GNB Update

Here's to Monday...and here's what's going on right now on GNB...

This week starts off with news of more layoffs. Home Depot announced it's eliminating more than 7,000 jobs, and 34 EXPO stores nationwide. The Atlanta-based home improvement retailer says it's also freezing officer salaries in the wake of the cutbacks. The restructuring moves will cost the company more than $500 million.

As if there wasn't enough bad news on Georgia's economic front. Columbus-based insurance company AFLAC, Inc. defended its capital position after seeing its stock plunge 36 percent late last week. Company officials say it didn't see a need to raise more cash, nor make any changes to their cash dividend payments for this year. It reaffirmed an expected 15 percent increase in earnings.

The Macon Symphony Orchestra has a new CEO this week. Sheryl Towers was recently appointed to the post. She is the author of "Seeds of Success: Nurturing the Greatness Within You". The symphony is currently in its 32nd season.

And Georgia once again comes up short in its quest to bring home its first Miss America title in more than 55 years. Miss Georgia 2008 Chasity Hardman of Columbus finished as first runner-up in the 88-year-old competition in Las Vegas Saturday night. Katie Stam, Miss Indiana, is the new Miss America for 2009. The lone winner from the Peach State was Neva Jane Langley of Macon in 1953.

That's the news for now. Remember to visit georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com for the latest news from around Georgia all day, all night.