Atlanta Forward: Regional economy

Today's moderator: Rick Badie

Rick Badie joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as an education reporter in 1997. A South Georgia native, he's covered the region's immigrant communities, was a feature obituary writer and opinion columnist for the AJC's Gwinnett edition.

In 2013, Georgia was the nations' 11th-largest exporting state, based on the dollar value of its products. An economic development official writes about the significance of our state's export market and announces a new trade representative for Colombia. Meanwhile, a consumer expert examines the notion of cash-only purchases in light of recent credit card breaches at major retailers.

Today's columnists:

Georgia's export growth by Kathe Falls
Cash or credit? by Adam Levin

About the Author

Rick Badie

Health care provider bankruptcy may stick rural Georgia with state prisoners’ medical bills

Public ambulance services and hospitals are owed $75 million from the now-bankrupt Wellpath. Some want the state to reimburse them.

3 of 4 U.S. soldiers who went missing in Lithuania have been found dead

Three of four U.S. soldiers who went missing in Lithuania have been found dead. The soldiers had been stationed at Georgia's Fort Stewart.

Georgia prison homicides soar as lawmakers focus on fixes

January is off to a bloody start in Georgia prisons after setting a new record for homicides last year.

The Latest

Credit: Dreamstime/TNS

A.M. ATL: To ban phones in school, or not to ban?

3 of 4 U.S. soldiers who went missing in Lithuania have been found dead

A.M. ATL: Pollen, pollen everywhere

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Credit: Jenni Girtman

Mass layoffs underway at Atlanta-based CDC

Public health experts say the CDC cuts could represent generational damage to health research and the elimination of infectious diseases.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank discusses his hourlong phone call with Kirk Cousins

“I had a long and impactful conversation with him,” the Atlanta Falcons owner said at the NFL annual meeting on Tuesday.

Atlanta rapper Young Scooter died after cutting leg on wood fence, medical examiner says

New details still have investigators asking questions about the death of the rapper, who police say died after falling while running from officers responding to a 911 call.