Georgia loses six Sears, KMart stores

Say goodbye to six Sears and KMart stores throughout Georgia to welcome 2012.  They're among the 79 stores that the Sears Holding Corporation plans to close as a result of poor sales during the recently completed Christmas holiday shopping season.  Of the six stores in the Peach State that are targeted for closure, five of them are KMart's, while one Sears store in Macon will close its doors for good.  The Chicago-based corporations eventually plans to close up to 120 establishments.

Click the links below for a summary of the Sears, KMart closings

Albany Herald 

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Augusta Chronicle


Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Macon Telegraph

Times-Georgian (Carrollton)

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Happy New Year from the Georgia News Beat!

Albany, Savannah elect first female mayors

Two Georgia cities made history in separate elections earlier this week.  Dorothy Hubbard garnered 53 percent to become the first woman mayor of Albany, while Edna Jackson became the first female chief executive in Savannah on Tuesday.  Both women will be sworn into office in January


Albany Herald

Savannah Morning News

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Albany Chamber CEO steps down

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce must find a new CEO.  The Albany Herald reports that Catherine Glover is leaving the top job to take an executive vice president's position with a local chemical company.  Her last day at the chamber is on January 4.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Albany Herald.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Championships could help Cobb economy

Kennesaw State University will play host to the 2011 NCAA Division I Women's College Cup this weekend.  Tourism officials in Cobb County expect the women's soccer national championship to have a huge impact on the local economy.  Click the link below to find out how much money will be made from the festivities.

Click here for the full article, courtesy of the Marietta Daily Journal

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GHSA OK's reclassification (Update)

After at least two delays dating back to mid-October, the Georgia High School Association finally set the six classifications for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 academic years at a committee meeting in Thomaston on Monday.  Click the following links below for complete coverage.

Click here for the full list, courtesy of the GHSA

Access North Georgia

Albany Herald 

Atlanta Journal-Constitution


Augusta Chronicle/Columbia County News-Times

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer 

Coosa Valley News

Dalton Daily Citizen 


Macon Telegraph


The Times (Gainesville)

Thomasville Times-Enterprise 

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

USG mulls mergers

Some of Georgia's 35 public colleges and universities could soon merge.  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the University System of Georgia is considering how close some of the institutions are to each other, as well as whether those schools have duplicate programs.  There's no word on which colleges might be targeted for consolidation at this time.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of Atlanta Journal-Constitution 

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Multiple Georgia cities among the nation's "brokest"

TheDailyBeast.com has released its list of the "brokest" cities in the U.S. And unfortunately, several Georgia cities are among them. 

The website reports that Columbus topped the overall list at No. 1, while Augusta came at No. 10, followed by Macon at No. 14, at Savannah at No. 25.

The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer and Macon Telegraph have more in these stories below.

Click here for the Columbus article, and here for Macon.

Click here for the complete list, courtesy of TheDailyBeast.com

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Georgia Tech tries to capitalize on NBA labor woes

The NBA may still be in the midst of its lockout, but basketball fans in Atlanta will still see more than their share of their favorite sport this season.  Read more on how Georgia Tech plans to take advantage of the labor woes in professional basketball by clicking the link below.

Click here for the full article, courtesy of WXIA-TV Atlanta

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Want to get out of poverty? Get married

That's what a report from the Georgia Family Council and Heritage Foundation says.  Read on for more about what it says.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of WABE Atlanta

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com. 

GNB PHOTO EXTRA--Who will be Albany's next mayor?

Albany mayoral candidate B.J. Fletcher

Albany mayoral candidate Dorothy Hubbard

Who will be the next mayor of Albany?  That question will be answered three weeks from now, as early voting has already begun between three candidates: restaurant owner B.J. Fletcher, former city commissioner Dorothy Hubbard, and former state representative John White.  All three candidates stood before the citizens of Albany on Monday, October 17, as they participated in a mayoral debate at the Albany Municipal Auditorium.  The mayoral and city commission elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 8.

Photo captions: B.J. Fletcher (top) and Dorothy Hubbard (bottom) both speak to local television reporters following a mayoral debate in Albany, Ga. on Monday, October 17, 2011.

Photos courtesy of Walter L. Johnson II

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com. 

Veteran weathercaster settles lawsuit, gets new job

A veteran Columbus meteorologist has a new job. Ledger-Enquirer.com and Media Bistro's TVSpy both report that former WTVM Chief Meteorologist Kurt Schmitz recently settled his lawsuit with the Columbus ABC affiliate.  He was let go earlier this year after 22 years with the station.

Both the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer and TVSpy also report that Schmitz was working Monday to finalize a deal with rival CBS affiliate WRBL.  He's expected to appear on that station on Sunday nights, as well as fill in occasionally on other nights.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of Ledger-Enquirer.com

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Toll lanes could ease traffic congestion

Commuters in Cobb and Cherokee Counties could soon get relief from congested traffic on the roads.  But it might come at a big price.  Click the link below for more details.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution 


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

3 Ways To Attract Job Opportunities - Investopedia.com

3 Ways To Attract Job Opportunities - Investopedia.com

Savannah tops list of minor league sports rankings

The Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal released its ranking of minor league professional sports markets in August, and it's Savannah, not Gwinnett County, that topped the list among Georgia cities.

Savannah finished 15th out of 241 markets in the ranking.  Gwinnett barely made the Top 40, at No. 40.  Other Georgia markets that made the list include Rome (tied for No. 101), Albany (No. 125), Augusta (No. 135), and Columbus (No. 160). Hershey-Harrisburg, Pa. topped the overall list at No. 1.

Click here for the complete ranking, courtesy of Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Georgia House approves congressional map

The Georgia House has cleared one hurdle in the congressional redistricting process.  On Thursday, it approved a bill that would create a 14th district for the Peach State for Congress.  The bill now must be approved by the state Senate.  Senators will consider the proposed maps next week.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Associated Press


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Congressional Redistricting Analysis

Click the following links below for selected news and analysis on the effort to redraw Georgia's congressional districts.

Westmoreland removed from Douglas County (Douglasville Patch.com)

Congressional maps released (WABE Atlanta--audio included)

Rep. Barrow targeted in new map (TheHill.com blog)


House gets first dibs on new map (Atlanta Journal-Constitution blog)


Legislative Update (Bryan County News)


Changes coming to Price, Gingrey districts (Marietta Patch.com)

Congressional map presented to public (GPB News) 


Analysis with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (WABE Atlanta--audio included)


Kingston loses Valdosta, Moody AFB (Georgia Times-Union/Jacksonville.com/Morris News Service)


Three-way split in Gwinnett County (Gwinnett Daily Post)


Bishop picks up Macon (Albany Herald)


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Possible showdown in (soon-to-be) House District 151?

Two longtime state representatives from southwest Georgia could face off against each other in a newly-revamped House District 151.  That's if lawmakers give the final OK to the new district maps that were released to the public on Friday.  Find out who might represent one portion of Albany/Dougherty County in 2012 by clicking the link below:

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Albany Herald


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Redistricting Round-Up

The effort to re-draw Georgia's political is underway.  Click on any of the select links listed below for more on redistricting in the Peach State.

GOP releases redistricting plans (Associated Press)

Maps released (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Democratic leader sends warning (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Redistricting winners and losers (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) 

New legislative maps released (WABE Atlanta-audio included) 

New maps released (GPB)


Analysis (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)


Redistricting could lead to new representation (Albany Herald)


Proposed State House borders (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Proposed State Senate borders (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)


Democrats plan to oppose new maps (Columbus Ledger-Enquirer)

Savannah likely to keep some seats (Savannahnow.com)


Possible shuffle in Cobb County? (Marietta Daily Journal)


Central Georgia districts could get bigger (Macon.com)


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Warner Robins little leaguers win state title

Add another state title for the Warner Robins American Little League (WRALL).  The WRALL all-star baseball team returned home to a hero's welcome after winning the state crown over Columbus Friday.  They're now headed to the Southeast Regional tournament, which gets underway later this week.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of Macon.com


