JOURNALISM
Fort McPherson court hearing: “No deal currently imminent,” said lawyer for Army
- The Army that still owns Fort McPherson and a state authority that wants to buy the fort, and flip most of it to filmmaker Tyler Perry, disagreed Friday in federal court over a critical point: When will the deal close? The judge seemed to think the date important. A lawyer for the Army said: “No deal is currently imminent.” The comments in U.S. District Court in Atlanta were the latest contortion in the proposed reuse of a military base whose decommissioning happened ...more
Tyler Perry hearing involves high flyers of Atlanta’s bar arguing over Ft. McPherson
- A star-studded team of lawyers is set to appear Friday in federal court in Atlanta to begin the debate over whether Tyler Perry got a sweetheart deal to buy most of Fort McPherson to build a film studio. Positioned against Perry as the plaintiff’s lawyer is Tony Axam, a noted death penalty attorney who once was called to serve on the defense team of convicted serial killer Wayne Williams – until Williams fired him without explanation at the outset. Axam specializes ...more
Ga. 400 tolls: Gov. Deal reminds that tolls are history, closure wins awards
- The issue of tolls on Ga. 400 may not be a hot button issue in this fall’s race for governor, but a recent media release reminds voters that tollbooths came down during the term of Gov. Nathan Deal. The end of tolls along Ga. 400 has emergedd as an issue in the gubernatorial campaign. File/Credit: State Road and Tollway Authority The State Road and Tollway Authority, which the governor chairs, issued a statement about SRTA winning a national award related to ...more
Air quality improving in metro Atlanta, according to preliminary GRTA report
- The air quality in metro Atlanta is showing significant improvements in terms of a reduction in the amount of fine particulates, according to a preliminary report by GRTA. The number of “good” air quality days reached a preliminary figure of about 50 percent in 2013, the best year on a chart that shows years going back to 2004. The air quality index hovered in the mid 60 percentile range from 2012 back to 2009. If the preliminary findings stand, the region will ...more
Rural Georgians may face rising hardships to reach medical care
- Georgia is going to be hard pressed to transport the poor, elderly and disabled from home to health care in rural parts of the state, according to an analysis of a new report by the Governor’s Development Council. The consequence is that rural Georgia may become an increasingly difficult to live for current residents who hope to age in place, and for those who move from a city to a small town or the countryside. The government will have to determine ...more
Atlanta’s home building, some retail sectors remain erratic, budget shows
- The home construction industry in the city of Atlanta remains erratic, and other market sectors are still shaking themselves out after the recession, according to a review of figures provided in Mayor Kasim Reed’s budget proposal. The value of homes built in the city of Atlanta fell by 48 percent in 2013 compared to 2012. However, once all construction categories are included, the budget shows revenues from building permits are increasing steadily in the city. The value of lumber sold in the ...more
PSC’s Tim Echols turns spotlight on ending child trafficking exploitation
- PSC Commissioner Tim Echols, who normally helps set utility rates, recently convened a panel of state and regional leaders to discuss the trafficking of children and look ahead to solutions. “There is no nexus between the PSC and the sexual exploitation of children, but as a constitutional officer in the state of Georgia I believe it is my duty to uphold the constitution that says, ‘Wisdom, Justice, Moderation,” Echols said after the Lunch and Learn event he hosted May 9 at ...more
Stadium update: Opponents of city bonds say they are weighing options to appeal
- Atlanta has won the first round of the legal fight over its authority to issue more than $278 million in bonds for the future Falcons stadium. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville ruled last week in the city’s favor. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s office issued a statement saying the mayor was “pleased” with the outcome. However, the city cannot issue any bonds during the 30-day period during which the opponents can appeal the court ruling. Opponents said Sunday they are weighing ...more
Georgia’s jobs deficit tops 372,000 as companies hire slowly, GBPI report shows
- Georgia’s deficit of jobs was 372,300 in March 2014 and Georgia companies employ fewer workers than before the recession began, according to a report released Thursday by the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. To fill the gap by March 2017, the GBPI report states: “Georgia’s economy would need to add an average of about 13,000 jobs per month. Georgia averaged only 5,670 jobs per month over the past year.” The GBPI findings on employment trends are in line with those contained in ...more
Atlanta Mayor Reed: Boko Haram “could not be more wrong” in kidnapping girls for slave trade
- Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has added his voice to the international chorus condemning an Islamist terrorist group for kidnapping school girls in Nigeria. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the more than 200 Nigerian girls kidnapped three weeks ago from the Government Girls Secondary School,” Reed said in a statement released Wednesday. Reed is slated to visit Nigeria in October as part of a trade mission that includes South Africa. Reed also is scheduled to join ...more