Georgia Trend Daily – May 29, 2025
May 29, 2025 WABE
Georgia policymakers see major data center boom as an opportunity and a challenge
Rahul Bali reports, as the data center industry has expanded in Georgia, there has been a shift from officials welcoming new data centers with open arms to being more careful about their proliferation in the state. Finding the right balance is an ongoing challenge for state and local lawmakers and policy leaders.
Georgia Trend Kwan, Bourbeau, Craft, Edwards, Key
May 29, 2025 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Catching up with… Rosaline Kwan
Rachel Wallenstein reports that Rosaline Kwan is a diplomat with more than 25 years of experience in international trade and foreign policy. She leads the team managing Canada’s bilateral relations with six states.
May 29, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How Porsche’s North American HQ and test track have reshaped Atlanta’s Southside
Zachary Hansen reports, for roughly 60 years, the drone of airplanes near the world’s busiest airport was countered by the sounds of automobiles coming off assembly lines. But in 2006, the factory lines at Ford Motor Co.’s plant near Hapeville went quiet.
May 29, 2025 Emory University
Emory Board of Trustees announces Emory leadership transitions
Staff reports that Emory University Board of Trustees today announced that President Gregory L. Fenves will serve as the university’s sixth chancellor. Leah Ward Sears, current Emory Board of Trustees member and former chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, has been appointed interim president.
May 29, 2025 University System of Georgia
Finalist Named for University of West Georgia President
Staff reports that the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) voted today to name Dr. Christopher “Mike” Johnson as the sole finalist for president of the University of West Georgia (UWG). Dr. Johnson currently serves as the chief of staff at the University of Houston (UH) and the University of Houston System where he provides strategic leadership and serves as the principal adviser to both the UH president and system chancellor.
May 29, 2025 Georgia Recorder
Dem PSC candidate dealt another setback in quest to stay on ballot
Ross Williams reports, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has affirmed a judge’s decision booting a Democratic candidate for the state Public Service Commission from the ballot for the June 17 primary. Raffensperger’s two-page decision released Wednesday agreed with Administrative Court Judge Dominic Capraro’s ruling that Daniel Blackman did not meet the residency qualifications to run in PSC District 3, which includes Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton counties.
May 29, 2025 Augusta Chronicle
Voting begins for June 17 special election that includes Columbia County candidate
Joe Hotchkiss reports that the June 17 special election pits incumbent District 2 PSC Commissioner Tim Echols against Republican challenger and Harlem mechanical contractor Lee Muns. Muns’ professional background includes performing contract work at nuclear facilities such as Burke County’s Plant Vogtle, which falls under the PSC’s purview.
May 29, 2025 Savannah Morning News
Carter Infinger working with consultants to devise plan for Congress election run
Latrice Williams reports that Bryan County Chairman Carter Infinger (R) said he is considering a run for Georgia’s 1st Congressional District – a seat incumbent Buddy Carter said he would not run for again since he announced he will challenge United States Senator Jon Ossoff. The decision is still up in the air for Infinger, who said he has established a team of people to help determine his path forward.
May 29, 2025 11 Alive
Georgia residents demand accountability at town hall with Rep. Hank Johnson
Angelina Salcedo reports that voters across the political spectrum voiced deep frustration and concern at a packed town hall Tuesday night in Georgia’s 4th District, challenging U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson on everything from job security and healthcare to political transparency and federal leadership. Dozens of residents gathered at Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville for a rare in-person opportunity to question their longtime congressman.
May 29, 2025 Georgia Recorder
Governor-appointed GOP labor commissioner officially announces 2026 candidacy
Ross Williams reports that Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes has officially thrown her hat in the ring to run for a full term in office. Holmes, who was previously the CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, was tapped by Gov. Brian Kemp to lead the agency in April after former Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson died in November.
May 29, 2025 Capitol Beat News
Georgia Supreme Court maintains state restrictions on gun carry for adults under 21
Ty Tagami reports, it will remain illegal for people under 21 to carry a handgun in most public places in Georgia after the state Supreme Court upheld state limits on the right to bear arms. In a unanimous decision issued Wednesday, the high court ruled against Thomas Stephens, a 20-year-old who sued after Lumpkin County denied his application for a license to carry a handgun.
May 29, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Food stamp overhaul could pass as much as $812 million in costs to Georgia
Tia Mitchell reports that the state of Georgia could be on the hook to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to maintain a popular federal program that helps poor families afford groceries. The tax and spending bill passed by the U.S. House last week not only shifts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program costs to states, but it also implements new work requirements likely to lead to millions of people losing access to food stamps nationwide.
