Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A group of Georgia politicians have introduced a bill that would keep the state’s college athletic programs on an even playing field with chief rivals. Athletes in Georgia could be exempt from paying state income tax on their NIL compensation if a bill filed Monday by Senators Brandon Beach, Greg Dolezal, Ben Watson, Carden Summers and Frank Ginn passes. With Georgia’s 5.49% tax rate among the highest in the Southeast, NIL dollars lag behind tax-free states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. The bill seeks to level the playing field in recruiting, where money now drives decisions. What do you think about this proposed bill? Read more: https://lnkd.in/eAjfrYxp

An international jet engine designer and manufacturer announced Monday it will establish a new North American headquarters in Roswell. PBS AEROSPACE Inc., a Czech Republic-based turbojet engine maker, will invest $20 million and hire 95 workers at its new Roswell facility, according to a news release. The headquarters is an expansion of the company’s current operation in Buckhead and will incorporate additional manufacturing and research and development capabilities. The company has contracts with several major aerospace and defense companies, including Lockheed Martin, which has a major presence in Georgia. More: https://lnkd.in/dQt_mHuq

The rising cost of eggs has been hitting consumers in the pocketbook, and now it’s driving up costs for some businesses — with Waffle House, Inc. announcing a temporary change to its prices. Waffle House has placed a 50-cent surcharge on every egg, according to signage posted inside the restaurant and a statement provided by a company spokesperson. The decision was made to avoid increasing prices across the menu. The Norcross-based chain said in the statement that the continuing egg shortage caused by the bird flu has caused “a dramatic increase in egg prices.” “Customers and restaurants are being forced to make difficult decisions,” the statement reads. More on the price of eggs 🥚 https://lnkd.in/egKdfdq9

Over the last 26 years, Ken Sugiura has made a name for himself as a reporter — now columnist — at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, part of Cox Enterprises, where he’s been able to write stories like the ones he loved reading as a kid. Inspired by the grit and fervor of Chicago’s sports scene, Ken grew up not just watching games, but living and breathing the stories of his hometown heroes. "I read The Chicago Tribune and Sports Illustrated cover to cover from the time I was probably 10 or 11,” he said. Find out how Ken's passion for storytelling shaped his 26-year career in sports journalism:  https://bit.ly/3xPpaLX 👏 #lifeatcox #journalism

Amid a major pushback against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the public and private sectors, National Football League (NFL) commissioner Roger Goodell said the league plans to keep its DEI programs in place. With the election of President Donald Trump, DEI programs in the Federal government and around the country have been called into question. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank is a long-standing member of the NFL’s diversity committee. “It’s been attracting better talent. We think we’re better. We get different perspectives from people with different backgrounds, whether they’re women or men or people of color. We make ourselves stronger.” Read more on what he had to say during his address: https://lnkd.in/eP629-Xx

What do Nancy Drew and Taylor Croft have in common? A passion for investigation and uncovering the truth. “I was always super curious, asking a lot of questions, which are some natural qualities that go into being a journalist,” she said. Discover how Taylor landed her dream job as a reporter at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, part of Cox Enterprises, as she shares her journey into journalism and the keys to her early career success. https://bit.ly/4cfhim8 #lifeatcox #journalism

As General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood waved from the cockpit, train car number 1004 made its inaugural ride into MARTA’s Lindbergh Station to a noisy backdrop of train honks, cheers and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blasting from speakers. Onlookers crowded the platform with phones lifted to capture the exact moment when the transit agency’s new CQ400 railcars came into sight. It’s the first design change to MARTA’s trains since they began rolling almost half a century ago. 🚆 https://lnkd.in/eHdQG46U

After going dark for more than a year, #Atlanta’s public access TV channel is back up and running with a new name and a renewed mission for the modern era. AJC's Savannah Sicurella looks at that, and introduces Gordon Burrows, and on-set armorer who most recently worked on"Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist." #TheScene #AJC

On Friday, the utility revealed its plans for serving that new load. The company’s road map calls for adding new renewables, upgrading aging nuclear units and modernizing its hydropower fleet. But it also calls for keeping some of the country’s largest coal power plants running longer than previously planned, units that Georgia Power Company executives said just three years ago had become “uneconomical” to operate. “The 2025 IRP provides a comprehensive plan to support Georgia’s continued economic growth and serve Georgians with clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy well into the future,” Georgia Power CEO Kim Greene said in a statement. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e-XbxFCm

Kelly Audette, our social media coach, offers insights on the vital role of local journalism.