Georgia Trend Daily – July 9, 2026
July 9, 2026 Georgia.org
Georgia Council for the Arts Awards 179 Organizations $1.3 Million in Grant Funding
Staff reports that the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) team specialized in empowering arts and culture, Georgia Council for the Arts, on Wednesday announced that $1.3 million in competitive grant funding will be distributed to recipients in 37 counties across the state through its fiscal year 2027 General Operating Support, Project, and Arts Education Program grants. A total of 179 grants were awarded during GCA’s initial disbursements for fiscal year 2027, and a complete list of these grantees can be found here.
July 9, 2026 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
GIDA Announces Elevate Glynn
Susana Hills reports, the Golden Isles Development Authority (GIDA) launches Elevate Glynn, a comprehensive initiative designed to provide local entrepreneurs with the capital, education, and resources they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses. In partnership with the Lucas Center and the private sector, more than $1 million dollars are earmarked for investment in entrepreneurs in the Golden Isles.
July 9, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
World Cup promises aren’t materializing for some Atlanta small businesses
Mirtha Donastorg and Amy Wenk report, the stadium has been packed, the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival downtown has seen record attendance, and watch parties and other events have spread across the region. But for some Atlanta businesses, the major soccer tournament has fallen far short of expectations.
July 9, 2026 GPB
This factory was severely short on workers. Then it offered flexible work
Andrea Hsu reports, the freedom to choose your work hours has been a game changer for many white-collar workers. Now, it has quietly become an option for some blue-collar workers as well.
July 9, 2026 Savannah Morning News
Savannah area’s economic growth “slowed to a crawl” in Q1 this year
Evan Lasseter reports, the Savannah region’s economic growth saw continued to slow down in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest Coastal Empire Economic Monitor by Georgia Southern University. First quarter growth came in at .03%, extending the trend of halting growth that began in the middle of last year.
July 9, 2026 Marietta Daily Journal
Rising beside The Battery, The Henry comes into view
Jack Lindner reports that members of the Cumberland Area Council were given a behind-the-scenes tour of a major incoming development just outside The Battery Atlanta on Wednesday. Staff of general contractor JE Dunn Construction led the group through the unfinished halls and floors of the incoming first tower of The Henry, a pair of 20-story towers that will include a hotel, condos and more than 500 apartments.
July 9, 2026 Augusta Chronicle
Augusta isn’t the only golf hot spot. 3 GA courses in Golfweek top 100
Miguel Leogas reports, recently, Golfweek released this year’s list of the top 100 in the nation. Three Georgia courses made the list: Sea Island’s Seaside Golf Course, The Keep at McLemore and Great Waters at Reynolds Lake Oconee.
July 9, 2026 Athens Banner-Herald
Georgia Historical Society releases new free video series
Wayne Ford reports that the Georgia Historical Society announced on Wednesday that it has posted a series of free videos that showcase its collections and educational programs. The videos are part of “History Belongs to Us All,” designed as a public awareness campaign to introduce residents to its mission to preserve and document historical sites.
July 9, 2026 The Brunswick News
Sapelo zoning proposal tabled after residents, staff, attorney oppose it
Michael Hall reports, a proposed new set of zoning rules written for one of the last intact Gullah-Geechee communities in the Southeast was tabled Tuesday by the McIntosh County Planning and Zoning Commission after numerous people voiced opposition to it and the county attorney said it should go “back to the drawing board.” The ordinance was created as a second attempt to rewrite rules for building new homes in the Hog Hammock, also called Hogg Hummock, district on Sapelo Island.
July 9, 2026 Georgia Recorder
Judge upholds law creating prosecutor oversight panel
Maya Homan reports, a Fulton County Superior Court judge has upheld a Republican-backed committee dedicated to overseeing and disciplining “rogue” prosecutors, striking down a bipartisan challenge to the law from 2024. The body, known as the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission, was created in 2023 through a bill known as Senate Bill 92.
July 9, 2026 WABE
What to know about Georgia’s US Congressional District 13 special election
Dormiya Vance reports, voting for Georgia’s 13th congressional district has kicked off and will continue through late July. Gov. Brian Kemp called the special election in early May after the passing of the former incumbent, Democratic U.S. Rep David Scott. The election features five candidates vying to replace the late representative and finish the remainder of his term.
July 9, 2026 State Affairs
Robots, birth control and psychedelics: New laws in Georgia that flew under the radar
Beau Evans reports, faster speed limits for delivery robots. Easier access to birth control. Looser rules on psychedelic drugs. The end of the penny.
July 9, 2026 Georgia Recorder
Influential Georgia evangelical group fined for ethics violations
Ross Williams reports, Frontline Policy, an influential Georgia conservative lobbying group, is facing $17,500 in fines in connection to complaints over unregistered lobbying and failing to file more than $380,000 in mandatory disclosure reports. The fines were announced at last month’s Georgia State Ethics Commission meeting.
July 9, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Why Raphael Warnock, not Jon Ossoff, is fueling Georgia’s 2028 speculation
Greg Bluestein reports that U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff has fueled a wave of speculation about a potential 2028 presidential campaign with his viral rallies and cutting commentary on Republicans. But the pundits are focused on the wrong Georgian.
