Georgia Trend Daily – Oct. 14, 2026
Oct. 14, 2026 Georgia.gov
Gov. Kemp: VDL Groep Adds 120 New Jobs in Hall County
Staff reports that Gov. Kemp on Tuesday announced that VDL Groep (VDL), a global Dutch mechanical engineering and equipment manufacturer, will invest an estimated $77 million over the next several years to expand its footprint in Hall County, creating approximately 120 new jobs. VDL Industries Gainesville, part of Netherlands-based VDL Groep, is a turnkey partner in the development and manufacturing of high-tech systems.
Oct. 14, 2026 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
No Political Viewpoints Here
Brian Robinson writes, as a Georgia media talking head, I’ve repeated one sentence ad nauseam this year, “Before I begin, let me disclose once again that I’m an adviser to the Rick Jackson campaign for governor.” I’ve worked hard to avoid using the platforms that have entrusted me to inform and entertain their audiences to advance the cause of my client.
Oct. 14, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After Trump bill killed grant, Stitch leaders try again for federal funding
Amy Wenk reports that leaders behind a bold plan to cap Atlanta’s Downtown Connector and build a 17-acre park that can be an economic catalyst for the city’s core are trying again for federal funding. The team behind the project known as the Stitch have applied for a $60 million federal transportation grant through the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-saving Transportation program.
Oct. 14, 2026 GlobalAtlanta.com
Taking Off: Czech Defense Firm Ramps Up in Roswell, Addressing Critical Need for Small Jet Engines
Trevor Williams reports that PBS Aerospace Inc. arrived in Georgia more than a decade ago, setting up a sales office in Atlanta as it sought to build out its profile in the United States. It was all the Czech defense company anticipated it would need to fill orders of made-in-Europe turbojet engines, some small enough to fit in a duffel bag, light enough to carry by hand, and used in drones, interceptors and missiles.
Oct. 14, 2026 WABE
Georgia Tech’s new supercomputer could soon support AUC researchers
Marlon Hyde reports, imagine a robot that gently collects eggs from a poultry House or a VR headset that teaches people about construction site safety. These are some of the inventions on display outside of Georgia Tech’s data center.
Oct. 14, 2026 Capitol Beat News
Georgia Tech to get temporary leader amid search for Cabrera successor
Ty Tagami reports that an executive vice president at Georgia Tech will step temporarily into the top job amid a search for a permanent president. Chancellor Sonny Perdue on Tuesday named Timothy Charles Lieuwen as interim president effective Nov. 1.
Oct. 14, 2026 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
‘A true technology hub.’ Columbus State to build $22.2 million center
Madeline Shapiro reports that Columbus State University has announced its plan to build the Jack and JoRhee Pezold Center for Emergent Technology. Construction for the 36,000-square-foot center on the CSU main campus is scheduled to begin in spring 2027, according to the university’s news release.
Oct. 14, 2026 Gainesville Times
Ivester Foundation doubles Lanier Tech scholarship endowment to $1 million. Here’s what that means for students.
Danny McArthur reports, the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation is doubling the Tim McDonald Scholarship endowment to $1 million, according to a news release. The scholarship program was created in fall 2025 to provide opportunities for Lanier Technical College students who reside in Hall County.
Oct. 14, 2026 GPB
Data centers do use lots and lots of water. But maybe not from where or how you think
Grant Blankenship reports that farmers in Southwest Georgia have long plumbed the underground flow of the Floridan aquifer for the pivot irrigators rolling through their crops. Historically, they’ve left the far deeper Claiborne aquifer relatively untouched.
Oct. 14, 2026 Augusta Chronicle
Another data center could be coming to Augusta
Joe Hotchkiss reports, Augusta’s next data center is being proposed across from the airport and within a mile of several residential neighborhoods. The city has begun filing paperwork with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs detailing the intent to develop the Nixon Technology Center in southeast Richmond County.
Oct. 14, 2026 Newnan Times-Herald
Newnan approves marijuana possession ordinance
Clay Neely reports that the Newnan City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday to let the city’s municipal court handle misdemeanor marijuana possession cases, giving police and prosecutors another option for enforcement. The ordinance applies to possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana within city limits.
Oct. 14, 2026 Georgia Recorder
Collins, Ossoff clash in a second heated debate as early voting begins in Georgia
Ross Williams reports that Democratic U.S. Sen Jon Ossoff and Republican Congressman Mike Collins met face to face on the debate stage Tuesday for their second and likely final confrontation before the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The two candidates for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat clashed over issues including immigration, the war in Iran and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein at Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Atlanta studio in a fiery debate that again veered into personal attacks.
Oct. 14, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An empty lectern and sharp attacks define Georgia debates
Staff reports, Georgia Democrats went on the offensive in Monday’s Atlanta Press Club debates, pressing Republicans over President Donald Trump, their records and a no-show in the governor’s race. Republicans pushed back with attacks on Democrats’ public safety credentials and readiness for office as they faced questions about hard-right positions some took during the Republican primary.
