Georgia Makes Final Preparations for Hurricane Milton

Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency for all counties in response to Hurricane Milton and has mobilized Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security teams ahead of the storm’s expected landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday.

Georgia Power is monitoring and preparing for potential damage, ensuring that teams are ready to restore power in affected areas.

Traffic volumes have surged due to Florida evacuation orders, with Interstate 75 seeing a 280% increase in northbound traffic, while Interstate 95 and I-16 have experienced traffic increases of 89%.

Traffic volumes have surged due to Florida evacuation orders. Interstate 75 saw a 280% increase in northbound traffic, while Interstates 95 and 16 experienced traffic increases of 89%.

Hotels across the state, particularly in cities such as Valdosta, Savannah, and Macon, are preparing to accommodate the surge of evacuees, with some offering discounted rates. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has opened state parks to evacuees with RVs and campers.

  Rivian Seeking Federal Loan to Complete Plant  

Rivian is seeking a substantial federal loan to help finance the construction of its $5 billion electric vehicle plant in Georgia, despite having already secured $1.5 billion in state and local incentives.

The loan application follows earlier delays in the plant’s development, with Rivian prioritizing the launch of a different vehicle from its Illinois facility first. 

The state of Georgia has been heavily invested in the Rivian project, with the site for the plant already cleared. 

Environmental and local community groups have expressed concerns about the factory’s impact, but Georgia officials, including Gov. Brian Kemp, have emphasized the potential for job creation and technological advancement. 

Voter Challenges Arbitrarily Dismissed, Says Executive Director

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Georgia State Election Board, Executive Director Mike Coan reported that mass voter challenges in eight counties, including DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett, were arbitrarily dismissed without proper investigation.

Coan attributed these dismissals to local officials’ fear of lawsuits and limited resources to handle the volume of challenges.

The board, led by a Republican majority, expressed concern over the inconsistent handling of these challenges, which aim to remove ineligible voters from the rolls.

Democrats criticized the effort as a politically motivated tactic targeting Democratic-leaning areas, while Republicans emphasized the need to ensure voter roll integrity.

The Election Board is considering setting uniform statewide guidelines for addressing voter challenges and may push for legislative changes to strengthen the process. Some officials argue that disputes over voter eligibility are better handled in court.

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➤ Chatham County: Emergency shelters have been established to assist residents and evacuees impacted by Hurricane Milton. (More)

➤ Georgia: 100-year-old pecan trees were destroyed across farms in Georgia, leading to substantial agricultural losses following Hurricane Helene. (More)

➤ Savannah: The state has issued water permits for Hyundai’s new Metaplant, which will require 4 million gallons a day to operate. (More)

➤ Albany: Former Albany Mayor Jimmie Davis celebrated his 107th birthday this week, marking another milestone for the long-serving public figure. (More)

➤ Georgia: Several Georgia universities have petitioned the NCAA to ban male athletes from participating in women’s sports, citing fairness in competition. (More)

➤ Douglas: Pilgrim’s Pride donated $1 million toward Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Douglas, aiding the community’s recovery after the storm. The funds will support rebuilding initiatives and local residents. (More)

➤ Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Rondale Moore will miss the rest of the NFL season after being carted off during Wednesday’s practice with an air cast on his leg. (More)

➤ NBA No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher put together an impressive performance in the Atlanta Hawks’ first preseason game, scoring 18 points to help the Hawks to a 131-130 win. (More)

➤ Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart told fans they need to be louder when they attend games. “We need it to be tough on other teams to play here,” Smart said. “It’s not the same as it’s been in the past. It’s got to be energetic.” (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAF

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➤ The Waffle House helps FEMA assess storm severity using the “Waffle House Index,” which gauges how badly an area is affected by natural disasters based on whether the restaurant remains open or closed. (More)

➤ Guyton is set for new development as plans for more homes in the area are underway, signaling continued growth for this Georgia town. (More)

➤ Gas prices in Georgia are decreasing following the recent suspension of the state gas tax. This is a welcome relief for drivers as prices continue to drop across the state. (More)

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➤ Atlanta actress Barbara Weetman is gearing up to take on a complex leading role in Girl in a Glass Box, a psychological drama directed by Blanche Baker, where she plays an overbearing mother. (More) 

➤ Emory University professor Jericho Brown, a celebrated poet, has been awarded the prestigious MacArthur “Genius” Grant for his impactful work in literature. (More) 

➤ A culinary journey through Georgia’s Golden Isles highlights the region’s diverse and rich food scene. Visitors can experience fresh seafood and Southern cuisine while exploring the scenic coastal area. (More) 

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Yesterday’s Results:

What is your favorite place to take a vacation?

1. The beach: 28%
2. The mountains: 27%
3. In a foreign country: 23%
4. Other: 22%

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