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Tensions on redistricting rise to the top

Lawmakers won't meet for a special session on redistricting until mid-August, but already, there appears to be rising tension on Georgia's political maps will be redrawn.  Read on to find out more on how the Peach State's political landscape will be shaped in the years to come.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Morris News Service/Rome News-Tribune 


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Macon voters head to polls Tuesday

Voters in Macon/Bibb County will head to the polls to decide who should represent them for at least the next four years.  The Democratic nomination for mayor has four candidates vying to represent that party in the November general.  That includes incumbent Mayor Robert Reichert.

Click here to read the full story, courtesy of macon.com.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

CRCT Cheating Scandal (Update)

The investigation continues to unfold into cheating on standardized tests within the Atlanta and Dougherty County school systems.  Click the select links below to find out more about the ongoing probe, and the ensuing fallout from it.

Albany Herald

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

CNN

GPB News 


U.S. News & World Report


WAGA-TV Atlanta (Fox 5)


WALB Albany

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB Q&A--University of Georgia journalism Barry Hollander on Casey Anthony trial coverage

University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism professor Barry Hollander

Photo courtesy of University of Georgia

Editor's Note: University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism professor Barry Hollander talked with GNB to offer his thoughts on the recently concluded Casey Anthony trial, and how the media had an impact on how it was perceived. For more information about Hollander, please click here to visit his website, or click here to visit the What People Know blog.

Georgia News Beat: How much attention has the Casey Anthony case received as far as online and traditional media coverage was concerned, in your opinion?

Barry Hollander: The case received an enormous amount of attention as trials go, in large part thanks to three years of buildup, especially by the Nancy Graces of the world.  The mainstream TV networks spent a lot of time on the trial because drama sells.  Newspapers and traditional online news sites spent less time, which is typical.  But for Headline News and Nancy Grace, this case proves that good journalism and good television are not necessarily the same thing.


GNB: What about social media?  How and where did most, if not all, people, learn of the verdict?

BH: A lot of people learned about the verdict via Twitter.  That's how I learned of it.  Most people could not sit at their television sets waiting for the jury to make a decision, and frankly most people thought it would take longer than it did for the jury to reach a decision.  That's especially true for those who predicted a guilty verdict.  But most people are not on Twitter, so in terms of sheer numbers it'll probably come down to learning via online in some other way or by word of mouth and then going to the TV to verify the news.  What's interesting is how people used Twitter and other social media like Facebook to vent after the verdict.  A number of mainstream news organizations also encouraged people to comment.  For a lot of folks, some people picked up on it via Twitter or other online sites or TV news, emailed or texted friends, and that sent people scurrying to CNN or ABC News or online to various sites.

GNB: As a veteran journalist, how would you have covered a trial like this?

BH: Journalists for the most part covered the trial more or less as I would.  Let's set aside Nancy Grace, who is a little bit nuts.  Tot mom?  What the hell's that about?  And do we have to put "little" in front of the victim's name?  No real journalist does that.  I've covered a few trials in which a child died and it's never easy.  But a number of news organizations such as HLN decided that taking sides makes for better ratings. and they sold their journalistic soul in how they handled the case.   Covering trials, even big trials, is usually dull.  There are few surprises.  Every little "surprise" in this case got blown far out of proportion by not just HLN but also CNN and the rest.

The reporters did a lousy job of, in advance, telling why it was possible she would be found not guilty.  By failing to do so, people were so stunned that the only result could be anger -- especially when that kind of anger is fed by various TV talking heads.

GNB: After the trial ended, attorneys for Casey Anthony blasted the extensive media coverage of it.  What are your thoughts on that?

BH: I halfway agree with them here.  The trial, objectively, did not deserve the amount of coverage it received.  On TV, though, whatever drives ratings makes it more newsworthy.  TV ran with this story early on, saw that it clicked somehow with people, and that fed a viscous circle of growing interest, so more time on air, so more interest.  And anger.  Let's not forget anger.  Some of the TV talking heads spent most of their time feeding anger about the case instead of covering the story.  Plus I don't want to even get into some of the half-assed "experts" HLN often put on to discuss the case.  Shoddy shoddy journalism, all around.  Most newspapers and serious news organizations covered it more or less the way it deserved.


