SUMMARY: A report by the Jack Kemp Foundation warns that average American energy bills could rise by 25% to 70% over the next decade due to soaring energy demands driven by AI, hyperscale data centers, and advanced manufacturing. The surge is straining the U.S. power grid, leading to significant price increases in capacity markets. Dominion Energy disputes these findings, predicting only a 2.5% annual increase in Virginia. The report argues for policy changes, including charging data centers more for energy and halting subsidies for their construction to alleviate the burden on consumers. Recommendations also include implementing minimum take clauses for utility contracts.

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SUMMARY: Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced his candidacy for the 2026 Republican gubernatorial nomination. In a post on his X page, Carr emphasized his commitment to building on the legacies of former governors Brian Kemp, Nathan Deal, and Sonny Perdue by focusing on job creation, community safety, and defending constitutional freedoms. With Kemp term-limited, Carr, who has been attorney general since 2016 and previously served in economic development and as chief of staff to Senator Johnny Isakson, enters a race that includes at least one other candidate, Democrat Olu Brown, who announced his campaign in August.

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SUMMARY: Irving Tissue is expanding in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, adding 100 jobs as part of a $600 million investment. Since opening in 2017, the company has invested over $1.5 billion and created 400 jobs in the area. Mayor Lester Miller praised Irving’s commitment to the community, while the company plans to introduce a third paper-making machine and an automated warehouse. President Robert Irving acknowledged Georgia’s support for economic growth and the skilled local workforce. Governor Brian Kemp emphasized the importance of fostering relationships with job creators, highlighting Georgia’s status as the leading state for business.

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