Georgia teachers made more money last year, but their salaries still lag the national average.

Why it matters: Georgia's forthcoming budget could boost average teacher wages to $67,000 annually, the Associated Press reports.

By the numbers: The average Georgia teacher made $64,461 in the 2022-23 school year, putting the state below the national average of $69,544 and 20th nationwide, according to the National Education Association.

• That was a $2,221 increase from the previous year, or 3.6%, which was the 16th largest jump in the country. The national average increased by 4.1% during the same period.

State of play: Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday signed the fiscal 2025 budget, which includes raises for 300,000 teachers and other state employees beginning July 1, the AJC reports.

• Teachers will get an additional $2,500; more than $200 million will go to student transportation; and more than $100 million will go to school security upgrades.

What they're saying: During Tuesday's signing ceremony, Kemp said Georgia has raised educator pay faster and by the most in state history because "we know just how important teachers are to preparing the next generation for success."

Yes, but: Verdaillia Turner, president of the Georgia Federation of Teachers, told 11Alive that more can be done to support educators.

• "If we want the best and brightest teachers, we're going to have to pay them top salaries," Turner said.

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The Georgia Supreme Court ruled Thursday that two residents can't challenge Cobb County's decision to redraw its commission district map.

Why it matters: The ruling does not take up the larger question in the case: whether it's constitutional for the county to revise maps drawn by the state legislature.

Catch up quick: In 2022, state legislators began redrawing district lines for county commissions and local boards of education following the 2020 census.

• Republican legislators representing Cobb introduced a new map that put two incumbents — Democrat Jerica Richardson and Republican JoAnn Birrell — in one district.
• The General Assembly adopted that map and signed it into law.

Citing the Home Rule clause in the Georgia Constitution, county commissioners adopted their redrawn district map in place of the one approved by legislators.

• Cobb residents David and Catherine Floam sued the county, and a Cobb Superior Court ruled in January that it was unconstitutional for the county's Board of Commissioners to redraw its district boundaries.
• Cobb appealed the decision to the state Supreme Court.

What they're saying: In the opinion released Thursday, the justices reversed the lower court's ruling.

Yes, but: A concurring opinion penned by Justice Charlie Bethel expresses concerns about delays in determining the outcome of the larger question.

• "A delayed loss by Cobb could give rise to calamitous consequences inflicting serious expense and practical hardship on its citizens," he wrote.

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A professional photographer is capturing portraits of Palmetto, one resident at a time.

Why it matters: Raymond McCrea Jones' Palmetto Portrait Project documents the people of the small south Fulton town during a "consequential and monumental time" in America and their history.

How it works: For the first three weekends this month, Jones is inviting Palmetto residents to visit his storefront studio on the town's main drag to sit for a free photo portrait. If they're interested, he said in a statement, he'd like to hear them tell their stories too.

• "The result will be a snapshot in time of what the city of Palmetto looks like in 2024 to live on for generations to come," Jones said.

Zoom in: Jones moved to Palmetto relatively recently and is shooting simple, straightforward portraits on large-format black-and-white film. Participants can swing by the studio to pick up their copies when the project ends.

View more details of the project

Austin cookie delivery firm Tiff's Treats is branching out from chocolate chips to gold bullion.

Why it matters: Riding a wave of global interest in the precious metal, the new initiative allows the cookie delivery company to expand its appeal in this Amazon-fueled age of immediate gratification.

How it works: Rather than pay about $21 for a box of a dozen chocolate chip cookies to be delivered to your friend, coworker or loved one, you can pay roughly $2,500 for what the company deems its "bullion bundle" — a box of cookies, plus a one-ounce, 24-karat bar of gold.

• The cost of the package fluctuates with the daily price of gold.

What they're saying: Tiff's sees delivering gold, especially during graduation season, as "rounding out the gifting experience," cofounder and chief creative officer Tiffany Chen tells Axios.

Yes, but: Tiff's locations and drivers don't carry gold. You'll get a certificate with your cookies, and shortly after, a third party will deliver the bar of gold.

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🗳️ The State Election Board is considering a rule allowing a "reasonable inquiry" of election results before certifying them. (AJC)

⚖️ A Fulton County judge has given prosecutors in the case against "Cop City" opponents until May 17 to turn over the remaining evidence to defense attorneys. (WABE)

🛼 Atlanta Roller Derby will host two competitions at its new venue at Agnes Scott College on Saturday. (Decaturish)

🍖 Bryan Furman, owner of the former B's Cracklin' Barbecue, will open a new restaurant in Cobb County. (AJC)

An incident report released by police provides more details on the attempts to save the life of a 15-year-old Dunwoody High School student who died Monday. (Rough Draft Atlanta)