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Articles by Dave Williams
Korea expressing 'concern and regret' over detention of workers at Hyundai plant
Federal law enforcement authorities are defending the detention Thursday of 475 workers at Hyundai's electric vehicle battery plant west of Savannah - most Korean nationals - amid complaints from the South Korean government and Democrats.
Georgia senators back bid to declare Ralph David Abernathy’s church National Historic Site
ATLANTA – Georgia’s two U.S. senators have reintroduced legislation to declare Atlanta’s West Hunter Street Baptist Church a National Historic Site in honor of the late civil rights leader Ralph David Abernathy Sr. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, both Democrats, got the bill through a Senate committee two years ago with bipartisan support, but it didn’t reach the full Senate for a vote.
Kemp meets bill signing deadline with rush
Gov. Brian Kemp has beaten the deadline for signing legislation the General Assembly passed this year with a flurry of bill signing. Kemp signed 120 bills on Wednesday, including Senate Bill 244, combining provisions from two measures related to the criminal justice system that had failed to gain passage earlier in the session. The original bill will allow criminal defendants to recover legal costs when their prosecutor is disqualified and the case against them is dismissed.
Bill denying taxpayer-funding gender-affirming care to Georgia inmates prompts House walkout
Legislation denying gender-affirming care to inmates in Georgia's prison system gained final passage in the Republican-controlled General Assembly Wednesday after state House Democrats walked out of the chamber in protest. Senate Bill 185, which the Senate's GOP majority passed last month mostly along party lines, passed the House 100-2 and now heads to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp for his signature.
Aerospace company bringing North American headquarters to Roswell
PBS Aerospace, a designer and manufacturer of world-class small turbojet engines, will invest up to $20 million to establish its North American headquarters in Roswell, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday. The new operation, including manufacturing and research and development components, will create at least 95 new jobs in metro Atlanta, growing the company's presence in the Peach State.
What I should have said to Rush Limbaugh’s audience
Dave Williams · Follow 3 min read · -- Rush was my friend but he lit the fuse. Sacramento Bee, 1987 I’m so sick of social media political hysteria I could puke. This morning, on Facebook, I blocked a friend and former colleague whose hatred of President Trump exceeds anything I’ve ever read. Never mind Hitler. She thinks Trump is Darth Sidious and Beelzebub combined. She’s a very smart woman and a brilliant writer, but her hysteria makes me think she’s gone off the rails or around the bend.
Jon Burns reelected as Georgia House Speaker
by Dave Williams, Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA – The General Assembly gaveled into session Jan. 13 with the usual pageantry and little of the heavy lifting that will be required to make it through the 40-day session. House lawmakers voted 153-21 to reelect Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, to preside over the chamber during the next two years. “I like doing that!” Burns said as he brought the gavel down to open the 2025 legislative session.
Ryan Buchanan stepping down as U.S. attorney for Northern District of Georgia
Ryan Buchanan has announced his resignation as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Buchanan will step down from the post on Jan. 19, one day before Donald Trump is sworn in as the nation's 47th president. After serving as assistant U.S. attorney for the district since 2013, Buchanan was nominated to move into the top job by President Joe Biden in late 2021. He took up the position in the spring of 2022 after his confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
Harris touts need for reproductive freedom in Atlanta
Vice President Kamala Harris Friday put the blame for the deaths of two Georgia women after doctors delayed abortion care squarely on former President Donald Trump. At a mid-afternoon rally at Cobb Energy Centre, the Democratic presidential nominee said the deaths of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller shortly after Georgia's six-week abortion ban took effect in 2022 were a consequence of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion.
Georgia is prepared for smooth elections
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger Monday predicted smooth elections in the Peach State this year despite rules changes being imposed by a State Election Board he called "a mess." Raffensperger told members of the Atlanta Rotary Club reforms his office and the General Assembly have made since the last presidential election in 2020 should give voters confidence that the voting process is fair and honest.
Private contractors subject to Georgia's Open Records Act
Private contractors working for government agencies are subject to Georgia's Open Records Act, the state Supreme Court ruled this week. The high court's unanimous decision overturned a lower court's dismissal last August of an open records lawsuit filed against a Georgia Tech professor for failing to respond to an open-records request for information concerning his service to the university as a private contractor.
Why Do Conservatives Dominate Talk Radio?
Last week I listened to some live news talk radio reports from the Republican National Convention. I enjoyed what little I heard not because it was the GOP convention but because it reminded me of the good old days when presidential nominating conventions were the every-four-year Olympics of American democracy packed with genuine intrigue and patriotic excitement.
