The state is investigating 200 gas stations for price gouging in the wake of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike last fall. So far, nine stations across the state have been fined for inflating prices when gas was scarce in September and October. Some of the stations simply have to refund money to customers who can prove with a receipt they bought gas during the gouging, while others have to pay up to $5,000 in fines to the state.

According to a release from Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue’s office, Thursday, the State Board of Education (SBOE) approved a five-year contract with Gwinnett County Public Schools that grants the school district greater flexibility in exchange for increased accountability.

Georgia drivers save at the pump as the gas tax is reduced by four cents down to 14.6 cents. But, the state depends on revenue from the gas tax to fund road construction projects. Georgia is facing a $2 billion deficit and state lawmakers say it will be a challenge to generate reveune. Count on Renita Crawford for the story.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared 146 of 159 Georgia counties a primary disaster area because of production losses due to prolonged drought and high temperatures.

Columbia County commissioners approved a $1.4 million budget cut this week. The cut comes after Governor Sonny Perdue slashed statewide funding. Count on our Fraendy Clervaud, he has the story.

Georgia’s Graduation Rate Has Increased by 12 Points since 2002

A state board has rejected a proposed change to the way Georgia doles out teacher pensions. The board of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia voted unanimously Wednesday to keep a 40-year-old policy that guarantees retirees 1.5 percent increases twice a year.

In response to natural disasters, FEMA sends workers from all over the country to lend a hand. That’s the case in Texas, where Georgia workers are helping with Hurricane Ike recovery efforts. Not everything is going smoothly, though, as the Houston Mayor finds himself in a bit of hot water. Ted Oberg has the story.