GEORGIA BUSINESS FOCUS: Regional hiring at McDonald’s, rural housing grants, rising beef prices

Regional Job Openings, Rural Housing Aid, Soaring Beef Prices, Consumer Caution, and Holiday Shipping Changes.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — McDonald’s is launching a major hiring campaign, aiming to fill hundreds of positions.  The USDA is now accepting applications for its housing preservation grants program. Shoppers are feeling the impact of record-high beef prices at the grocery store, and the U.S. Postal Service is preparing to temporarily raise rates for the holiday season, affecting package mailers nationwide.

McDonald’s launches regional hiring blitz

McDonald’s is starting a major hiring campaign across parts of Georgia and North Florida, aiming to fill more than 500 positions as part of its “Sip, Sip, Apply” initiative. Running from August 30 to September 5, the campaign features on-the-spot interviews at local restaurants, including opportunities for new “Beverage Specialist” roles created to support McDonald’s expanded drink menu. The fast-food giant is also highlighting investments in its workforce, such as over $975,000 in tuition assistance for employees through the Archways to Opportunity program.

USDA opens applications for rural housing grants

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is now accepting applications for its Housing Preservation Grants Program through September 8. The program provides funding to government entities, tribal governments, non-profits, and faith-based groups to repair or rehabilitate homes for low- and very-low-income residents in rural areas. The grants help cover crucial repairs like insulation, roof replacement, plumbing, and accessibility improvements—supporting families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to safely remain in their homes. 

Record beef prices hit consumers

Shoppers are seeing sticker shock at the grocery store as beef prices reach a 70-year high. According to Beef Price Tracker, ground beef now averages $6.89 per pound nationwide, while choice ribeye has climbed to $14.49 per pound. This surge in prices is putting extra strain on household budgets ahead of the holiday weekend.

Americans pull back on spending as inflation persists

New data from the U.S. Commerce Department shows consumers are tightening their belts as inflation remains high. Inflation-adjusted spending was flat in July, following a modest 0.4% increase in June. As Americans cut back, the national saving rate ticked up to 3%, supported by solid income gains.

Postal Service plans holiday price hikes

Looking ahead to the holiday season, the U.S. Postal Service has announced plans to temporarily increase prices for some package services—including Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select—between early October and mid-January. The rate hikes are intended to help cover extra handling costs during peak mailing season, pending final approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission.