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Ellie Fivas

@elliefivas.bsky.social
336 followers 75 following 41 posts

politics reporter @washingtonsun ☀️

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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Today was my first day at WaSun. What a time to walk through the door! Hard to believe, but it’s also my first job since graduating from college. Thrilled about this opportunity & SO excited to help deliver the news that D.C. deserves.
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Brian Goldstone @brian-goldstone.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Trump's DOJ is signaling that it will no longer enforce one of the most basic disability rights recognized by the Supreme Court in a landmark 1999 case out of Georgia: the right to live in the community rather than be unnecessarily institutionalized. Crucial reporting from @georgiarecorder.com:
georgiarecorder.com
After years of federal oversight, Georgia’s disability care system faces a new test • Georgia Recorder
The Justice Department has signaled that the federal government no longer plans to enforce a landmark court ruling that has shaped Georgia's mental health and disability care system for nearly two dec...
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
The disability advocacy community has been abuzz about a new DOJ order. But what does "a lack of federal oversight" mean? I spent a month looking into this very question. I read hundreds of pages of an independent monitor's reviews on Georgia's disability care system. What I found in thread ⬇️
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Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 24/08/2026
New from @elliefivas.bsky.social: After years of federal oversight, Georgia’s disability care system faces a new test #gapol
georgiarecorder.com
After years of federal oversight, Georgia’s disability care system faces a new test • Georgia Recorder
The Justice Department has signaled that the federal government no longer plans to enforce a landmark court ruling that has shaped Georgia's mental health and disability care system for nearly two dec...
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
A federal order signals the government may no longer enforce in-home care for people with disabilities. A look at what this means for Georgians: ⭐ What Georgia's commissioner says ⭐ Upcoming report on disability care ⭐ Why November governor race matters MORE: georgiarecorder.com/2026/08/24/a...
georgiarecorder.com
After years of federal oversight, Georgia’s disability care system faces a new test • Georgia Recorder
The Justice Department has signaled that the federal government no longer plans to enforce a landmark court ruling that has shaped Georgia's mental health and disability care system for nearly two dec...
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Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 04/08/2026
“Local papers need to adapt to avoid falling behind, and that’s what we’re trying to do now. This may be because I work in it, but I’ve never been under the impression that local journalism is going to die," said Evan Newton, who bought his hometown newspaper. New from @elliefivas.bsky.social.
georgiarecorder.com
Meet the Gen Z journalist who bought his hometown newspaper in Georgia • Georgia Recorder
Four years ago, Evan Newton was an intern at the Monticello News. Last month, he became the newspaper’s editor, publisher and owner after purchasing the outlet from its previous local owner.  At 25 ye...
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Meet the 25-year-old who still believes in a future for local journalism. When Evan Newton purchased his hometown newspaper, he became one of the youngest newspaper owners in Georgia. Click for more about how he hopes to use new ideas to help an old industry. ⬇️ georgiarecorder.com/2026/08/04/m...
georgiarecorder.com
Meet the Gen Z journalist who bought his hometown newspaper in Georgia • Georgia Recorder
MONTICELLO, Ga. – Four years ago, Evan Newton was an intern at the Monticello News. Last month, he became the newspaper’s editor, publisher and owner after purchasing the outlet from its previous loca...
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Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 23/07/2026
Billed as an official White House event, President Trump's visit to Georgia had the hallmarks of a campaign rally. The event was held at a public school in Cobb County. Story by @mayahoman.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social + @elliefivas.bsky.social + @jillnolin.bsky.social.
