As Labor Day weekend nears, the Georgia DOT is suspending all interstate lane closures to ease traffic and improve safety. The suspension begins at noon Friday, and runs through 5 a.m. Tuesday. Expect heavy congestion on I-75, I-16, and around Macon. Lighter traffic is forecast near the Alabama and South Carolina borders. Drivers are urged to plan ahead, stay alert, and use the free 511GA app for real-time updates. HERO and CHAMP roadside units will be on duty statewide. For more, visit 511ga.org or dial 5-1-1.
In response to the deadly violence in Minneapolis yesterday, President Donald Trump has ordered all U.S. flags flown at half-staff. The proclamation calls for flags to remain lowered through sunset on Monday as a mark of respect for the victims. The order applies to all federal buildings, military posts, U.S. embassies, and naval vessels at home and abroad.
All lanes of I-75 near Dalton were closed for a portion of yesterday afternoon. A commercial vehicle crash caused the traffic snarl. The incident happened at mile marker 331, just before the Walnut Avenue exit. According to the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, the crash brought down power lines across the roadway, causing significant delays.
Gordon County voters will decide Nov. 4 on a proposed Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) — a new one-cent sales tax dedicated entirely to reducing property taxes. The measure, made possible by Georgia’s House Bill 581, would run for five years and replace part of property tax revenue. If approved, funds would be split between Gordon County (63%), Calhoun (35%), Fairmount (1.4%), and Plainville (0.6%). Officials estimate FLOST could cut county millage rates by 3–4 mills, with Calhoun possibly reducing its portion to zero. They also noted that 40–50% of local sales taxes come from non-residents, meaning visitors would help fund the relief. The referendum will appear alongside the ESPLOST renewal for schools on the November ballot.
