Georgia Trend Daily – Dec. 29, 2021
Dec. 29, 2021 Capitol Beat News
Georgia COVID-19 cases hit new high
Dave Williams reports that Gov. Brian Kemp ordered up to 2,500 Georgia National Guard troops to prepare for deployment Tuesday as the state set a record high for coronavirus cases, Atlanta’s WGCL-TV reported Tuesday. The state Department of Public Health (DPH) reported 13,670 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 or likely cases detected by positive antigen rapid tests, the highest total since early January.
Broadening Broadband: Lisa Davis, president of the Lee County Chamber and executive director of the development authority, at the local Woodgrain Millwork facility
Photo: Todd Stone
Dec. 29, 2021 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Southwest Georgia: Open for Business
K.K. Snyder reports that economic development leaders across Southwest Georgia are all singing the same tune this year as they welcome continued growth in various forms, from population increases to new and expanding industries. With total investments in the hundreds of millions and new jobs in the thousands, 2021 has proven to be a solid year for the region.
Dec. 29, 2021 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Small businesses, public safety received bulk of Cobb County’s CARES Act funds
Brian Eason reports that Cobb County this month spent the last of its federal CARES Act dollars on public safety, closing out its $133 million stimulus account after nearly two years. The $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, better known as the CARES Act, was the first federal stimulus package passed in March 2020 in response to the pandemic.
Dec. 29, 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle
Mixed-use developer pitches 107-acre project in Douglas County
Tyler Wilkins reports that a South Carolina-based developer is eyeing more than 100 acres of woods in Douglas County for a blend of apartments, townhomes and restaurants. The Foxfield Co., focused on bringing mixed-use projects to the outer ring of metro Atlanta, is pitching a development known as Project Silver on Fairburn Road near Interstate 20.
Dec. 29, 2021 Gainesville Times
Looking back over Wrigley’s 50 years in South Hall, including merger with Mars Inc.
Jeff Gill reports that Janice Bryans was eager to start a new career with the new, exciting company. The rest is history, as Bryans and the company that hired her — Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, which later became Mars Wrigley — are both celebrating 50-year anniversaries this month.
Dec. 29, 2021 WABE 90.1
Why Georgia’s climate policy experts are feeling hopeful in 2022
Emily Jones and Molly Samuel report, last year brought climate disasters to places around the country, grim climate predictions from scientists and, with the faltering of the Build Back Better Act, little environmental action from Congress. And the clock is ticking. Experts have for years emphasized the need to drastically, rapidly cut emissions.
Dec. 29, 2021 Savannah Morning News, Raleigh News & Observer
‘Ugly Mud’ may hold key to saving ecosystems off Ga, Carolinas coast
Sammy Fretwell reports, rising seas are nibbling at salt marshes in the Carolinas and Georgia, threatening the tall grasses that protect the mainland from hurricane-driven waves and that sustain marine life vital to the seafood and recreational fishing industries. So on Jekyll Island, researchers are taking steps that they think will fend off the rising ocean.
Dec. 29, 2021 Georgia Recorder
State lawmakers to take aim at racial history in public schools, partisan school boards
Ross Williams reports that teachers and administrators from across the state agree critical race theory is not discussed in Georgia grade school classrooms, but it likely will be a hot topic under the Gold Dome in January as lawmakers return for an election-year legislative session. But with restrictions on schools teaching about racism and other cultural issues dominating the discussion before the session begins, some worry more pressing problems like school funding could get short shrift.
Dec. 29, 2021 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kemp, Georgia lawmakers enter election year with flush state coffers
James Salzer reports that Christmas is over, but Gov. Brian Kemp and state lawmakers may still be in the gift-giving mood as they head into an election-year session of the General Assembly. A pay raise for teacher? Almost certainly. Higher pay and cost-of-living increases for state employees and retirees? Quite possibly.
