Student Injured in Tifton Elementary School Accident | Gas Prices Surge | Governor Signs $6,500 School Voucher Bill | Microsoft Expands Data Center Development Near Atlanta
In a heart-wrenching incident on Tuesday afternoon, a young child from Tifton, Georgia, found himself in a critical condition after being hit by an SUV while leaving school.
Georgia News
Young Child in Tifton Hospitalized After Being Struck by SUV
In a heart-wrenching incident on Tuesday afternoon, a young child from Tifton, Georgia, found himself in a critical condition after being hit by an SUV while leaving school. Isaiah Silva, a 5-year-old student at Len Lastinger Elementary School, was crossing the street from the school's crosswalk around 3 p.m. on April 23rd when the accident occurred.
According to reports from the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), the driver of the SUV, a 71-year-old individual, was not speeding and immediately attempted to administer first aid after the collision. Despite these efforts, Silva's injuries were severe, and he was airlifted to a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, for urgent medical care.
Silva's family has provided updates on his condition, sharing that he is currently in an induced coma and described his condition as "very critical." Medical professionals are closely monitoring his recovery and utilizing a brain monitor and cooling blanket to help manage his fevers.
The incident has prompted an investigation by the Georgia State Patrol, although no charges are expected against the driver at this time.
In response to this tragic event, Len Lastinger Elementary School has postponed GMAS testing to allow students and staff to cope with the aftermath of the accident. The school system has expressed gratitude to the first responders and staff who provided assistance during this difficult time.
UPDATE: Tift County student seriously injured after being hit by car, GSP says (walb.com)
Tifton child struck by SUV now in induced coma, family says (walb.com)
Tift County Schools | Facebook
Georgia Residents Worried as Gas Prices Surge, AAA Forecasts Stability for Summer Travel
Gas prices are rising in Georgia, prompting concerns among South Georgians about summer travel plans. According to AAA, the average gas price in the state is $3.41 per gallon. Some residents express reluctance to travel due to the high prices, while others adapt by seeking the cheapest options locally. An AAA expert predicts that gas prices may not exceed $3.40 per gallon but warns of potential increases during major holiday weekends. The recent spike in prices has led some to speculate about the impact of events in the Middle East. Despite uncertainties, AAA expects gas prices to remain around $3.40 per gallon throughout the upcoming holidays.
Gas prices on the rise across Georgia: What that means for summer travelers (walb.com)
Georgia Governor Signs $6,500 School Voucher Bill Amid Controversy
Governor Kemp signed a controversial school voucher bill into law, allowing parents of children in low-performing schools to receive $6,500 vouchers for private schooling or homeschooling. Proponents believe it provides educational choice, while critics express concerns about funding redirection from public schools and lack of oversight. The program targets the lowest 25% of Georgia schools and imposes conditions like student performance data submission. Mixed reactions emerged from local parents and educators, with some supporting the opportunity for better education options and others worrying about affordability and potential discrimination. The legislation is part of a package that includes measures on charter schools, school bus safety, social media policies, and teacher support programs.
Georgia governor signs school voucher bill to provide $6,500 toward private tuition - Now Habersham
What do local parents say about school voucher bill signed by Kemp? (wrdw.com)
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to Sign Bill Targeting Squatters, Streamlining Eviction Processes
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp plans to sign a bill targeting squatters, aiming to criminalize squatting and streamline eviction processes. The legislation, known as the Georgia Squatter Reform Act, allows homeowners to pursue damages from squatters. Kemp criticized squatters' actions as outrageous and emphasized the need to address lawlessness. Similar measures have been implemented in Florida. The bill seeks to prevent incidents where squatters cause property damage or engage in fraudulent activities like selling appliances from occupied homes. Real estate agents highlight the dangers and scams associated with removing squatters.
Gov. Brian Kemp signing a bill to make squatting a crime in Georgia: 'This is insanity' | Fox News
Senator Jon Ossoff Secures $3.03 Million for Precision Agriculture Lab at UGA Tifton Campus, Advancing Agricultural Innovation and Food Security
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is aiding in the establishment of a precision agriculture laboratory at the University of Georgia's Tifton campus, aiming to enhance research and development in agriculture technology. The project, supported by bipartisan federal funding, will rehabilitate existing facilities and construct a test lab to facilitate equipment testing and farm demonstrations. This initiative underscores efforts to bolster Georgia's agricultural industry and ensure food security. Ossoff, alongside Sen. Raphael Warnock and Rep. Drew Ferguson, secured $3.03 million for the project. This follows recent expansions at UGA's Tifton campus, including the groundbreaking of the USDA-ARS Tifton Research Facility and upgrades to the Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory.
