Author | Lightnews

Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 1d

The case first went to the state appeals court, then was transferred to the Georgia Supreme Court when the appeal was deemed a constitutional challenge. The justices disagreed, sending it back to the appeals court. Those judges ruled without hearing arguments.

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 1d

A neighbor and aspiring right-leaning politician, David Tootle, filed the suit after the renaming in early 2024. Chatham Superior Court dismissed the suit, ruling the city had the authority to change the name in summer 2024, and Tootle appealed.
savannahagenda.com/taylor-squar...

Taylor Square challenge heading to Georgia Supreme Court

By Eric Curl Oct. 18, 2024 – A Savannah resident is continuing to challenge the legality of the city’s decision to rename a downtown square after Susie King Taylor, a former enslaved educator and nurs...

savannahagenda.com

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 1d

Savannah Skinny: Remember that lawsuit against the City of Savannah over the renaming of Calhoun/Taylor Square? It’s officially a loser. The Georgia Court of Appeals quietly affirmed a lower court decision in September. #savtaylorsquare www.ajc.com/politics/sav...

Savannah square saga: Replacing name of pro-slavery advocate proves difficult

For going on three years now, one of Savannah's squares has marked the local front line of a nationwide political and cultural battle. On one side is a group insistent upon the removal of the name of ...

www.ajc.com

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 7d

The optimistic mortality report extended to calves. All 11 survived birth and their first few months of life. By contrast, 25% of those born during the 2024 season died. Be on the lookout for mothers and calves in December with the start of new calving season.

Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 7d

Even better news – there were no deaths this year. Right whales are fragile: They swim close to the water’s surface and are susceptible to entanglement in fishing gear and boat strikes. Researchers recorded only two injuries related to these dangers in 2025.
www.ajc.com/opinion/opin...

Opinion: Georgia is critical to the survival of North Atlantic right whales

We can better protect one of the world’s most endangered large whale species.

www.ajc.com

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 7d

Savannah Skinny: North Atlantic right whales calve off our shores, and reports are the endangered species is doing increasingly swimmingly. Their estimated numbers are up to 384 whales, up from 358 five years ago. #rightwhales
www.neaq.org/right-whale-...

Protections for Right Whales Remain Essential to Continue Population’s Gradual Increase - New England Aquarium

As right whale numbers slowly rise, scientists stress the need for continued collaboration to protect these animals.

www.neaq.org

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 19d

In the years since he’s been an easy target for the “stop the steal” squad (link) hat frequently attends Elections Board meetings. He’s handled it with professionalism and grace with support from the board and chairman Tom Mahoney. All the best to Billy in retirement.
cbsaustin.com/news/nation-...

Police forcibly remove woman from Georgia county Board of Elections meeting

A woman was forcibly removed by police from a Chatham County Board of Elections meeting after officials said she refused to yield her time during public debate.

cbsaustin.com

Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 19d

Wooten has been involved with elections for decades and stepped into the lead role when Russell Bridges retired -- in 2020, when elections officials managed the voting machine switch, COVID and unfounded (still) allegations of a stolen election in Georgia.

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 19d

Savannah Skinny: Chatham Elections Supervisor Billy Wooten’s time as Savannah’s piñata is just about over. Wooten announced Thursday his intention to move into a part-time role starting next year, ahead of the midterms.
www.wtoc.com/2025/10/09/c...

Chatham Co. Elections Supervisor ends tenure, takes on part-time position

The Chatham County Board of Elections has announced that Chatham County Elections Supervisor Billy Wooten is ending his tenure.

www.wtoc.com

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 20d

In addition, a “visa desk” will soon open at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to facilitate requests. This addresses Gov. Brian Kemp’s call to protect American workers while helping foreign-based companies investing here. (like Hyundai and LG)

Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 20d

A journalism colleague with the Wall Street Journal turned up the follow: A Korean foreign minister says his countrymen traveling on B-1 visas an visa-waivers are now allowed to “install, service or repair” specialized manufacturing equipment.
www.wsj.com/business/aut...

Hyundai Gets Cold Shoulder From Trump Despite Charm Offensive

The Korean carmaker is betting big on the U.S., even as new trade and immigration policies pose hurdles.

www.wsj.com

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 20d

Savannah Skinny: Following up on yesterday’s post about U.S. visa policy and the need for a work authorization that covers technicians here temporarily to set up equipment (like those detained in the ICE raid at the Hyundai-LG battery plant) …

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 21d

Said Kemp of immigration priorities: Secure the border. Protect American workers. Help companies that are investing here.

Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 21d

He noted the expanded H1-B program (at $100K a pop) won’t help companies that need to bring technicians stateside for a few months to set up specialized machinery and train workers in their use. H-1B is for longer-term employees.
www.ajc.com/business/202...

