Georgia Trend Daily – Jan. 6, 2021
Jan. 6, 2021 GPB
With Most Votes Counted In Georgia, Democrats See Path To Likely Senate Majority
Stephen Fowler reports, with most of Georgia’s votes counted in the Jan. 5 runoffs that will decide control of the U.S. Senate, the remaining outstanding ballots likely favor Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff enough for narrow victories, according to unofficial election results, early voting data and historic election results.
Jan. 6, 2021 Georgia Secretary of State
Election Results in January 2021 Runoff
For the latest election results, see the Georgia Secretary of State’s page.
Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol Beat News
McDonald reelected to Georgia Public Service Commission
Dave Williams reports that Veteran Georgia Public Service Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald withstood a challenge from Democrat Daniel Blackman Tuesday, winning reelection to a six-year term. With 91% of precincts reporting as of 11 p.m. Tuesday night, the incumbent Republican was leading with 52.5% of the vote to 47.5% for Blackman, according to unofficial results.
Jan. 6, 2021 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Political Notes: The Ups, Downs, and In-betweens
Susan Percy reports that a hand count of Georgia votes cast in the November election confirmed what the initial machine count showed: President-elect Joe Biden beat President Donald Trump by about 12,000 votes. The totals were certified by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Gov. Brian Kemp.
Jan. 6, 2021 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Unemployed workers sue Georgia Labor Department to speed up payments
Michael E. Kanell reports that six jobless Georgians are asking that a judge order the state Department of Labor to speed up unemployment benefits to them and others who have been waiting to be paid for months. Lawyers handling the suit say the half dozen are among thousands whose applications and payments have been delayed — sometimes since last spring.
Jan. 6, 2021 Savannah Morning News, Augusta Chronicle
U.S. attorney Bobby Christine named acting U.S. attorney for Georgia Northern district
Jozsef Papp reports that U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia has been named acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Bobby Christine will remain as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District while assuming the additional role in the northern district, his office said Tuesday. The announcement comes after the sudden resignation of U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak on Monday, after serving for more than three years.
Jan. 6, 2021 Saporta Report
Underground’s new owner – Shaneel Lalani – buys nearby office tower
Maria Saporta reports that the new owner of Underground Atlanta – Shaneel Lalani – has bought a key office tower two blocks away. Lalani has purchased One Park Tower, located at 34 Peachtree St., for $12.75 million without any outside financing, according to a press release announcing the acquisition.
Jan. 6, 2021 Georgia State University
Georgia State and Emory Awarded $600,000 Federal Grant to Train Nursing Homes on COVID-19 Safety and Response
Homma Rafi reports that researchers in Georgia State University’s School of Public Health and Emory University’s School of Medicine have received a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to help nursing homes implement practices to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and stop the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Jan. 6, 2021 Kennesaw University
Donor to help international students feel at home at KSU
Paul Floeckher reports that Harry Vardis knows firsthand the value of receiving a college scholarship as an international student, so he is providing that same opportunity to students at Kennesaw State University. Vardis, 79, has committed a seven-figure donation to establish a legacy scholarship fund – the Harry and Athena Vardis Scholarships – which will be given to deserving KSU students, with a focus on students from foreign countries.
Jan. 6, 2021 University of Georgia
Professors call for coalition of civilian nuclear partners
Mike Wooten reports that the rising influence of Russia and China in the development, construction and deployment of civilian nuclear reactors around the globe raises significant geopolitical challenges for the United States, according to a new analysis by two University of Georgia professors. The researchers found that since 2000, 96 nuclear reactors have been connected to the grid in 13 countries.
Jan. 6, 2021 Marietta Daily Journal
Oprah Winfrey Foundation gives Cobb nonprofit $50,000 for rental assistance
Staff reports that We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association received a $50,000 grant from the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation, We Thrive founder Monica DeLancy announced. The grant will “provide immediate and much needed rental assistance to local families,” she said in a news release.
Jan. 6, 2021 Brunswick News
Disaster relief applications sought
Gordon Jackson reports that the race is on for residents impacted from Hurricane Irma to apply for assistance through a new disaster recovery program. The cities of Brunswick, Kingsland and Albany are all eligible for a piece of an $8 million fund.
Jan. 6, 2021 Georgia Health News
Health experts urge stronger COVID measures; new strain appears in state
Andy Miller reports, with Georgia topping 5,000 current hospitalizations for COVID-19, public health experts are calling for more state restrictions to curb the virus surge. Yet another ominous factor popped up Tuesday: Georgia Public Health officials reported the state’s first case of the more contagious COVID-19 variant discovered in Britain last month and subsequently detected in several nations and U.S. states.
Jan. 6, 2021 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Abrams’ revenge: Warnock’s victory a direct blow to her rival Kemp
Greg Bluestein reports that a few weeks after Stacey Abrams narrowly lost her bid for governor, she spoke to a sold-out crowd in Nashville about her journey from despondency to determination. “Revenge,” she said, “can be very cathartic.”
