Federal Reserve Policy and Economic Outlook
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold its benchmark interest rate steady at 3.50%–3.75% during the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on July 28–29, 2026. Economists overwhelmingly predict a pause, though fixed-income markets have priced in a roughly 1-in-3 chance of a surprise hike due to rising energy price risks. Under newly installed Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, the central bank has shifted toward pure data dependence with no forward guidance, while revising its year-end 2026 Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation forecast upward to 3.6%.
Local Infrastructure & Flood Recovery
Following severe weekend flooding that impacted areas around Court Street, Harkin Street, and Oothcalooga Street near the west-side Dollar General, city crews executed an intensive cleanup. City Councilman Bruce Potts inspected the scene as workers discovered an 8-inch water main running directly through a storm drain tunnel, which had snagged heavy debris. With manual clearing and high-pressure water jet assistance from Calhoun Fire Department Station 1, the blockage was cleared. Mayor Jimmy Palmer is joining morning discussions today to outline permanent infrastructure repairs.
Calhoun City Council Meeting Agenda
The Calhoun City Council convenes today with a work session at 12:00 noon at the West Line Street Conference Room, followed by the regular meeting at 7:00 PM at the South King Street Depot Community Room. Key agenda items include:
Alcohol Licensing: A second reading for a beer package request by Calhoun Food Mart at 1133 South Wall Street, alongside first readings for a beer pouring license at Gi Gi’s Grille on Richardson Road and a beer package license for Marathon Food Mart on Highway 53.
Financial & Administrative Business: Consideration of an amendment to the General Government Fee Resolution for commercial/industrial remodels, review of a Financial Services Advisory Agreement with Davenport & Company LLC, and a Utility Division debt charge-off request for Fiscal Year 2025.
Departmental Surpluses: Requests from the Cemetery Department to surplus a 2014 Grass Hopper mower and the Street Department to surplus a 300-gallon parts washer.
Community Events: Review of a Special Event Permit and road closure for the United Way of Gordon County Unity Run 2026, scheduled for September 22.
Work Reports: Updates from City Administrator Paul Worley and Utilities Administrator Kyle Ellis.
Regional Business, Fuel, and Grocery Savings
Mohawk Industries Q2 Earnings: Northwest Georgia’s premier employer is scheduled to release its second quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, July 30, before the market opens, with an estimated EPS of $2.58.
Gas Prices: Regular unleaded gasoline in Gordon County holds between $3.74 and $3.84 per gallon, tracking just below the Georgia state average of $3.92.
Food Inflation: Overall food prices are projected to rise 3.1% through 2026, with high beef costs driving increases, though retail egg prices are offering some relief.
Grocery Deals:
Food Lion: BOGO free offers on Pepsi, Entenmann’s, Cape Cod chips, and Turkey Hill ice cream; chicken leg quarters at $0.79/lb and wings at $1.99/lb.
Aldi: Weekly Aldi Finds and everyday low prices on produce.
Food City & Kroger: Digital loyalty coupons and seasonal grilling promotions.
La Bodega: Authentic specialty items, fresh produce, and traditional selections from their onsite Mexican bakery.
Sports Update: Atlanta Braves
The Braves secured a 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday at Camden Yards, backed by Reynaldo López’s 5 and 2/3 scoreless innings. What’s Next: The team travels to New York to open a series against the New York Mets at Citi Field tonight at 7:10 PM ET.
Weekend Arrest Record
Local law enforcement bookings from the weekend include:
Gary Wayne Boyd, 42, Calhoun, CPD, Cruelty to Children – 1st Degree (FVA), Driving Under the Influence.
Miranda Smolar, 34, Calhoun, GCSO, Battery-Family Violence (Prebook), Battery-Family Violence (1st Offense) Misdemeanor (Prebook), Cruelty to Children- 3rd Degree (Prebook).
Dakotah Conrad Brown, 39, Decatur, GCSO, Bench Warrant O/C: Trafficking Cocaine, Marijuana.
Michael Joe Kimsey, 44, Calhoun, GCSO, Theft by Receiving Stolen Property (Prebook).
Kimberly Nicole McGee, 37, Calhoun, GCSO, Theft by Shoplifting.
Rachael Marie Hyde, 48, Calhoun, CPD, When a Person is a Party to a Crime.
William Joseph Ross, 51, Calhoun, CPD, Theft by Shoplifting.
Jarrod Montrela Simpson, 45, Calhoun, CPD, Criminal Trespass, Loitering or Prowling.