Georgia Trend Daily – June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026 Georgia.gov

Staff reports that Gov. Kemp on Wednesday applauded Lockheed Martin’s positive economic impact over its 75 years of continuous operations in Marietta, Georgia. Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp, along with representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), joined company officials in celebrating the occasion alongside other state, local, and federal leaders at Lockheed Martin’s Cobb County manufacturing facility, which supports more than 5,600 Georgia jobs.

June 18, 2026 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!

Christy Simo reports that Missouri-based Prime Inc., which operates a fleet of 7,000 transport vehicles, is investing more than $160 million to establish its Southeastern regional hub in Spalding County. The new facility, which will also include space for driver development and training, equipment maintenance and comfort amenities, will create more than 120 new full-time jobs as well as positions for 50 professional drivers.

June 18, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Carson Bonner reports that as employers across the country struggle to find enough welders, electricians, healthcare workers and manufacturing technicians, a growing number of students are taking a different path to career success — one that doesn’t always require a four-year degree. The skills gap, referring to a gap between qualified workers in trade industries and the number of open roles, has continued to widen.

June 18, 2026 Marietta Daily Journal

Isabelle Manders reports that for 75 years, Lockheed Martin’s Marietta facility has stood at the forefront of American aerospace manufacturing, helping shape the nation’s air power while serving as an economic engine for Georgia and a cornerstone of national defense. Hundreds of employees as well as military personnel, community leaders and elected officials including Gov. Brian Kemp gathered at the sprawling 8-million-square-foot site Wednesday to celebrate the milestone anniversary.

June 18, 2026 GlobalAtlanta.com

Trevor Williams reports, as Atlanta prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for major events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many international business travelers, delegations and remote workers will find no shortage of hotels, office towers and meeting rooms. What may be harder to find is a workspace that also tells and connects to the story of Atlanta.

June 18, 2026 Savannah Morning News

Destini Ambus reports that Monday night Pooler staff presented an impact fee ordinance to council designed to hand infrastructure costs incurred from the area’s booming growth back to the developers who stand to profit most from it. The Department of Community Affairs and the Coastal Regional Commission is currently reviewing an impact fee study presented to council in February.

June 18, 2026 Athens Banner-Herald

Wayne Ford reports that Dexter Fisher set local history on Tuesday when he was elected as the first Black mayor of Athens-Clarke County. The election results posted on the Georgia Secretary of State website show that Fisher won by 1,099 votes, garnering 10,251 votes in all. Tim Denson, a former commissioner and current Clarke County Board of Education member, received 9,152 votes.

June 18, 2026 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Brittany McGee reports that last year, the Columbus Council voted 7-3 to fire Isaiah Hugley as city manager. He responded to the council with this message. “I would say thank you, for now,” he said during that May 27, 2025, council meeting.

June 18, 2026 Georgia Recorder

Jill Nolin reports that Democrats pulled off a win in a special election to fill the remainder of a former Democratic state senator’s term in a race that turned out tighter than expected. The Democrat in the special election, banker Adrienne White, ended up eking out a win with about 51% of the vote.

June 18, 2026 The Current

Maggie Lee reports, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is using his constitutional power to call together state lawmakers in an unusual season to address topics of his choice A special session can last a maximum of 40 days, unless three-fifths of lawmakers vote to extend it, according to the state constitution.

June 18, 2026 Capitol Beat News

Ty Tagami reports that Republican lawmakers in Georgia will not redraw election maps as suggested by Gov. Brian Kemp, leaders of the House and Senate said Wednesday afternoon, less than an hour before gaveling in for their special session. House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, and Senate President Pro Tem Larry Walker III, R-Perry, both cited ongoing litigation over Georgia’s maps, saying it was too soon to consider new ones.

June 18, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Caleb Groves reports, facing a self-made vote-counting conundrum, Senate Republicans are moving to preserve the very voting system that they and President Donald Trump have long criticized. Two years ago, Republican state lawmakers responded to pressure by activists by setting a July 1 deadline to do away with counting ballots using QR codes.