Centering farmers
Tuesday, May 12— This week, we have more on House Bill 463 and Senate Bill 33, a story on a fourth-generation Eagle Scout, plus details on a May 18 supper event to fundraise for farmers.
But first, a few headlines.
🩺 Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center is hosting their 27th Annual Community Health Fair for active seniors on Thursday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Atlanta. Stop by for health screenings, information, exercise, gardening tips, healthy snacks, prizes and more.
🚧 Rescheduled GDOT construction will shut down I-285 between exits 7 and 9 in Fulton County from Friday night through 5 a.m. Mon., May 18.
🎸 City Winery will feature “American Tune: A Tribute to Simon, Croce & Taylor with Tom Glynn,” on Thurs., June 4 at 8 p.m. for a night of music and storytelling. Purchase tickets here.
🕯️ Local leaders and organizations praised media mogul and former Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner after he passed away last week at the age of 87.
🕓 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter.
• New tax laws
• Seeds & Soil Society Supper
• Fourth-generation Eagle Scout
AND
• Stories of Atlanta | Lance Russell
Georgia governor signs income tax cut and property tax relief into law
✍️ Georgia lawmakers started the year with talk of eliminating both the state income tax and the property tax for homeowners.
The goal proved elusive, but they did compromise on a scaled-back income tax cut and on legislation to decelerate the rapid increases in local property tax costs for homeowners.
And on Monday, Gov. Brian Kemp signed those two measures into law.
House Bill 463 will immediately reduce the income tax rate to 4.99% from the current 5.19%, then gradually reduce it by another percentage point over eight years if state revenues remain strong. Income tax deductions would also rise by 50% over that period, from the current $12,000 for single filers, to $18,000 – and double that for married couples. Dependent deductions also would rise by $2,000 over eight years from the current $4,000.
The new law also waives income tax on the first $1,750 of overtime pay and cash tips retroactive to the beginning of the year and increases the amount of excluded retirement income for those 65 and older by $5,000.
🏛️ Read more about House Bill 463 and Senate Bill 33 here.
150 Years in the Making – Now in Atlanta
SPONSORED BY THE ATLANTA OPERA
❤️🔥 Experience a historic moment with Twilight of the Gods, presented by The Atlanta Opera, for the very first time in the city’s history. Marking 150 years since its premiere, Wagner’s epic finale to the Ring cycle arrives in Atlanta with an internationally acclaimed cast, a powerful full orchestra, and striking staging.
This epic love story between Siegfried and Brunnhilde explores fate, sacrifice, and the consequences of power in a story of unforgettable scale. A Tomer Zvulun Production.
→ Get tickets now! May 30, June 2, 5, 7, 2026 | Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Farmers benefit Seeds & Soil Society Supper set for May 18
🌽 Georgia Organics is bringing together some of Atlanta’s critically acclaimed restaurants for a fundraising dinner that puts farmers front and center at the table.
The Seeds & Soil Society Supper takes place on May 18 at Madeira Park in Poncey-Highland. Doors open at 6 p.m., with dinner starting at 7 p.m.
The family-style supper will spotlight seasonal produce from Georgia farms, with ingredients supplied by Fresh Harvest. Farmers will also dine among the guests.
🚜 Learn more about the benefit here.
Hickey family celebrates fourth generation of Eagle Scouts
🦅 It’s not often that one achieves a statistical impossibility – but Dunwoody’s Jay “Houston” Hickey did just that, becoming a fourth-generation Eagle Scout.
Houston, who grew up in Dunwoody through Cub Pack 477 and Scout Troop 477 operating out of Kingswood Church, followed in the footsteps of his father, Jay, his grandfather, Jay Lindy, and great-grandfather, Rolet Vernon.
He was honored on May 3 at the Dunwoody Nature Center, which featured Patriot, an American Bald Eagle, that made the journey from the World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis, MO.
Hickey led or personally contributed more than 325 hours of service to the local community, including his recent Eagle Scout Project benefiting the Riverwood Marching Band, which involved building rolling band carts.
🌟 Read more about Jay “Houston” Hickey and his achievements here.
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‘Bobby Cox and the Art of Ejection’: Stories of Atlanta by Lance Russell
VIA SAPORTAREPORT
🎗️ On May 9 we got word of the passing of legendary Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox. He was 84 years old. In his memory, we wanted to revisit one of our favorite Stories of Atlanta episodes – a story that captures not only Bobby’s fiery spirit, but the fierce loyalty that made him one of Atlanta’s most beloved sports figures.
In baseball, every number tells a story … but few tell one quite like this.
For more than three decades, Bobby Cox was the heart and backbone of the Atlanta Braves. Unwaveringly loyal, fiercely competitive, and never afraid to speak his mind, Cox managed his team the way Atlanta loves its heroes, with passion, grit, and a touch of defiance.
🧢 Learn more about how Bobby Cox became a legend on this week’s Stories of Atlanta.
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⚾ For more on Bobby Cox, visit Cathy Cobbs’ story here.
🖋️ Today’s Silver Streak was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.
