Georgia Trend Daily – Feb. 15, 2024
Feb. 15, 2024 Georgia.gov
Gov. Kemp: State of Georgia Breaks Export Records for Third Straight Year
Staff reports that Gov. Kemp on Wednesday joined the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) in announcing that the state surpassed $49.7 billion in exports in 2023, eclipsing the record-setting $47 billion in 2022. The state currently ranks seventh in the U.S. for dollar value of trade, facilitating more than $186 billion in total trade to 222 unique countries and territories, and 12th in the country for dollar value of exports.
Feb. 15, 2024 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Unlearning Some American History
Tharon Johnson writes, many of us know Michael Thurmond as the chief executive officer of DeKalb County. He has been in Georgia politics for decades, serving as a state legislator, the head of the Division of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) and commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor.
Feb. 15, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta expected to grow to nearly 8 million residents by 2050
Zachary Hansen reports that the 21-county metro Atlanta area will grow to 7.9 million people by 2050, the Atlanta Regional Commission said in new population estimates that show the region growing older and more diverse, with explosive growth among Hispanics and Latinos. The future ARC analysts predict is the continuation of many trends that have led the city of Atlanta and its surrounding counties to grow into the capital of the Southeast.
Feb. 15, 2024 Augusta Chronicle
Plant Vogtle Unit 4 reactor reaches initial criticality in start up testing, says Georgia Power
Erica VanBuren reports that Georgia Power announced on Wednesday that Unit 4 at Plant Vogtle has reached initial criticality, which means atoms are being split and nuclear heat is being made, leading to steam production. Now that Unit 4 reactor has reached criticality, operators will continue to raise power to support synchronizing the generator to the electric grid and begin producing electricity, experts say.
Feb. 15, 2024 Albany Herald
Fedrick accepts dual role with Georgia State University, University System of Georgia
Carlton Fletcher reports that Albany State University President Marion Fedrick announced Wednesday in a letter to ASU supporters that she has accepted a new dual role as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff to President Brian Blake at Georgia State University and as University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue’s senior advisor for HBCU Initiatives. Fedrick, who has been Albany State’s president for seven years, will remain at the HBCU for the remainder of the school’s spring semester.
Feb. 15, 2024 Savannah Morning News
Tybee’s STR ordinance would terminate permits when property is sold
Destini Ambus reports that some property owners on Tybee Island are upset at a proposed new ordinance to reduce the number of shortterm rentals in residential districts by terminating STR permits upon sale of the home. For nearly an hour, homeowners spoke during the public comment period at Tybee Island’s City Council meeting Thursday night, expressing their concerns with the proposed ordinance, which was up for discussion only.
Feb. 15, 2024 Marietta Daily Journal
CobbLinc’s Ridership Woes Causes Revenue Decline
Hunter Riggall reports that as Cobb County’s bus system saw a 73% drop in ridership from 2013 to 2022, the agency has seen a similar drop in fare revenue. Annual fare revenue for CobbLinc, the county’s bus system, totaled $5.9 million in 2013. In 2022, it had fallen to $1.9 million.
Feb. 15, 2024 Cherokee Tribune
ARC: Cherokee County Population to Surpass 400,000 by 2050
Staff reports that Cherokee County’s population is forecast to reach over 400,000 by 2050, according to a report released Thursday by the Atlanta Regional Commission. The ARC forecasts Cherokee to have a population of 408,837 in 2050, a 53% increase over a 30-year period, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%.
Feb. 15, 2024 Dalton Daily Citizen
Payne backs ‘portraits in patriotism’ bill
James Swift reports that District 54 state Sen. Chuck Payne, R-Dalton, is among five sponsors of a bill that would require the Georgia Board of Education to “develop a comprehensive civics education program” for K-12 students. Senate Bill 459, initially introduced during the Georgia General Assembly session on Feb. 6, is alternately known as the Civics Education and Portraits in Patriotism Act.
Feb. 15, 2024 Georgia Recorder
Bill to require parent consent for social media access for Georgians 16 and younger clears Senate panel
Ross Williams reports that a bill aiming to make Georgia kids safer online sailed through a Senate committee Tuesday, and with the backing of Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, it appears poised for a full Senate vote. Dallas Republican Sen. Jason Anavitarte’s Senate Bill 351 would require social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok to verify users’ ages.
Feb. 15, 2024 Capitol Beat News
State Senate panel approves sports betting constitutional amendment
Dave Williams reports that a proposed constitutional amendment allowing Georgians to vote on whether to legalize sports betting in the Peach State has cleared a state Senate committee. The Senate Regulated Industries Committee unanimously passed the bipartisan measure late Tuesday.
Feb. 15, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PG A.M.: What to watch at today’s hearing on Fulton DA Fani Willis
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Van Brimmer report, an evidentiary hearing Thursday might mark the most important proceeding yet in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ election interference case against former President Donald Trump and 14 remaining co-defendants. As our AJC colleague Tamar Hallerman writes, it could be a make-or-break moment that could set the racketeering case back on track or deal it a debilitating blow.
