Georgia Trend Daily – Feb. 6, 2024
Feb. 6, 2024 Marietta Daily Journal
‘The Resiliency of the American Economy’: KSU Economist Talks Challenges and Successes
Annie Mayne reports, according to Roger Tutterow, a professor of economics at Kennesaw State University, while faith in the economy is low, much of consumers’ perception on the country’s financial situation is tied to gas prices. This, he said, is a false measure of the economy’s success, and largely driven by geopolitical events.
Feb. 6, 2024 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
2024 Georgia Legislative Guide
Ben Young reports, legislators will attend to a full plate of lawmaking this year and probably want to make a fast start after scrambling to come up with new district maps in time for the session. Gov. Brian Kemp is requesting $1.5 billion to help the state Department of Transportation make highway improvements.
Feb. 6, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With World Cup looming, a push for progress in downtown Atlanta
Zachary Hansen reports that Atlanta was awarded eight matches on Sunday in the 2026 World Cup, including a semifinal game. The city is on the clock to craft a downtown experience worthy of a World Cup stage.
Feb. 6, 2024 GlobalAtlanta.com
Atlanta Expects $415M Impact, Global Exposure From Eight World Cup Matches
Trevor Williams reports that Atlanta officially became part of the U.S., Canada and Mexico’s winning World Cup bid for 2026 and the burgeoning soccer hub can expect to host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including a semifinal, according to FIFA. Accounting for expected visitor spending, the football federation says Atlanta can expect to see an economic impact of $415 million, according to a 2017-18 study by Boston Consulting Group.
Feb. 6, 2024 State Affairs
Georgia’s school rating system returns. Here’s why it matters
Tammy Joyner reports that Georgia’s School Climate Star Rating system was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic while schools relied on remote learning. The school climate rating system is a diagnostic tool that helps state education leaders gauge whether a school provides a good, safe environment for learning.
Feb. 6, 2024 Albany Herald
Lee County internet project will bring broadband access to thousands
Staff reports that a $21 million public-private project that will provide broadband high-speed internet access to more than 4,000 locations in Lee County will kick off Wednesday. A groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for 2 p.m. will include local and state officials, including Georgia Public Service Commission Chairman Jason Shaw, as well as officials with Sumter EMC and Kinetic.
Feb. 6, 2024 Georgia Recorder
Opponents of strip mining near Okefenokee Swamp wade into new campaign to pass protection bill
Jill Nolin reports that opponents of the mining proposal are trying to ramp up pressure on lawmakers to pass a measure that some see as the best shot at protecting the ridge from mining. They recently held a press conference at the state Capitol that featured swamp-dwelling pitcher plants and two people dressed in alligator costumes.
Feb. 6, 2024 Rome News-Tribune
Chattooga’s Hotel/Motel Tax Could Increase. Here’s What We Know
Diane Wagner reports that Rep. Eddie Lumsden, R-Armuchee, has bills establishing hotel/motel taxes within Chattooga County awaiting committee assignment in the Senate. The measures — House Bills 1061, 1062 and 1067 — passed the House on Thursday, the legislature’s final day last week.
Feb. 6, 2024 Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
State Reps. Brad Thomas and Todd Jones Introduce AI Bills
Staff reports that State Rep. Brad Thomas, R-Holly Springs, and state Rep. Todd Jones, R-south Forsyth, have filed House Bill 986 and House Bill 988, the Georgia House announced. HB 986, also known as the “AI Transparency and Protection Act” would create criminal felony offenses of election interference by use of deep fakes.
Feb. 6, 2024 GPB
Bipartisan bill to expand access to free drugs like Narcan makes its way through Georgia House
Sofi Gratas reports, vending machines carrying opioid-overdose reversal drugs are the center of a bill moving through the Georgia House that aims to make more drugs available to combat deaths from overdose. House Bill 1035 aims to change Georgia’s law on the sale and distribution of drugs like opioid antagonists, which can be lifesaving during an opioid overdose.
Feb. 6, 2024 Georgia Recorder
Georgia lawmakers debate public school approach to ‘age-appropriate’ sex education
Ross Williams reports that a bipartisan bill designed to update sex education curriculum for Georgia’s public school students faced skepticism in a House subcommittee last week amid questions of which side in the culture war can better educate youngsters on the birds and the bees. Dalton Republican Rep. Kasey Carpenter’s House Bill 822 adds language to state code requiring the sex education curricula created by Georgia’s local boards of education and the state Board of Education to be “age-appropriate and medically accurate” and to include the concept of consent.
Feb. 6, 2024 Savannah Morning News
VP Kamala Harris to visit Savannah. What we know about the event, traffic, attendees
Caitlyn Stroh-Page reports that Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to visit Savannah on Tuesday, according to a White House release. The stop is the third leg of her “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour.
Feb. 6, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First lady to visit Atlanta to spotlight women’s health
Helena Olivero reports that First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Atlanta on Wednesday to highlight the importance of women’s health research, according to the White House. She will deliver remarks at the Morehouse School of Medicine’s “2024 Women’s Heart Healthy Luncheon.”
