Georgia Trend Daily – Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025 Georgia Recorder

Georgia Power’s data center-driven energy expansion plan faces final hearings ahead of critical vote

Alander Rocha reports that Georgia Public Service Commission is set to hold final hearings this week on Georgia Power’s request to approve nearly 10,000 megawatts of new energy capacity. The request, which the utility argues is needed for reliability and economic growth, will likely come to a final vote later this month after commissioners hear from several groups, including environmental advocates, Georgia Power and commission staff, which is recommending the panel sign off on a smaller increase.

Dec. 10, 2025 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!

Economic Development Around the State

Christy Simo reports that Underwood Ammo is investing $41 million in a new manufacturing facility in Effingham County, creating 120 new jobs. The company makes handgun and rifle ammunition for hunting and self-defense. Construction will begin in 2026.

Dec. 10, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution

One of Georgia’s biggest companies is getting into outdoor recreation

J. Scott Trubey reports that one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S. is expanding into outdoor recreation, launching a new division that leaders hope will develop not only into a thriving business but will also help promote conservation. Cox Enterprises, which has its headquarters in Sandy Springs, on Tuesday announced the launch of Cox Outdoors that will bring together two recent investments as well as future ones.

Dec. 10, 2025 Macon Telegraph

Georgia’s marshes face collapse beneath a healthy surface

Jillian Magtoto reports that a visual assessment of Georgia’s marshes would likely pass with flying colors. Or more specifically, shades bright green that fade into golden-brown in the winter. But scientists have found the truth requires some digging.

Dec. 10, 2025 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

GA has one of 5 best free things to do in the US, ranking shows. It beat a NY attraction

Sundi Rose reports that a new ranking has put the National Infantry Museum as the fourth highest rated free attraction in America. The money management and budget advisory site Saving Spot’s survey used the five-star Tripadvisor tourist rating system to find and rank free attractions from each state.

Dec. 10, 2025 WSB Radio

Major Atlanta-based company plans job cuts in 2026 in effort to save millions of dollars

Staff reports that Graphic Packaging officials say they expect the move to save about $60 million in staffing and other cost reductions in 2026. The company’s not giving details on how many jobs will be cut or how many will be made at its Atlanta headquarters.

Dec. 10, 2025 Gainesville Times

Ivester Foundation donates over $1 million to UGA School of Medicine scholarships

Adriana Cascio reports that the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation has donated $1.1 million to establish the M. Douglas Ivester Scholar at the University of Georgia’s (UGA) School of Medicine. Funds donated will be matched by the UGA Foundation, bringing the total value of the donation to $2.2 million, making this the largest scholarship fund donated to the School of Medicine of all time.

Dec. 10, 2025 The Brunswick News

Amazon opens 58,000 square-foot delivery center in Isles

Staff reports that Amazon recently opened a new delivery station in Brunswick, creating more than 100 jobs in the process, the company announced on Friday. The online retail giant said that its new last-mile delivery center is now fully operational out of a 58,000 square-foot facility at 6750 Ga. Highway 99 in Glynn County, a release from Amazon said.

Dec. 10, 2025 Fox 5 Atlanta

Activists warn proposed Ellenwood data center could create ‘wasteland’

Staff reports that Dekalb County leaders are weighing new rules for data centers as a proposed one-million square-foot facility in Ellenwood draws sharp community backlash. Commissioners are scheduled to vote Dec. 15 on regulations that would dictate how data centers can use land in the city.

Dec. 10, 2025 WABE

Georgia ACA navigator describes effect from rising premiums

Jess Mador reports that an increasing number of factors are making it harder and more expensive for low-income Georgians to access and afford health care. Cuts made by the Trump administration, individuals losing insurance, and a national trend of hospital closures are placing mounting pressure on the remaining health care infrastructure.

Dec. 10, 2025 The Current

Glynn County sheriff taps son as undersheriff with $120K salary

Jabari Gibbs reports, in Glynn County, the number two person in Sheriff Emmett “Neal” Jump’s department is called the undersheriff. Since May, that official has been his son, Robbie, despite his career history that veteran state law enforcement officials say is atypical for the senior job.

Dec. 10, 2025 Macon Melody

West Bibb’s Sen. Kennedy resigns ahead of lieutenant governor race

Casey Choung reports that State Sen. John F. Kennedy, Republican of Macon, resigned from office earlier today as he looks to be Georgia’s next lieutenant governor. The former Senate president pro tem — who has represented the 18th District since 2015 — announced his bid for the state’s second-highest office June 2.

Dec. 10, 2025 State Affairs

Fani Willis subpoena fight tests Georgia lawmakers’ authority

Beau Evans reports that the General Assembly’s power to subpoena public officials is being tested in the Georgia Supreme Court amid battles between Atlanta’s top prosecutor and President Donald Trump. Justices for the high court heard arguments Tuesday in the legal attempt by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to fend off a subpoena from a Republican-led Senate special committee formed in 2024 to probe Willis’ handling of a since-dismissed 2020 election interference case against Trump.

Dec. 10, 2025 Georgia Recorder

Democrat flips northeast Georgia state House seat, pulling off special election upset

Maya Homan and Ross Williams report that Democrats gained a northeast Georgia House seat during an off-year special election Tuesday in the latest sign of their growing momentum in the state. Eric Gisler, a tech executive and small business owner, took the lead in the Athens-area district with 50.85% of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s office.

Dec. 10, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Marjorie Taylor Greene is leaving for now, but never say never

Tia Mitchell reports that U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene ran for Congress in 2020 to fix a system she believed failed to deliver for the people. President Donald Trump, in her opinion, was the solution, but he needed more allies like her in office to make good on his promises.