South Georgia Braces for Heatwave | Georgia Governor Kemp Signs Landmark Tax Relief Package | Tift County Withdraws Plans for New Middle School | Spring Homebuying Season Sluggish
The plans for a new middle school on "The Farm" property along U.S. Highway 319 have been withdrawn, according to Tift County School Superintendent Natalie Gore.
Georgia News
South Georgia Braces for Heatwave, Temperatures Expected to Reach Near 90 Degrees
South Georgia is in for a heatwave this week, with temperatures soaring into the upper 80s and possibly hitting 90 by Friday and Saturday. A high-pressure ridge over the Gulf of Mexico is responsible for keeping the region warm. However, relief is on the way as a cold front is expected to move in over the weekend, bringing cooler temperatures. While widespread severe weather is unlikely, there's a chance of isolated thunderstorms, with the possibility of flooding over the weekend.
South Georgia: The heat is on | Ga Fl News | tiftongazette.com
Georgia Governor Kemp Signs Landmark Tax Relief Package, Projected to Save Billions for Taxpayers
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a comprehensive tax relief package into law, described as the state's largest income tax cut in history. The legislation, enacted during a ceremony in Augusta, aims to save taxpayers over $1 billion in 2024 by accelerating tax cut plans and reducing income taxes. The income tax rate for 2024 will be 5.39%, down from 5.75% in 2023, resulting in substantial savings for Georgians. The Office of Planning and Budget estimates total savings of approximately $3 billion over the next decade. The package includes adjustments to corporate income tax rates, modifications to homestead exemptions, expanded eligibility for historic home tax credits, and increased deductions for dependents. Governor Kemp emphasized that while politicians in Washington are considering tax increases, Georgia remains committed to fostering economic growth and opportunity for its residents.
Tifton Unveils Exciting Lineup for Georgia Cities Week Celebration
The City of Tifton has announced its plans for Georgia Cities Week, starting on April 22. The week-long celebration includes various events such as a Citizens' Art Collection exhibit, Customer Appreciation Day, visits to Tift County High School, Employee Appreciation Day with a free lunch, a ribbon cutting for a new playground, a Touch-A-Truck event, a movie screening of "Big Hero 6", and a Tire Drop-Off event. Residents are encouraged to participate and can find more information on the City of Tifton's Facebook page.
Tifton announces plans for Georgia Cities Week | News | tiftongazette.com
Tift County Withdraws Plans for New Middle School Amidst Concerns; Superintendent Highlights Changes to Online Learning and Class Sizes
The plans for a new middle school on "The Farm" property along U.S. Highway 319 have been withdrawn, according to Tift County School Superintendent Natalie Gore. Concerns about the location and the size of the proposed school, intended to accommodate 1,800 students, prompted the decision. The board of education has retracted its application for advance funding and is exploring alternative options for school organization and location within the district. Additionally, the demolition of Eighth Street Middle School for a parking lot is not currently underway. Gore emphasized the need to assess and adjust class sizes in schools to maximize state funding and announced changes to online learning options for the 2024-25 school year. The online elementary school program will end, and adjustments will be made to online learning at the high school level. Gore highlighted the importance of face-to-face instruction for students who fail a class, stating that they will no longer have the option to retake it online. She also discussed her initial efforts to evaluate the strengths and growth opportunities within Tift County schools, emphasizing community support and the quality of arts and athletic programs.
Walmart Launches Live Bait Delivery Service at 154 Georgia Stores
Walmart is pioneering live bait delivery, starting with 154 stores in Georgia. They offer options for redworms, nightcrawlers, and mealworms, including a 90-minute "express option." Georgia was chosen due to its reputation as a top fishing state. Customers can opt for pickup, standard delivery, on-demand delivery, or express delivery for an additional fee. Live bait will be handled with care and placed in anti-contamination bags.
30 Charged in 333-Count Georgia Gang Indictment Following Multi-Agency Investigation
In a joint effort between the Georgia Attorney General’s Office and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, a major multi-agency investigation has led to the indictment of 30 individuals in Richmond County on over 300 charges related to illegal narcotics distribution and violent crimes. The defendants are allegedly linked to a hybrid criminal street gang known as Trap Money (TRVPMONEYY). Charges include aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, armed robbery, and trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The indictment accuses the defendants of conspiring to engage in criminal activities to obtain money, firearms, controlled substances, and property. State officials emphasized their commitment to dismantling criminal street gangs and ensuring public safety. The investigation, dubbed Operation “No Loyalty,” resulted in significant seizures of narcotics, firearms, vehicles, and cash. The defendants face multiple charges, including violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The indictment underscores the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and gang-related violence in the community.
New Guidebook Explores Altamaha and Ohoopee Rivers, Unveiling Rich Cultural and Natural History
The Georgia River Network has unveiled its latest river guidebook, focusing on the Altamaha and Ohoopee Rivers. This comprehensive guide features 15 maps covering the 137-mile Altamaha and 115-mile Ohoopee, detailing points of interest, public access locations, and essential information for boaters and anglers. Authored by Joe Cook, the guidebook delves into the rich cultural and natural history of the rivers, sharing stories of past adventures and modern restoration efforts. Available for purchase online and in bookstores, the guidebook serves as a valuable resource for exploring these iconic Georgia waterways.
The More You Know
Spring Homebuying Season Sluggish as Mortgage Rates Rise and Prices Increase
The spring homebuying season has started slowly due to higher mortgage rates and increased prices. Existing home sales in the U.S. fell by 4.3% in March compared to the previous month, with a year-over-year decline of 3.7%. Despite this, the median home sales price rose by 4.8% from the previous year to reach $393,500, marking the highest median sales price for March on record. The shortage of homes on the market continues to drive up prices, with 60% of homes selling within a month of listing. However, the supply of unsold homes has increased slightly, offering buyers more options. Nonetheless, competition remains high, particularly for affordable homes, and mortgage rates have risen, impacting affordability for buyers.
Home sales fall in March with mortgage rates rising | AP News
Record High: Americans Demand $81,822 Minimum Salary for New Jobs, Gender Gap Widens
The lowest salary Americans are willing to accept for a new job has surged to a record high, reaching $81,822 on average as of March, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. This represents a significant increase from $73,391 in November. Men, younger workers, and those with household incomes of $60,000 are driving this trend. However, there's a growing gender gap in salary expectations, with men expecting nearly $30,000 more than women. Despite a strong job market, more candidates are finding it challenging to secure positions that meet their salary and flexibility preferences. Additionally, a rising number of people are considering early retirement, with only 46% expecting to work past age 62, a record low.
Salary U.S. workers expect at a new job reaches record-high (cnbc.com)
Florida Sees Record Job Resignations Amidst Growing Opportunities and Robust Labor Market
In February, Florida experienced a significant surge in job resignations, with tens of thousands of residents quitting their jobs, marking one of the highest quit rates in the nation. Despite this trend, the state also saw an increase in job openings, indicating opportunities for those seeking employment. Florida's unemployment rate has recovered to 3.1 percent in February, lower than the national rate of 3.9 percent, reflecting a robust job market. Job gains were particularly notable in education and health services, while the information sector experienced some losses. Florida has emerged as one of the hottest labor markets, attracting remote workers due to factors like the absence of state income tax. Additionally, high-profile companies like Citadel are relocating their headquarters to Miami, contributing to the state's economic growth.
Florida Sees Thousands of People Quit Their Jobs (newsweek.com)
Tifton Talks Tech
FCC's New Internet Rules Draw Concern Over Potential for Harmful Fast Lanes
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to approve new Internet rules proposed by Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, which prohibit blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization by Internet service providers (ISPs). However, critics argue that the rules don't explicitly ban "positive" discrimination, potentially allowing ISPs to create harmful fast lanes for certain applications. These fast lanes could prioritize specific types of content, such as gaming or video streaming, without charging application providers for special treatment. Advocates are concerned that this could lead to higher costs for consumers and undermine net neutrality principles. Despite requests to include a ban on selective speeding in the rules, the FCC's draft order maintains that its definition of throttling is broad enough to encompass both positive and negative discrimination of content. The draft rules are scheduled for a vote on April 25.
ISPs can charge extra for fast gaming under FCC’s Internet rules, critics say | Ars Technica
Netflix Surpasses Analyst Expectations with 9.33 Million New Subscribers in Q1 2024, Plans to Stop Quarterly Subscription Reporting
Netflix's first-quarter 2024 earnings report showcased remarkable growth, with the addition of 9.33 million paid subscribers, surpassing analyst estimates of 3.93 million. This surge in subscribers follows a record-breaking fourth quarter of 2023. Despite this success, Netflix announced it will cease reporting quarterly subscription totals starting in 2025. The quarter saw the release of several high-profile titles, contributing to subscriber growth. Financially, Netflix exceeded Wall Street expectations, reporting earnings per share of $5.28 on revenue of $9.37 billion. Looking ahead, Netflix forecasts revenue of $9.49 billion for the second quarter and anticipates revenue growth of 13% to 15% for the full year 2024.
Netflix Adds 9.33 Million Subscribers in Q1 2024 (variety.com)
Honorable Mention
Google terminates 28 employees after series of protests: Read the memo (cnbc.com)
Olympic breaking, explained: All about the new event in the 2024 Paris summer games (nbcnews.com)
Elephant Roams Streets of Butte, Montana After Escaping from Circus (people.com)
Heinz Teamed Up With Mattel to Create ‘Barbiecue’ Sauce (foodandwine.com)
How to get your color analysis, season with TikTok and ChatGPT - The Washington Post
This Week in History
President Thomas Jefferson born (1743); New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art founded (1870); Author Eudora Welty born (1909); Sidney Poitier becomes first Black male to win best actor at Oscars (1964). President Abraham Lincoln dies (1865); RMS Titanic sinks after hitting an iceberg, killing more than 1,500 (1912); Jackie Robinson breaks color barrier, becomes first Black major league baseball player (1947); Actress Emma Watson born (1990); Two bombs explode at Boston Marathon, killing three and injuring 264 (2013). Actor Charlie Chaplin born (1889); Harriet Quimby is first woman to fly across English Channel (1912); Kareem Abdul-Jabbar born (1947); Singer-songwriter Selena Quintanilla-Pérez born (1971); 32 die, 17 injured in Virginia Tech mass shooting (2007). Benjamin Franklin dies (1790); Bay of Pigs Invasion begins in Cuba (1961); Apollo 13 returns safely to Earth (1970); Victoria Beckham born (1974); Former first lady Barbara Bush dies (2018). Paul Revere makes famous ride during American Revolution (1775); Yankee Stadium opens (1923); Albert Einstein dies (1955); Conan O'Brien born (1963); Dick Clark dies (2012). Battles of Lexington and Concord begin the American Revolutionary War (1775); Charles Darwin dies (1882); Boston Marathon held for first time (1897); Actress Ashley Judd born (1968); Oklahoma City bombing kills 168 (1995).
Wow that's hot for April. Good excuse to stay in AC and take naps if Urretired as am i.