Georgia Trend Daily – April 29, 2021
April 29, 2021 WGXA TV
‘Building the ecosystem’: Middle Georgia Innovation Project prepares for the future
Erin Wise reports that moving Middle Georgia into the future as a key player — that’s what the Middle Georgia Innovation Project is aimed at doing. The project studies the strengths and weaknesses of 11 counties to determine the best way to build an ecosystem of innovation, with an emphasis on “industry 4.0 technologies” and digital technologies.
April 29, 2021 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
School zones become safe zones with Verra Mobility
Julia Roberts reports, we all have somewhere to be, and we all want to be there now. But our go-go-go world crosses right through Georgia’s schools, resulting in a dangerous problem for students and school personnel. It’s not uncommon for speeders to be going nearly 20-40 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone or for drivers to recklessly pass a stopped school bus as kids enter and exit the bus.
April 29, 2021 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ford sticking with plans to buy electric vehicle batteries made in Ga.
Andy Peters reports that Ford still plans to purchase electric vehicle batteries made at a $2.6 billion factory under construction near Commerce, despite the automaker’s announcement that it will design and potentially manufacture its own batteries. Ford said Tuesday that it will open a $185 million battery research and development center in Michigan.
April 29, 2021 Saporta Report
Ryan Millsap sells Blackhall Studios, plans new ventures
Maria Saporta reports that Ryan Millsap, founder of Atlanta-based Blackhall Studios, announced Wednesday morning he has sold controlling interest in the company to a Los Angeles-based private equity firm – Commonwealth Group. Blackhall has been developing one of the largest studio complexes in world, including projects in the pipeline in London and Los Angeles.
April 29, 2021 Georgia Health News
Possible sale of hospital could shake up Rome
John Bailey and Andy Miller report that speculation is swirling in Rome about the possible sale of Redmond Regional Medical Center, owned by HCA, to AdventHealth, a Florida-based health system.
April 29, 2021 GPB
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Set To Open At Full Capacity By May 15
Sarah Rose reports, after more than a year of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will reopen to full capacity on May 15. In a press release, managing company AMB Sports and Entertainment said the move comes due to “increased access to vaccine distribution, and health and safety protocols in place.”
April 29, 2021 Georgia State University
National Institute For Student Success Receives $1.7 Million Grant from A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation
Andrea Jones reports that Georgia State University’s National Institute for Student Success (NISS) has received a $1.7 million investment from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation to assist universities around the country in starting programs to continue to close achievement gaps and help more students earn a college degree.
April 29, 2021 Newnan Times-Herald
Ferguson sponsors mental health legislation
Staff reports that Rep. Drew Ferguson, R-West Point, has joined several legislators from both sides of the aisle in sponsoring legislation intended to support the mental and behavioral health of students. Ferguson is one of several co-sponsors of the Behavioral Intervention Guidelines Act, along with Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas; Rep. Scott Peters, D-California; Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-California; and Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas and Angus King, I-Maine.
April 29, 2021 Capitol Beat News
Georgia insurance commissioner draws Democratic challenger in 2022 election
Beau Evans reports that the field of Democratic candidates lining up to flip Republican-held state offices in Georgia for the 2022 election cycle has added another contender. State Rep. Matthew Wilson, D-Brookhaven, announced his candidacy Wednesday against Republican Insurance Commissioner John King, who was appointed in 2019 amid felony fraud charges brought against his predecessor.
April 29, 2021 11 Alive
Loeffler denied investigation request called ‘laughable’ by Raffensperger
Jonathan Raymond reports that an investigation requested by former Sen. Kelly Loeffler into the conduct of Sec. of State Brad Raffensperger during Georgia’s 2020 elections will not be granted, state Attorney General Chris Carr’s office said Wednesday. Loeffler earlier on Twitter released her letter to Carr, in which she alleged that Raffensperger “put his political self-interest ahead of the people of Georgia in conducting elections.”
April 29, 2021 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New rules planned for Georgia election takeovers and absentee ballots
Mark Niesse reports that the State Election Board confronted Georgia’s new voting law Wednesday, which left the board without a chairperson and forced it to consider when to use its newfound power to take over local election offices. The voting law ousted Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger as the board’s leader and gave it the authority to remove underperforming county election officials.
