1,100-Worker Paper Mills Closing

International Paper will shutter its containerboard mills in Savannah and Riceboro by the end of September, cutting about 1,100 jobs as part of a $1.5 billion corporate restructuring.

The closures will end the mills’ 88-year presence in the region, and local leaders called the loss of the company and the jobs a devastating blow to the community and its economy, including its timber industry.

“This news is deeply felt across our community. For nearly a century, the mill has been a cornerstone of Savannah commerce, providing livelihoods, supporting families, and shaping generations of employees,” Savannah City Manager Jay Melder said.

The company promised severance packages to the workers, and local and state leaders pledged to offer job fairs, retraining programs, and job creation initiatives.

  Henley Leads PGA Finale in Atlanta

Macon native and University of Georgia graduate Russell Henley led the PGA Tour Championship after the opening round in Atlanta.

The tournament teed off Thursday at East Lake Golf Club, where the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup standings are competing for a $10 million payday and the season’s crown.

Beyond the fairways, the golf club and the tournament are helping fund schools, housing, and local renewal initiatives in the East Lake neighborhood.

This year, all of the tournament qualifiers started at even par, scrapping the strokes advantage that tour leaders received in previous years.

Governor Hopefuls Take Stage

Five governor candidates pitched their visions to voters this week at an NAACP forum in Warner Robins.

Candidates not in attendance sent video statements, including former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Attorney General Chris Carr, and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones.

The forum spotlighted issues such as healthcare and rural economic development.

In other election news, former lieutenant governor Geoff Duncan, fresh off a party switch from Republican to Democratic, said he’s considering joining the race.

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➤ Guyton: The community’s first murder in years resulted in the arrest of Jennifer Underwood, accused of killing her husband, Johnathan, at their home on Tuesday. (More)

➤ Statewide: A researcher says rural Georgia faces a population crisis, with 94 counties reporting more deaths than births in 2024, continuing a trend since 2010. (More)

➤ Chatham County: The county purchased the 410-acre Green Island near Skidaway Island for $6 million to preserve the land from development and ensure future public access. (More)

➤ Carroll County: A judge denied bond for jailed teenager Sarah Grace Patrick, accused in the February murders of her mother and stepfather. The judge called her a flight risk and cited concerns about possible witness intimidation. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Storms caused ankle-deep flooding in parts of the Fulton County Jail, prompting Sheriff Pat Labat to renew his criticism of the county’s plan to renovate the jail instead of replacing it. (More)

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➤ Atlanta Braves rookie Hurston Waldrep is off to one of the best starts by a rookie pitcher in MLB history, with a 0.73 ERA and wins in each of his first four games. The only other rookie to post similar numbers was the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Fernando Valenzuela in 1981. (More)

➤ Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary was carted off the practice field on Wednesday with a suspected lower leg injury. (More)

➤ The second week of high school football features interesting matchups across the state. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | Soccer | WNBA | LLWS | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Utility rates rose 8% for Valdosta residents starting this month, adding to an 8.5% hike last year, with some ratepayers claiming inadequate public notice and ongoing billing issues. (More)

➤ Cobb County-based CENTEGIX said its wearable panic buttons and other safety tools are gaining popularity with schools, hospitals, and government offices across Georgia and the nation. (More)

➤ Georgia farmers praised federal farm policy changes and a pledge of $66 billion in federal agricultural aid over the next 10 years. (More)

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AI Threats That Could Shatter Your Dreams 

The impact of artificial intelligence isn’t just hype anymore; it’s happening right before our eyes. While it may be shaping the future, it could also unleash major damage to the U.S. economy, potentially putting millions of retirement savers at risk.

That’s why more and more Americans are turning to time-tested strategies to help protect their life savings, and they’re starting with a free copy of The Case for Silver ebook.

➤ Georgia Aquarium became the first U.S. aquarium to offer the free ReBokeh Vision Technologies app, enhancing accessibility for visually-impaired guests through artificial intelligence-powered visual filters. (More)

➤ The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta will host a Football Fest & Free Day celebration on Saturday, offering fans free admission and interactive experiences to kick off the college football season. (More)

➤ Rome will host the 2025 Wings Over North Georgia Air Show on Oct. 17-19, featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, a drone show, and fireworks. (More)

Will you watch the PGA Tour Championship this weekend? 

1. Yes
2. No
3. Maybe

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you have a go-to pizza spot?

1. Yes: 58%
2. No: 42%

What is the name of the largest ship to visit Georgia?

Show me the answer