Cell Phone Ban in Classrooms | School Day Extension | Criminalization of Pregnancy | COVID-19 Uptick in Georgia | Betty White Forever Stamp | Tech Overhaul at SSA
Georgia lawmakers have passed a bill prohibiting elementary and middle school students from using cell phones during the school day.
Georgia News
Georgia Lawmakers Pass Bill to Ban Cell Phones in K-8 Classrooms, Citing Classroom Distractions
March 27, 2025 - Georgia lawmakers have passed a bill prohibiting elementary and middle school students from using cell phones during the school day. The legislation, which received overwhelming support, awaits Governor Brian Kemp's signature and would affect approximately one million students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Supporters, like State Senator Jason Anavitarte, believe the ban will reduce distractions and allow teachers to focus more on instruction. However, some parents express concerns about safety, citing incidents like the Apalachee High School shooting, where students used their phones to communicate during the crisis. If enacted, individual school districts will determine how to store the devices, with some, such as Marietta City Schools, already implementing solutions like magnetic Yondr pouches. The law would take effect statewide next summer.
Georgia bill would ban cell phones in some schools
Tift County Schools to Extend School Day by 25 Minutes Starting Fall 2025
March 24, 2025 - Tift County Schools in Georgia will extend the school day by 25 minutes starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, with classes beginning 10 minutes earlier and ending 15 minutes later. The district asserts that this change, supported by research, aims to benefit both students and teachers by providing nearly 7.5 hours of instructional time daily. Some parents, like Kameron Marcoux, question the necessity of the extension, expressing concerns about earlier start times and potential impacts on student alertness. Conversely, some community members suggest that starting school later could better accommodate students' needs. Eighth-grader Mihir Bag views the change as manageable, provided classes remain engaging.
Community weighs in after Tift County Schools votes to extend school day
Georgia Woman Arrested After Miscarriage, Raising Alarms Over Fetal-Personhood Law and Criminalization of Pregnancy
On March 21, 2025, a 24-year-old woman in Tifton, Georgia, was arrested after experiencing a miscarriage at 19 weeks. Authorities charged her with concealing the death of another person and abandonment of a dead body. Reproductive health experts have expressed alarm, viewing these charges as inappropriate and indicative of a troubling trend toward the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. This incident marks a significant application of Georgia's fetal-personhood law, which grants legal rights to fetuses. Critics argue that prosecuting individuals for miscarriage or improper disposal of fetal remains is both cruel and unjust, potentially deterring pregnant individuals from seeking necessary medical care. Legal advocates contend that such cases foster fear and stigma without enhancing public safety.
Updated April 4, 2025: District Attorney Patrick Warren announced that all charges have been dropped against 24-year-old Tifton woman Selena Chandler-Scott, who was arrested after disposing of fetal remains following a miscarriage.
After a full review of the Tifton Police Department's investigation, medical examiner’s findings, and Georgia law, Warren determined prosecution was not legally justified. The medical report confirmed the fetus was about 19 weeks old, non-viable, and had never taken a breath outside the womb—making it not legally recognized as a person under Georgia law for the purposes of the charges filed.
Chandler-Scott had been charged with concealing a death and abandoning a dead body, but both charges require that the deceased was a person who had lived independently of their mother. Since that was not the case, Warren stated no criminal law had been violated.
Warren emphasized the emotional difficulty of the case but underscored that legal decisions must be based on facts and law, not feelings. He acknowledged the pain felt by the community and the professionalism of the officers involved, while urging compassion and thoughtful consideration in such sensitive situations. He added that while the case is closed, it could be revisited if new evidence arises.
Why a Georgia Woman’s Arrest After Miscarriage Is Disturbing
CDC Warns of Possible COVID-19 Uptick in Georgia Amid Low Vaccination Rates
March 24, 2025 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Georgia may experience a rise in COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks. Wastewater surveillance indicates viral levels approaching the highest estimates recorded this year. Additionally, there's been a slight increase in positive COVID-19 tests and emergency room visits compared to this time last year. Despite these indicators, the overall rate of acute respiratory illnesses has declined nationally. However, vaccination rates in Georgia remain low, with only 13 to 18% of adults having received the latest COVID vaccine, compared to the national average of around 23%. The CDC warns that many Americans lack the protection against respiratory viruses that vaccines provide. Furthermore, COVID-19 continues to be more deadly than the flu in Georgia, with over 240 deaths since December, compared to 124 flu-related deaths since October 2024.
