Housing shortages are hitting Tift, Cook, and Berrien counties hard, part of a massive statewide gap of 365,000 homes. Worth County’s downtown revival in Sylvester is gaining steam, but worker shortages and empty storefronts linger. The Georgia Board of Education has unfrozen $48 million for after-school programs just in time for the new school year. Governor Kemp declared August “Shooting Sports Month,” while Georgia Tech helped confirm a record 515-mile lightning strike. New school safety laws are rolling out statewide in response to last year’s tragic shooting in Barrow County. Paula Deen shuttered her iconic Savannah restaurant, surprising fans. Valdosta kicked off school with a huge backpack giveaway, while Gulf Coast health officials warn of a deadly rise in flesh-eating bacteria. Georgia’s tax-free school shopping holiday isn’t coming back this year, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is shutting down after Congress pulled funding. Finally, Ford is recalling over 300,000 vehicles due to a brake assist glitch.

That’s the news from Tifton to D.C.—one eyebrow raise at a time.

Sources:

• Short Supply: How Many More Homes Does Georgia Need? - Georgia Public Policy Foundation
• ‘We have a lot of new businesses and no one to work’: Sylvester sees increase in businesses to county
• Federal funds for after-school programs are flowing again in Georgia  • Georgia Recorder
• Governor Kemp Proclaims August as Shooting Sports Month | Department Of Natural Resources Division
• Georgia Tech scientist helps discover longest-ever lightning strike
• Georgia students will return to the classroom with a heap of new safety measures
• Paula Deen closes flagship Savannah restaurant that helped launch her to fame | LiveNOW from FOX
• Something Good: City of Valdosta gives more than 1,400 backpacks to local students at back to school event
• Deadly 'flesh-eating' bacteria cases rise along Gulf Coast, doctors warn - ABC News
• VERIFY: Georgia does not offer a sales tax holiday for back-to-school | 11alive.com
• Corporation for Public Broadcasting, funder of NPR and PBS, says it will end operations within months after federal budget cuts - CBS News
• Over 312,000 Ford vehicles recalled for potential brake safety problem | Fox Business

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Donovan dives into everything from downtown ribbon cuttings to billion-dollar rail mergers. A new waxing salon has landed in Tifton, the state’s trying to fix its nursing shortage with a new college agreement, and 8,600 Georgia students are getting Promise Scholarships for alternative education. Lawmakers are back at it with gambling proposals, and the Port of Savannah just had a monster year—thanks, tariffs. Meanwhile, Valdosta launched a girls-only firefighter camp, and Union Pacific is trying to buy its way across the country with an $85B rail deal. The EPA might roll back climate rules, Georgia cities are killing it in food manufacturing, and a new national health data system is raising privacy flags. Kamala Harris isn’t running for governor, Texas is playing redistricting hardball, and oh—someone found a radioactive wasp nest. The economy? Surprisingly perky with 3% GDP growth. Not bad, considering everything.

Catch it all with a wink and a side of sass—only on Tifton Talks.

Show Sources: 

• Valdosta-based salon opens new location in Tifton | Tifton Gazette
• Kemp announces agreement to streamline nursing education in Georgia - Grice Connect
• Georgia Promise Scholarship applications number more than 8,000 | 11alive.com
• Georgia lawmakers reignite debate over legalizing sports betting, casinos, horse racing
• Retailers stock up ahead of tariffs, driving Port of Savannah's growth | AP News
• Sparking change: Georgia firefighters launch Camp Blaze to inspire young women
• Union Pacific strikes deal to buy rival Norfolk in $85B mega railroad deal
• Trump rolling back 'trillion dollars' of Dem green car regulations
• Report: Georgia cities dominate list of top performing U.S. food manufacturing locations | Georgia Public Broadcasting
• Trump administration announces new private health tracking system with Big Tech’s help | AP News
• Kamala Harris says she won't run for California governor - CBS News
• Texas Republicans unveil congressional map that may help pick up 5 seats
• Report says radioactive wasp nest was found near SC nuclear facility | WCBD News 2
• GDP Q2 2025:

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Donovan brings you the top stories from Tifton, Georgia, and beyond:

• STD Rates Soar in Georgia – The state ranks 4th nationally, with high rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Experts call for more education and preventive care.
• Camilla Mayor Suspended – Kelvin Owens faces charges of election interference. Some residents support the suspension, others defend his actions.
• Georgia’s Economy Shines – The state retains its AAA credit rating and surpasses 5 million jobs for the first time, despite looming federal budget cuts.
• Feral Swine Wreak Havoc – Wild pigs are causing over $100,000 in annual crop damage in SW Georgia. Expanded control efforts are needed.
• Flip Phone Summer – Gen Z ditches smartphones for retro tech to embrace digital detox and nostalgia-fueled simplicity.
• Tomato Tariff Boost? – A proposed 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes could help Georgia growers by raising demand for local produce.
• State Senate Shake-Up – A wave of retirements and campaign launches reshapes Georgia’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections.
• Nursing Homes at Risk – Medicaid cuts in the Trump budget threaten closure of 37 facilities in Georgia alone.
• Leesburg Eyes Downtown Revival – Inspired by Sewanee, city leaders plan a golf cart-friendly, mixed-use transformation.
• Sea Turtles vs. Highway Lights – Bright lights near I-95 are confusing baby sea turtles. Advocates urge action to protect hatchlings.
• West Nile Detected in Atlanta – Three areas report infected mosquitoes; public health officials urge precautions.
• New Hunting & Fishing Rules – Highlights include early antlerless deer season, Blaze Pink approval, and updated bass limits.
• Albany’s Running Movement – King Randall’s solo runs evolve into a citywide fitness campaign, drawing 200+ participants weekly.

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A Tift County grand jury has returned a massive indictment against cemetery monument sellers accused of defrauding grieving families. ThunderCon 2025 is set for September 13 at ABAC with voice actors, vendors, cosplay, and more. Irwin County Hospital officials dispute a report claiming they’re at risk of closure. Georgia’s Main Street programs brought in over $824 million in investment last year, with Tifton among the standout cities. Tift County schools start August 1 with a new cell phone ban and extended school day. In DeKalb County, a major meth bust nets federal charges for two mechanics. Georgia’s film industry got a big boost from the new Superman movie, which brought in over $100 million in spending. The U.S. Education Department is releasing $1.3 billion in frozen after-school program funds. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is pushing to eliminate Georgia’s income tax, drawing political battle lines ahead of 2026. And finally, the invasive spotted lanternfly has been found in Fulton County, threatening Georgia crops.


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Tift County updated its ordinances to stop landlords from cutting off utilities or removing tenants’ belongings without a formal eviction. The school board reviewed preparations for the new school year, including staff training, facility updates, and a plan to delay fixing the canning plant’s boiler. Georgia Tech is getting $20 million to build a new AI supercomputer called Nexus. State regulators approved Georgia Power’s long-term energy plan, allowing more renewables but also keeping some coal plants open longer. Over $200 million in federal education funds remain frozen, threatening after-school programs. Secretary of State Raffensperger called on politicians to return donations tied to an alleged Ponzi scheme. Governor Kemp told agencies to prepare for budget cuts tied to President Trump’s tax and spending plan. A Texas judge overturned a rule that kept medical debt off credit reports. Doctors warn of rising tick bites this summer. Cuts to Medicaid could leave 310,000 Georgians uninsured. Georgia schools will now limit cell phone use during the day for K-8 students.

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Covered in this packed episode:

• Georgia lost 260,000 sq. ft. of federal office space this year, part of ongoing Trump-era government downsizing.
• CSX train delays are backing up traffic daily in South Georgia.
• Operation Southern Slowdown cracks down on speeders after a spike in highway deaths.
• Atlanta pizza boxes accidentally became recruiting tools for Border Patrol — and sparked protests.
• Folkston’s D. Ray James facility is becoming the largest ICE detention center in the country.
• SCOTUS clears Trump to lay off nearly 1,400 Dept. of Ed workers, sparking legal fights over frozen education funds.
• Georgia secures $20 million from opioid settlements.
• A deadly fire at a Massachusetts assisted living center leaves 9 dead.
• West Nile virus confirmed in Fulton County mosquito traps.
• Food banks brace for SNAP benefit cuts hitting hard in Georgia.
• Delta Airlines finds a creative way to dodge tariffs on Airbus planes.
• FBI warns of violent online predator networks targeting kids, with a disturbing Georgia case.
• Bitcoin surges past $123,000 as Congress mulls pro-crypto laws.

Catch all that and more with your host, Donovan, on Tifton Talks.

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On this Tifton Talks News Roundup:

• Georgia saw 6 deaths and 70+ injuries over the July 4th weekend, with 400+ DUI citations.
• Feral hog hunters can now win $3,500 traps through a new DNR program.
• Georgia warns beekeepers after Africanized bees found in Alabama.
• Student caregivers through CareYaya are stepping in where the state ranks last in elder care.
• UPS may cut 20,000 jobs amid restructuring—Teamsters aren’t having it.
• TikTok’s Chinese parent may spin off a U.S. version before the September ban deadline.
• Georgia courts reaffirm that certifying elections isn’t optional.
• A pilot program may soon allow trained non-lawyers to offer limited legal help in rural Georgia.
• Home delistings surge nearly 50% as sellers wait out the market instead of lowering prices.

