Georgia Trend Daily – April 7, 2025
April 7, 2025 Newnan Times-Herald
Chalk Level neighborhood readies for revival with $4.6 million in federal funds
Clay Neely reports that a long-overlooked Newnan neighborhood, rich in African-American history, is finally set for long-awaited renewal. Backed by $4.6 million in federal funds, a Chalk Level housing rehabilitation is set to bring long-term investment, home-ownership opportunities and community-driven development to one of the city’s most culturally significant areas.
April 7, 2025 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
TOUR Championship provides unmatched business networking opportunities in Atlanta
Julia Roberts reports, in the world of business, building and maintaining strong relationships amongst employees, partners and clients is a major key for success. Over the last decade, the business community has trended toward using sports hospitality as a tool to cultivate meaningful connections and enhance corporate relationships.
April 7, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Techstars Atlanta moves to community-supported model in next iteration
Mirtha Donastorg reports that Techstars Atlanta, an accelerator program for some of the city’s most promising startups, is changing its model from being backed solely by a corporate sponsor to being community supported, the organization said. “We’re definitely looking to create a system where Atlanta can pick its winners and can really champion them,” Tim Dorr, co-chair of Techstars Atlanta’s board of directors, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
April 7, 2025 Savannah Morning News
Georgia dental loan assistance programs aim to improve care access in state’s rural areas
Joseph Schwartzburt reports that Dental College of Georgia students and graduates have access to student debt relief assistance provided by the state. The Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce (GBHCW) oversees two Dentist Loan Repayment Programs. House Bill 872 passed with majority bi-partisan support in both Georgia’s state House and Senate during the 2024 legislative session.
April 7, 2025 Macon Telegraph
The long-awaited race for the Georgia PSC begins with a crowded list of candidates.
Kala Hunter reports that for the first time in four years, the Georgia Public Service Commission will hold an election for two of the five commissioner seats this November. But first, a record-breaking number of qualifying candidates will compete in the June 17 primary election to make it on the ballot in November. Candidates had to qualify by noon Thursday.
April 7, 2025 WABE
Child tax credit bill passes Georgia Legislature, goes to governor’s desk
Meimei Xu reports that a Georgia bill that would increase the amount of tax credit residents could receive for child and dependent care expenses passed the state legislature Friday. If Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signs the bill into law, it would increase the current tax credit from a 30% to 50% match of the federal tax credit.
April 7, 2025 The Brunswick News
Carter: DOGE cuts will not impact Superfund sites in Glynn
Hank Rowland reports that there may be good news out of Washington, D.C., for those eager to get a clean bill of environmental health for this coastal community. Funding and personnel cuts exacted or proposed by DOGE on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will not stop the cleanup of federal Superfund sites in Glynn County, says Georgia’s 1st District congressional office in Washington.
April 7, 2025 Capitol Beat News
State House Republicans balk at Savannah gun ordinance
Dave Williams reports that the Georgia House of Representatives passed legislation Friday aimed at a gun ordinance the Savannah City Council passed last year. The ordinance prohibits storing firearms in unlocked vehicles, with violators subject to a $1,000 fine and 30 days in jail.
April 7, 2025 Georgia Recorder
First Amendment defenders relieved after open records bill stripped of loopholes for state lawmakers
Jill Nolin reports that a proposed last-minute attempt to limit the public’s access to police reports and communications with state lawmakers was abandoned Friday as quickly as it emerged. The proposed changes to the state’s open records law had popped up unexpectedly Wednesday in the gatekeeping House Rules Committee, bypassing the usual legislative committee process.
April 7, 2025 Augusta Chronicle
Georgia Senator, banned from the House of Rep., files ‘over-the-counter Ivermectin’ bill
Vanessa Countryman reports that Georgia State Senator Colton Moore has introduced Senate Bill 366, a measure that would make ivermectin available over-the-counter. Moore previously served as a state representative before being banned for criticizing and opposing a resolution.
April 7, 2025 State Affairs
7 under-the-radar bills: Literacy, fentanyl, cockfighting and more
Beau Evans reports that hundreds of bills pass out of the General Assembly each year, but only a handful capture flashy headlines. That doesn’t mean low-profile bills do not deserve attention. Dozens of measures moved this session that affect a wide range of Georgians, including legislation concerning fentanyl, literacy, landlords, cockfighting and more.
April 7, 2025 Georgia Recorder
Culture war bills, election tinkering left behind as Georgia lawmakers abruptly leave Gold Dome
Jill Nolin, Stanley Dunlap and Ross Williams report that the 2025 legislative session ended abruptly Friday when the Senate suddenly adjourned earlier than usual, catching many people in the bustling Georgia Capitol off guard and throwing the House into disarray. The last day of the 40-day legislative session, when the House and Senate usually crank out legislation right up until midnight and celebrate at the end of the night by throwing torn-up pieces of paper into the air, ended with a whimper.
April 7, 2025 Capitol Beat News
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signs controversial religious freedom bill
Dave Williams reports that Gov. Brian Kemp signed controversial religious freedom legislation Friday aimed at preventing government intrusion into Georgians’ rights to exercise their religious beliefs. The General Assembly’s Republican majorities passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act on Wednesday primarily along party lines.
April 7, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Trump’s return reshaped Georgia’s legislative session — and previewed the 2026 campaign
Greg Bluestein reports that Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ power play may be long forgotten by next year when voters pick Georgia’s next leaders. But his abrupt decision to shut down the legislative session early capped a 40-day sprint that helped shape the contours 2026 campaign.
