Georgia Trend Daily – Nov. 4, 2025
Nov. 4, 2025 Saporta Report
Spelman College receives $38M gift from from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
Staff reports that Spelman College has announced a transformative, unrestricted $38 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, marking her second significant investment in the college in five years. According to a press release, the contribution will “accelerate Spelman’s strategic vision, strengthening student access and affordability, and allowing for critical investment in modernizing technology infrastructure.”
Nov. 4, 2025 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
30 Years of Culture: The Economic Impact of the Wildlife Arts Festival
Jana Lawrence reports that Thomasville Center for the Arts, a dynamic non-profit located in the bustling, small town of Thomasville, Georgia pays annual tribute to a powerful idea—one that has evolved into a cherished tradition throughout the Southeast. This idea flourished and became the Wildlife Arts Festival—an event which celebrates the vital role of the arts in driving cultural vibrancy, shaping Southern identity and inspiring economic growth in the Southeast.
Nov. 4, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta has lots of empty offices. But are tenants finally ready to settle?
Zachary Hansen reports that Metro Atlanta’s office sector just posted one of its best quarters on paper since the COVID-19 pandemic, leasing more workspace than was vacated. But it features a widening divide between the high-end offices that tenants want and the glut of less desirable space that’s available in abundance.
Nov. 4, 2025 Gainesville Times
Ivester Foundation donates more than $1 million to Lanier Tech. Here’s why
Ben Anderson reports that the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation has donated over $1 million to Lanier Technical College to help fund various programs and scholarships. The college announced that $500,000 will be awarded to the following dual enrollment programs: auto collision technology, diesel equipment technology, nurse aid and welding.
Nov. 4, 2025 WABE
Some Delta Air Lines flight attendants push for union representation
Marlon Hyde reports that flight attendants for Delta Air Lines picketed outside Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Monday in support of unionizing. This comes as the world’s busiest airport is seeing widespread delays and cancellations amid a government shutdown.
Nov. 4, 2025 Macon Telegraph
How a new Georgia project is helping rebuild forests after Hurricane Helene
Margaret Walker reports that a new Georgia-specific forest carbon exchange initiative was announced at the beginning of this month that will engage local landowners in forest-management practices that will produce carbon credits and connect them with businesses seeking carbon offsets, according to a news release from the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact.
Nov. 4, 2025 The Brunswick News
748 unit residential development considered by MPC
Gordon Jackson reports that a zoning change from forest agricultural to general residential to allow for up to 748 residential lots on a 211-acre site will be considered at Tuesday’s Glynn County Mainland Planning Commission meeting. The site, located at 1572 Buck Swamp Road, is likely to affect local infrastructure including existing roads, utilities and schools.
Nov. 4, 2025 Savannah Morning News
SPD’s Mounted Patrol Unit trains horses for search and rescue during dire situations
Ansley Franco reports that living in low-lying, coastal Georgia means knowing there is always the possibility of flash floods that could sweep anything away in an instant. Helicopters can search from the sky, people can trek by foot, scanning the disaster zones and K-9 units can track down a scent. But helicopters can’t see as well at night, people can’t maneuver through deep water and dogs can tire quickly.
Nov. 4, 2025 Augusta Chronicle
Augusta Canal Towpath repaired, partially reopens after getting damaged by Hurricane Helene
Erica Van Buren reports that Augusta officials on Monday gathered at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion to announce the partial re-opening of the Augusta Canal Towpath after being closed for more than a year due to damage caused by Hurricane Helene. “The Towpath is open a mile and a half from the head gates to the I-20 bridge,” said Wes Byne, director of utilities for the City of Augusta.
Nov. 4, 2025 WABE
SNAP benefits will restart, but will be half the normal payment and delayed
Maria Godoy and Jennifer Luden report that the Trump administration says it will restart SNAP food benefits but it will pay out only half the amount people normally get. The administration will use money from an Agriculture Department contingency fund.
Nov. 4, 2025 Georgia Recorder
Georgia utility races seen as potential bellwether for 2026 midterms
Alander Rocha reports the that results of an unusual off-year special election for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission are being closely watched as a key indicator of voter sentiment heading into the critical 2026 midterm election. Whereas Republicans say they are running on a track record of producing reliable energy, Democratic leaders have framed the PSC election as a referendum on rising energy bills and Republican leadership.
Nov. 4, 2025 Capitol Beat News
Election to be held in December to replace Rep. Marcus Wiedower in state House
Ty Tagami reports that voters in Clark and Oconee counties will vote Dec. 9 in a special election to replace former state Rep. Marcus Wiedower, R-Watkinsville, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Monday. Raffensperger scheduled the special election for the same date that voters in Cherokee County will elect a successor for Mandi Ballinger, a Republican member of the House from Canton who died in early October.
Nov. 4, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5 questions about Georgia’s elections as voters head to the polls
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Beam report, it’s Election Day across the county. The hype in Georgia isn’t the same as last year’s presidential race, but the stakes are still high as both major political parties seek to claim momentum heading into 2026.
