Here's to a brand-new work week...And now the news...
An Atlanta-based media company signs a new deal with a company located miles from home. The Boston Business Journal reports that Boston, Massachusetts-based Backchannel Media signed an agreement with Gray Television on Monday. The terms of the deal call for Backchannel to use its interactive technology on Gray owned television stations nationwide. That company owns 36 television stations in 30 markets, including WRDW in Augusta, WSWG in Albany, and satellite sister station WCTV in Tallahassee, Florida/Thomasville/Valdosta. All three stations are currently CBS affiliates.
As first reported on the "GNB Twitter" last week, Georgia Quick Start has announced that it would start taking applications for the new Sewon America plant in LaGrange. Georgia Public Broadcasting reports that 600 positions will be filled at the new facility, which includes openings in stamping, production, and assembly. The opening of Sewon America coincides with the arrival of the new Kia plant that's set to open in nearby West Point later this year.
Here's some news on ethics in the General Assembly. Peach Pundit points to two articles on Governor Sonny Perdue exploiting loopholes in his own ban on taking gifts, courtesy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, as well as state Senator Eric Johnson accepting $175 worth of entertainment, at a lobbyist's expense.
And "The Other Athens" takes a look into the Georgia Department of Education releasing its per-pupil expenditures for fiscal year 2008. Read on to find out what it means for students in Athens-Clarke County.
That's the news for Monday. Remember to log on to GNB at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com for the freshest news 24 hours, seven days a week. Have a good evening.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
GNB Weekend Update
The weekend is here...Let's get to the news...
A slow-down in the State Capitol...
That's what lawmakers agreed to on Friday, as they agreed to meet three days a week instead of the normal five days. The Georgia House of Representatives voted to cut back the number of days they're meeting to address the lingering budget crisis hurting the state right now. They're waiting for action on the proposed economic stimulus package currently being considered in Congress. That could mean more money to improve infrastructure, health care, and transportation. Under Georgia law, lawmakers can't exceed the 40 days they're allowed to meet in one year.
A state sports hall of fame is losing its status as a state organization. Georgia Public Broadcasting reports that control of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame could go from the state to a private entity. The hall closed two years ago due to a cut in state funding, but still conducts select events year round, including the induction of nominees. Control of the former site of that facility could be transferred to an Augusta-based commission. Augusta has been the longtime of the legendary Masters golf tournament.
The troubles continue to mount for the peanut industry. Macon.com reports that peanut farmers in middle Georgia are expected to face a drop in demand, as well as poor prices for that crop this year. Cooperative extension agents say that fewer farmers will plant peanuts in 2009. The ongoing salmonella outbreak at the peanut plant in Blakely is to blame for more than 550 people getting sick. It has also claimed eight lives.
And the Georgia Senate easily approved legislation that could double the homestead exemption to $4,000. The total vote was 40 to 14. Voters must approve the measure later this year.
That's the news for this week. Visit georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com for the latest news all weekend. In the meantime, have a good weekend.
A slow-down in the State Capitol...
That's what lawmakers agreed to on Friday, as they agreed to meet three days a week instead of the normal five days. The Georgia House of Representatives voted to cut back the number of days they're meeting to address the lingering budget crisis hurting the state right now. They're waiting for action on the proposed economic stimulus package currently being considered in Congress. That could mean more money to improve infrastructure, health care, and transportation. Under Georgia law, lawmakers can't exceed the 40 days they're allowed to meet in one year.
A state sports hall of fame is losing its status as a state organization. Georgia Public Broadcasting reports that control of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame could go from the state to a private entity. The hall closed two years ago due to a cut in state funding, but still conducts select events year round, including the induction of nominees. Control of the former site of that facility could be transferred to an Augusta-based commission. Augusta has been the longtime of the legendary Masters golf tournament.
