*Experts say Georgia is experiencing a surge in snake bites this year, with 298 reported cases as of July 14th, surpassing the previous record set back in 2020. The warmer months of May, June, and July see the highest number of snake bites, with July averaging over 90 bites annually. Snake bites increase as temperatures rise, prompting caution when outdoors. One victim, Andy Tolley, tells WSB-TV he experienced a painful copperhead (pictured) bite while playing ball and spent 48 hours in the hospital. Georgia Poison Center advises seeking medical attention for snake bites and using antivenom only in life-threatening cases due to its high cost. (FROM GA. NEWS NETWORK 7-20-24))
*Thousands stranded at Harts-field Jackson International Airport as airlines struggle to get back on track because of Friday’s worldwide Microsoft outage. As of Saturday morning, Atlanta News First reported another 250 flights were canceled and 61 flights delayed. Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike launched a major software security update which resulted in a history making global disruption. The issue affected Microsoft 365 apps, paralyzing hospitals and canceled flights and train services in the U.S. and around the world. Several news outlets, banks, and police departments also reporting technology issues. Georgia’s driver’s license service was also shutdown as was vehicle tag and tax services. The Cybersecurity firm says the outage is not connected to a cyberattack. (FROM GA. NEWS NETWORK 7-20-24)
*Georgia’s June unemployment rate was 3.3 percent, an increase of one percent over May but eight-tenths lower than the national rate. The number of jobs increased by 8,900 (0.2%) over the month and by 64,200 (1.3%) over the year to 4,979,800, an all-time high. The labor force was up by 15,502 to 5,391,294, also an all-time high, and has increased by almost 48,000 over the past three months. County-by-county jobless rates will be available next week. (7-18-24)