State’s Jobless Rate Dips to 3.5%

The state Department of Labor reported that Georgia’s jobless rate dropped to 3.5% in May, continuing a trend of the state ranking among the national leaders in employment.

Employers added 4,900 jobs last month, pushing statewide employment to a record 4.99 million, with gains in healthcare, government, and manufacturing.

“Month after month, Georgia shows what’s possible when job creation and economic opportunity are a top priority,” Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said.

The latest national data showed Georgia with the 19th lowest state jobless rate in April.

  Immigration Case Draws Support, Criticism

Immigration enforcement agents took custody of an independent journalist from El Salvador who was arrested for alleged police obstruction and unlawful assembly at a protest last weekend in Dekalb County.

Authorities cited an immigration judge’s 2012 decision ordering Mario Guevara, 47, to leave the U.S. after overstaying his visa. Guevara’s attorney said he has legal work authorization and a pending green card application.

Opponents of immigration enforcement criticized Guevara’s detention while supporters defended the move, with U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, R-Jackson, saying, “It’s nice that ICE is finally upholding the rule of law and they have my full support.”

Augusta Feeling the Heat

A University of Georgia study flagged Augusta as one of the worst spots in the state for trapped urban heat, especially after recent hurricane-related tree losses in the city’s downtown.

Augusta and other Georgia communities are set to sweat through a hot spell in the coming days, with temperatures pushing past 90 degrees and heat indexes near 104.

In Augusta, groups are meeting to discuss tree replanting, cool roofs, cool pavement, and other heat-relief measures. Meanwhile, Georgia Power offered tips on how homes and businesses across the state can lower their energy bills.

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➤ Bibb County: Local government announced plans for a proposed downtown hotel and convention center on First Street, aiming to boost tourism and replace outdated facilities. (More)

➤ Savannah: Mayor Van Johnson responded to state Attorney General Chris Carr’s criticism that the city was “soft on crime.” Johnson also addressed changes to the police department’s use-of-force policies and review board. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Georgia Tech and Emory will relocate seven labs to the Science Square building, including teams researching advanced cancer tagging, smart cells, and regenerative therapy. (More)

➤ Meriwether County: The sheriff’s department faces a wrongful death lawsuit after a deputy allegedly sped without lights and his vehicle struck a 61-year-old man, who died from his injuries. (More)

➤ DeKalb County: A teen was critically injured in an overnight shooting, prompting a major police response. (More)

➤ Statewide: FreshRealm chicken fettuccine alfredo products sold in Kroger and Walmart stores were recalled in Georgia and other states due to a listeria outbreak linked to three deaths in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas. (More)

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➤ Chris Sale tossed 8 2/3 scoreless innings in the Atlanta Braves’ 5-0 win over the Mets, thanking manager Brian Snitker for the chance to pitch into the ninth inning. (More)

➤ Didier Fuentes, who turned 20 on Tuesday, was called up to the Atlanta Braves from Triple-A. Fuentes is considered Atlanta’s best pitching prospect. (Report) 

➤ Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. received a vote of confidence from former quarterback and current NFL analyst Robert Griffin III, who predicted a breakout season for the second-year player. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | WNBA | Soccer | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Marietta city officials approved Grindcap’s plan to build a 347,200-square-foot data center campus at a former cell tower site. (More)

➤ The free YouthBuild program in Atlanta trains young adults in sheet metal trades, offering math and hands-on skills training for high-demand, well-paying careers. (More)

➤ The Statesboro City Council approved next year’s budget, including spending on a $4.8 million fire station, and honored three first responders for their efforts to save a traffic accident victim in April. (More)

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➤ Atlanta’s Journey for Civil Rights Bike Tour was highlighted as one of the many Juneteenth events in the state, tracing civil rights history with stops in Sweet Auburn and Reynoldstown. (Watch)

➤ Leopold’s Ice Cream in Savannah ranked No. 6 in the nation on USA Today’s 10Best ice cream list, honored for its vintage charm and classic flavors. (More)

➤ Summer officially begins today with the solstice at 10:42 p.m., bringing more than 14 hours of daylight. (More)

Do you have a favorite local ice cream shop?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever had issues with an aggressive animal in your neighborhood?

1. Yes: 43%
2. No: 57%

What is Georgia’s hottest month?

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