Ossoff helping to establish precision ag lab in Tifton | Local News | tiftongazette.com
Tift Regional Medical Center Affirms Operational Continuity Amid Closure Rumors, Ensuring Community Stability
Tift Regional Medical Center dispels rumors of closure circulating online, assuring the community that the hospital remains operational and financially stable. Chris Dorman, the President and CEO of Southwell Medical, addresses concerns about job eliminations, stating that affected individuals will be placed in other open positions. Residents express relief and support for the hospital's continued presence in the community, emphasizing its importance for healthcare access. While acknowledging the need for efficiency improvements, the hospital reassures that the recent restructuring aims to streamline operations and allocate resources effectively.
Tift Regional Medical Center addresses closure rumors (walb.com)
Demolition Process Underway for Oglethorpe Bridge in Albany, Georgia as Contractors Bid on Project
The process of demolishing the Oglethorpe Bridge in Albany, Georgia, has begun, with contractors currently bidding on the project. While the bridge, built in 1953, is over 60 years old and has been recommended for replacement due to safety concerns, the exact start date for the project remains uncertain. Senator Jon Ossoff has advocated for infrastructure improvements, but as of now, no action has been taken. The original estimated cost of the project was over $18 million, but construction costs have since risen. Once the contract is awarded, it is expected to take around 30 days for the Georgia Department of Transportation to issue a notice to proceed to the contractor. The award announcement for the project is anticipated to be made on May 3.
Process to tear down Albany Oglethorpe Bridge underway (walb.com)
Tift County and Surrounding Areas Witness Rise in Unemployment Rates for March
In March, Tift County, along with all counties in the Tiftarea, experienced a rise in unemployment rates compared to the previous month, according to data from the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). Tift County's unemployment rate increased to 2.8% from 2.6% in February and was higher compared to the 3.0% rate recorded a year ago. The county's labor force decreased by 81 compared to the previous year, totaling 20,782 individuals. Other area counties also saw slight increases in their jobless rates, with statewide unemployment remaining at 3.1%, while the national rate was at 3.8% for March.
Georgia Enacts Stronger Tenant Protections with House Bill 404
Governor Brian Kemp has signed House Bill 404 into law, offering enhanced protection for renters in Georgia. The bill mandates that landlords must wait three days after the rent due date before filing for eviction, and limits security deposits to two months' rent. Additionally, landlords are required to ensure their properties are "fit for human habitation," although the specifics of this requirement will be clarified when the law takes effect on July 1. This legislation aims to hold landlords more accountable and address issues like those faced by Daniel Newman, who experienced safety concerns and maintenance issues in his apartment. The Better Business Bureau advises renters to carefully review lease terms, research management companies, and document any issues in writing. Despite legal protections, tenants like the Newmans continue to seek empathy and resolution from property management. For housing assistance and guidance, residents can access resources provided by local news outlets and community organizations.
Georgia tenant bill adds more protection for renters | 13wmaz.com
The More You Know
Cicada Emergence Startles South Carolina County, Mistaken for Sirens or Roaring Sound
Residents in one South Carolina County have been startled by the loud noise of emerging cicadas, mistaking it for sirens or a roaring sound. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office clarified on Facebook that the noise is from male cicadas singing to attract mates after being dormant for over a decade. Some residents even stopped deputies to inquire about the source of the noise. Despite the annoyance, the sheriff assured residents that cicadas pose no danger to humans or pets, attributing the noise to "the sounds of nature.
Cicadas are so noisy in South Carolina that residents call police (nbcnews.com)
New Orleans Cafe Explores Culinary Potential of Cicadas
As trillions of periodical cicadas prepare to emerge across the nation, the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans is exploring the culinary potential of these insects. With menu items like "Cinnamon Bug Crunch" and chili-fried waxworms already on offer, the cafe is experimenting with dishes featuring roasted cicadas and fried cicada nymphs. Despite initial reservations, cooked cicadas reportedly taste similar to toasted seeds or nuts. The Insectarium hopes to serve these insect-based delicacies to curious patrons, anticipating heightened interest due to the widespread emergence of cicadas this spring.
