places his cellphone into a phone holder as he enters class at Delta High School, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Delta, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, file)

Half of US states now have laws banning or regulating cellphones in schools, with more to follow

May 20, 2025

Half of U.S. states now have laws banning or regulating cellphones in schools, with more likely to follow. Florida was the first state to pass a law regulating the use of cellphones in schools in 2023, while Alaska became the 25th on Tuesday. Bills have sprinted through legislatures this year in states as varied as New York and Oklahoma, reflecting a broad consensus that phones are bad for kids. Eight other states and the District of Columbia have rules or recommendations out to local districts. There’s an increasing focus on banning phones throughout the school day. But some states with traditions of local control are mandating only that districts adopt cellphone policies

Jeff Amy.