Georgia NOW News for Wednesday Dec. 31, 2025

A Macon County community is mourning the death of Raphael Wulfork after a fatal dog attack earlier this month, as his family and state lawmakers push for tougher laws aimed at preventing dangerous dog incidents across Georgia. At the Capitol, Rep. Patty Stinson says the focus is public safety and accountability, not punishment, as legislation is considered to strengthen the state’s vicious dog laws. Across metro Atlanta, residents gathered to support a group of Buddhist monks walking 2,300 miles for peace, while new Georgia laws take effect Jan. 1, including a lower state income tax rate, expanded insurance cancellation notice requirements and changes to political ethics rules. The state also received $218 million in the first year of a federal program to help transform rural health care, though the award falls short of what Georgia requested. Ahead of New Year’s Eve, officials are warning that gusty winds and low humidity could make fireworks more dangerous, and shoppers are being urged to check grocery store hours before heading out on the holiday. The newscast also marks a historic moment at the Georgia Public Service Commission, where Alicia Johnson will become the first Black woman elected to a statewide partisan office when she takes her seat Jan. 1. Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW. Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com. #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNowNews #GeorgiaNews #PublicSafety #DogAttack #RuralHealth #NewGeorgiaLaws #NewYearsEve #PSC #AtlantaNews