Sunday Solutions — Aug. 23, 2026
Good morning! We’re always here to take a fresh look at old ideas. Today, we’re looking at the well-used claim that agriculture is the state’s top industry. And, of course, there’s news and info you may need for your Sunday dinner conversations. Let’s roll.
DATA: ECONOMICS
We’re No. 1. (Not really)
We hear it all the time from state officials and others: Georgia’s No. 1 industry is agriculture. Legislation flies every session, accompanied by emotional appeals, to protect farms, farm land and give tax breaks for equipment and other items. While farms will always have a place in our hearts, no one’s ever checked out that ranking. Until now. The Current‘s data reporter, Maggie Lee, pulled in all the numbers to find that agriculture really isn’t at the top of the state’s jobs board. We’re wondering if the healthcare, hospitality or education sectors would like a word. And we hate to break it to you, but the title of “Peach State” needs a fresh look, too.
Announcing your shrimp
Under a new law, Georgia restaurants must post notice if they’re serving imported shrimp rather than domestic crustaceans. The idea is to support local shrimpers and make it clear to consumers whether they’re getting legitimate boat-to-fork cuisine beside Coastal Georgia’s shrimp-rich waters.
In Savannah, The Current GA’s Christopher Sweat saw his first sign this week, featuring shrimp from Ecuador. Look for similar documents in your favorite restaurants, or skip straight to Gracie Nelson’s coverage of supply of and demand for the special shellfish.
NEWS: UPDATES
More cars, days off, measles?
We’re skipping right to the reading list today because it’s a big one and topics range from moves on the Public Service Commission to vaccines and Grand Theft Auto.
- First, from the national reports we find some local economic news: Hyundai considering U.S. production increase at new Georgia plant, CEO tells CNBC: Official says tariffs are forcing more production to the U.S., Hyundai may boost expected production capacity at its Bryan County plant from 500,000 units a year to between 700,000 and 800,000 units by 2028. From CNBC.
- Speaking of autos…Fort Stewart Army unit offers 4 bonus days off to play Grand Theft Auto for soldiers who reenlist: They’ll have to sign up for another two years to get gaming time. From Russ Bynum at The Associated Press.
- Georgia falls below herd immunity threshold as vaccine exemptions climb: Just when the threats of Covid seemed to wane, we find more measles and this news. From Georgia Recorder. Here’s a look at the Department of Public Health requirements for vaccines and the exemption form parents must complete. In the meantime, Georgia just logged another case of measles in an unvaccinated person.
- Enrollment in SNAP grocery aid drops 20% in Georgia, 13% nationally: The state’s not the worst (that’s Arizona), but it’s close. From The Associated Press.
- Pridemore to resign from Georgia Public Service Commission: The state-official appointment carousel turns as commissioner Tricia Pridemore announced she’ll leave the PSC before her term ends in January. To finish the term, Gov. Brian Kemp has appointed Stan Wise, the person who resigned his term several years ago. It was filled when the governor appointed… (wait for it) …..Pridemore. From Grist/WABE.
FROM THE CURRENT
Safe travels — and thank you
This week, we said good-bye to our four summer staffers. They return to classrooms in Georgia Southern University-Armstrong Campus, Northwestern University, City University of New York, and the University of North Carolina, and we hope we’ve armed them for great journalism futures. What’s next? Two more arrive soon from Savannah State and Fordham University for fall fellowships.
And, we’d be remiss if we didn’t again say thank you to all who support the internship program, a commitment and key pillar for our mission at The Current GA. Want to keep the effort strong? Just click the button below.
NEWS: PUBLIC SAFETY
☕ Your second cup: Fewer murders. Year 3.
A few weeks ago, The Current‘s Jabari Gibbs brought us a story about a summer basketball league in Glynn County that gives young people something to do on hot summer nights. And, according to new research from the Pew Charitable Trust, it’s precisely this type of community effort that’s one key to a trend that every one can get behind: fewer homicides. 2025 saw the largest one-year drop in homicides on record, completing three straight years of declines. There’s no single cause, but community investment, focused policing, and violence intervention top the list. You can read the findings here.
Enjoy.
How Georgia farms’ fame (and favor) outpace their place in the economy
By Maggie Lee
Some of Georgia’s elected leaders repeat that agriculture is the Peach State’s No. 1 industry. But that’s not what the numbers say.
Under new legislation, restaurants prep to post origin country for shrimp
By Gracie Nelson
Georgia’s House Bill 117 requires restaurants to disclose the country of origin for shrimp to increase transparency and support local shrimpers against foreign competition.
Fort Stewart Army unit offers 4 bonus days off to play Grand Theft Auto for soldiers who reenlist
By Russ Bynum/The Associated Press
An Army engineering battalion at Fort Stewart offered soldiers a special four-day pass coinciding with the release of Grand Theft Auto VI as an incentive to reenlist.
Georgia falls below herd immunity threshold as vaccine exemptions climb
By Maya Homan/Georgia Recorder
New CDC data shows that kindergarten immunization rates are falling while vaccine exemptions are rising nationally and in Georgia, despite efforts from health experts to combat misinformation.
Enrollment in SNAP grocery aid drops 20% in Georgia, 13% nationally
Geoff Mulvihill and Mikella Schuettler/The Associated Press
Enrollment in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dropped by more than 20% in Georgia and 13% over a 12-month period due to stricter work requirements and administrative challenges following the implementation of President Trump’s legislative changes.
Pridemore to resign from Georgia Public Service Commission
By Emily Jones/WABE, Grist and Rahul Bali/WABE
Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tricia Pridemore announced her resignation effective Sept. 4, leaving her seat open for Governor Brian Kemp to fill until the winner of the upcoming November election is sworn in.
Friday Night Lights? In Glynn County it’s Friday Night Hoops
By Jabari Gibbs
In Brunswick, Georgia, a summer basketball league keeps teens active, fed and watched over on a weekend night.
A Census report claims 400 noncitizens voted in 2020. Georgia’s secretary of state wants details
By Chase McGee/ GPB
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger questioned a U.S. Census Bureau report alleging that 400 noncitizens voted in the 2020 election, while experts noted the findings would not change the election’s outcome.
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