Author

Laura Corley

Laura is our senior reporter. Born in Macon, her bylines have appeared in Georgia news outlets for more than a decade. She is a graduate of Mercer University. Her work — which focuses on holding people and institutions with power responsible for their actions — is funded by a grant from the Peyton Anderson Foundation. Laura enjoys strong coffee, a good mystery, fishing and gardening.

Laura's Latest Articles

State plans for new Ocmulgee boat ramp in Bond Swamp

A proposed boat ramp in southeast Bibb County would provide access to a rarely-seen part of the Ocmulgee River.

County employee spent cash intended for Little Richard festival on hibachi, Waffle House and taxes, records show

Most of the cash donated to the nonprofit for the community celebration was spent on other things including hibachi meals, cash withdrawals, an expense at an automotive shop plus purchases at Waffle House and Dollar Tree.

How Macon Land Bank salvages forgotten property

Land Banks are tools counties can use to get unproductive tax delinquent properties into something productive and useful.

How $100k from Mayor Lester Miller was used to influence 2024 elections

The mayor's campaign money was filtered through different organizations and used to quietly support and oppose certain local and state candidates for public office.

Bills to add third mayoral term, seats to Macon Water Authority stall

One bill would eliminate term limits for Macon-Bibb County commissioners and add a third term for the mayor. Another bill adds two seats to the Macon Water Authority Board.

MWA chairman nixes livestreamed meetings

Chairman Gary Bechtel’s decision to limit public access to in-person attendees will likely mean fewer eyes on the authority board’s meetings, which regularly last four to five hours. 

Legislature adjourns with no decision on speed camera bills

“I am not giving up on this,” Rep. Dale Washburn, R-Macon, said of his bill to ban controversial school zone cameras.

How Macon has spent $8.9 million collected from school zone speeding tickets

Drivers speeding in Bibb County school zones have paid $11.2 million in tickets since 2022. Here's how the county spent $8.2 million in revenue.

County spends $1.1M to clear way for trailhead along Ocmulgee River

The county will soon own more acreage along the Ocmulgee River.

State ethics commission ‘reviewing’ Macon industrial authority’s $50k donation promoting sales tax

Campaign finance disclosures show the authority contributed $50,000 to Go Big Macon, a ballot committee formed to promote the 2025 SPLOST.

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