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  • Rideout Arsenal to invest $22 million, create 120 jobs in Thomasville

    Rideout Arsenal to invest $22 million, create 120 jobs in Thomasville

    Rideout Arsenal to invest $22 million, create 120 jobs in Thomasville

    Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday that Rideout Arsenal will be making a major investment in Thomasville. 

    The firearms designer and manufacturer is investing $22 million in a new manufacturing facility, which will create 120 new jobs over the next several years in the town.

    “Georgia attracts job creators from all over the country and world because we work with them, not against them,” Kemp said in a news release. “Our state’s pro-business approach, skilled workforce, and enduring support for constitutional freedoms make us an ideal home for manufacturers like Rideout Arsenal, and we look forward to their success here in the No. 1 state for business.”

    Rideout Arsenal specializes in high-performance, high-end competition pistols. The new facility will be located in Plantation Oak Industrial Park. Thomasville is a small town of about 19,000 people in South Georgia near the Florida border.

    “Rideout Arsenal is proud to manufacture innovative firearms in America using a localized supply chain built around trusted domestic partners, suppliers, and skilled labor. Thomasville and the State of Georgia provide a business environment necessary for us to continue designing and manufacturing high-performance products, made entirely here in the United States,” said Travis and Kelsey Rideout, founders of Rideout Arsenal, in the news release.

    The company is hiring for production, engineering, administrative and management positions. Interested candidates can learn more at www.rideoutarsenal.com. 

  • New Georgia law expands pharmacists’ role in HIV prevention access

    New Georgia law expands pharmacists’ role in HIV prevention access

    New Georgia law expands pharmacists’ role in HIV prevention access

    A new law takes effect on July 1 that will allow pharmacists in Georgia more flexibility to provide medications to prevent HIV.

    However, several details still need to be worked out before the law can expand access as intended.

    Eric Rangel is the executive director and health navigator at Latino LinQ, a Latinx LGBTQ organization that provides free HIV testing. He said it is still unclear how the policy will work in practice.

    “Which pharmacies are going to participate in this? Is it all pharmacies? Is it particularly with Walgreens? So is it with the Walmart pharmacies?” Rangel said. “How is this looking like exactly? And with each pharmacy, do they have the staffing and the capabilities?”

    The Georgia State Board of Pharmacy will determine many of the implementation details, including training requirements and protocols for the state.

    In Georgia, nearly 67,000 people are living with HIV, and more than 2,400 were newly diagnosed in 2024. Public health officials believe the new law could increase access to prevention measures by 20-fold, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare is scarce.

    Pedro Viloria is the director of community impact and wellbeing with Latino Community Fund Georgia. He said the organization advocated for the law and will remain active in ensuring the policy works for everyone, specifically with language access.

    “Language access is one of our biggest missions,” Viloria said. “We believe having access in language to resources is the biggest hurdle, so we want to make sure that that is something that is prioritized.”

    Advocates are now focused on smooth implementation of the policy and supporting outreach strategies so that communities know what is available.

  • Georgia awards $26 Million for transportation and airport projects

    Georgia awards $26 Million for transportation and airport projects

    Georgia awards $26 Million for transportation and airport projects

    Gov. Brian Kemp and the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) announced Tuesday $26 million in funding for Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) grants and low-interest loans.

    The funding will support 20 transportation roadway projects and two regional airport hangar projects.

    “These awards are on top of the historic funding we’ve put toward local transportation projects in recent years, and today’s announcement further represents our commitment to investing in high-quality infrastructure, including in our rural areas,” Kemp, who serves as chairman of the SRTA Board of Directors, said in a news release. “We’re taking a long-term view with this funding, which is why for the first time, GTIB is extending awards to two regional airports to construct multiple hangars, supporting business aviation and driving economic activity.”

    SRTA also announced the opening of the GTIB FY 2027 call for applications. Community Improvement Districts and local, regional and state government entities can apply as well as publicly owned airports.

    “GTIB continues to accelerate critical local transportation projects that improve safety, strengthen connectivity, and expand economic opportunities across Georgia. Communities of all sizes, rural areas, CIDs, and airports can leverage GTIB’s grants and low-interest loans to move projects forward faster and close funding gaps,” said Jannine Miller, executive director of SRTA. “Thanks to the $46 million AFY 2025 budget enhancement from Governor Kemp and the General Assembly, this record-level funding remains available to help communities build key infrastructure to thrive.”

    The application window will be open through August 21, and potential applicants can find full program details at www.srta.ga.gov/gtib. 

  • Georgia child well-being progress stalls, Kids Count report finds

    Georgia child well-being progress stalls, Kids Count report finds

    Georgia child well-being progress stalls, Kids Count report finds

    After years of steady improvement, Georgia’s progress on child well-being has stalled, according to the 2026 Kids Count Data Book.

