Push Back on School Construction Plans and Schedule Changes | K–8 School-Day Ban on Personal Devices | Buck Rigdon Passes Away at 76 | Roadside and Public Pet Sales Banned
At the May 6 Tift County Board of Education meeting, community members raised serious concerns over proposed changes to the school system’s construction projects and daily schedules.
Georgia News
Tift County Residents Push Back on School Construction Plans and Schedule Changes
At the May 6 Tift County Board of Education meeting, community members raised serious concerns over proposed changes to the school system’s construction projects and daily schedules. Jeffery McClendon, speaking on behalf of several parents, criticized plans for a new middle school and multipurpose building, arguing they prioritize athletics over academics. He specifically called out the reduction in agricultural education facilities and the lack of full-time ag teachers, despite high student involvement in CTAE programs.
Jasmine Webster, a parent of four, objected to the proposed extension of school hours, citing potential teacher burnout, student fatigue, and reduced family time. She shared survey results from over 1,000 residents, highlighting widespread opposition and concerns over negative impacts on both students and educators. Webster urged the board to rethink start times and invest more in classroom support.
Concerned residents protest Board of Education proposals | Tifton Gazette
Georgia Enacts K–8 School-Day Ban on Personal Devices
Governor Brian Kemp has signed House Bill 340 into law, banning personal electronic devices—including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and headphones—for K–8 students in Georgia public schools during the school day. Known as the Distraction-Free Education Act, the law aims to improve student focus and reduce teachers' burden as “cell phone police.”
The ban does not apply to school-issued devices or personal electronics required for medical or educational accommodations. It goes into full effect by the 2026–2027 school year, with policies for storage, emergency communication, and violations required by January 1, 2026. School districts may choose to implement the ban earlier and extend it to high school students.
The measure follows a national trend addressing screen time and student mental health, with similar laws passed in other states like Indiana and Louisiana. Lawmakers and supporters say it’s a proactive step to improve learning environments and reduce distractions in classrooms.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signs K-8 personal device ban in schools into law – WABE
Tift County Commissioner Buck Rigdon Passes Away at 76
Fred Warren "Buck" Rigdon Jr., a longtime Tift County Commissioner and respected community figure, died Monday at age 76 at an assisted living facility in Savannah. A Tifton native, Rigdon had just been re-elected in November to his sixth term on the County Commission, where he served for over 20 years.
A Berry College graduate with a law degree from John Marshall Law School, Rigdon was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1976. He worked as a juvenile judge and assistant district attorney before joining the Tifton law firm Rigdon & VanOrman.
Known for his passion for youth, Rigdon also volunteered as a little league and church league coach for years. As a commissioner, he quietly pushed for greater collaboration between the city and county, always aiming to improve the community.
Rigdon became ill last fall and passed away peacefully after a period of rehabilitation. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Tifton.
Georgia's HB 351 Requires Age Checks for Social Media Use, Faces Legal Challenges
Georgia's new law, HB 351, set to take effect July 1, 2025, requires social media platforms to verify user ages and obtain parental consent for children under 16 to create or maintain accounts. The law also bans social media use in schools and restricts platforms from collecting data on minors or targeting them with ads. Adults accessing adult content will also be required to verify their age, though platforms are barred from storing personal information.
Supporters, including bill sponsor Sen. John F. Kennedy, say the law aims to reduce cyberbullying, classroom distractions, and excessive screen time. Critics—including cybersecurity experts and digital rights groups—worry about enforcement challenges, privacy risks, and constitutional concerns. NetChoice, an industry group, has already filed a lawsuit, arguing the law violates First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
Legal experts point to a similar Arkansas law recently ruled unconstitutional and suggest Georgia’s version may face the same fate. Despite these hurdles, proponents say the bill is a measured first step toward protecting children online, while experts emphasize that parental involvement remains the most effective safeguard.
What Ga.'s new social media law HB 351 means for kids, parents and the courts | 13wmaz.com
Gov. Kemp Signs Law Banning Roadside and Public Pet Sales in Georgia
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed House Bill 331 into law, making it illegal to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits in public or commercial spaces such as roadsides, parking lots, sidewalks, parks, and recreational areas. The new legislation aims to curb unregulated pet sales that often involve animals lacking proper vaccinations or suffering from hidden health issues.
Animal welfare advocates, including Best Friends Animal Society, praised the bill as a major step toward ending exploitative practices like puppy mill sales. The law is expected to help reduce shelter overcrowding and protect both animals and potential pet owners. Previously, 11 Georgia jurisdictions had enacted similar bans at flea markets, but this law extends the restriction statewide.