Mike Dugan, Brian Jack square off in 3rd Congressional District debate
ATLANTA - The two Republicans who made the June 18 primary runoff in Georgia's 3rd Congressional District agreed on more issues than they disagreed on during a debate Sunday sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club. Former state Sen. Mike Dugan and Brian Jack, an aide to former President Donald Trump, agreed on the need to secure America's southern border, change the way the U.S. is sending military aid to Ukraine, and curb spending on student loans.
How Audacy Dallas Has Used Technology to Enhance Already Strong Brands
We used to say sports was the toy department of news. I thought that sounded fun but most news and programming people back then said it condescendingly. Today, sports talk listening is eclipsing the more serious news/talk offerings of corporate or “local” radio.
Radio is Ready for an AI Revolution
I’m an optimist. I insist on it. I don’t like being sad or angry and I sure as heck have no right to inflict my pissy moods on you or anybody else. Nobody likes whiners. It’s not easy being optimistic all the time, especially now. The pessimists of social and mainstream media are just waiting to dump a load of misery on us every morning. I see a lot of this in our industry, too, especially from those who worry that Artificial Intelligence is going to end news, talk, and music radio as we’ve known it.
Radio - The Communication Business Where We Don’t Communicate
When I was a radio program director in the 1970s and 80s personally responding to job applicants was an important part of every work day. Nobody told me to do it, it was just obvious. Replying to letters from people who mailed me their personal introductions, resumes, and airchecks was as important to me as if they had made an appointment and were seated in my office, freshly scrubbed, smiling with hope, and making their best first impression. Every afternoon I read their letters and resumes.
Legislature aims to defund woke libraries
ATLANTA - The state senate is considering Senate Bill 390 that would prohibit city, county, and regional libraries from using either tax dollars or private funds on any materials offered by the American Library Association (ALA). The ALA has become controversial in recent years for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the selection of library materials and for opposing book banning and other forms of censorship.
2020 Election Guide
Subhead A comprehensive preview of the Nov. 3 general election compiled from stories published in the Franklin County Citizen Leader. Stories will be added as they are published. Body Election Day is here CARNESVILLE – Franklin County voters will join counterparts in Georgia and across the country today to complete the election of the next U.S. President and other federal and state leaders.
Radio’s Future Lies In Its Past
I just read a Facebook post from a friend rightly annoyed that Tulsa World, the local newspaper she’s had delivered to her home for forty years, just raised their annual subscription price to $700. That’s not a typo, seven hundred dollars for a one-year subscription renewal to the traditional folded and rubber-banded newsprint that you sometimes have to fish out of the flower bed. New subscribers can get a year for $26 or six months for $6.
Georgia tax revenues increase slightly in Novembe
ATLANTA — State tax collections rose slightly last month compared to November of last year, the Georgia Department of Revenue reported Friday. The state brought in $2.32 billion in November, up 1.5% over the same month a year ago. Tax receipts increased by 3.3% during the first five months of fiscal 2024, driven primarily by the state collecting the sales tax on gasoline and motor fuels during much of the period. The gas tax was suspended during much of the comparable period last year.
State grants controversial coal ash pond closure permit
The state has issued a permit to Georgia Power for a coal ash pond closure plan at Plant Hammond critics say violates a federal rule against leaving ash in contact with groundwater. The closure of Ash Pond 3 at the plant near Rome is in conjunction with the Atlanta-based utility's plan to to close all 29 of its coal ash ponds. At 19 of the ponds, ash is to be excavated and removed. The other 10 are to be closed in place.
GOP chair calls Republicans out over tax plans, despite previously backing TABOR refund raid
DENVER — Just as a special session convenes to discuss what property tax reform state lawmakers are willing to offer in the wake of Proposition HH’s defeat, Republicans are already seeing conflict within the ranks over details, especially concerning the notion of ‘backfilling’ local governments.
PSC rejects bid to delay Vogtle 'prudency' hearings
ATLANTA — State energy regulators have denied a request by two citizen watchdog groups to delay hearings on how much of the costs of the Plant Vogtle nuclear expansion must be paid by electric customers until after commission elections. The U.S. Supreme Court put the filling of two seats on the five-member Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) on hold last year until the General Assembly changes the way PSC elections are conducted.
Georgia high school graduation rate increased in 2023
By Dave Williams, Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA – Georgia’s high-school graduation rate rose again this year to another all-time high since the state began using an adjusted calculation the federal government first imposed more than a decade ago. The Georgia Class of 2023 recorded a graduation rate of 84.4%, up from 84.1% last year. This year, 107 school districts posted graduation rates at or above 90%, while 43 districts recorded rates at or above 95%.
New state patrol post to be housed at Governor's Mansion
The Georgia State Patrol is planning to build a new post on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Friday. The 1,750-square-foot facility and garage bay will house 12 troopers directly assigned to the post and accommodate up to 30 troopers while maintaining the historic integrity of the mansion and surrounding grounds.