Hyundai CEO joins chorus calling for visa overhaul after Georgia ICE raid

Hyundai's joint battery factory near Savannah that was raided by immigration agents isn’t possible without the skills found in Korea, the automaker's CEO says.

www.ajc.com

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 21d

Kemp said Dooley represents the GOP’s “best shot” at defeating the Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff. But beyond the campaigning, the most interesting topic was Kemp’s take on U.S. visa policy in the wake of the ICE raid at the Hyundai-LG battery plant last month.
www.ajc.com/politics/202...

Exclusive: Kemp’s office blindsided by Hyundai raid, scrambled to contain fallout

As an unprecedented federal immigration raid descended on Georgia’s most prized economic project, Gov. Brian Kemp and his staff scrambled to get a handle on the crisis.

www.ajc.com

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 21d

Savannah Skinny: Gov. Brian Kemp stumped Tuesday alongside U.S. Senate candidate Derek Dooley in an event at a River St. hotel. For many, it was a first look at Dooley, the son of UGA legend Vince Dooley and a man with no political or government experience. #gapol
www.wjcl.com/article/our-...

‘Our best shot’: Gov. Kemp backs newcomer Derek Dooley in bid for Georgia Senate seat

Governor Kemp weighs in on federal government shutdown and health care funding during his stop in Savannah

www.wjcl.com

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 27d

As for the “Oglethorpe 6” nickname, that’s not a media creation – the emailed press release from the DA’s office referred to them that way in the subject line and the header.

Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 27d

All face a felony murder charge due to the death of a woman who suffered a heart attack during the incident. The defendants include minors, or minors at the time of the shooting, but will be tried as adults.

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 27d

Savannah Skinny: District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones has announced indictments for those accused in the Oglethorpe Mall shootout in July. Six alleged gang members, which the DA’s calls the “Oglethorpe 6,” face a combined 71 charges. #chathamda
www.wtoc.com/2025/10/01/a...

All suspects in Oglethorpe Mall shooting indicted for felony murder, among other charges

The six suspects in the Oglethorpe Mall shooting have been indicted on 71 counts, including felony murder.

www.wtoc.com

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 28d

The Gulfstream news comes the same week that an upstart private jet maker has grabbed media attention. Otto Aerospace, with manufacturing facilities in Jacksonville, unveiled a windowless jet that promises to be 60% more fuel efficient. #ottoaerospace
www.wsj.com/business/air...

Exclusive | This Windowless Plane Is Vying to Be the Private Jet of the Future

Otto Aerospace’s new business jet has no traditional passenger windows and a tear-drop-shaped cabin. Private-jet company Flexjet wants hundreds of them.

www.wsj.com

Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 28d

Like the G280, the G300 is not made in Savannah but overseas by an Israeli-manufacturing partner, IAI. All of Gulfstream’s other aircraft, including the still-in-development G400, are built here at HQ.
www.ajc.com/news/2025/08...

Aerospace is a top Georgia industry. A new group plans to keep it that way.

Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce and other firms are forming the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance.

www.ajc.com

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · 28d

Savannah Skinny: Gulfstream unveiled its latest new aircraft Tuesday, the G300. It will replace the G280, the smallest jet in the portfolio, once it enters service later this decade. The most notable difference? The G300 has Gulfstream’s distinct oval windows. #gulfstream
www.wsj.com/business/air...

Exclusive | This Windowless Plane Is Vying to Be the Private Jet of the Future

Otto Aerospace’s new business jet has no traditional passenger windows and a tear-drop-shaped cabin. Private-jet company Flexjet wants hundreds of them.

www.wsj.com

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · Sep 23

Circling back on water use for paper mills … the wood pellet factory in Jesup uses 60 million gallons a day and the diaper and feminine hygiene product mill in Brunswick used 45 million. So don’t sweat that long shower this morning.

Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · Sep 23

The H20 upgrades were announced earlier this year in the wake of uproar over wells to supply Hyundai being drilled in Bulloch County. While Hyundai may have been the final straw that triggered action, the region’s water woes began long before.
www.ajc.com/news/georgia...

State to address Savannah’s water woes with half-billion dollar investment

To address Savannah's looming shortage of drinking water, Gov. Brian Kemp has included $507 million in the state budget to develop a regional water system.

www.ajc.com

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Adam Van Brimmer @vanbrimmerajc.bsky.social · Sep 23

Savannah Skinny: How thirsty is Savannah’s paper mill? Try 24 million gallons a day. It’s closure later this month frees up water capacity, both from the Floridan aquifer and the Savannah River. But it doesn’t change the plan for the half-billion water expansion. #ajc
www.ajc.com/news/2025/09...

Paper mill exit eases Savannah water woes, but pricey upgrades still on tap

International Paper's mill closure frees up more than 20 million gallons of water capacity for Savannah, a region facing a water shortage. But it won't alter expansion plans.

www.ajc.com

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