SUMMARY: The Energy Department may lay off a significant portion of its workforce, as over 40% of its 15,994 positions are deemed nonessential, according to a document reviewed by *The Hill*. About 7,000 jobs could be at risk, including roles tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs the administration plans to cut. No final decisions have been made, but the department is reviewing its structure to align with Trump administration priorities. Essential offices include those focused on cybersecurity, nuclear security, and power administration. Broader federal layoffs are also expected, affecting departments like Health and Human Services and Veterans’ Affairs.

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by Stanley Dunlap, Georgia Recorder
April 4, 2025

Former Albany Herald business reporter Bárbara Rivera Holmes became the first Hispanic woman to hold a statewide executive office position when she was sworn in Friday as state labor commissioner.

During Friday’s swearing-in ceremony, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp trumpeted Holmes’ groundbreaking accomplishment becoming Georgia’s first Hispanic woman to become a constitutional officer. The former news reporter resigned as president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce after being selected by Kemp to fill the remaining term of former Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson, who died in November following an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

“Like I said last month when we announced the appointment of Bárbara Rivera Holmes to this position, I said that she was smart, accomplished and dedicated to growing opportunities for hard working Georgians,” Kemp said. “She also brings unique experience in economic development, especially in rural parts of our state, and education at the highest levels in our state will benefit all those who are looking for work.”

Holmes will begin leading the Georgia Department of Labor amid rising fears of a recession as President Donald Trump’s administration levies historic tariffs that critics argue could raise the price of U.S. goods while disrupting the global economy.

Her predecessor, Thompson, spent a decade in the Senate prior to becoming labor commissioner in 2023, taking over a state agency that had struggled to process a surge of unemployment claims since the start of the pandemic.

Late Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson honored by state senators for his service

On Friday, Holmes credited her family’s sacrifices that included her grandparents in 1961 seeking political refuge from Cuba in America as the driving force in her becoming the state’s 11th labor commissioner.

Holmes said Friday that she plans to run for a four-year term as labor commissioner when her current term ends in the 2026 election year.

“The Department of Labor is vital to our state’s economy for supporting workforce development, job attainment, safe working conditions and the prosperity of our communities,” she said.

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.

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SUMMARY: Perry Green, ex-husband of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, publicly apologized to three Muslim women he verbally attacked in a viral video at the Avalon Mall in Alpharetta. The women were praying in their car when Green confronted them, making derogatory comments. After the incident, Green met with the women at their place of worship and expressed regret, stating that no one should be treated that way. The women chose to forgive him, emphasizing peace over legal action. The incident reflects a rise in anti-Muslim incidents in Georgia, with the victims advocating for education and awareness.

A mea culpa from the man who verbally attacked three Muslim women earlier this week. The man in a now viral video verbally attacking three Muslim women says he is sorry. He apologized to the three women today at their house of worship and says he hopes they will forgive him.

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