The troubles continue to mount for the peanut industry. Macon.com reports that peanut farmers in middle Georgia are expected to face a drop in demand, as well as poor prices for that crop this year. Cooperative extension agents say that fewer farmers will plant peanuts in 2009. The ongoing salmonella outbreak at the peanut plant in Blakely is to blame for more than 550 people getting sick. It has also claimed eight lives.
And the Georgia Senate easily approved legislation that could double the homestead exemption to $4,000. The total vote was 40 to 14. Voters must approve the measure later this year.
That's the news for this week. Visit georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com for the latest news all weekend. In the meantime, have a good weekend.
GNB BREAKING NEWS
The Georgia House of Representatives has voted to cut the 2009 legislative session to three days per week to address the statewide budget crisis. That move would reduce this year's session to 35 days by the end of March. It would also leave five days in June to take action on the issue.
For more on this developing story, please click here.
For more on this developing story, please click here.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
GNB Update
Here's what making news for Thursday...
A former governor believes there's a need for a lobbyist. Read what he has to say.
No Sunday alcohol sales. That's what state Insurance & Fire Commissioner John Oxendine wants to see when he makes run for governor in 2010. He says that he'll oppose any attempt to legalize the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays, citing family values and religious reasons. Georgia lawmakers are considering legislation that would let retailers sell alcoholic beverages on that day. Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle says he'll let the state Senate decide issue with a vote.
Add another candidate to the growing list running for Georgia's gubernatorial post. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says that state Representative Austin Scott of Tifton plans to run for the GOP nomination come next year. He's the fourth Republican to announce a candidacy for the state's top elected position. If elected, Scott says he wants to use a management style that's different from current Governor Sonny Perdue.
For the past month, the southwest Georgia town of Blakely has been in the national spotlight, for the wrong reasons. The Associated Press reports that the ongoing salmonella outbreak has not only gotten more than 500 people sick, but also cost the people who work at the troubled Peanut Corporation of America plant their jobs. Still, Mayor Ric Hall is optimistic Blakely can get through this crisis.
That's the news for this Thursday. As always, you can log on to GNB at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. Have a great afternoon, and evening.
A former governor believes there's a need for a lobbyist. Read what he has to say.
No Sunday alcohol sales. That's what state Insurance & Fire Commissioner John Oxendine wants to see when he makes run for governor in 2010. He says that he'll oppose any attempt to legalize the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays, citing family values and religious reasons. Georgia lawmakers are considering legislation that would let retailers sell alcoholic beverages on that day. Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle says he'll let the state Senate decide issue with a vote.
Add another candidate to the growing list running for Georgia's gubernatorial post. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says that state Representative Austin Scott of Tifton plans to run for the GOP nomination come next year. He's the fourth Republican to announce a candidacy for the state's top elected position. If elected, Scott says he wants to use a management style that's different from current Governor Sonny Perdue.
For the past month, the southwest Georgia town of Blakely has been in the national spotlight, for the wrong reasons. The Associated Press reports that the ongoing salmonella outbreak has not only gotten more than 500 people sick, but also cost the people who work at the troubled Peanut Corporation of America plant their jobs. Still, Mayor Ric Hall is optimistic Blakely can get through this crisis.
That's the news for this Thursday. As always, you can log on to GNB at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. Have a great afternoon, and evening.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
GNB Update
Wednesday has come and gone...Now here's the news...
The mourning continues for Habitat For Humanity Founder Millard Fuller. Fuller died while en route to an Albany hospital early Tuesday morning. He was 74. In his almost 30 years as Habitat chairman, he helped build more than 175,000 houses in over 100 nations. The Washington Post reports that an autopsy was being performed to determine the cause of death.
On the legislative front, the State Senate on Tuesday passed legislation that could let voters choose whether or not they should pay a penny sales tax for new roads in metro Atlanta. Counties will also have the opportunity to weigh in on whether or not to pay more money for future projects. But even if the law passes this year, voters won't get a chance to have their say until 2010.
In other General Assembly news, Georgia senators also passed a bill that would allow prosecutors to seek a sentence of life in prison without parole without seeking the death penalty first. State Senator Preston Smith of Rome says prosecutors are in support of the bill, but there's division among defense attorneys. The legislation will now go to the House for consideration.
And scratch one politician from the running for Georgia Secretary of State in 2010. State Representative Clay Cox of Lilburn announced Tuesday he would not seek that seat come next election. He wants to focus on his duties in the legislature instead, reports the Gwinnett Daily Post.
That's the news for Wednesday. But remember to log on to georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com for fresh Georgia-related news around the clock. Have a good evening.
The mourning continues for Habitat For Humanity Founder Millard Fuller. Fuller died while en route to an Albany hospital early Tuesday morning. He was 74. In his almost 30 years as Habitat chairman, he helped build more than 175,000 houses in over 100 nations. The Washington Post reports that an autopsy was being performed to determine the cause of death.
On the legislative front, the State Senate on Tuesday passed legislation that could let voters choose whether or not they should pay a penny sales tax for new roads in metro Atlanta. Counties will also have the opportunity to weigh in on whether or not to pay more money for future projects. But even if the law passes this year, voters won't get a chance to have their say until 2010.
In other General Assembly news, Georgia senators also passed a bill that would allow prosecutors to seek a sentence of life in prison without parole without seeking the death penalty first. State Senator Preston Smith of Rome says prosecutors are in support of the bill, but there's division among defense attorneys. The legislation will now go to the House for consideration.
And scratch one politician from the running for Georgia Secretary of State in 2010. State Representative Clay Cox of Lilburn announced Tuesday he would not seek that seat come next election. He wants to focus on his duties in the legislature instead, reports the Gwinnett Daily Post.
That's the news for Wednesday. But remember to log on to georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com for fresh Georgia-related news around the clock. Have a good evening.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
GNB Update
Here's the news for this Tuesday...
Americus and rest of the nation are in mourning at this hour. Habitat For Humanity co-founder Millard Fuller died in an Albany hospital early Tuesday morning. He was 74. Fuller, and wife Linda founded Habitat For Humanity in 1976. He served as the organization's leader for nearly 30 years until a conflict with its board forced him to resign in 2005.
There's talk of more potential mergers of Georgia's higher education institutions. This time it centers around combining the state's technical and two-year colleges into one group. About 50 people at Albany's Darton College to voice their concerns over the possible consolidation of that school and nearby Albany Technical College. One student expressed her concerns that a merger would hurt students that don't have a high grade-point average.
The probe into the salmonella contamination in Blakely has brought more food to the recall list. Georgia Public Broadcasting reports that Kellogg's Keebler Cookies and Special K bars were recalled earlier Tuesday. Included on that list are "Soft Batch" homestyle cookies and a Special K protein meal bar. Although none of the products recalled contained peanut butter, they're part of the same line of foods that are up for recall from the Peanut Corporation of America as part of the investigation.
Finally, State Representative Vance Smith has introduced legislation that calls for a $25 billion tax on statewide transportation. Among the projects up for consideration include expanding Ga. Hwy 133 to four lanes between Albany and Valdosta, and U.S. Highway 1 from Interstate 16 to the Altamaha River.
That does for this installment of GNB Update. As always, you can keep up with the latest news statewide 24 hours, seven days a week at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. Have a good day.
Americus and rest of the nation are in mourning at this hour. Habitat For Humanity co-founder Millard Fuller died in an Albany hospital early Tuesday morning. He was 74. Fuller, and wife Linda founded Habitat For Humanity in 1976. He served as the organization's leader for nearly 30 years until a conflict with its board forced him to resign in 2005.
There's talk of more potential mergers of Georgia's higher education institutions. This time it centers around combining the state's technical and two-year colleges into one group. About 50 people at Albany's Darton College to voice their concerns over the possible consolidation of that school and nearby Albany Technical College. One student expressed her concerns that a merger would hurt students that don't have a high grade-point average.
