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.

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Today, we address economic pressure points that can stall both consumer spending and job creation. A small-business advocate writes about the slowdown in hiring by Georgia businesses and why many are reluctant to add workers. Meanwhile, an economic forecaster says the Great Recession’s aftermath continues to constrain job growth and worker wages.

Guest columnists:

Wary business owners by Kyle Jackson

Wage gains remain flat by Patrick Newport

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC