Thursday, October 31, 2024

Top Stories

Article Icon 1Voters Urged to Drop Off Mail-In Ballots 

With Election Day fast approaching, elected officials are urging voters with absentee ballots to drop them off in person rather than relying on the mail. Ballots can be submitted at county election offices or designated drop boxes.

In Georgia, a record-breaking 3.2 million votes have already been cast, representing over 45% of registered voters. To accommodate high turnout, Fulton County has converted 18 libraries into polling locations for the final days of early voting.

Officials emphasize that absentee ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, regardless of the postmark date.

  Article Icon 1Amendment 2 Would Create Tax Court 

Georgia’s Amendment 2 proposes moving the Georgia Tax Tribunal from the executive branch to a newly created Georgia Tax Court within the judicial branch.

Supporters say the amendment would improve efficiency by offering taxpayers faster, clearer resolutions and reducing the backlog in superior courts. 

While there is no organized opposition, some have raised concerns that the appointment process could introduce political bias, as judges would be selected by elected officials.

Proponents argue that judicial oversight would provide greater accountability than the current executive branch structure.

Article Icon 1Parents: Wait Until 14 for Social Media

A new survey reveals growing parental concern across the U.S. about the impact of social media on children’s mental health.

The survey of 3,000 parents found that while some parents believe 12 is an appropriate age to begin using social media, others advocate waiting until children turn 16.

In Georgia, most parents feel children shouldn’t open social media accounts until age 14, reflecting a cautious stance toward early exposure. Additionally, two-thirds of Georgia parents prefer their children avoid following celebrities or influencers.

Cyberbullying is a primary concern, with 83% of respondents supporting stricter penalties for social media companies to better protect young users.

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Around Georgia

Statewide: Beginning Nov. 1, five trout streams in Georgia will implement delayed-harvest regulations, requiring catch-and-release fishing with single-hook and artificial lures through May 14. (More)

Atlanta: Arthur Ray Hanson II of Huntsville, Alabama, was sentenced to one year and nine months in federal prison for threatening Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat and District Attorney Fani Willis over their involvement in former President Donald Trump’s case. (More)

Cobb County: Walton High School tested about 300 students and staff for tuberculosis following a potential exposure, with follow-up screenings planned to confirm results. (More)

DeKalb County: The County Animal Shelter is seeking adopters and fosters, after taking in 33 dogs rescued from an animal cruelty case, further straining the shelter’s already limited space. (More)

Fulton County: County leaders have broken ground on the $3.6 million South Fulton Training Center, which will offer therapeutic services, job training, and life enrichment programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (More)

Cherokee County: Recreation and Parks raised over $29,000 for Laken Riley’s foundation through its first-ever Live Like Laken 5K, which attracted 731 participants. (More)

Georgia Sports

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season. Both of Cousins’ award-winning performances came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (More)

➤ Atlanta Hawks No. 1 overall pick Zacharrie Risacher told reporters that he was “just a regular dude” in the NBA, and doesn’t have the athletic advantage that he did in France. (More)

Georgia’s yearly college football game against Florida has been moved to Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium in 2026 due to stadium renovations at the planned site of the game. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: MLBNCAAF | NBA | NHL 

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Georgia Business

Oscar Health will expand its marketplace health insurance offerings across 47 Georgia markets starting Jan. 1, 2025, including new plans tailored to the needs of local residents. (More

WesPro JCB, a construction equipment dealer, broke ground on its second Norcross branch, a 14,000-square-foot facility set to create 30 jobs by April 2025. (More)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is launching a concessions small business academy in February 2025, offering workshops and discussions to help companies operate within the airport. (More)

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Et Cetera

➤ Victory Sandwich Bar has been recognized for serving the best sandwich in the state, with the Hambo taking top honors. This sandwich features prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula, fresh apple slices, and balsamic reduction, all tucked between toasted ciabatta bread. (Photo)

The Byers family home, featured prominently in Stranger Things, is now available for rent on Airbnb. Visitors can interact with iconic set pieces like the Christmas light wall. (Photos)

The Ocmulgee skullcap, a rare flower found in the Ocmulgee and Savannah watersheds, has been officially designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as endangered. (Photo)

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The Poll

How old were you when you stopped trick-or-treating in the neighborhood?

  1. Under 8
  2. Under 12
  3. Under 16

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you owned a tree that produced edible fruit?

  1. Yes: 58%
  2. No: 42%
Georgia Trivia

What major land fraud occurred in the 1790s?

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