Film Industry Debates Tariffs

Georgia’s big but bruised film industry is closely monitoring the fate of President Trump’s proposal for a 100% tariff on foreign-made films.

Trump said the proposal could help revive America’s movie industry and end a national security threat.

Darius Evans, co-president of the advocacy group Georgia Production Partnership, called tariffs “a terrible idea” that could harm an industry already hurting from strikes, streaming cutbacks, and competition.

In 2024, the film and media industry spent an estimated $2.6 billion in the Hollywood of the South, a study found.

  Bond Granted in Disputed Kidnap Case

Mahendra Patel, a 57-year-old man accused of trying to kidnap a toddler at an Acworth Walmart, was released on $10,000 bond Tuesday after spending 45 days in jail.

Recently released surveillance footage appears to contradict the allegation, leading more than 47,000 people to sign a petition supporting Patel, who maintains he was only trying to help the child. Patel was indicted by a grand jury on April 3.

“I’m going to grant this man a bond. He’s entitled to a bond. He doesn’t have any type of conviction that bothers me in terms of any type of violent behavior,” Judge Gregory Poole said Tuesday.

Georgia Ranked No. 21 on Best States List

Georgia landed at No. 21 in this year’s U.S. News & World Report “Best States” rankings, given strong marks for fiscal stability and infrastructure but lagging in health care and opportunity.

The report on Georgia also highlighted the state’s economic competitiveness and relatively low crime rates, while underscoring challenges in education. 

Utah topped the national list for the third year running, as states with strong education systems dominated the top 10.

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Barrow County: Prosecutors and defense attorneys are exploring a plea deal for the 14-year-old charged in the Apalachee High School shooting that killed four. (More)

Clayton County: A Jonesboro feed store blames U.S. Postal Service delivery delays for causing the deaths of baby chicks shipped to the store using “live parcel” service, saying the number now tops 500. (More)

Henry County: A beloved 23-year-old bear named Baloo was euthanized at Noah’s Ark in Locust Grove, after declining health and mobility issues. (More)

Peach County: Skeletal remains were discovered off I-75 in Peach County by state highway workers. Investigators have yet to identify the person. (More)

Statewide: A proposal to criminally charge parents if their child assaults school staff may come before the state legislature next year. (More)

Atlanta: Residents of a Buckhead apartment complex reported unsafe stairwells, elevator outages, and garage leaks, prompting requests for urgent repairs. (More)

➤ Chris Sale struck out 10 batters in his 300th career start while topping 2,000 innings pitched as he continues a dominant resurgence with the Atlanta Braves. (More)

➤ Elton Brand withdrew from the Atlanta Hawks front office search, opting to stay with the Philadelphia Sixers. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons’ draft trade to select edge rusher James Pearce is viewed by rival executives as a high-risk, high-reward 
move. (More)

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

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➤ The state Department of Economic Development honored five companies as 2025 Small Business “ROCK STARS” as part of Small Business Week activities. (See List)

➤ Hyundai pledges to create 2,600 jobs at its Savannah plant, with affiliates adding up to 5,900 more, the company clarified. The company aims for a total of 8,500 job additions by 2031. (More)

➤ Atlanta-based Delta and other airlines are scaling back domestic route expansions due to weaker demand. (More)

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➤ Dashcam video shows a Fayette County deputy rescuing a crash victim, who later surprised him with flowers to thank him for the heroic response. (Watch)

➤ Kennesaw State graduate Kali Terza, a record-breaking hammer thrower, signed with the WWE after going viral, postponing a law enforcement career to pursue wrestling and the Olympics. (More)

➤ Fox Theatre in Atlanta is mentoring at-risk high schoolers through a special program, offering behind-the-scenes arts career exposure and hands-on experience. (More)

Do you own or work for a small business? 

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Yesterday’s Results:

Do you plan to go to a restaurant for Mother’s Day?

1. Yes: 26%
2. No: 53%
3. Unsure: 21%

Where does Kennesaw State rank in enrollment in Georgia?

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