Kenny Ray Davis Jr. (2:42)

We plant anywhere around 100 acres a day. 120 acres a day. So you know, thousand acres.

Grant Blankenship (2:48)

He has about 10 days to plant a thousand acres that'd be wide open.

Kenny Ray Davis Jr. (2:52)

Whatever we have to do, we put the time, the hours in to be sure we get this crop in, even

Grant Blankenship (2:57)

if Davis says that means running tractors through the night. For GPB News, I'm Grant Blankenship. In Ben Hill county, two thirds of

Peter Biello (3:06)

Georgia third graders are reading below grade level. Governor Brian Kemp today signed into law a bill that aims to change that GPB. Sarah Kalis reports.

Sarah Kalis (3:15)

Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 1193 into law aiming to improve the state's literacy rate. The bill finds literacy coaches for all public elementary schools in the state and has a $70 million price tag.

Kenny Ray Davis Jr. (3:28)

If young learners fail to learn how to read at the start of their educational careers, they'll struggle to read to learn during the rest of their academic journeys. This bill is a monumental step in our years long work to ensure students have the literacy skills they need.

Sarah Kalis (3:44)

HB 1193 was one of Speaker John Byrne's legislative priorities. Kemp also signed House Bill 1109, which extends the ban on student cell phone use in schools through high school. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis at the State Capitol.

Peter Biello (3:59)

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has proposed a nearly $1 billion budget for the city for the 2027 fiscal year. Dickens says his proposed budget represents a 2% increase over the last fiscal year. The increase reflects rising retirement contributions and health care costs. Some of the priorities for his budget include affordable housing and public safety. Clark Atlanta University will receive a quarter million dollars in federal money for campus safety improvements. Congresswoman Nekima Williams delivered the check to university leaders today. The money will be used to upgrade technology. Campus Police Chief Deborah Williams says that's especially important now as HBCUs nationwide are seeing an uptick in threats of campus violence.

Deborah Williams (4:49)

Anytime we put anything on our campus, when it comes to campus safety, as a result of those and any potential violence, we want to make sure that we're prepared because we don't want to be responsive. We want to be proactive when it comes to campus safety.

Peter Biello (5:04)

The Atlanta University center, which includes Clark Atlanta and three other HBCUs, was placed on lockdown because of threats last September. Last year, Clark Atlanta received $600,000, which it used for emergency call stations on campus. Georgia taxpayers should begin seeing special state income tax refunds soon. Governor Brian Kemp and the state Department of Revenue say taxpayers should receive the one time rebates approved in the 2026 General assembly within weeks. Most eligible taxpayers who filed timely state returns for the past two years can expect one time refunds of between $250 and $500, depending on filing status.

NPR Up First Host (5:40)

You know every day on Up First, NPR's Golden Globe nominated morning news podcast. We bring you three essential stories. the heart of each story are questions what really happened? What really mattered? What happens next? At npr, we stand for your right to be curious and to follow the facts. Follow up first wherever you get your podcasts and start your day knowing what matters and why.

Peter Biello (6:05)

Delta Air Lines is changing its onboard service on some flights starting this month. The airline the Atlanta based airline says it will no longer offer food and drinks on flights shorter than 350 miles beginning May 19. A spokesperson for Delta tells GPB it's part of an effort to create a more consistent experience across its network. The airline says passengers in first class will still receive full service and flights longer than 350 miles will continue to include complimentary snacks and beverages in most cabins. About 9% of Delta's schedule will move to no onboard service. In Sports the Atlanta Braves face the Seattle Mariners again tonight for the second of a three game series. The Braves blew a 4 nothing lead last night in a 54 loss. JR Richie, the Braves starting pitcher and Seattle native, presided over the beginning of the Braves collapse in the sixth inning. With the Braves up by four, he walked two batters before giving up a homer. He was taken out of the game and reliever Tyler Kinley gave up two more runs. All told, Ritchie walked six. The bright spot? Braves slugger Matt Olson hit his 300th career home run. Bryce Elder is scheduled to get the start for the Braves tonight. That is it for this edition of Georgia Today. If you want to learn more about any of these stories, visit gpb.org news Today is publication day for Katherine Stockett's newest novel, More than a decade after publishing the Help to Wide the Calamity Club is about an orphan in Mississippi during the Great Depression, her mother who had fallen on hard times, and one woman's mission to help reunite them. I'll be in conversation with Kathryn Stockett at Wild Heaven West End Garden Club in Atlanta on Thursday, May 14. A ticket gets you a signed copy of the book. Learn more@acapellabooks.com if you haven't yet subscribed to this podcast, take a moment and do it now. It'll keep us current in your podcast feed and if you've got feedback, we would love to hear from you. You can send us an email. The address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We will see you tomorrow.