Georgia Trend Daily – Jan. 25, 2024
Jan. 25, 2024 Macon Telegraph
Here’s how Georgia waterways are benefiting from the closure of coal-fired power plants
Gautama Mehta reports, mercury levels found in waterways across the state are declining, mainly due to a single factor: the retirement of most of Georgia’s coal-fired power plants. Over the course of an 18-year study that concluded last month, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources measured mercury levels in fish caught in lakes and streams.
Jan. 25, 2024 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
VOX ATL: Giving Teens A Voice
Candice Dyer reports that in 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier that schools may restrict what is published in student newspapers. Inspired by that case, in 1993 Rachel Alterman Wallack created VOX ATL, a newspaper printed for and by teenagers.
Jan. 25, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Airlines have a climate problem. A new Georgia factory is ready to help
Drew Kann reports that LanzaJet, an Illinois-based fuel technology company, celebrated the grand opening of its new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility in Soperton on Wednesday. The plant, located off Interstate 16 about halfway between Macon and Savannah, is the world’s first commercial production facility that can convert ethanol into SAF.
Jan. 25, 2024 Georgia Ports Authority
Georgia Ports updates Northeast Georgia leaders on Blue Ridge Connector project plans
Staff reports that the Georgia Ports continues its focus on infrastructure and engineering projects in 2024 to create business opportunities for customers, business partners, communities and rural Georgians. The Blue Ridge Connector is a catalyst for enabling businesses to succeed through a competitive supply chain in a growing Northeast Georgia regional market.
Jan. 25, 2024 GlobalAtlanta.com
‘Japan Day’ at Capitol Celebrates Impact of Japanese Investors, Consulate’s 50 Years in Georgia
Trevor Williams reports that in October, it was Georgia that hosted a blockbuster reception in Tokyo to mark a half-century of engagement through its economic development office there. This Tuesday, the script was flipped during Japan Day at the Capitol, a half-day celebration of the economic and cultural impact of Japanese companies in a state where they are responsible for an estimated 40,000 jobs.
Jan. 25, 2024 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
What is the economic outlook for Georgia this year? Our 5 key takeaways for Columbus
Brittany McGee reports, economists say the state’s economy may experience a slowdown in 2024, but will likely avoid a recession. Business and civic leaders in Columbus who attended the University of Georgia’s Economic Outlook Tuesday heard the 2024 economic forecast for Georgia and the Columbus region from experts about job growth, inflation and other factors that could impact the financial picture.
Jan. 25, 2024 Albany Herald
Albany Commission says no to donation of 114 vacant properties
Staff reports that the Albany City Commission voted not to declare 114 Department of Community and Economic Development-owned vacant parcels surplus properties and thus did not authorize donation of the parcels to Innovative Housing Initiatives Inc.
Jan. 25, 2024 Georgia Recorder
Georgia U.S. Rep. Carter fails to spur state House lawmakers to require sharing of prescription discounts
Jill Nolin reports that another attempt to push through a measure that would require prescription drug discounts to be shared with Georgia consumers failed Wednesday, despite an in-person boost from Congressman Buddy Carter who argued in favor of the bill. The Pooler Republican, pharmacist and former state lawmaker made a rare appearance at a state legislative committee meeting Wednesday to make the case for a bill that would require pharmacy benefit managers to share at least half of their negotiated discounts with consumers.
Jan. 25, 2024 The Brunswick News
Technical college funding ‘good news’
Gordon Jackson reports that Gov. Brian Kemp’s budget proposal has “a lot of good news” for state technical colleges and employees. Lonnie Roberts, president of Coastal Pines Technical College, made that assessment for his campuses and technical colleges across Georgia.
Jan. 25, 2024 Marietta Daily Journal
Georgia Senate Passes Cobb School Board Map in Party-Line Vote
Jake Busch reports that the Georgia Senate passed the redrawn Cobb County Board of Education map proposed by state Sen. Ed Setzler, R-Acworth, in a party-line vote Wednesday morning. The final tally was 32-19, with the three Republicans senators who represent Cobb County: Setzler, Kay Kirkpatrick, R-east Cobb, and John Albers, R-Roswell, voting in favor.
Jan. 25, 2024 Capitol Beat News
State House GOP unveils tax cut bills
Dave Williams reports that Georgia House Republican leaders rolled out a tax cut package Wednesday aimed at parents and homeowners specifically but also benefiting all taxpayers. “Taken together, these bills will provide significant tax relief for Georgia taxpayers … and continue to boost the economy,” House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, told reporters during a news conference at the state Capitol.
Jan. 25, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PG A.M.: Odds improve for sports betting as top Senate Democrat backs bid
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Van Brimmer report that legalized sports wagering in Georgia is no longer a longshot bet after a bipartisan coalition of state Senate leaders introduced a bill backed by the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Atlanta’s pro teams to allow wagering on sports. The measure introduced late Wednesday by Republican state Sen. Clint Dixon of Gwinnett is co-sponsored by a group of key lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler of Stone Mountain, the chamber’s top Democrat, and Sen. Bo Hatchett of Cornelia, one of Gov. Brian Kemp’s floor leaders.
