Georgia Trend Daily – Feb. 12, 2021
Feb. 12, 2021 WABE 90.1
Microsoft President Announces Plans To Make ‘Significant Investment’ In Atlanta
Grace Walker reports, calling it a “significant investment,” Microsoft President Brad Smith announced plans to make the Douglas and Fulton county region the site of the technology company’s next U.S. hub. “We really have two very different types of investments we’re announcing,” Smith said in an exclusive radio interview with “Closer Look” host Rose Scott. “A campus, but also data centers.”
Gretsch Company owners Fred and Dinah Gretsch at the corporate headquarters (GPA Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Feb. 12, 2021 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Georgia Southern receives historic gift to enhance music program
Mary Ann DeMuth reports that Georgia Southern University, with campuses in Statesboro, Savannah and Hinesville, has established the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music after receiving a $3-million donation from the couple who head the Pooler-based Gretsch Co., which manufactures musical instruments. Along with the funding, the couple donated their Gretsch Collection of historic drums, guitars and company archives to the university.
Feb. 12, 2021 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Office landlords in quandary as COVID rages and employees work from home
Andy Peters reports that Richard Bowers owns and manages two downtown office towers on Peachtree Street. They have immaculately designed lobbies, panoramic views and share access to an upgraded conference center and a 20-station exercise facility.
Feb. 12, 2021 GlobalAtlanta.com
How Georgia’s First Eco-Industrial Park Became a Magnet for Japanese Investment
Trevor Williams reports that the Georgia city of Griffin, about 50 miles south of Atlanta, didn’t set out to attract Japanese firms, but it is certainly targeting them now. Some 15 years ago, the city looked to set a new trend in development by creating a “green” industrial park.
Feb. 12, 2021 Saporta Report
Atlanta considers doubling impact fees on new homes, commercial buildings
David Pendered reports that Atlanta city officials are considering a proposal to more than double the rate of impact fees assessed on new homes and commercial buildings. Developers served on a review panel that endorsed the proposed higher fees.
Feb. 12, 2021 Brunswick News
New Cumberland ferry dock under construction
Gordon Jackson reports, when Hurricane Irma battered the St. Marys waterfront in 2017, sinking dozens of boats and destroying the dock for the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore. With nowhere else to go, the National Park Service reached an agreement with the city of St. Marys to use the dock on the gateway property two blocks away for passengers to board the ferry to the island.
Feb. 12, 2021 Georgia Health News
Georgia lawmakers weigh ‘express lane’ for many uninsured kids to get Medicaid
Andy Miller reports that tens of thousands of uninsured Georgia children could gain a pathway to health coverage under a House bill moving through the General Assembly. The legislation, if approved, would lead to the state creating “express lane eligibility’’ for many kids receiving food stamps to be automatically added to the Medicaid program.
Feb. 12, 2021 Georgia Recorder
Lawmakers target labor chief for oversight after jobless benefit snafus
Jill Nolin and Ross Williams report, frustrated by a groundswell of complaints back home, state lawmakers from both parties have lined up behind an effort to place a new governor-appointed staffer in the state Department of Labor who would share authority with the state’s elected GOP labor commissioner. The agency was overwhelmed early in the pandemic when a historic number of people suddenly out of work filed for unemployment.
Feb. 12, 2021 The Center Square
Georgia Legislature approves $650M spending increase in amended state budget
Nyamekye Daniel reports that the Georgia General Assembly approved a more than $650 million increase in spending for fiscal year 2021 on Thursday after lawmakers in the Senate and House came to agreement on an amended budget. Lawmakers approved a plan that restores 60% of K-12 school funding and adds spending for public health, state employee raises, broadband internet expansion, higher education and state vehicles.
Feb. 12, 2021 Capitol Beat News
Initial unemployment claims up slightly in Georgia
Dave Williams reports that first-time unemployment claims in Georgia rose slightly last week, even as claims nationwide declined, the state Department of Labor reported Thursday. Jobless Georgians filed 32,386 initial claims last week, up 5,171 from the week before.
Feb. 12, 2021 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Black Georgians dominate Ag power in Congress
Patricia Murphy reports, it’s Black history month, but this column is about the Black future. Because if anything illustrates the difference between the past and the future for Black America — and especially Black farmers — it’s the stories of U.S. Rep. David Scott, U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock.