Periodic cicadas remain buried for years. Now they're emerging on a menu | AP News
Oreo Launches Limited-Edition Sour Patch Kids Flavor Cookies with Sweet and Sour Twist
Oreo is introducing a new limited-edition flavor, Oreo Sour Patch Kids cookies, combining the classic Oreo Golden Cookies with Sour Patch Kids flavors and colors. Available for pre-order online starting April 24 and hitting stores on May 6, these cookies promise a sweet yet sour taste experience. The collaboration between Oreo and Sour Patch Kids aims to excite fans with this playful twist on the classic cookie. In addition to the cookies, exclusive merchandise featuring brand iconography will also be available for purchase.
Oreos cookie Sour Patch Kids flavor will be in stores on May 6 (usatoday.com)
Tifton Talks Tech
Five-Year Cybersecurity Breach: Antivirus Service Exploited by Hackers, Users Warned to Check for Infections
Hackers exploited an antivirus service for five years, infecting users with malware by intercepting HTTP-delivered updates. The attackers performed a man-in-the-middle attack, replacing genuine updates with a backdoor-installing file. The AV service, eScan, fixed the issue after being notified. The attack utilized DLL hijacking and DNS obfuscation for stealth, with some variants hiding malicious code in image files. The malware, GuptiMiner, targeted older Windows systems and installed a cryptocurrency miner. The sophistication of the attack suggests a possible connection to North Korean-backed groups. eScan's lack of HTTPS delivery and update signing led to the prolonged exploitation. Users should check for infections, and reputable AV scanners are likely to detect it.
Hackers infect users of antivirus service that delivered updates over HTTP | Ars Technica
Microsoft Expands Data Center Development Near Atlanta with 136-Acre Land Acquisition
Microsoft has expanded its land holdings for data center development near Atlanta, Georgia, acquiring over 136 acres for $52.5 million. This acquisition complements the company's existing Palmetto campus and planned site in East Point. Construction is already underway in the south Atlanta region, with additional sites being developed in Douglasville and Rome. The Palmetto data center project, approved for $420 million, is expected to be completed by 2028, spanning up to 116 acres. Construction on the East Point site, with revised plans, was set to resume in February.
Honorable Mention
Georgia city rules that people must lock empty vehicles when guns are inside | AP News
Capping Georgia home value spikes comes to vote | 11alive.com
Georgia State Patrol urging public to provide information on fatal Tift County crash (walb.com)
Popular Georgia beach town overrun by 'Orange Crush' fighting, chaos, video shows | Fox News
This Week in History
Thirteen people murdered in Columbine High School mass shooting (1999); Danica Patrick is first woman to win IndyCar race (2008); Dorothy Height, civil and women’s rights activist, dies (2010); Deepwater Horizon oil rig explodes, killing 11 and starting monthslong oil spill (2010). Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Ellen Glasgow born (1873); Earth Day first celebrated in the US (1970); Photographer Ansel Adams dies (1984); President Richard Nixon dies (1994); Former NFL football player Pat Tillman killed during the war in Afghanistan (2004). English playwright William Shakespeare dies (1616); Hollywood legend and diplomat Shirley Temple born (1928); American punk rock band Ramones release first album (1976); Workers’ rights leader Cesar Chavez dies (1993); The first video is uploaded on YouTube (2005). US Library of Congress founded (1800); Easter Rising begins (1916); Barbra Streisand born (1942); Hubble Space Telescope is launched (1990); Estée Lauder dies (2004). Workers break ground on Suez Canal (1859); The US declares war on Spain to begin Spanish-American War (1898); Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald born (1917); Al Pacino born (1940); Singer, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte dies (2023). John Wilkes Booth killed 12 days after assassinating President Lincoln (1865); Former first lady Melania Trump born (1970); The worst nuclear disaster in history occurs in Chernobyl (1986); Lucille Ball dies (1989); Deadliest tornado in history kills 1,300 in Bangladesh (1989).
That's going to be a big NOPE on eating anything with bugs in it. LOL