georgiarecorder.com
Trump's Cobb County visit boosts Republican candidates • Georgia Recorder
Several Republican candidates for statewide office had speaking slots, giving the official White House event a distinctly partisan tint.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Trump enters Wheeler High School in Marietta. The president’s speech is over now, with several highlights and lasting about an hour and 15 minutes. Check out live coverage of those highlights on my account. #gapol
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
“We are in the golden age of America,” Trump says as he exits the stage. He leaves quickly, with YMCA playing and the crowd dancing. It was a long event, with the president hitting on over 10 policy areas.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Surprisingly, Trump did not discuss election integrity or the FBI investigation on Fulton County’s 2020 ballot counting. Being under an hour from Fulton, it’s an issue lots of Georgia voters are familiar with. Both Georgia senators heavily criticized the president’s administration for the raid.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
The president’s thanking members of the state legislature, his cabinet officials and other allies. Seems like he’s wrapping up. Trump acknowledged U.S. Rep. Mike Collins at the end of his address, saying he stayed back in DC for an important House vote.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson joins the president on stage in Marietta. He says he wants to be Trump’s “favorite governor.” Jackson’s certainly selling himself as Trump 2.0, promising to be business-minded in running Georgia.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
About 30 minutes in, Trump has started taking about the savings accounts. He’s bringing a Georgia family up on stage, a young man and woman with their three young children.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
U.S. Rep. Mike Collins did not end up speaking at the Marietta event today. He’s needed for a key vote on the House floor this afternoon, according to his post on X No mention of Collins from the president so far.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
The president’s jokes about the price of eggs and affordability didn’t quite land. Several Trump supporters I spoke with earlier said affordability is a sincere concern for them. Even in a state like Georgia, with more conservative fiscal policies, it seems Georgians are feeling the pressure.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
President Donald Trump is in the building.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Trump has taken the stage in Marietta. He’s yet to mention in depth the savings accounts for children, the policy focus of this event. He’s focusing on immigration policy, American action in Venezuela and made one passing comment in praise of gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
I spoke with several attendees earlier for @georgiarecorder.com. Many are eager to hear the president’s plan to fix affordability and the Iran War. While pleased with his second term, a few voters told me they are not completely satisfied and hope to see the president step it up in coming weeks.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson spoke over an hour ago, notably an early speaker on the line-up. It will be interesting to see how much the president embraces a fellow billionaire-turned-politician whom he did not initially endorse in the Republican primary election.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
After a parade of introductions, all eyes on the stage in Marietta, GA, as the crowd awaits President Donald Trump’s speech. U.S. Rep. Mike Collins is still expected to speak as well.
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Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 20/07/2026
After spending 16 years moving away from a psychiatric care system centered on institutionalization, state officials are preparing to build Georgia’s largest state hospital in decades. New from @elliefivas.bsky.social.
georgiarecorder.com
Georgia is building first state psychiatric hospital since landmark disability case • Georgia Recorder
After spending 16 years moving away from a psychiatric care system centered on institutionalization, state officials are preparing to build Georgia’s largest state hospital in decades.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Georgia is building its first state psychiatric hospital since Olmstead v. L.C. — a milestone SCOTUS case for disability rights. Why does it matter? Advocates warn against a potential return to the state institutionalization of mentally ill and disabled people. georgiarecorder.com/2026/07/20/g...
georgiarecorder.com
Georgia is building first state psychiatric hospital since landmark disability case • Georgia Recorder
After spending 16 years moving away from a psychiatric care system centered on institutionalization, state officials are preparing to build Georgia’s largest state hospital in decades.
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Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 16/07/2026
While some Georgia newsrooms are shrinking or closing down, two of the state’s largest local publications are being reimagined as nonprofit newsrooms. New from @elliefivas.bsky.social.
georgiarecorder.com
Georgia communities rally support to help convert local newspapers into nonprofits • Georgia Recorder
While some Georgia newsrooms are shrinking or closing down, two of the state’s largest local publications are being reimagined as nonprofit newsrooms.  The Georgia Trust for Local News announced Wedne...
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Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 07/07/2026
These invasive insects may not be a familiar sight yet, but researchers predict the spotted lanternfly population in Georgia will continue to increase in the coming years, which could spell trouble for the state’s fruit crops. New from @elliefivas.bsky.social.
georgiarecorder.com
Spotted lanternflies are inching closer to Georgia crops. Here’s how experts say you can help. • Georgia Recorder
These invasive insects may not be a familiar sight yet, but researchers predict the spotted lanternfly population in Georgia will continue to increase in the coming years, which could spell trouble fo...
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Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 22/06/2026
Without new state funding, Georgia domestic violence, sexual assault programs brace for the worst, reports @elliefivas.bsky.social #gapol
georgiarecorder.com
Without new state funding, Georgia domestic violence, sexual assault programs brace for the worst • Georgia Recorder
The two dozen beds at the Haven, a domestic violence shelter in Valdosta, are almost never enough, according to Executive Director Michelle Girtman.  Rising demand for services and years of declining ...
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
NEW: What happens when new state spending for domestic violence & sexual assault programs is vetoed? I spoke with advocates & lawmakers who said the funding for these resources was essential — and now, programs aren't sure how they'll make it. READ MORE: georgiarecorder.com/2026/06/22/w...
georgiarecorder.com
Without new state funding, Georgia domestic violence, sexual assault programs brace for the worst • Georgia Recorder
The two dozen beds at the Haven, a domestic violence shelter in Valdosta, are almost never enough, according to Executive Director Michelle Girtman.  Rising demand for services and years of declining ...
