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.

Call us the Goober State. Peanuts, an economic engine in rural South Georgia, represent a value that exceeds $2 billion. Today's topics deal with record crop yields, a slight decline in exports to China, and the potential for growth due in part to health-conscious consumers.

Today's columnists:

Nuts: The economic health of Ga. by Don Koehler
Peanut prices drop by Nathan B. Smith

About the Author

Rick Badie

Atlanta antique appraiser made $20M selling fakes, lawsuit says

An Atlanta art and antique appraiser is being sued by a Florida multimillionaire, who says he spent about $20 million on thousands of fake works.

How an ex-Texan and a university helped change the face of a Georgia city

Mercer University President Bill Underwood is stepping down after two decades at the helm. He's credited with boosting enrollment, resurrecting football and reshaping Macon.

Thanksgiving to bring chilly, dry, overall delightful weather to metro Atlanta

A big drop in temperatures is coming overnight Wednesday, so go ahead and pull out those flannels and blankets.