Section of I-16 reopens after bridge repairs
ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Transportation has reopened a seven-mile stretch of westbound Interstate 16 north of Soperton after repairing a bridge over Pendleton Creek. The highway was closed earlier this month after a routine inspection found some of the supports holding up the bridge had settled. Motorists were rerouted around the bridge while repairs were completed. The 11-mile detour included a bridge overpass that had to be rebuilt in 2021 after a truck knocked off its supports.
Section of I-16 closed for bridge repairs
ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) has closed a seven-mile stretch of westbound Interstate 16 north of Soperton following the discovery of settlement in the supports holding up a bridge. DOT bridge inspectors discovered the problem Aug. 4 during a routine inspection, Georgia Commissioner of Transportation Russell McMurry told members of the State Transportation Board Thursday. “That’s why we do bridge inspections every two years,” McMurry said.
Supreme Court removes suspended judge; case could have ramifications for Peterson
ATLANTA — The Georgia Supreme Court Wednesday removed suspended Judge Christian Coomer from the state Court of Appeals. In a unanimous decision, the justices upheld the recommendation of a state Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) hearing panel, which found Coomer’s misuse of campaign funds and dealings with a client before he became a judge undermined public confidence.
Hosey named new GBI director
ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp has promoted the head of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Investigative Division to director of the GBI. Chris Hosey will succeed former GBI Director Mike Register on Aug. 1. ”Chris has dedicated his career to protecting the people of our state as a proud member of law enforcement,” Kemp said.
Metro Atlanta is nation's eighth-largest
ATLANTA - The Atlanta-Sandy Springs metropolitan area was the nation’s eighth-largest again last year, according to population figures the U.S. Census Bureau released Thursday, May 18. The Atlanta-Sandy Springs metro area numbered more than 6.2 million residents as of last July, an increase of 78,968 compared to July of the previous year. Atlanta-Sandy Springs also was No. 8 on the metropolitan area population list for 2021.
Kemp inks $34.2 billion state budget
ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp signed a $32.4 billion fiscal 2024 state budget Friday that provides pay raises of $4,000 to $6,000 for law enforcement officers and $2,000 increases for other state workers, teachers, and university system employees. The budget, which takes effect July 1, increases state spending by $2.2 billion, or 7.4%, over the budget the General Assembly adopted last spring.
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ATLANTA — The Democratic National Committee announced Chicago as host city for the party’s convention next year, ending a competition that also featured Atlanta, Houston, and New York City. In a news release, the committee cited the Midwest as a critical Democratic stronghold, forming the “blue wall” that keyed President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory and Democrats’ successes in last year’s midterm elections.
Georgia House budget writers approve '24 spending plan
ATLANTA — The Georgia House Appropriations Committee approved a $32.5 billion fiscal 2024 budget Wednesday that prioritizes mental-health care and law enforcement. The spending plan, which takes effect July 1, includes the $2,000 pay raises for teachers and state employees Gov. Brian Kemp requested in January. But it goes further by targeting additional $2,000 increases for law enforcement personnel at a cost of $13 million.
Georgia Power seeks $2.1 billion fuel costs recovery
ATLANTA — The higher fuel costs Georgians have been paying at the gas pumps soon could be reflected in their electric bills. Georgia Power filed a request with the state Public Service Commission (PSC) Tuesday to recover $2.1 billion in additional fuel costs the Atlanta-based utility has incurred during the last two years and that are projected to occur during the next two years.
The new year brings new laws in Georgia
By Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA – Most bills the General Assembly passes each year take effect on July 1. But a smattering of new laws enacted during the 2022 legislative session kicked in Sunday, Jan. 1, including a bill making it easier for food trucks to do business and several new or expanded tax credits.
Gov. Kemp suspends state gas tax for the last time over holidays
By Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service SAVANNAH — Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order suspending the state sales tax on gasoline for the seventh and final time since March, when pump prices began climbing after the outbreak of war in Ukraine. The latest suspension will run through Jan. 10, the day after Georgia lawmakers convene under the Gold Dome for the 2023 General Assembly session.
Georgia sets single-day record for early voting
By Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service Georgia voters are destroying the old political adage that runoff elections are plagued with low voter turnouts. More than 300,000 Georgians cast ballots Monday, the first day of statewide early voting in the runoff contest between Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker. That easily broke the daily record for early voting turnout in Georgia of 233,000.
Burns picked for top post in Georgia House
By Dave Williams From the Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA – Georgia House Republicans nominated Majority Leader Jon Burns Monday to become the next House speaker. Burns, R-Newington, defeated Rep. Barry Fleming by secret ballot in a vote by the 97 House GOP lawmakers who attended Monday’s Republican Caucus meeting at the state Capitol.
