Shutdown Fallout, Costly Holidays, and Community Challenges Across Georgia
Georgia officials say November SNAP benefits won’t be distributed until the federal government shutdown ends.
Georgia says November SNAP benefits won’t go out until government shutdown ends
Georgia officials say November SNAP benefits won’t be distributed until the federal government shutdown ends, leaving many families uncertain about how they’ll afford groceries. The Department of Human Services confirmed it’s ready to resume payments once the shutdown lifts, but funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture have run dry. Gov. Brian Kemp’s office blamed Democrats for the stalemate, while Sen. Raphael Warnock accused Republicans of playing politics. With food banks already strained, groups like the Atlanta Community Food Bank warn they have no resources to fill the gap.
Turkey prices soar ahead of Thanksgiving as US flock now smallest in 40 years
Thanksgiving turkeys are set to cost more this year, with wholesale prices up about 40% as the U.S. turkey flock drops to its smallest size in four decades. Avian flu outbreaks and tighter production have cut supply by roughly 5%, pushing prices to around $1.32 per pound. Experts say there will still be enough birds for the holiday, but shoppers seeking specific sizes or fresh turkeys should buy early as supply tightens ahead of the feast.
Parents question safety protocols at South Georgia school following children’s injuries
Parents in Colquitt County are demanding answers after three children were injured at Cox Elementary School, raising concerns about supervision and emergency response protocols. Families say the school failed to follow safety procedures, including one case where a student with a shattered elbow was sent back to class and another where a child with a head injury wasn’t given immediate medical attention. The district maintains that student safety is a top priority, but parents say miscommunication and inaction have left them feeling their children aren’t being protected.
From jackpots to rubble: The rise and fall of Radium Springs Casino
Once the crown jewel of South Georgia nightlife, the Radium Springs Casino in Albany drew crowds from across the country with its music, dancing, and elegant charm. Opened in 1927 as part of one of the nation’s first planned recreational communities, the casino’s golden era faded after a devastating 1982 fire and repeated floods left it in ruins. Today, only memories and artifacts remain, as local leaders push for revitalization efforts to preserve the historic Radium Springs Gardens and honor its legacy as both a natural wonder and a symbol of Albany’s vibrant past.
Authorities in Atlanta say they stopped a mass shooting at one of the world’s busiest airports
Atlanta police say they stopped a potential mass shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after a man’s family warned authorities he planned to “shoot it up.” Officers arrested 49-year-old Billy Cagle inside the terminal and later found an AR-15 rifle with 27 rounds in his truck. Police say Cagle had posted alarming messages online before heading to the airport. Mayor Andre Dickens credited the quick action of family members and law enforcement for preventing what could have been a deadly tragedy at the world’s busiest airport.
CNN parent Warner Bros Discovery open to sale, says it has interest from multiple suitors
Warner Bros. Discovery, parent company of CNN and HBO, announced it’s exploring a possible sale after receiving unsolicited interest from multiple buyers. CEO David Zaslav said the board has launched a “comprehensive review” of strategic options, which could include selling the entire company, splitting Warner Bros. and Discovery Global into separate entities, or pursuing mergers. The move follows earlier plans to divide the media giant by 2026. Shares rose 9% after the announcement, as reports suggest Paramount Skydance is among the interested suitors.
Government shutdown straining small businesses across Georgia
As the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of Georgia’s small businesses are feeling the squeeze. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler says about 5,000 Georgia companies that rely on federal contracts or SBA loans are facing halted payments and stalled growth. Economists estimate the shutdown is costing the U.S. up to $15 billion in lost economic activity each week. Democrats argue extending health care subsidies is key to protecting small business workers, while Republicans blame Senate Democrats for prolonging the impasse.
Spotted lanternfly continues spread across U.S., Georgia
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest from Asia, has now spread to 19 states — including Georgia, the southernmost with confirmed infestations. The USDA is urging residents to inspect vehicles, plants, and firewood for eggs and to kill the insects on sight, as they can harm crops and trees with a sticky residue. University of Georgia researchers say Fulton County faces the greatest risk, though there’s no sign yet of major ecological damage from the species.
PSA
Will Georgia join a GOP-led state exodus from a multistate voter accuracy group?
Georgia lawmakers are debating whether to leave the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), a multi-state system used to maintain accurate voter rolls. The organization has helped Georgia identify more than 180,000 voters who moved out of state this year, but right-wing criticism has fueled GOP efforts to withdraw ahead of the 2026 election. Election officials, including Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, argue ERIC is vital for preventing double voting and ensuring data security, while supporters of withdrawal claim Georgia should manage its rolls independently. The proposal will be reconsidered when lawmakers reconvene in January.
$5 million in heating help for Georgia gas customers this winter
The Georgia Public Service Commission is rolling out $5 million in heating assistance this winter to help gas customers cover rising energy costs. About 13,000 seniors enrolled in the Atlanta Gas Light discount program will receive a $194 bill credit, while additional funds will support HopeWorks’ furnace and water heater repairs and the Salvation Army’s utility aid program.
Winn-Dixie’s parent company to close or sell most remaining grocery stores in Georgia
Winn-Dixie’s parent company, Southeastern Grocers, announced it will rebrand as The Winn-Dixie Company in 2026 and focus operations mainly in Florida, leading to the closure or sale of most Georgia locations. Eight Harveys Supermarkets—including those in Augusta, Douglas, and Swainsboro—and several Winn-Dixie stores outside far South Georgia will be affected. The company plans to expand in North Florida by acquiring and rebranding Hitchcock’s Markets, saying the move honors Winn-Dixie’s century-long legacy while sharpening its regional focus.
National debt surpasses $38 trillion milestone for first time in US history as spending surges
The U.S. national debt has surpassed $38 trillion for the first time in history—just two months after crossing the $37 trillion mark—highlighting an accelerating fiscal crisis fueled by rising interest costs, entitlement spending, and persistent deficits. Treasury data show the nation now owes more than double its GDP, with the Congressional Budget Office projecting debt held by the public to reach 120% of GDP by 2035. Experts warn the growing interest burden, expected to hit $1.8 trillion annually within a decade, could crowd out investments and weaken long-term economic stability.
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