Across Georgia

Special fees double for college students

ATLANTA --- College students in Georgia will pay more in fees next year to help make up for state budget cuts.

The state Board of Regents approved an increase Tuesday that doubles special fees enacted last year when the state began withholding money from departments and agencies.

The fee rises $100 for students at the Medical College of Georgia, the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and Georgia State University. Students at middle-size schools, including Augusta State University, will pay $75 more. Students at the smallest schools will pay $50 more.

Regents spokesman John Millsaps says the fee will raise about $24 million.

The state's 35 colleges and universities might have to turn to more furlough days and layoffs to make up the $163 million in cuts from the state this fiscal year.

Lowery to back Reed in Atlanta mayoral race

ATLANTA --- The Rev. Joseph Lowery is expected to endorse state Sen. Kasim Reed for mayor of Atlanta today, making him the second civil rights icon to do so, after former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young.

Reed campaign spokesman Reese McCranie confirmed the endorsement Tuesday night. The Rev. Lowery, 88, is scheduled to make the announcement at 3 p.m. at The King Center.

Mr. Young endorsed Mr. Reed during the general election campaign. Mr. Reed, who is black, is in a runoff against city Councilwoman Mary Norwood, a white Augusta native. Political observers say the contest will largely focus on the issue of race.