News from the South - Georgia News Feed

Governor-appointed GOP labor commissioner officially announces 2026 candidacy

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2025

georgiarecorder.com – Ross Williams – 2025-05-28 13:30:00

by Ross Williams, Georgia Recorder
May 28, 2025

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes has officially thrown her hat in the ring to run for a full term in office.

Holmes, who was previously the CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, was tapped by Gov. Brian Kemp to lead the agency in April after former Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson died in November.

“I have a profound responsibility to serve the people of Georgia, and I look forward to working alongside them to ensure Georgia’s best and brightest days are ahead,” Holmes said in a statement Wednesday. “As Labor Commissioner, I will continue to lead the department to build trust, foster collaboration, expand workforce development, and empower small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state.”

Before heading the department, Holmes worked as a journalist and has served on boards including the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, to which she was appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal and the Georgia Rural Development Council, to which she was appointed by Kemp.

Holmes is of Cuban descent and a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Kemp’s appointment made her Georgia’s first Latina constitutional officer.

Unlike in other statewide races that are likely to see heated partisan primaries, Holmes did not highlight her party affiliation, conservative bona fides or devotion to President Donald Trump, either in her announcement or on her campaign website. She registered as a Republican on her paperwork with the state ethics commission.

During the April press conference announcing her appointment, Kemp was less demure.

“Yes, she’ll run, and yes she’ll run as a Republican,” he said.

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Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com.

The post Governor-appointed GOP labor commissioner officially announces 2026 candidacy appeared first on georgiarecorder.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

This article presents a factual and neutral report on Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes’ candidacy without overt ideological language or partisan framing. It highlights her background, appointment by a Republican governor, and her decision not to emphasize partisan credentials in her campaign. The piece reports on both Holmes’ and Governor Kemp’s statements in an objective manner, avoiding editorializing or promoting a political viewpoint. The balanced presentation of facts and focus on biographical and procedural details indicate a centrist, neutral stance in the coverage.

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News from the South - Georgia News Feed

Alderwoman Shabazz, city leaders host public safety town hall

Published

6 hours ago

May 29, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wsav.com – Kaley Fedko – 2025-05-29 22:12:00

SUMMARY: Savannah held a town hall in Tatemville addressing a recent spike in crime, hosted by District 5 Alderwoman Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz. Community members expressed gratitude for the open dialogue with elected officials, the Savannah Police and Fire Departments, and City Manager Jay Melder. SPD Chief Lenny Gunther revealed that street crime, particularly vehicle thefts, has doubled from January to mid-May. The event aimed to foster transparency and direct communication, reducing misunderstandings often caused by social media. Leaders also promoted SPD’s new community app, enabling residents to report tips, register cameras, and request police reports, enhancing public safety involvement.

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The post Alderwoman Shabazz, city leaders host public safety town hall appeared first on www.wsav.com

News from the South - Georgia News Feed

Georgia’s best waterfalls explored | FOX 5 News

Published

9 hours ago

May 29, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – FOX 5 Atlanta – 2025-05-29 04:07:40

SUMMARY: Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and Georgia offers great outdoor activities, including hikes to stunning waterfalls. FOX 5’s Lauren Robinson explores Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawson County, home to the 729-foot cascading Amicalola Falls, taller than Niagara Falls. The waterfall’s name means “tumbling waters” in Cherokee. Visitors can hike up a paved path with 604 stairs or take an ADA-accessible trail. The mountain water stays cold year-round, popular for summer polar plunges. Besides hiking, the park offers fishing, archery, and hatchet throwing. On clear days, panoramic views include the Atlanta skyline.

Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer and you may be looking for fun activities for the family. This summer, we’re taking you all across Georgia and showing you some great hikes along with way. FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Laurann Robinson takes us on a trail along one of the most popular waterfalls in the state.

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News from the South - Georgia News Feed

Manhunt continues for two escaped New Orleans inmates | FOX 5 News

Published

11 hours ago

May 29, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – FOX 5 Atlanta – 2025-05-29 17:05:59

SUMMARY: The manhunt for two escaped New Orleans inmates, convicted killer Derek Groves and domestic abuse suspect Antoine Massie, enters its third week. Federal, state, and local authorities are actively searching, urging the public to provide tips for a $50,000 reward per inmate. Fourteen people face charges for aiding the escape. Officials emphasize the importance of public cooperation despite personal connections to the fugitives, as safety is paramount. Authorities suspect the fugitives may have left Louisiana, following arrests of other escapees near Houston, Texas. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Merl highlighted efforts to enhance jail security to prevent future incidents.

New Orleans officials are asking the public for help in finding the last two inmates who escaped from the city’s jail.

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