Kemp Signs Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

Governor Brian Kemp signed Georgia’s $37.7 billion fiscal year 2026 budget on Friday, emphasizing substantial investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety.

Key allocations include over $300 million for K-12 education, $49.7 million for student mental health, and $257 million for Medicaid and PeachCare for kids.

Regarding infrastructure, $290 million is reserved for transportation projects and $715 million for capital projects. Millions will also go to strengthening technology, pay, and programs for the state’s law enforcement.

“Here in Georgia, we’re keeping government in check, cutting taxes, and returning taxpayer money where it belongs—back to hardworking Georgians,” Kemp said.

  Train Derails in Cobb County

17 CSX train cars carrying mostly dry goods and wood derailed on Friday morning where the tracks run under a Campbell Road overpass near Nancy Circle in Smyrna.

This is not the freight railroad company’s first derailment this year. In March, six of CSX’s train cars derailed in Tyrone due to a broken track.

Nobody was hurt, and no hazardous materials were involved in the incident. The cause of the derailment is still under investigation.

Atlanta Reacts to New American Pope

Atlanta’s Catholic community expressed excitement, optimism, and shock following the historic election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV—the first American to lead the Catholic Church.

“I think there’s a new energy that has been reborn with the election of this new pope,” said Archbishop of Atlanta Gregory Hartmayer. “He was a long shot because he’s an American.”

Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was a close collaborator of Pope Francis and is anticipated to continue his predecessor’s emphasis on community, unity, and compassion.

However, not everyone is as supportive. Professor of Catholic Studies at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Susan Reynolds, believes this choice can overcentralize America. “There’s a sense of ‘This is too much power!’ You can’t be the global political leader and be the home of the Pope,” said Reynolds.

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➤ Statewide: Despite a nearly 14% increase in child-rearing costs over the past two years, Georgia remains one of the most affordable states to raise children, a study says. (More)

➤ Macon: Community members and officials gathered downtown to honor fallen officers at the 14th Annual Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Ceremony. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Delta CEO Ed Bastian says the Trump administration’s recent multibillion-dollar plan to overhaul the country’s air traffic control system will reduce flight delays. (More)

➤ Athens: A local tax preparer was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for orchestrating a $3.5 million fraud scheme involving false tax returns and pandemic unemployment claims. (More)

➤ Ware County: A Georgia State Patrol trooper was hospitalized after his vehicle flipped and submerged in a creek during a high-speed chase. (More)

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➤ Former Georgia Bulldog and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has returned to the University of Georgia to complete his finance degree. (More)

➤ Forty-one players took the field for the Atlanta Falcons’ rookie minicamp on Friday, including first-rounds picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. (More)

➤ The University of Georgia baseball team has ascended to the No. 1 spot in Baseball America’s Top 25 rankings, boasting a 39-11 overall record. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA

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➤ A Georgia teacher was surprised live on Good Morning America for the show’s annual “Breakfast in Bed” Mother’s Day celebration. (See Video)

➤ A third Buc-ee’s location in Georgia will open in Brunswick on July 1. (More)

➤ Pepsi is challenging Georgia-based Coke with a public blind taste test between the two’s zero sugar drinks in Atlanta this weekend, for its revived Pepsi Challenge. (More)

Have you ever been to Brasstown Bald? 

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Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever been to Six Flags White Water?

1. Yes: 40%
2. No: 60%

What is the largest lake in Georgia?

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