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Bill banning cellphones in grades K-8 passes committee | Georgia

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-03-18 13:46:00

(The Center Square) – Creation of cellphone bans for Georgia students in kindergarten through eighth grade was recommended Tuesday through legislation approved by the Children and Families Committee of the state Senate.

The ban would last from “bell to bell,” said Rep Scott Hilton, R-Peachtree Corners, the bill’s sponsor. The bill doesn’t address high schools but doesn’t keep school districts from enacting cellphone policies for grades 9-12. 

“What we’ve thought we’d do is create a culture of cellphone free in those grades and as kids matriculate to high school it won’t be such a shock to the system when they get to high school,” Hilton said. “This was the easiest bite at the apple.”

The bill leaves it up to the school districts to determine how to store the cellphones.

Hilton said the school districts must also create emergency communications protocols. 

“I spent a lot of time,” Hilton said, “talking to sheriffs and safety personnel who have all told me, ‘Scott, in the case of emergency, the very last thing we want is children to have cellphones in their hands. We need them to listen to clear instructions as to where they’re to go and once they are safe, absolutely, reunify them with their phones, with their parents.'” 

Georgia’s neighbor to the south, Florida, was the first state to pass a cellphone ban in schools. California, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia also have bans while nearly two dozen other states are considering them, according to committee testimony. 

The House passed the bill earlier this month. The committee’s 4-1 approval now goes to the full Senate.

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Savannah Police officer backs into driver, totaling car in alleged chase

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www.wsav.com – Christine Queally – 2025-07-07 22:48:00

SUMMARY: In Savannah, GA, citizen Darnell Thomas was injured after a police officer backing up during a suspect pursuit struck his car on Martin Luther King Boulevard. The incident occurred near 38th Street, where officers were gathered following a suspect’s flight. Thomas described how he tried to reverse when the officer suddenly backed into his vehicle, totaling his car, which was nearly new with 1,300 miles. He was hospitalized and is now undergoing physical therapy for injuries sustained. Despite the damage and injury, the officer involved received no citations. Thomas emphasized the need for police to prioritize public safety during emergencies.

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Local veteran, educator award nation’s highest honor for community service

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www.wjbf.com – Karlton Clay – 2025-07-07 13:09:00

SUMMARY: Dr. Jackson Drumgoole, a veteran and educator from Augusta, Georgia, received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong dedication to youth and community service. As founder of Bridge Builder Communities, he is spearheading the creation of Georgia’s first Bridge Builder Community—a 25-home tiny village to support young adults aging out of foster care, helping prevent homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration. Drumgoole credits the award to all volunteers and donors involved. To support this mission amid rising construction costs, Bridge Builder Communities launched the Echo the Impact Giving Challenge, matching donations dollar-for-dollar from July 7 to 13. More info is at bridgebuildercommunities.org.

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Flood risk still high in Texas as death toll climbs past 80

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www.wsav.com – The Associated Press – 2025-07-07 05:59:00

SUMMARY: Central Texas faces life-threatening flood risks after torrential rains killed at least 82 people, including children at summer camps. Residents in Kerr County are recovering from devastating damage while search crews continue looking for the missing, including campers from Camp Mystic. Officials report 41 people remain unaccounted for statewide, with 68 bodies recovered in the Hill Country, including 28 children. Heavy rains are expected to continue, worsening flood dangers. Authorities declared a day of prayer and pledged ongoing emergency efforts amid scrutiny of warnings and preparations. Survivors recounted harrowing escapes, with rescues involving attics and trees. President Trump signed a disaster declaration and plans to visit.

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