Got thoughts? Leave a voicemail at tiftontalks.com/voicemail or email [email protected].

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In this episode of Tifton Talks, Donovan serves up your pre-Fourth of July rundown of headlines you didn’t know you needed—but just might thank him for. From smoother skies at Atlanta’s airport to one-man elections in Tifton, we’ve got your local, state, and national news in one shot.

Highlights:

• ✈️ Flight delays ease at Hartsfield-Jackson after weekend chaos
• 🗳️ District 5 Commission seat filled without a vote—meet Thomas Tyler Riddle
• 🏥 Shriners opens $153M research institute in Atlanta focused on kids and AI
• ⛽ Gas prices dip just in time for holiday travel—but will it last?
• ☀️ Georgia solar jobs at risk over federal tax credit cuts
• 🛍️ Savannah mall shooting leaves three injured; investigation ongoing
• 📱 ICE Block app goes viral, sparks political backlash
• ⚡ Georgia Power rate freeze approved—but critics eye hidden costs
• 🧒 $6B in federal education grants frozen, threatening summer and after-school programs
• 🏞️ Rep. Mike Collins’ PERMIT Act clears committee, stirs Clean Water Act debate
• 🥫 Del Monte files for bankruptcy after 139 years in the pantry

Call to Action:
Like what you heard? Be sure to follow, share, or tell your nosy neighbor. Got thoughts? Leave a voicemail at tiftontalks.com/voicemail or email Donovan at [email protected].

Produced by Tifton Media Works. More shows at tiftonmediaworks.com.

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From new Georgia laws to national headlines, this week’s episode breaks down what’s happening across Tifton, the state, and beyond — with just the right mix of snark and substance. 🗞️ In This Episode:

• A Georgia audit questions the impact of a $30M child wellness program
• New state laws: trans athlete bans, digital IDs, tax cuts, human composting & more
• Over 1.4M Georgians are getting surplus tax rebates
• GOP infighting over solar tax credits heats up
• Zillow’s crackdown on hidden listings shakes up real estate
• Gen Z women are ditching summer chaos for quiet convent retreats
• Harvard faces federal action over anti-Semitism
• The Dalai Lama eyes a successor — and China’s not thrilled
• NASA teams with Netflix for live space streaming
• Apple’s AR/VR roadmap includes smart glasses by 2027

💬 Share your thoughts at tiftontalks.com/voicemail or email [email protected].

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In this episode, the discussion focuses on the recent cancellation of nearly $50 million in federal contracts between USAID and Mana Nutrition, a Fitzgerald, Georgia-based nonprofit that produces fortified peanut paste to combat global malnutrition. Despite losing a critical funding source that previously accounted for 90% of its sales, Mana has managed to keep all 135 employees on staff. CEO Mark Moore confirmed the organization's ongoing operations but expressed deep concern over the situation.The decision, justified by USAID as being “not aligned with agency priorities” and “not in the national interest,” has drawn criticism from figures like U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock. He has urged the Trump administration to reinstate the funding, emphasizing both the economic and humanitarian impact on Georgia farmers and workers. Meanwhile, Mana awaits $20 million in unpaid funds for supplies already shipped, with a federal judge ruling that the payments must be settled. However, the Supreme Court has temporarily blocked that order, leaving the nonprofit in limbo.Beyond this immediate issue, the episode delves into a broader discussion about the role of USAID in American foreign aid. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID has been instrumental in global health initiatives, disaster relief, and socioeconomic development for over six decades. Contrary to popular belief, U.S. foreign aid constitutes less than 1% of the federal budget, though many Americans mistakenly believe it to be as high as 25%. The podcast argues that reducing aid not only harms those in need abroad but also negatively impacts U.S. farmers and industries, particularly in Georgia.The host acknowledges the podcast’s commitment to political neutrality but asserts the importance of speaking out against decisions that undermine America’s global standing. The episode concludes with a reflection on how such policy shifts weaken U.S. influence and credibility on the world stage, emphasizing that regardless of political affiliation, the loss of strategic humanitarian aid should be a concern for all.SourcesTifton GrapevineTrump's permanent USAID cuts slam humanitarian programs worldwide: 'We are being pushed off a cliff'What is USAID, the federal agency the Trump admin is guttingWhat is USAID and why has it become a target for Trump and Musk?

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