GNB: Do you have any final comments/thoughts?

BH: This is one of those rare cases that had a little bit of everything, so much of the coverage comes from the unusual nature of the story -- a mom accused of killing her child.  That last big story I covered as a reporter was that kind of situation.  It has sexual molestation, it had torture, and it had a mother accused of murdering her 18-month-old daughter.  But we handled it with a sense of proportion, of keeping in mind that you can't obsess on a single story.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

CRCT cheating scandal resources

The investigation into possible cheating by two Georgia public school systems has gained national, and even worldwide attention. Click the links below to find out more.

Albany Herald

Associated Press

Baltimore Sun 

Creative Loafing 

Champion Newspaper (DeKalb County)

CBS News

Daily Mail (United Kingdom)


GPB News


Huffington Post

Time

U.S. News & World Report


Warner Robins Patriot

WSB-TV Atlanta

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Wildfires can draw business to Southeast Georgia

The spread of wildfires are usually bad for the communities affected by them.  But in southeast Georgia, they can actually be good for certain businesses.  Read the following article to find out why that may be the case.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Georgia Times Union

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

State hearings for two school boards

Two school boards are under scrutiny from the state.  Click here to find where they're located, and why they're facing such hearings, courtesy of GPB News.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Fight over hospital merger not over

It appears that the fight to merge two Albany hospitals is far from over.  Click here to read prepared statements from the Georgia Attorney General's office, as well as the Federal Trade Commission, via WALB.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.


 

Weekly newspapers deliver local news

Despite their current struggles, weekly newspapers have found a way to keep small town residents informed.  The Albany Herald has more on how these publications continue to make a difference in their communities.

Click here for more, courtesy of the Albany Herald

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Atlanta vs. Savannah: Which city is better?

Which prominent Georgia city is better: Atlanta or Savannah? Read more on the comparisons of the two cities below the jump:

Click here to find those comparisons, courtesy of Yahoo. 

Also, click here to see where Atlanta ranks in multiple areas, including business climate.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

College football on the rise in Georgia

Thirty years ago, most college football fans in Georgia were hard pressed to find their favorite sport available beyond the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and the historically black colleges & universities.  Today, the Peach State appears to be brimming with new programs. Read below to find out what's behind the rise of new college football programs in Georgia.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of OnlineAthens.com 
 
GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.
 

In case you missed it...

Here are the winners from the first night of competition in the 2011 Miss Georgia Pageant in Columbus Wednesday.

Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen...

Evening Wear/On-Stage Interview: Julia Martin (Miss University of Georgia)

Talent: Heather Fulbright (Miss Fulton County)

Fitness: Copelyn Jue (Miss Cobb County)

Miss Georgia

Swimsuit: Leslie Farman (Miss Lake Lanier)

Evening wear/On-Stage Interview: Stephanie Burkholder (Miss Rome)

Talent: Kristen Springer (Miss Atlanta)

For more information on the 2011 Miss Georgia Pageant, please click here.

Also, for live coverage of each round of the 2011 Miss Georgia Pageant, click here.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Miss Georgia Pageant underway

The quest to crown a new Miss Georgia has begun. 40 young women from across the state began competition in Columbus with a private interview Wednesday morning. The rest of the preliminary competition starts Wednesday night.  They're vying for the right to represent the Peach State at the Miss America Pageant in January.

Click here for more, courtesy of Ledger-Enquirer.com. 

Also, click here to watch live coverage of the 2011 Miss Georgia Pageant.


