Georgia Trend Daily – Nov. 14, 2025
Nov. 14, 2025 WABE
Delta prepares to return to normal operations as shutdown ends
Melissa Feito reports that Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines says it’s ready to get its system back up to full capacity after the longest federal government shutdown in history ends. Still, aviation experts warn flight disruptions may linger as airlines get themselves back in order.
Nov. 14, 2025 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Georgia 500 now available
Staff reports that the 2025 Georgia 500 is now available. Read about the state’s outstanding business and industry leaders, as well as many of our elected officials.
Nov. 14, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With some solar power tax breaks expiring, Georgians rush to catch the sun
Drew Kann reports, when it came time for Nathan Shaffer to replace his roof this year, he knew he wanted to keep solar panels like the ones he installed in 2017 on top of his Decatur home. Hooked on the magic of watching the mini-power plant on his roof charge his electric vehicles, Shaffer this summer priced out what it would cost to upgrade to more efficient, modern panels.
Nov. 14, 2025 Georgia.gov
Gov. Kemp Announces New GEFA Executive Director
Staff reports that Gov. Brian P. Kemp today announced the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) Board of Directors has approved his recommendation of Trey Bennett as the new GEFA Executive Director, effective November 16. Bennett will succeed Hunter Hill, who has served as the authority’s executive director since July 1, 2022.
Nov. 14, 2025 The Brunswick News
Red snapper season could be 2 months long next year
Michael Hall reports that anglers wishing to target red snapper off the Georgia coast may soon get what they’ve been seeking for years — a longer red snapper fishing season. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division submitted a federal Exempted Fishing Permit request this week that would, if approved, create a two-month recreational season in federal waters off Georgia for the fish popular for its flavor when eaten and for its fighting ability.
Nov. 14, 2025 Macon Telegraph
Historic Macon calls on state to revisit historic tax credit program, help preserve storied buildings
Lucinda Warnke reports that Historic Macon is calling on the state to raise the cap on Georgia’s historic tax credit program, a move that the organization believes would help save beloved buildings in Macon that are falling into a state of disrepair. Historic Macon made this request Thursday as it unveiled its Fading Five list, a collection of historically significant but vulnerable properties the foundation highlights for preservation efforts.
Nov. 14, 2025 Georgia Recorder
Georgia commission approves license for new medical cannabis dispensary as demand grows
Alander Rocha reports, the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission approved a new dispensing license Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to 19, following a major patient enrollment threshold that triggered expansion under state law. The commission’s executive director, Andrew Turnage, said the program surpassed the 25,000 active patients mark some time ago, which allowed the commission to approve the additional license.
Nov. 14, 2025 WSB Radio
New regulations on hemp-related products could impact the industry
Staff reports that the legislation which reopened the federal government includes serious new regulations on Hemp-related products that some say could devastate the industry. Attorney Tom Church says among the changes, the measure lowers the amount of THC allowed in certain products.
Nov. 14, 2025 Savannah Morning News
Local judge strikes down Savannah’s gun storage ordinance as unconstitutional
Ansley Franco reports that a local judge overruled the City of Savannah’s ordinance Wednesday morning that required firearms left in vehicles to be “securely stored” in compartments or in a locked trunk. “Concerns over firearms stolen from vehicles and later used in violent crime are in fact concerning,” the ruling by Judge Brian Huffman stated. “Good intentions, however, do not immunize legislation from constitutional scrutiny.”
Nov. 14, 2025 State Affairs
Top lawmakers mull crackdown on ‘dark money’ in Georgia elections
Beau Evans reports that an overhaul of campaign finance laws to punish and potentially jail political operatives who run afoul of rules on “dark money” election spending in Georgia is being prepared by top Senate lawmakers for the 2026 legislative session. The potential upcoming crackdown follows allegations of illegal donations in the 2018 elections made by an advocacy group founded by then-gubernatorial Democratic nominee StaceyAbrams.
Nov. 14, 2025 Georgia Recorder
GOP lawmaker says tougher campaign finance penalties needed in response to New Georgia Project case
Ross Williams reports that Stacey Abrams’ New Georgia Project is a thing of the past, but it may still be a major topic of conversation when lawmakers gather next year for the annual legislative session. The voter engagement project founded by Stacey Abrams in 2013 announced in October that it was dissolving after the Georgia Ethics Commission concluded the organization violated state campaign finance law and charged the group a $300,000 fine, the largest fine for an ethics violation in state history.
Nov. 14, 2025 Capitol Beat News
Elementary and middle school cellphone bans proving popular, as debate moves to high schools
Ty Tagami reports that a mandatory cellphone ban could be coming for all public high schools in Georgia after the positive outcomes reported by schools that have already implemented such policies. A new state law will require every public elementary and middle school in the state to lock up students’ phones and other personal devices starting next fall, but many already have such policies in place, including at high schools.
Nov. 14, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Brandon Beach heralds end of the penny as the ‘return of common sense’
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Beam report, the U.S. penny died on Wednesday at the age of 232. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, just months from his job a GOP state legislator, commemorated the final penny strike with a social media post celebrating the “return of common sense.”
