Report: Georgia Ports generates $181 billion in economic impact
A new study released by the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business showed that one out of every eight Georgia jobs is tied to Georgia’s ports’ economic engines – which supports 605,616 full- and part-time jobs and generates $181 billion in economic impact. The Georgia Ports also yield $44 billion in annual income, the report said.
Georgia Farmland Conservation Council announces tentative picks for inaugural funding
Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper announced this week that six projects have been tentatively selected in the first year of funding through the Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund. Joined by the Georgia Farmland Conservation Council (GFCC), Harper noted that each project is in a different county, located across the state, preserving approximately 1,000 acres of farmland.
New study shows good news for Midtown Atlanta
Midtown Alliance, the planning and chamber-esque nonprofit organization dedicated to improving Midtown Atlanta, has released their data from quarters one and two in 2026 and the results are good. Driven by strong and sustained growth with new residents, the average people present number per day in those quarters exceeded the pre-pandemic benchmark.
Trump coming to Cobb Co. next week
President Donald Trump is coming to Cobb County next week, where he will speak at Wheeler High School about the recently-announced Trump Accounts investment program for children. The trip is scheduled for next Wednesday, July 22nd.
A closer look at the Georgia governor’s race
Today Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson holds his first official rally in Cleveland at Meadows at Mossy Creek. He’ll be talking about unifying the party after a shrill $200 million advertising campaign and primary runoff victory against opponent Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. But Jones isn’t backing Jackson yet. And more about that later.
Georgia’s ‘Path2College 529 Plan improvements take effect
Gov. Brian Kemp says Georgia is making it easier for parents to save for their child’s college tuition through two major enhancements to Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan. Kemp signed Senate Bill 556 into law in May — which raises the maximum account balance for Path2College 529 Plan accounts from $235,000 to $550,000.
Voter registration mailers to deceased Georgians – and a dog – trigger investigation
Following numerous reports of voter registration mailers being sent to deceased Georgians, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced he is conducting an investigation into Ready to Register and other third-party organizations that mailed solicitations to deceased, and otherwise ineligible, individuals across Georgia.
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Police settle lawsuit over interdiction program at Hartsfield-Jackson
Police at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport have ended a controversial drug interdiction program that involved stopping travelers on jet bridges, taking their tickets and searching their luggage, according to the organization that sued on behalf of two entertainers subjected to the encounters.
The Georgia Gang: Governor poll and MARTA CEO search
The panelists on the Georgia Gang discuss a new poll showing a dead-heat governor’s race between Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson, Black lawmakers pressing Congress over Mike Collins’ alleged extremism ties, and MARTA naming Jonathan Hunt as its permanent CEO.
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Opinion: Anti-Semitism rising, but hatred has no home in Georgia
After 843 days, all hostages held by Hamas have finally been returned to Israel. For nearly two and a half years, families endured unbearable uncertainty, fear, and grief, clinging to hope while the world watched one of the most harrowing hostage crises of the modern era unfold. Their return is a moment of profound relief and gratitude, but it is not an ending.
Opinion: Homestead tax exemptions & no data center giveaways
Last week marked the beginning of the 2026 Legislative Session, and we have officially finished five days of legislative business. This year, I am honored to be reappointed as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, where I will support greater tax cuts and keeping Georgia cost-conscious. Georgia has thrived with a conservative approach to spending, and I will continue to support that vision for our state.
Opinion: Data centers, done right, can work for Georgia
Few topics stir local opposition faster these days than the words “data center.” And nobody can fan those flames better than the AJC. That reaction is understandable. Georgia has quietly become one of the nation’s fastest-growing data-center markets, even as many residents feel the pace of approvals has outstripped public understanding.
