James_March-April_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 7
The May 19th Republican primary field for governor
was set in stone until— surprise!— billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson launched his campaign.
Jackson is willing to put at least $50 million of his own
money into the race. That eye-popping number obviously makes him formidable. But he's butting heads
with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, endorsed by President Donald Trump and who stands to garner significant financial support. The primary includes Atty. Gen. Chris
Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Any
bets on which candidate will be RISING? . . .
A jet fuel spill at Hartsfield-Jackson International
Airport dumped an estimated 10,000 gallons of fuel
into the Flint River, which provides drinking water
for more than 400,000 residents of the south Atlanta metro. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and Georgia Environmental Protection Division were
quick to respond, but local residents and conservation
groups were frustrated by a lack of ownership by airport officials. Spalding County residents 45 miles south
of the airport reported a noticeable smell and residue
in their water. The incident marked the ninth fuel spill
at Hartsfield-Jackson since 2016. Sinking . . .
It’s not often you see parents, teachers, school administrators and lawmakers all aligned on an issue— but
that’s exactly what’s happening when it comes to a
proposed cell phone ban in Georgia high schools.
A bill mirroring the ban lawmakers passed last year
for K-8th grade would ban phones for high schoolers
during the day, and it’s flying through the General
Assembly. Polls show more than 70 percent of parents
are in favor. The ban’s odds of passing are RISING . . .
Atlanta-based utility giant Southern Company tops
a prestigious list as the No. 1 Best for Vets Employer, per the annual rankings from The Military
Times “Best for Vets” list. This marks the second time
Southern Co. has topped the index, and it was lauded for its “exceptional dedication to hiring, retaining
and supporting America’s veterans.” For successfully
helping veterans transition into civilian energy careers, Southern Company is RISING . . .
When the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ended its print
edition to go all digital, it couldn’t find room (even
though there are no space limitations) to retain Christian columnist Patricia Holbrook. She is a compelling
writer who covered all aspects of religion for 14 years.
The newspaper is filled with political opinion writers
(many left-of-center), yet no room for a columnist addressing the important topic of religion? Deleting Holbrook leaves the AJC Drifting . . . Holbrook, though,
vows to “continue to share God’s word” through a blog
and YouTube channel. We predict she’ll garner a bigger
audience. RISING . . .
Multiple current and former Kennesaw State University basketball players, including star guard Simeon
Cottle, have been snared in a federal indictment as
part of a wide-ranging scheme to rig games. The fixers
paid players to underperform in specific games— one
cited is KSU’s March 1, 2024, matchup against Queens
University— and then be paid bribes in cash upon
completion. The scandal has KSU basketball— and
college sports as a whole Sinking . . .
Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
John King is going after insurance companies not in
compliance with state laws. He has issued nearly $25
million in fines against health insurance companies
for violations, bringing the total since he took office
(in 2019) to more than $42 million, more than any
commissioner in state history. “These fines are meant
to send a message: No one’s above the law, and that
includes insurance companies,” said King. RISING . . .
A third Georgia House Democrat has been charged
with unemployment fraud, this time state Rep. Dexter Sharper of Valdosta. Sharper is accused of collecting $13,825 in unemployment benefits during the
COVID pandemic, while telling the government that
he was collecting no wages and was actively searching
for employment. But investigators say he was collecting money from his job as a legislator as well as from
his rental business. Of the two other House Dems
charged, Karen Bennett resigned while Rep. Sharon
Henderson was suspended. Expect Sharper’s political
career likewise to be Sinking . . .
M AR C H /A PRIL 2026
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