Election Day Republican victories turn Georgia purple, not red
ATLANTA — Two years ago, Joe Biden became the first Democratic presidential candidate to carry Georgia since 1992, and the Peach State elected two Democrats to the U.S. Senate in runoffs. Last Tuesday, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp won reelection in a rematch with Democrat Stacey Abrams by a wider margin than in 2018, leading the GOP to a sweep of all eight constitutional offices. Sen.
Battery manufacturer to build plant in Coweta County
ATLANTA — Georgia is continuing to attract suppliers for its growing renewable energy industries. FREYR Battery, a Europe-based producer of next-generation battery cells, will build a manufacturing plant in Coweta County, a $2.57 billion investment that will create 723 jobs during the next seven years, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Friday. "Job creators and innovators from all over the world bring their operations to Georgia because they know they will have success here,” Kemp said.
Kemp reelected in rematch with Abrams, Warnock and Walker headed to runoff
ATLANTA — Republican Gov. Brian Kemp won a second term in office in a rematch of the 2018 gubernatorial race, while Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock is headed to a Dec. 6 runoff with Republican Herschel Walker after neither candidate got 50% of the vote Tuesday. With 100% of the vote counted just before noon Wednesday, Kemp defeated Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams, 53.4% to 45.9%, according to unofficial results. Libertarian Shane Hazel finished a distant third with just 0.7% of the vote.
Democrat Kwanza Hall endorses Republicans Brian Kemp, Burt Jones
ATLANTA — Democrat Kwanza Hall, who served on the Atlanta City Council and briefly as a congressman, has endorsed two Republicans — Gov. Brian Kemp and state Sen. Burt Jones, the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor. "Over the last four years, I've witnessed Governor Kemp make tough decisions - ones that weren't always popular at the time - in unprecedented circumstances,” Hall said in backing Kemp’s reelection bid over Democrat Stacey Abrams.
Bean counters give Georgia film tax credit mixed review
ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Economic Development is doing a better job documenting the economic impact of the state’s film tax credit, according to a follow-up review. But the General Assembly has not acted to cap the credit to control its growth, as a 2020 audit had recommended. Georgia has become a filmmaking center since lawmakers enacted the tax credit.
Joe Frank Harris endorses Kemp for governor
ATLANTA — Former Georgia Gov. Joe Frank Harris, a Democrat, endorsed Republican Gov. Brian Kemp Wednesday. “Governor Kemp is a proven leader,” Harris said in a prepared statement. “I am proud of the tough decisions he has made during these challenging times.” Kemp, who is seeking a second term in office, is being opposed by Democrat Stacey Abrams, who narrowly lost to Kemp four years ago. Harris, a businessman from Cartersville, served two terms as governor from 1983 to 1991.
Kemp, Abrams lock horns on issues in gubernatorial debate
By Dave Williams Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA – Republican Gov. Brian Kemp defended his record on education, crime, the economy, abortion, health care and voting rights Monday night against accusations by Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams that he is not meeting the needs of most Georgians.
Labor commissioner candidates offer different solutions to agency’s ills
ATLANTA — Both major party candidates for Georgia labor commissioner agree the agency needs an overhaul after it was overwhelmed by unemployment claims during the pandemic. But Democratic state Rep. William Boddie and Republican state Sen. Bruce Thompson disagreed over how to solve the agency’s woes during a debate Tuesday streamed by Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Walker raises more than $12 million in third quarter
ATLANTA — Republican U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker raised more than $12 million during the last three months, the former University of Georgia football star’s campaign reported Wednesday. That’s less than half of the more than $26 million incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., raised during the third quarter. But the Walker campaign boasted his haul during July, August, and September was the largest quarterly total for any Republican Senate candidate during this election cycle.
Abrams campaign goes after Kemp with three hard-hitting ads
ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp has used his four years in office to enrich himself instead of looking out for Georgians’ best interests, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams charged Monday. In three new ads, Abrams tags the Republican governor “Kickback Kemp” for increasing his net worth by $3 million since entering office in 2019 and pushing tax relief “handouts” to wealthy Georgians rather than spending tax dollars on schools, hospitals and housing.
Candidates for lieutenant governor hit the airwaves
ATLANTA — The two major party candidates for lieutenant governor released their first ads of the general election campaign Wednesday, and they couldn’t be more different in tone. State Sen.
State university system awards record number of degrees
ATLANTA — The University System of Georgia awarded an all-time high 74,446 degrees during the last fiscal year, up 2.1% over fiscal 2021. “By preparing students for good jobs and helping create the jobs of the future, Georgia’s public colleges and universities are a great value for students and a major contributor to our state’s economy,” system Chancellor Sonny Perdue said Tuesday.
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