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Multiple Georgia players taken in baseball draft

Georgia has become a hotbed for baseball talent.  GPB News reports that more than 75 players were selected in the Major League Baseball draft this week.  Jed Bradley from Georgia Tech was the state's lone first round pick.  He was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of GPB News

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

A top 10 scenic ride in Georgia

One of Georgia's most recognized scenic routes is named among the top 10 nationwide.  Click here to find out where it's located, courtesy of Yahoo.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Magazine recognizes Georgia economic development efforts

Top honors for Georgia and its economic development efforts.  Georgia.org reports that Georgia was one of nine states that won the 2011 Silver Shovel Award by Area Development Magazine. The Peach State took home accolades in the population of more than nine million residents category, joining North Carolina and Texas.

Click here for the full press release, courtesy of Georgia.org

Click here for the full article, courtesy of Area Development Magazine

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Georgia hot spot for movie production

More film producers have Georgia on their minds for making movies.  The Associated Press reports that Georgia now ranks among the top five states for producing movies and television programs.  Among the films to be released in the coming months is remake of "Footloose", which was shot in the Peach State.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Associated Press

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Hockey still around in Metro Atlanta

The Atlanta Thrashers may be on the move to Canada, but professional ice hockey is still in the metro Atlanta area, in the form of the Gwinnett Gladiators minor league franchise.  Read on to find out how the Gladiators plan to fill the void left by the Thrashers departure to Winnipeg.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Associated Press. 

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB PHOTO EXTRA--Businesswoman announces run for Albany mayor

Business owner B.J. Fletcher addresses spectators at the Downtown Fresh Market in Albany.  She announced on Tuesday that she plans to run for mayor of Albany.  She joins two other candidates, Kirk Smith, as well as city commissioner Dorothy Hubbard as candidates to replace the outgoing mayor, Willie Adams, who announced he would not seek re-election earlier this year.

Photo courtesy of G.E.M.S. Communications

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

So long, Thrashers

It's official.  The Atlanta Thrashers are moving to Canada.  Officials with True North Sports & Entertainment reached an agreement Tuesday to move the team to Winnipeg.  It's the second time Atlanta has lost an NHL franchise to a Canadian city.  The Atlanta Flames spent eight seasons in Georgia before moving to Calgary in 1980.

Click any of the following links below for more coverage:

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

CBS Atlanta

WAGA (Fox 5)

WSB

WXIA

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Public transportation plans move forward in Cobb County

20 groups have filed proposals for public transportation service in Cobb County.  The Marietta Daily Journal reports that the Northwest Atlanta Corridor Alternative Analysis Study for Cobb Community Transit will look at multiple options for transportation in Cobb County.  The study has more than $1.5 million in funding.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Marietta Daily Journal

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com

Georgia Music Hall of Fame closes

Say goodbye to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.  Macon.com reports that the hall of fame authority voted 4-3 to officially close the troubled facility in downtown Macon on June 12.  The collections will be moved to the University of Georgia.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of Macon.com

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com

Lawmakers meet to keep charter schools open

Lawmakers throughout Georgia will soon meet in hopes of keeping state commissioned charter schools open.  GPB News reports that the Senate Education Committee will meet next week to determine strategies to stop the closure of 16 schools statewide.  The Georgia Supreme Court ruled that charter schools were unconstitutional on May 16.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of GPB News.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

GNB PHOTO EXTRA: Redrawing Georgia's political districts

Georgia House District 152 Representative Ed Rynders (R-Albany) points to a spot on the current state house district map, with others looking on, during a redistricting hearing on the campus of Albany State University in Albany on Monday, May 23, 2011.

Photo courtesy of G.E.M.S. Communications

Atlanta resident announces run for president

A current Atlanta resident says he'll make a run the White House in 2012.  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain announced his intentions to seek the Republican nomination for President at a press conference Saturday. He made the announcement with a promise to defeat current President Barack Obama.


Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

New WalMart opens in Albany

The newest WalMart store in Georgia opened its doors in Albany early Wednesday morning.  Click on any or all of the following links below for complete coverage of the grand opening.

Albany Herald

WALB

WFXL


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.