    The report examines data related to youth outcomes and ranks Georgia as the 39th state in the nation for overall child and family well-being.

    Jacquan Jordan is the data manager for the Georgia Family Connection Partnership. He said one of the largest warning signs is the rate of babies born at a low birth weight. In the U.S., 8.5% of babies meet that metric. 

    “Very high for a developed nation,” Jordan pointed out. “For us as a state to have 10.3%, it really is one of those indicators for us to pay particular attention to, especially considering that is an indicator that also tells you about food nutrition in the community, access to prenatal care.”

    Several metrics in the report were found to be worse compared to data in 2019. Housing has become much less affordable, and education metrics around reading and math proficiency have seen a downturn. 

    Jordan said Georgia can implement meaningful interventions now or fall further behind.

    Leslie Boissiere is the vice president of external affairs for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the organization that publishes the report. She said the data reflects the daily realities of children and families in the state.

    “It’s a child who either has enough to eat or doesn’t have enough to eat,” Boissiere explained. “It’s a child who is either in a stable home and has access to quality education to put themselves on the pathway to thrive, or it’s a child who doesn’t have those necessities.”

    Some positive trends that the report highlighted are less children living in poverty, high school students graduating on time and less teen births.

  • South Georgia remains in extreme drought as water supply concerns grow

    South Georgia remains in extreme drought as water supply concerns grow

    South Georgia remains in extreme drought as water supply concerns grow

    Although recent rains helped reduce the drought conditions in the state, several counties in South Georgia still face an extreme drought, and experts in Atlanta worry about water shortages in the future.

    Southeast Georgia counties still face extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. drought monitor. Although this is better than the exceptional drought conditions the counties faced in May, most of the state is still under some form of drought.

    Katherine Zitsch, director of water strategy at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, told WABE that the U.S. Drought Monitor is geared towards farming, and she is concerned about metro Atlanta’s water supply, which comes from large reservoirs like Lake Lanier.

    As we move into the hottest part of the year, Lake Lanier’s water level currently sits at four and a half feet below full pool.

    “This is when lake levels typically begin dropping,” Zitsch said. “So we’re really watching those lake levels, water supply reservoir levels. The rain definitely helped, but we have a ways to go before we’re out of the drought from a water supply perspective.”

    Zitsch is encouraging water conservation now before the water supply is severely stressed.

    Maps from the U.S. Drought Monitor indicating the severity of the drought in Georgia on May and June.
    Maps from the U.S. Drought Monitor indicating the severity of the drought in Georgia on May and June.
  • Authority Brands bringing 390 jobs, new headquarters to Cobb County

    Authority Brands bringing 390 jobs, new headquarters to Cobb County

    Authority Brands bringing 390 jobs, new headquarters to Cobb County

    A leading home-service brand is bringing its new headquarters to Cobb County and with it nearly 400 new jobs.

    Authority Brands plans to establish a Franchisee Success Center in Cobb County, which will create 390 new jobs and invest around $13 million in the next several years.

    “We’re proud that Authority Brands has chosen to relocate to the No. 1 state for business, where our pro-jobs approach and strong workforce help companies succeed,” said Gov. Brian Kemp in a news release. “They join a growing list of companies that choose the Peach State to start and grow their businesses, and we look forward to the success they’ll find here.” 

    Authority Brands has 15 brands that operate in more than 2,700 territories and has more than 1,000 franchise owners. Residential services that the company’s brands provide include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and lawn care as well as other services.

    The new facility will be a 48,000-square-foot building at 200 Galleria Parkway in Cobb County. People who are interested in applying for a job can visit www.authoritybrands.com to learn more. Roles include operations, IT, finance and marketing.

    “Georgia is where Authority Brands’ next chapter begins,” said Jay Caiafa, CEO of Authority Brands, in the news release. “Metro Atlanta gives us access to exceptional talent, a business environment built for growth, and a community that understands what it means to build something. More than geography, this is a statement about how seriously we take our obligation to the franchise owners who’ve bet on our brands. We’re building an organization that can scale intelligently, invest in the right capabilities, and deliver the kind of support our franchisees deserve. Metro Atlanta is the perfect foundation for that.”

  • Georgia Chamber honors Halpern, Williamson, Donatucci for 2026 session

    Georgia Chamber honors Halpern, Williamson, Donatucci for 2026 session

    Georgia Chamber honors Halpern, Williamson, Donatucci for 2026 session

    The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announced its 2026 Legislator of the Year award recipients.