Gov. Kemp signs pet sales bill, making it illegal to sell animals at any public or commercial space
Georgia Enacts Law Shielding Roundup Maker from Some Cancer Lawsuits
Georgia has become the second U.S. state—after North Dakota—to pass a law shielding pesticide manufacturers like Bayer from certain cancer-related lawsuits. Signed by Governor Brian Kemp, the law protects companies that comply with federal labeling requirements from legal claims that they failed to warn users about potential risks. It takes effect January 1, 2026, but won’t impact existing cases, including a recent $2.1 billion Georgia jury verdict against Bayer.
Bayer, which acquired Roundup maker Monsanto in 2018, has faced over 181,000 lawsuits alleging its weed killer causes cancer. Though the EPA maintains glyphosate is unlikely to be carcinogenic when used as directed, Bayer has removed it from residential products while defending its agricultural use. The company argues that without glyphosate, crop yields could fall, and food prices could rise. The law is part of a broader campaign by Bayer and agricultural groups to limit liability and preserve glyphosate’s role in farming.
Georgia becomes second state to shield Roundup maker from some cancer claims | AP News
Buc-ee’s Announces July 1 Opening for New Brunswick, Georgia Location
Buc-ee’s will open its newest and largest Georgia location in Brunswick on July 1, just in time for summer travel. Located off I-95 and State Highway 99, the 74,000-square-foot store will feature 120 gas pumps and offer Buc-ee’s signature snacks like beaver nuggets, barbecue, and fresh fudge.
The Brunswick location marks Georgia’s third Buc-ee’s, following Warner Robins and Calhoun, and is strategically placed for travelers heading to the southeast coast or Jekyll Island. The Texas-based chain is also bringing over 200 new jobs to the area.
While excitement builds for Brunswick, Buc-ee’s has not yet shared an opening date for its planned fourth Georgia store in Monroe County.
Buc-ee's to open largest Georgia store in Brunswick July 1 | 13wmaz.com
Stone Mountain ‘Wind Phone’ Offers Healing for Those Grieving
A new public art piece in Stone Mountain Village—a “Wind Phone”—is offering a unique way for people to cope with grief. Installed in her front yard by resident Kelly Campbell after the death of her father during the COVID-19 pandemic, the phone isn’t connected to any network. Instead, it’s a symbolic space where people can "speak" to lost loved ones, letting their words be carried by the wind.
Inspired by a concept from Japan, the Wind Phone has already touched many in the community. Neighbors like Starla Harris, who lost several family members, have used it to express feelings and memories, finding comfort and release in the process.
Located along East Mountain Street near Stone Mountain Park, the installation is accessible to the public. Campbell, who initially created it for personal use, is heartened by its emotional impact and encourages others to visit. More information and locations of other Wind Phones can be found at mywindphone.com.
What is a Wind Phone? New Stone Mountain art piece helps callers heal | FOX 5 Atlanta
Tifton Talks Tech and Science
What’s Fueling Atlanta’s Data Center Boom — And Why It Matters to You
Atlanta is experiencing a rapid surge in data center development, with the metro area becoming the fastest-growing region for digital infrastructure in the U.S. These massive facilities power everything from cloud storage to apps, but their explosive growth is bringing both opportunities and challenges.
WABE’s “Server South” series explores the rise of data centers across Georgia. Industry leaders cite increasing digital demand, especially from AI, as the reason for expansion. However, communities like South Atlanta are seeing green spaces disappear and neighborhoods transformed almost overnight.
Critics are raising alarms about the enormous water and energy demands these centers require. On hot days, some data centers may consume up to a third of a county’s water supply. Energy needs are also skyrocketing, shifting Georgia utilities back toward fossil fuels despite earlier commitments to solar power.
While the state offers incentives to attract these businesses, policymakers and environmental advocates are beginning to push for regulations that address the strain on local resources.
What’s powering Atlanta’s data center growth — and what it means for you – WABE
Georgia Health Officials Warn of Measles Misinformation as Outbreak Grows Nationwide
Georgia health officials are sounding the alarm as measles cases rise across the U.S., with over 900 confirmed cases in 25 states and three deaths reported, according to the CDC. Georgia remains below the 95% vaccination rate needed for herd immunity, making the state particularly vulnerable. Experts stress that measles is highly contagious—more so than COVID-19—and warn that misinformation is fueling vaccine hesitancy.
Honorable Mention
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