 

Cordele to get new inland port

Southwest Georgia could soon become the beneficiary of a new inland port. The Albany Herald reports that Cordele Intermodal Services has purchased more than 1,100 acres of land near a series of railroads and highways in Cordele.  The company will take in more than 6,000 containers in the coming weeks.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Albany Herald

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Clayton County schools off probation

The Clayton County School System is off the hook...of probation. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools restored full accreditation to the south metro Atlanta district Friday.  SACS took away Clayton's accreditation in 2008, only to restore it one year later on a probationary basis.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Reaction to Darton College 4-year status

Darton College of Albany has officially become a four-year institution.  The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved the move at its monthly
meeting Tuesday.  Darton was one of four two-year colleges in the state to become a state college, with Atlanta Metropolitan College in Atlanta, Georgia Highlands College in Rome, and Georgia Perimeter College in DeKalb County being the others.


Click here for the full story, including reactions from Albany area leaders, courtesy of the Albany Journal

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Board of Regents OK's four-year status for four colleges

Add four new schools to the ranks of four-year institutions across Georgia.  The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia voted Tuesday to allow Georgia Highlands College of Rome, Atlanta Metropolitan College in Atlanta, and Darton College in Albany to become state colleges. Another metro Atlanta two-year institution, Georgia Perimeter College in DeKalb County, will also become a state college. 

Click any of the following links below to read coverage of the Board of Regents decision.

Albany Herald

Associated Press

Atlanta Business Chronicle

Atlanta Journal-Constitution 

Rome News-Tribune

University System of Georgia

WALB Albany

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

CB&T closes three branches in Columbus area

Columbus Bank & Trust (CB&T) is closing three of its branches.  Two of them shut down Friday, with a third coming next week.  That leaves CB&T with 15 branches in the Columbus area alone.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of Ledger-Enquirer.com.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Governor Deal signs Sunday alcohol sales bill

Georgia stores can now sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays.  That became a reality after Governor Nathan Deal signed a bill allowing Sunday alcohol sales into law Thursday.  It follows five years of opposition from religious groups, as well as threats of vetoes from former Governor Sonny Perdue.

Click here to read the full story, courtesy of Associated Press...

Click here to read the full legislation on Senate Bill 10, courtesy of http://www.legis.ga.gov/. 

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com. 

Levy gets nod for VSU interim president

Valdosta State University appoints an interim president...The University System of Georgia said in a Wednesday press release that Louis H. Levy was named to the top post at VSU.  He takes over for Patrick Schloss, who earlier this week announced his resignation as Valdosta State's president, to take a job with the USG.

Click here for the full press release, courtesy of the University System of Georgia

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Schloss leaving Valdosta State

Valdosta State University is looking for a new president. Patrick Schloss announced Monday that he's leaving VSU to accept a new position with the University System of Georgia.  The resignation becomes effective later this summer.

Click here for the complete press release, courtesy of Valdosta State University.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Atlanta school district promises not to fire employees

No one will lose their jobs.

That was the promise Atlanta city school officials made on Monday.  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the troubled school district would protect the jobs of employees who choose not to incriminate themselves.  The Atlanta school system is being investigated for cheating on standardized tests.

The AJC has the full story here.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Georgia GOP chair faces e-mail flap

There's controversy in the Georgia Republican Party regarding inappropriate e-mails.  Inside Statesboro reports that Georgia GOP Chairperson Sue Everhart could face scrutiny after Republican Party Executive Director Kevin Harris inadvertently forwarded what was to supposed a private e-mail to more than 100 Republican activists.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of Inside Statesboro.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Georgia BOE ends graduation test

Say goodbye to the Georgia High School Graduation Test.  The Georgia Board of Education voted Wednesday to end the nearly 16-year old test.  Click one of the following links below for more on that decision.

Albany Herald

Associated Press

Atlanta Journal-Constitution (blog)

Augusta Chronicle/Morris News Service

Brunswick News

GPB News

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Veteran news anchor leaves post

A longtime south Georgia news anchor signed off for the last time Friday.

WALB-TV Albany anchor Karen Cohilas announced that she is giving up her career in television news to spend more time with her family.  She worked at WALB for nearly eight years.