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
NEW from me: georgiarecorder.com/2026/06/18/d... A small town in Georgia has successfully fought off the federal government from converting an empty warehouse into a 10,000-bed immigration detention facility. Multiple sources from DHS confirmed to city leaders that the project has been abandoned.
georgiarecorder.com
DHS appears to axe plan to construct immigration detention megacenter in small Georgia town • Georgia Recorder
After months of tension between the city of Social Circle and the federal government, the city announced in a press release Thursday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will abandon its plan...
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Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 18/06/2026
Georgia’s runoffs are over. Here are the candidates who are advancing to November’s election. New from @elliefivas.bsky.social #gapol
georgiarecorder.com
Georgia’s runoffs are over. Here are the candidates who are advancing to November’s election.  • Georgia Recorder
As Georgians headed to the polls on Tuesday, voters were doing more than just determining Republican nominees for the top of the ticket  — both parties also decided nominations for key down-ballot pri...
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Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 17/06/2026
Georgia Republican lawmakers drop plans to redistrict, citing pending legal cases #gapol
georgiarecorder.com
Georgia Republican lawmakers drop plans to redistrict, citing pending legal cases • Georgia Recorder
Georgia Republicans abruptly changed course on redistricting Wednesday, retreating from their plans to redraw congressional and state district lines for the 2028 election less than an hour before lawm...
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The special legislative session will still happen. Lawmakers still need to resolve a voting issue relating to QR codes and local tax referendums. We can expect continued conversation around redistricting during this session — even if it’s off the agenda for now.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
BREAKING: Georgia Republicans have put aside redistricting measures for this special legislative session, according to a letter from House majority leadership to Gov. Brian Kemp.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Today, Georgia’s special legislative session will began. On the table? Potential redistricting for 2028 elections. On the South Steps inside the Georgia State Capitol, Democratic representatives are addressing a massive crowd. Stay tuned for more updates.
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Georgia Recorder @georgiarecorder.com · 17/06/2026
Jackson defeats Trump-backed Jones to win GOP race for Georgia governor after costly primary battle, reports @alander.bsky.social #gapol
georgiarecorder.com
Jackson defeats Trump-backed Jones to win GOP race for Georgia governor after costly primary battle • Georgia Recorder
An expensive slugfest between two Republican candidates for governor fighting for the party’s nomination came to an end Tuesday night. The Associated Press called the race for wealthy businessman Rick...
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Rick Jackson, Republican nominee for Georgia governor, beat out Lt. Gov Burt Jones. President Donald Trump and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp both endorsed Jones. This will be one of the highest profile elections in which a Trump-endorsed candidate hasn’t clinched the Republican nomination.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The AP has called the Georgia Republican gubernatorial nomination for Rick Jackson, a self-proclaimed “political outsider.” Jackson took the stage 10 minutes ago, before the call, and is giving his victory speech — with several jabs toward the Democratic nominee for governor, Keisha Lance Bottoms.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The crowd is ready for Rick Jackson. The race hasn’t been called yet and more than 80% of the vote is in.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The AP has called the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Georgia for U.S. Rep. Mike Collins. Over at gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson’s party, the mood is tentatively jubilant. With 68% of the vote counted, Jackson has a slight lead at 54%.
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Alander Rocha @alander.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Congressman Mike Collins, who is running in the Republican runoff for U.S. Senate, makes a quick appearance to meet supporters at his election night watch party. He is facing Kemp-backed Derek Dooley, and the winner will face Sen. Jon Ossoff in November.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
A whole line of Georgia state representatives has queued near Rick Jackson’s election night stage. So far, five have addressed the crowd, including Rep. Leesa Hagan, Rep. David Jenkins and Rep. Vance Smith.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The room is filling up and results are rolling in — with 24% of the vote in, Jackson is leading by 18 points.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Rick Jackson has arrived. It’s lively scene at the Westin Perimeter North, and only 10 minutes until the polls close. Jackson is making the rounds in a private reception. Non-VIPs are being escorted to the main ballroom.
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Ellie Fivas @elliefivas.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
In Sandy Springs, just north of Atlanta, gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson’s election night soirée is already buzzing. Stay tuned for more as the night continues.
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