Legal aid services are for people who need legal assistance or representation but are unable to access it due to prohibitive costs. These services are primarily focused on civil legal matters because criminal prosecution in Georgia is handled by county district attorney’s offices with criminal defense for the indigent provided free of charge by the […]
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Posted inMoney
How to Get Help Paying Your Utility Bills in Metro Atlanta
Rising utility costs nationwide are becoming a growing burden for families alongside other economic pressures like inflation. In Atlanta, gas and electricity bills have risen by at least 20% since 2019, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Statewide, residents paid 37% more than the U.S. average on monthly gas bills between […]
Posted inCity Politics, Politics
Why Atlanta Is Shutting Off Water for 27,000 Customers
On Jan. 2, the city of Atlanta began shutting off water for as many as 27,000 customers with delinquent, unpaid bills. The customers affected will range from single-family residences to commercial locations. The controversial move is the first instance in 12 years where the city has shut off services due to nonpayment. If you are […]
Posted inHousing, Money
A Guide to Atlanta’s NPU System
The city of Atlanta’s 2023 fiscal year budget feedback and approval process is over, but you can still have a say in how your tax dollars are spent. How, you ask? Neighborhood Planning Units, aka NPUs. NPUs are advisory councils designed to amplify the voices of city residents, giving them a way to express their […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Young Thug, Gunna, and Understanding RICO in Georgia
Atlanta-based rappers Young Thug and Gunna were recently arrested along with 26 other defendants in a 56-count indictment. According to the indictment, each defendant was charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, also known as RICO. Convictions can lead to up to 20 years in prison. Young Thug and Gunna’s […]
Posted inEconomy, Money
Tax Surplus Refunds Are Due out This Month. Here’s How Much You’re Getting.
Rising inflation has made it harder for many Georgians to pay their bills this year, but some are about to receive a tiny bit of economic relief from state government. On March 23, Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation into law that will return a total of more than $1 billion to Georgia taxpayers in the […]
Posted inCity Politics, Politics
‘Your Chance to Be Heard’: What You Need to Know About Atlanta’s Budget
It’s that time of year again! One of the most critical endeavors local government leaders engage in — finalizing the annual city budget — is about to begin. If you live inside the perimeter, it’s a process that can have a major impact on your quality of life. Atlanta’s fiscal year 2023 city budget is […]
Posted inMoney
Georgia Suspended Its Gas Tax. Here’s What It Means For You.
The next time you’re at the gas pump, you might feel less strain on your wallet. On March 18, Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law a bill to suspend Georgia’s tax on gasoline. Also known as a gas tax holiday, HB 304 was designed to reduce the rising cost of fuel for state residents struggling […]
Posted inCOVID-19, Health
How to Find Free at-Home COVID-19 Tests in Atlanta
Attempting to stay up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 news and recommendations sometimes lead you down a path that seems to involve more questions than answers. While the omicron peak may have recently passed, experts warn that now is not the time to ease up on the recommended safety protocols. Still, with the prices of recommended […]