State’s Economy Shows Resilience

Georgia’s economy continues to show strength amid national economic struggles. Last week, U.S. jobless claims rose more than 20,000, while Georgia’s decreased slightly.

“I think Georgia has been insulated because our industry mix is so diverse, and our economy is very robust,” Emory University economist Tom Smith said. 

The latest jobs report comes as President Trump’s tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico go into effect, the potential impacts of which are a focus of debate in Georgia and elsewhere.

  Fort Benning Name Brought Back in Twist 

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth renamed Columbus’ Fort Moore back to Fort Benning, part of a push to undo the Biden administration’s efforts to remove  Confederate-associated names from military institutions.

Under Hegseth, the Pentagon is taking the approach of finding service members with the same name as the Confederate leaders. The new Fort Benning name honors Fred G. Benning, a World War I corporal who received a Distinguished Service Cross.

The change drew a mix of reactions while Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson said, “It doesn’t matter in my mind what the name is on the sign…. We just want to do whatever we can to support” the post.

Last month, Hegseth signed an order restoring the name of Fort Bragg in North Carolina in honor of Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II hero who earned a Silver Star and Purple Heart.

Leaders Address Low School Rankings

South Georgia school leaders addressed concerns and gave reasons why 45 schools were placed on a new list of the state’s lowest-performing public schools. Dougherty County, the largest school district in Southeast Georgia, had nine of its 22 schools listed.

Dougherty Superintendent Kenneth Dyer said the district’s content mastery scores are behind the state average and that most schools on the list serve a large number of students from low-income families.

After delaying a final list multiple times, The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement published the list last month, allowing students to see if they are eligible for Georgia’s Promise Scholarship vouchers.

Statewide, more than 2,000 students have already applied for one of the $6,500 vouchers since the application period began over the weekend. Applications will be accepted until April 15.

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➤ Decatur: The city commission voted to limit the time of day for using lawn equipment with a sound level of over 65 decibels. (More)

➤ Northeast Georgia: Lawmakers called for research into potential causes of extremely high rates of thyroid cancer in the region. (More)

➤ Savannah: Tree House, a prominent local bar, announced it will be closing at the end of the month after nearly 20 years. (More)

➤ Cobb County: CobbLinc launched an app that provides real-time tracking of public transit buses and eliminates the uncertainty of arrival times. (More)

➤ Statewide: A group of state lawmakers wants to ban automated speed cameras in school zones, arguing that they are used deceptively. (More)

➤ Statewide: The state Senate approved a bill that would exempt military retirement benefits from state taxes. (More)

➤ Atlanta Hawks guard Caris LeVert made a game-winning fast-break layup in the Hawks’ 132-130 win over Memphis. (Watch Video)

➤ The University of Georgia football program will hold its Pro Day on March 12, allowing players to showcase their skills in front of NFL coaches and scouts. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves signed veteran relief pitcher Hector Neris. In 2022, he pitched in 70 games for World Series champion Houston. (More)

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

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➤ Eye Health America expanded into Central Georgia after acquiring the Eye Center of Central Georgia in Macon. (More)

➤ MARTA seeks community feedback as it plans its NextGen Bus Network redesign of more than 100 bus routes to improve efficiency and services. (More)

➤ Lumos will expand into Georgia with plans to add 5,000 miles of high-speed, fiber-optic internet reaching more than 320,000 homes and businesses. (More)

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➤ The Downtown Connector and Top End Perimeter top the list of traffic bottlenecks that make Atlanta drivers question their daily routine. (More)

➤ The start of spring offers plenty of events and festivals in and around Atlanta. (See List)

➤ With Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day in March, here is a comprehensive list of restaurant celebrations to look for in Metro Atlanta. (Details)

Do you experience noise issues during unwanted hours?  

1. Often
2. Sometimes
3. Rarely
4. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Would you ride in a driverless car?

1. Yes: 25%
2. No: 46%
3. Unsure: 29%

Who are the three Georgians who signed the Declaration of Independence?

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