Major State Income Tax Cut Proposed

A state Senate panel revealed its proposal for a sweeping state income tax overhaul, starting with eliminating the tax on the first $50,000 earned by individuals and $100,000 earned by joint filers.

The initial cuts would take effect in 2027. Longer term, the plan aims to phase out the tax entirely by 2032, replacing the estimated $16 billion to $20 billion in yearly revenue through surplus funds, reduced tax credits, and economic growth.

Supporters say the change will boost take-home pay for most Georgians, while critics say the move could shift the tax burden and threaten some state services.

The panel was formed last year by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, among the candidates seeking to succeed term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp. The committee is chaired by state Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, who is running for lieutenant governor.

  Deputies Charged with Corruption

Two former Towns County sheriff’s deputies were arrested on unrelated corruption charges following a probe by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. 

Sheriff’s Major Johnny McCoy, who was fired Tuesday, was charged with theft and falsifying records tied to a local court program he oversaw.

Sheriff’s patrol Sgt. Andrew Glass, who was fired last week, faces charges of theft and making false statements related to two missing department firearms, one of which has not been recovered.

Sheriff Anthony Coleman praised the GBI for its professionalism during the investigation.

In October, another of the department’s deputies was fired and arrested after allegedly filing a false report to conceal that he had accidentally shot himself in the leg during a traffic stop.

Judge Clears Way to Cut Down Tree

A Fulton County judge ruled that a 100-year-old oak tree in Johns Creek can be removed, ending a years-long community effort to save the 70-foot-tall landmark.

The judge ruled that local land-use ordinances do not prevent the removal of the tree and that an inspection by an arborist found the tree in decay. The property owner maintains that the tree is unsafe.

The tree, located in a shopping center off State Bridge Road, was spared in 2023 following a land-use fight over a proposed restaurant development. Locals call the water oak a rare link to the area’s past.

The city does not plan to appeal the judge’s decision.

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➤ Twiggs County: The community mourned the death of Michelle Capece, 60, the local school district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, who was active in education and the community for nearly 25 years. (More)

➤ Albany: High school football coaches Lacey Herring of Monroe and Jim Dickerson of Clinch County stepped down, bringing South Georgia’s coaching vacancies to five. (More)

➤ State: A new Georgia law limits car booting fees, bans cash-only payments, and requires faster response times and clearer signage from companies licensed to use the wheel-based devices to immobilize vehicles. (More)

➤ Gwinnett County: A GoFundMe fundraiser to aid the wife and children of slain Uber driver Cesar Tejada, 58, has raised more than $20,000. The 15-year-old arrested as a suspect in the New Year’s Day shooting faces adult charges. (More)

➤ Gainesville: Heishe Brown was named the state juvenile corrections department’s teacher of the year for her work at DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center. (More)

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➤ The Atlanta Hawks agreed to trade four-time All-Star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons modified quarterback Kirk Cousins’ contract to open up more player salary cap space to spend this offseason. (More)

➤ No. 18 Georgia basketball lost to defending national champion Florida 92-77 on the road Tuesday night, pushing the Bulldogs to 1-1 in SEC play. Georgia’s next game is against South Carolina on Saturday. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves are looking to add another starting pitcher via free agency or trade, with 37-year-old Chris Bassitt emerging as a potential option because of his increased willingness to sign a short-term deal. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Georgia’s jobless rate remained unchanged at 3.5% in November, staying below the national average as job gains continued in health care, hospitality, and education. (More)

➤ A state study found that data centers added billions of dollars to Georgia’s economy in 2025, more than offsetting the $474 million in annual tax breaks awarded to attract them. (More)

➤ A $660 million plan to redevelop Georgia Square Mall in Athens collapsed due to financing issues. (More)

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➤ Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville celebrated its undefeated state championship season with a community ceremony and declared Jan. 6 as Jackets Day in the county. (More)

➤ The Pop-Tarts Bowl college football game between Georgia Tech and BYU drew 8.7 million viewers, the most for a non-playoff bowl since 2020 and the highest for the game since 1991. (More)

➤ Four-day admission badges to this year’s Masters golf tournament in Augusta will cost $525, topping $500 for the first time and a $75 increase over last year’s price. This year’s tournament takes place April 9-12. (More)

Have you ever been to the Masters?

1. Yes
2. No, but I want to
3. No interest

Yesterday’s Results:

Are you worried about getting the flu?

1. Already had/have:  42%
2. Yes: 35%
3. No: 23%

How many oak tree species are in Georgia?

Show me the answer