You can read, as well as view her farewell speech here.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

How population shifts will affect Georgia redistricting

Direct from the "Blog Files", Peach Pundit has more on how the shift in Georgia's population will factor into the eventual redrawing of the state's legislative and Congressional districts.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of Peach Pundit 

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

More on Macon consolidation plan

New details have arisen in the plan to merge the Macon and Bibb County governments.  State senator Robert Brown says he want the new government to have a dozen members.  Read more here, courtesy of Macon.com.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Major changes in Macon consolidation plan

State senator Robert Brown (D-Macon) is mulling major changes in the plan to merge the governments in both Bibb County and Macon.  Macon.com has more details here.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Georgia Census numbers revealed--What do they mean?

The Census numbers for Georgia are out, and to no one's surprise, metro Atlanta and north Georgia have experienced the most growth within the last decade plus. Click on any of the following links below to find out where the population has risen, and fallen, throughout the Peach State, between 2000 and 2010.

Athens is Georgia's fastest-growing city (OnlineAthens.com)


Atlanta fuels Census growth (Augusta Chronicle) 


Hall County population up by 29 percent (Access North Georgia)


Houston on the grow, Macon on the decline (Macon.com)

Rural population falls (GPB News)


Political shifting in store (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)


South Georgia likely to lose seats (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)


Two coastal Georgia counties grow by 40 percent (savannahnow.com)

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Industry on the move in Albany?

Industry could soon grow in Albany.  That's the word from Albany/Dougherty Economic Development Commission CEO Ted Clem.  The Albany Herald reports that at least three industries might consider expansion in southwest Georgia.  But Clem didn't which specific areas would expand.


Click here for the full story, courtesy of the Albany Herald.


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Guess which Georgia county has the fastest growing population...

Hint: It's not a metro Atlanta county.  Click here for the answer.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

College of Coastal Georgia to offer bachelor's degrees

A transitioning four-year institution located on the Georgia coast will soon offer new bachelor's degrees.  Jacksonville.com reports that the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick will offer bachelor's degrees in math and psychology.  The University System of Georgia Board of Regents approved the move Tuesday.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of Jacksonville.com.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Macon-Bibb consolidation bill passes House with ease

The effort to merge the governments of Macon and Bibb County cleared a major hurdle Monday.  Macon.com reports that the state House passed the bill by an overwhelming margin.  The measure will go to the state Senate, which must pass the bill before voters can have their say on the issue.

Click here for the full story, courtesy of Macon.com.


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Albany mayor won't seek another term.

Albany will soon have a new mayor.  The Albany Herald reports that Willie Adams announced that he wouldn't seek a third term as a mayor.  That announcement came during a press conference Monday morning.  Adams first won election to the mayor's office in 2004, followed by re-election in 2007.


Click here for more details.


GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Consolidation update

Plans to merge city and county governments in Albany and Macon are moving forward.  In Albany, a vote on consolidation probably won't happen until at least 2012, while lawmakers will soon decide on when voters in Macon will get their say on merging the governments there.  Click on one of the links below for more details.

Albany Herald

Macon Telegraph (Macon.com)

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Consolidation talk in Macon/Bibb County

New developments have surfaced in the effort to consolidate the governments of the city of Macon, and Bibb County.  Macon.com has the details here.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

No suspension for Warner Robins councilman

A city councilman from Warner Robins avoids suspension.  The Sun-News of Warner Robins reports that a state panel has chosen not to remove John Williams from his post because of a felony indictment.  Williams must still go to court next week on charges that he made false statements.

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.

Savannah halts city manager search

City of Savannah officials have stopped the search for a new city manager, at least until the end of this year.  Click on any of the following links below for summary of reports from around Georgia.

Albany Herald 

City manager search summary (Savannah Morning News/Savannahnow.com)

Compromise rejected (GPB News)

WALB Albany

WSAV Savannah

GNB is online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com, on Twitter at twitter.com/georgianewsbeat, on Facebook, and can be contacted via e-mail at georgianewsbeat@gmail.com.