Georgia Trend Daily – Aug. 27, 2025
Aug. 27, 2025 Georgia Ports Authority
Georgia Ports economic impact jumps 7% in 2024
Staff reports that ports activity in Georgia now supports 650,965 full- and part-time jobs across the Peach State, according to an economic impact study by the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. The statewide number has grown by 41,770 jobs or 7 percent compared to fiscal year 2023, the period covered by the previous study.
Active Approach: Albany Mayor Bo Dorough. Photo credit: David Parks
Aug. 27, 2025 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Albany | Dougherty County: Building Momentum
Melissa Alagon reports that while national economic trends remain uncertain, Albany’s focus on long-term revitalization is unwavering. Mayor Bo Dorough is taking an active approach to reversing population decline and reinvigorating the city – from addressing local concerns to spearheading major infrastructure and development projects.
Aug. 27, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chick-fil-A orders up international expansion. Here’s where it’s headed.
Amy Wenk reports that Chick-fil-A is bringing its crispy chicken sandwiches to Europe and Asia. The College Park-based chain said Tuesday it will launch new restaurants in the United Kingdom and Singapore later this year.
Aug. 27, 2025 Savannah Morning News
Hyundai Motor Group announces additional $5 billion investment in U.S.
Joseph Schwartzburt reports that Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) officials do not have a specific breakdown of how an additional $5 billion U.S. investment by Hyundai Motor Group may impact its hiring and production goals. A Monday press release out of Seoul, South Korea stated that the automaker will increase its U.S. investment to $26 billion between 2025 and 2028.
Aug. 27, 2025 Marietta Daily Journal
Medical College of Georgia opens new campus at Kennestone Hospital
Jack Lindner reports that in addition to being the county’s only Level 1 trauma center, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital is now home to a new two-year clinical college campus from the Medical College of Georgia. Wellstar Health System officials opened the college’s newest campus on the Kennestone grounds, making it the first Medical College of Georgia (MCG) campus located in the Atlanta area.
Aug. 27, 2025 Newnan Times-Herald
Chalk Level nominated for National Register of Historic Places
Clay Neely and Laura Camper report that the Chalk Level Historic District in Newnan has been nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places and will be considered by the Georgia National Register Review Board on Oct. 24. Listing on the National Register, the federal government’s official list of historic properties worthy of preservation, provides several benefits.
Aug. 27, 2025 Gainesville Times
Here’s a look inside the new INK museum in Oakwood
Jeff Gill reports, INK is back. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, a popular children’s attraction that had been in Gainesville until earlier this year, is reopening Thursday, Aug. 28 at its new location at 3900 McClure Drive in Oakwood.
Aug. 27, 2025 Albany Herald
Parrott secures $1 million grant to improve citywide water system
Lucille Lannigan reports that the city of Parrott may be small, but thanks to a recent $1 million federal grant, it’s about to see one of the largest infrastructure upgrades in its history. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs announced, Aug. 19, that 36 Georgia communities have been awarded more than $36.2 million in federal grants to support infrastructure and building projects.
Aug. 27, 2025 Augusta Chronicle
As Columbia County shops for data center operators, residents worry about environmental costs
Erica Van Buren reports that about 60 people recently attended a town hall at the Columbia County Library to ask questions, make comments, and express concerns surrounding a proposed data center near Appling. “We’re here to talk about the data center,” said Columbia County resident Marlena Bergeron.
Aug. 27, 2025 The Brunswick News
Dismissal of wetland lawsuit appealed
Gordon Jackson reports that a petition for a rehearing on the dismissal of a lawsuit in federal court against Sea Island Co. has been filed. The petition to the Eleventh Circuit is asking the court to reconsider points of law that may have been overlooked in its ruling that Sea Island Co. did not violate the Clean Water Act when it filled in a wetland area with sod near the Inn at Sea Island.
Aug. 27, 2025 Georgia Recorder
Democrat heads to runoff in Georgia state Senate race with two Republicans competing for second
Maya Homan reports that the lone Democrat in a seven-way race has advanced to a runoff in a special election that will decide who will replace former Alpharetta Republican state Sen. Brandon Beach, but the top GOP candidates in the contest were still battling it out for second place late Tuesday night. Democrat Debra Shigley had a strong showing Tuesday night, racking up about 40% of the vote.
Aug. 27, 2025 Capitol Beat News
Kemp names two to administration posts
Dave Williams reports that Gov. Brian Kemp announced two new appointments to his administration Tuesday. Oscar “Bo” Fears will take over as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance and Fran Dundore will serve as director of the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.
Aug. 27, 2025 Georgia Recorder
Fired Fed board member to sue Trump to stay in role
Ariana Figueroa reports that Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook will challenge her removal, her attorney said Tuesday, arguing President Donald Trump “has no authority” to fire her. Trump announced late Monday that he would fire Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board, over allegations that she falsified documents to obtain a favorable mortgage rate.
Aug. 27, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Democrat’s strong showing in state Senate race raises GOP concerns
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Beam report, Democrat Debra Shigley’s surge to the top in Tuesday’s special state Senate election has alarmed some senior GOP officials as the attorney and former journalist captured roughly 40% of the vote in a district that has overwhelmingly supported President Donald Trump. Shigley was easily the top vote-getter in the seven-candidate scramble, securing a spot in the Sept. 23 runoff election that both parties see as a midterm showcase.
