THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1962, James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," recorded his breakthrough live album Live at the Apollo at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Brown moved from South Carolina to Augusta as a child. (Video/Audio)

The presidential election in Georgia remains tight, but two clear winners have already emerged: advertisers and lawyers. As we report today in Top Stories, the Supreme Court has delayed any final decision on the State Election Board's new rules until after Nov. 5.

Later today, you'll receive an email from us showcasing an exciting investment opportunity from our partner, Infinity Fuel, a leader in cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology. These partnerships are essential to keeping The Georgia Flyover free for our readers. We appreciate your support and hope you find their message valuable.

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Supreme Court Rejects New Election Rules

The Georgia Supreme Court denied the Republican National Committee's (RNC) emergency request to reinstate new State Election Board rules for the Nov. 5 election.

The rules, which addressed hand counting paper ballots, poll watcher access, and local election board authority, were ruled unconstitutional by a Fulton County judge last week.

The RNC and the Georgia Republican Party sought to fast-track the rules' reinstatement, arguing that the rules were essential for ensuring accurate absentee ballot reporting, stricter ID requirements for ballot drop-offs, and expanded authority for local boards to investigate election irregularities.

The court's ruling ensures that the contested rules will not be in effect for the November election, with further hearings to be held afterward to determine their future.

Teachers Stressed, Struggling Financially

A new survey of more than 3,700 Georgia educators conducted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators revealed that many Georgia teachers are experiencing burnout and financial hardship.

Nearly half of teachers—48 percent—report feeling burned out, and about 36 percent somewhat agree, a survey found. The main causes were a lack of support from administrators and difficulty covering living expenses.

Many educators also cite disruptive student behavior, cell phone use, and social media as major classroom issues.

Additionally, only 21% of teachers would recommend the profession, highlighting the challenges faced by Georgia's education system;

Okefenokee Swamp Expansion Faces Mining Opposition

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a 22,000-acre expansion of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, targeting land currently held by a company seeking to open a titanium mine near the swamp.

The Alabama-based company Twin Pines Minerals has applied for state permits to mine titanium along Trail Ridge on the swamp's eastern boundary, drawing public opposition.

Some studies warn that mining could lower water levels in the swamp, increase wildfire risks, harm wildlife, and contaminate surface and groundwater.

Twin Pines disputes these environmental risks, claiming the mining project won't damage the Okefenokee, the largest blackwater swamp in North America.

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➤ Statesboro: Heather Gonzales, an art teacher at Southeast Bulloch Middle School, has been named Bulloch County Schools' 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. She was honored for overcoming dyslexia. (More)

➤ Savannah: The North Atlantic right whale population has risen slightly to 372, despite at least nine deaths in 2024, including five calves. Conservation groups continue to urge stronger protections. (More)

➤ Georgia: Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger estimates that 3.9 million Georgians will cast their votes before early voting ends. (More)

➤ Richmond County: Local officials are spraying for mosquitoes following Hurricane Helene, which caused a significant rise in the mosquito population. (More)

➤ Georgia: Sen. Jon Ossoff is urging the Biden administration to address a shortage of IV fluids impacting hospitals across the state. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons signed former Indianapolis Colts 2015 first-round draft pick, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II, to their practice squad on Tuesday. (More)

➤ The Georgia Bulldogs men's basketball team landed a commitment from 7-foot-1 center Jackson McVey, who joins Jacob Wilkins and Kareem Stagg as part of the 2025 recruiting class. (More)

➤ Divisional rivals Georgia Southern and Old Dominion meet tonight at 7:05 p.m. in a battle for first place in the Sun Belt East. (More)

➤ Yesterday's Results: NHL | NBA | NCAAF

➤ Want to stay up to date on everything related to name, image, and likeness in college sports? NIL Wire is just the place for you. Sign up here with one click!

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➤AIG is opening an innovation hub in DeKalb County, creating 600 jobs, as part of the company's strategy to drive growth and attract talent. (More)

➤ Toll Brothers Campus Living has completed a $91 million student housing development near Georgia Tech for the growing campus community. (More)

➤ Georgia has become a national leader in building envelope and ductwork standards, improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality. (More)

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➤ The Savannah Theatre, first opened in 1818, is the oldest functioning theater in Georgia and one of the oldest in the United States. It has served as a live performance venue, a movie theater, and a backdrop for major film productions, including scenes from Forrest Gump. (More)

➤ A secret nature spot known as Ellison's Cave, hidden in North Georgia, offers one of the deepest vertical caves in the U.S., with a drop of nearly 600 feet. (More)

➤ A lavish estate now for sale in the Ford Field & River Club in Richmond Hill includes six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and custom amenities, including a pool and a private boat dock. (See Photos)

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➤ ZQuiet is a ready-to-use, anti-snoring mouthpiece that provides immediate relief by gently moving your jaw forward. With ZQuiet, you can finally stop snoring at the source — for good! (See It Here)