    The recipients are considered trusted partners of the Chamber who went above and beyond during the legislative session to advance the Chamber’s priorities.

    State Sen. Sonya Halpern, D-Atlanta, earned the 2026 Georgia Chamber Senator of the Year award. State Rep. Bruce Williamson, R-Monror, received the 2026 Georgia Chamber Representative of the Year award. State Rep. Sandy Donatucci, R-Buford, earned the 2026 Georgia Chamber Freshman Legislator of the Year award.

    Halpern expressed her gratitude to the Chamber for the award and their partnership during her tenure.

    “Throughout my time in public service, I’ve come to appreciate that Georgia’s success is built through partnership. Economic growth and quality of life are deeply connected, and the strongest communities are those where businesses can succeed, workers can find meaningful opportunities, and families can thrive,” she said in a news release.

    Donatucci also thanked the Chamber and touted their work as strengthening Georgia’s economy and small businesses.

    “I’m proud to stand with Georgia’s business community and to keep fighting for lower costs, stronger schools, safer communities, and a better future for Georgia families,” she said.

  • Georgia special session agenda expanded to include tax relief referendums

    Georgia special session agenda expanded to include tax relief referendums

    Georgia special session agenda expanded to include tax relief referendums

    The state legislature is set to meet on June 17 for a special session, and Gov. Brian Kemp recently modified the agenda.

    His amended proclamation includes language that will allow lawmakers to consider adding local referendums on the November ballot to create homestead tax exemptions.

    Kemp signed Senate Bill 33 in May, which enacted broad property tax reform by establishing a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax to provide homeowner tax relief.

    “When Georgians across the state made clear that affordability was the number one issue they faced, Republican leadership delivered real, meaningful relief that allows hardworking taxpayers to keep more of their money where it belongs – in their pockets,” state House Speaker Jon Burns said in a news release. “From another historic income tax rebate and rate reduction to property tax relief and lower costs at the pump, the Georgia House was proud to champion measures delivering results when and where they were needed most.”

    However, residents need a majority vote to pass an exemption, which would be in addition to other homestead tax exemptions.

    The June 17 special session was originally called to implement redistricting for the 2028 elections and resolve a looming election deadline. A 2024 law requires the elimination of QR codes on Georgia ballots by July 1, 2026. However, the legislative session closed this year without any guidance as to how election officials should comply with the law.

    Now, lawmakers will reconvene to address these issues as well as property tax reform.

  • Third jet fuel spill this year reported near Atlanta airport and Flint River

    Third jet fuel spill this year reported near Atlanta airport and Flint River

    Third jet fuel spill this year reported near Atlanta airport and Flint River

    A third reported jet fuel spill happened over Memorial Day weekend at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport making it the third fuel spill this year, according to Flint Riverkeeper.

    The spill is the 11th reported in the past decade, but the exact volume of fuel released has not been disclosed.

    Flint Riverkeeper’s staff documented indicators of fuel in the river at least 12 miles downstream from the airport. Cleanup crews are working at several locations along the river, and the organization said field staff observed fuel contamination near Georgia Highway 54.

    Due to issues with pollution in the Flint River, Flint Riverkeeper is working with the Southern Environmental Law Center to prepare legal action.

    The Georgia Environmental Protection Division, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the City of Atlanta, and the airport have not publicly identified the source or volume of fuel spilled.

  • Gainesville homeless encampments cleared as property owners prepare to sell

    Gainesville homeless encampments cleared as property owners prepare to sell

    Gainesville homeless encampments cleared as property owners prepare to sell

    After being ordered to leave private property, unhoused people living in two encampments in Gainesville were displaced last week.

    The encampments were near Monroe Drive and Athens Highway. The residents of the camp told CBS News that they were told to leave by Monday, or they could face a possible arrest.

    Local officials said the owners of the property had previously allowed people to stay on the land, but they plan to sell the property. They requested assistance in clearing the encampments.

    Gainesville Police Captain Kevin Holbrook gave a statement saying that officers worked with the property owners and community organizations for months ahead of the eviction.

    “Police have been working with property owners for the past few months regarding illegal trespassing on their property by individuals,” Holbrook said. “During this time many organizations have come together to provide resources and help. Unfortunately, some of those chose not to seek help and break the law.”

    Advocates worry that the displacement could worsen the circumstances of unhoused individuals from the camps.

    Unity Project, a shelter, has around 120 open beds at its facility.

    “We’re open and anyone is welcome to come here and get back on their feet,” Giddens said. “We have a lot of opportunities here, a lot of resources. There’s not a lot of resources in those camps. We are ready to go. We are open seven days a week.”

    The shelter is working with local officials and community partners to provide assistance to the displaced people.