The probe into the salmonella contamination in Blakely has brought more food to the recall list. Georgia Public Broadcasting reports that Kellogg's Keebler Cookies and Special K bars were recalled earlier Tuesday. Included on that list are "Soft Batch" homestyle cookies and a Special K protein meal bar. Although none of the products recalled contained peanut butter, they're part of the same line of foods that are up for recall from the Peanut Corporation of America as part of the investigation.
Finally, State Representative Vance Smith has introduced legislation that calls for a $25 billion tax on statewide transportation. Among the projects up for consideration include expanding Ga. Hwy 133 to four lanes between Albany and Valdosta, and U.S. Highway 1 from Interstate 16 to the Altamaha River.
That does for this installment of GNB Update. As always, you can keep up with the latest news statewide 24 hours, seven days a week at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. Have a good day.
Monday, February 2, 2009
GNB Update
Good Monday...It's the start of a new work week, sort of...not to mention the day after the Super Bowl...Here's the news...
A computer glitch at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta is to blame for AirTran Airways grounding many of its flights. That prevented many of the airlines flights from entering or leaving the Atlanta area. The Associated Press reports that the system had been partially restored as of late Monday monring.
A college basketball coaching legend could soon come out of retirement. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that men's basketball players from the University of Georgia were excited about the possibility of former Indiana and Texas Tech head coach Bob Knight coming to Athens to lead their program. Dennis Felton was fired as the Bulldogs head coach last week after an embarassing loss at Florida. UGA lost its eighth straight game after losing to Alabama 75-70 Saturday night.
Two groundhogs, two different predictions on how much longer winter will last.
Those were the forecasts General Beauregard Lee and Punxsutawney Phil early Monday morning. General Lee didn't see his shadow on Groundhog Day. That means spring will come early to the South this year. On the other hand, Phil saw his shadow. That ensures six more weeks in the winter in the North. According to General Lee's owner, though, the Lilburn-based groundhog has had just one miss in his career: a prediction of an early spring that turned into one of the worst blizzards in Southern history in 1993.
Finally, on the legislative front, a state senator wants to make history with Georgia's schools.
State Senator Eric Johnson is introducting legislation that would allow all of the state's students to offer vouchers to all students. If approved, Georgia would become the first state in the nation to offer such aid. But the proposal faces stiff opposition from Democrats, who claim it would take away money from struggling schools.
That's the news for this Groundhog Day. Remember to log on to georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the freshest news from Georgia. Have a good day.
A computer glitch at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta is to blame for AirTran Airways grounding many of its flights. That prevented many of the airlines flights from entering or leaving the Atlanta area. The Associated Press reports that the system had been partially restored as of late Monday monring.
A college basketball coaching legend could soon come out of retirement. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that men's basketball players from the University of Georgia were excited about the possibility of former Indiana and Texas Tech head coach Bob Knight coming to Athens to lead their program. Dennis Felton was fired as the Bulldogs head coach last week after an embarassing loss at Florida. UGA lost its eighth straight game after losing to Alabama 75-70 Saturday night.
Two groundhogs, two different predictions on how much longer winter will last.
Those were the forecasts General Beauregard Lee and Punxsutawney Phil early Monday morning. General Lee didn't see his shadow on Groundhog Day. That means spring will come early to the South this year. On the other hand, Phil saw his shadow. That ensures six more weeks in the winter in the North. According to General Lee's owner, though, the Lilburn-based groundhog has had just one miss in his career: a prediction of an early spring that turned into one of the worst blizzards in Southern history in 1993.
Finally, on the legislative front, a state senator wants to make history with Georgia's schools.
State Senator Eric Johnson is introducting legislation that would allow all of the state's students to offer vouchers to all students. If approved, Georgia would become the first state in the nation to offer such aid. But the proposal faces stiff opposition from Democrats, who claim it would take away money from struggling schools.
That's the news for this Groundhog Day. Remember to log on to georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the freshest news from Georgia. Have a good day.
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