CDC: Signs point to potential COVID-19 uptick in Georgia | FOX 5 Atlanta
Georgia Senate Advances Bill to Ban Transgender Athletes from Competing Based on Gender Identity
In February 2025, the Georgia Senate committee passed the Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act, which mandates that athletes compete on teams corresponding to their sex assigned at birth. This legislation aims to restrict transgender athletes from participating in sports aligning with their gender identity. The bill's proponents argue it ensures fairness in women's sports, citing testimonies from female athletes who expressed discomfort competing against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. Critics, however, contend that such measures discriminate against transgender individuals and may harm their mental health. If enacted, Georgia would join 25 other states with similar restrictions on transgender athletes.
Georgia Legislature approves transgender athlete ban
Georgia Lawmakers Propose Raising Governor Kemp’s Salary to Highest in Nation at $250,000
A recent proposal by Georgia state senators seeks to increase Governor Brian Kemp's salary from $182,000 to $250,000, which would make him the highest-paid governor in the United States, tying with New York's Governor Kathy Hochul. This amendment to House Bill 86 also includes significant pay raises for other statewide elected officials and judges. The bill requires approval from the House and Governor Kemp's signature to become law.
Georgia Senate Panel Advances ‘Anti-Squatters Act’ Targeting Unlawful Occupancy of Homes and Hotels
On March 24, 2025, the Georgia Senate Public Safety Committee advanced House Bill 61, known as the "anti-squatters act," which aims to strengthen measures against unlawful squatting. The bill proposes that individuals occupying residential properties, hotels, or vehicles without the owner's explicit consent would be guilty of misdemeanor unlawful squatting, subject to removal by law enforcement within 10 days of notification. Convicted individuals would also be required to pay restitution based on fair market rent. Supporters argue the bill closes existing legal loopholes and restores property owners' control. However, critics, including housing rights advocates, express concerns that the legislation could adversely affect long-term residents of extended stay hotels, potentially leading to unjust evictions without due process. The bill now moves to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.
State Senate panel advances anti-squatting legislation | Tifton Gazette
The More You Know
USPS Unveils Betty White Forever Stamp Honoring Her Legacy in Entertainment and Animal Advocacy
The U.S. Postal Service has released a new Forever stamp honoring the late actress and animal advocate Betty White. Unveiled on March 27, 2025, at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the stamp features a digital illustration by Dale Stephanos, based on a 2010 photograph by Kwaku Alston. The design includes a subtle paw print earring, symbolizing White's dedication to animal welfare. Amber McReynolds, chairwoman of the USPS Board of Governors, stated, "With this stamp, we honor and remember the beloved 'First Lady of Television' and the enduring mark she left on our American culture." The stamp is now available for purchase at Post Office locations nationwide and online through the USPS Postal Store.
New Betty White Stamps Deliver Smiles - Newsroom - About.usps.com
Mr. Pugsley Addams the Maine Coon Breaks World Record for Longest Tail on a Living Cat
Mr. Pugsley Addams, a two-year-old silver Maine Coon from Mound, Minnesota, has been recognized by Guinness World Records for having the longest tail on a living domestic cat, measuring 18.5 inches (46.99 cm). His owner, Amanda Cameron, noticed the exceptional length of Pugsley's tail during his first veterinary visit, prompting her to apply for the record. Maine Coons are known for their large size, but Pugsley's tail length is particularly remarkable. Despite its impressive size, the tail occasionally proves cumbersome, especially when Pugsley is excited. He lives with Cameron's children and three other pets, all named after characters from "The Addams Family," reflecting the family's fondness for the series.
Tifton Talks Tech and Science
Elon Musk’s DOGE Agency Plans Risky Overhaul of Social Security’s COBOL System Amid Expert Concerns
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is undertaking an ambitious project to overhaul the Social Security Administration's (SSA) computer systems by migrating from the outdated COBOL programming language to a modern one like Java within a few months. This initiative aims to modernize SSA's infrastructure, which currently relies on over 60 million lines of COBOL code developed since the 1980s. However, experts express significant concerns that such a rapid transition could jeopardize the system's integrity, potentially disrupting benefits for over 65 million Americans. They warn that hasty migration may lead to system failures, incorrect payments, or missed disbursements. While DOGE may employ generative artificial intelligence to facilitate the transition, extensive testing is essential to ensure accurate outputs. The SSA's current fragile state underscores the potential perils of this swift overhaul.
DOGE Plans to Rebuild SSA Code Base in Months, Risking Benefits and System Collapse | WIRED