Around 600 CDC Employees Terminated

Approximately 600 employees at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been terminated.

The decision is part of a restructuring plan by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that was announced in March.

“We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said.

The union representing the employees has condemned the decision, calling it unlawful and warning that it will harm the agency’s ability to effectively respond to future public health threats.

  A New Hockey Team for Augusta

The ECHL (formerly known as East Coast Hockey League) has approved a new minor league hockey team for Augusta, co-owned by former NFL quarterback and 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.

The decision ends a 12-year pro hockey absence in the city.

The team will play its home games at the new Augusta Arena, a 10,500-seat venue currently under construction in downtown Augusta.

The team’s name, which the public can now suggest, will be announced at a later date. They are set to begin play in the 2027-28 season.

Georgia Aquarium’s Whale Shark Passes Away

Taroko, a male whale shark who has lived at the Georgia Aquarium for nearly 20 years, was euthanized on Wednesday due to his declining health. Aquarium staff noticed significant changes in his appetite and behavior and a deterioration of his  overall health despite veterinary care.

Rescued from a seafood market in Taiwan in 2007, Taroko had been a prominent exhibit, being observed by over 43 million visitors during his time at the aquarium.

A necropsy is planned to further investigate Taroko’s health decline.

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➤ Atlanta: Brent Hinds, co-founder and former lead guitarist of the Atlanta-based heavy metal band Mastodon, died in a motorcycle crash on Wednesday night. (More)

➤ Monroe: Walton County residents are protesting a 19.55% property tax increase, which was approved by city commissioners earlier this month to fund a new $140 million public safety center. (More)

➤ Mableton: The Cobb County School Board narrowly approved a $4.6 million bus depot in Mableton despite community concerns. (More)

➤ Long County: A powerful storm hit the area on Thursday, causing widespread damage and leaving about 1,100 residents without power. (More)

➤ Pearson: Atkinson County Schools canceled classes on Friday due to ongoing water safety concerns. Water services for the district have been shut off since Tuesday afternoon. (More)

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➤ Georgia women’s soccer beat the defending champions UNC this week 2-0. The Bulldogs are now 2-1 on the season. (More)

➤ Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley will miss the rest of the 2025 season after having abdominal surgery on Thursday. (More)

➤ UGA just appointed an Executive Director of Athlete Commercial Strategy, who will essentially handle all NIL and player compensation strategies for the Bulldogs. (More)

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

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➤ Second Lady Usha Vance visited Cherokee Classical Academy on Thursday to promote reading to its students. (More)

➤ Nineteen dogs facing euthanasia at the DeKalb County Animal Shelter are now safe after being adopted. (More)

➤ The Taco Bell Foundation, with support from singer Kelly Clarkson, awarded a major grant to Atlanta nonprofit Inspiredu to expand internet access and supply digital devices to underserved communities. (See Details)

Do you have any plans for Labor Day weekend?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Will you watch the PGA Tour Championship this weekend? 

1. Yes: 35%
2. No: 40%
3. Maybe: 25%

What is the smallest incorporated town in Georgia?

Show me the answer