Jackson Shakes Up Governor’s Race

Health care executive and billionaire Rick Jackson plans to inject at least $50 million of his own money into his race for Georgia governor, with his first campaign ad already airing.

Jackson, who held a campaign kickoff event on Wednesday in Alpharetta, seeks to position himself as a conservative outsider against the current and former elected officials in the race.

The 71-year-old Republican grew up in a public housing project and foster care in Atlanta and founded Alpharetta-based Jackson Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest health care staffing companies.

He and his wife, Melody, who is a professor and research director at Georgia Tech, are the parents of three adult children and grandparents.

  Golf Courses Earn National Recognition

Seven of Georgia’s resort golf courses earned spots on Golfweek’s 2026 ranking of the top 200 in the U.S.

Sea Island Resort’s Seaside Golf Course ranked No. 24 and The Keep at McLemore Resort in the state’s northwest corner placed No. 25 to lead the ranking of Georgia courses.

Great Waters at Reynolds Lake Oconee tied for No. 73, with its Jack Nicklaus layout featuring 10 holes along Lake Oconee. Four other courses appeared in the rankings.

Golfweek’s panel evaluated the courses on 10 criteria. This panel said the list focuses on the quality of the golf courses and not the communities as a whole or other amenities.

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➤ Swainsboro: Auto parts maker Dongwon Autopart Technology plans to open a $30 million manufacturing plant in Emanuel County, creating 200 jobs over the next several years. (More)

➤ Brunswick: Authorities arrested 55 people in a series of Wednesday morning raids targeting a drug ring based in Glynn County and St. Simons Island, with suspects accused of distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. (More)

➤ Evans: A basketball game between Lakeside and Greenbrier high schools was suspended Tuesday after a fight broke out between players during the third quarter, with video submitted to the Georgia High School Association for review. (More)

➤ Augusta: The Ramada hotel in downtown plans to reopen in February 2027 following extensive renovations, including the remodeling of 170 rooms and six hospitality suites. (More)

➤ Milton: Nathan Smith, 27, the son of rapper Lil Jon, was reported missing Tuesday after running from his home without a phone. Police say he may be disoriented. (More)

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➤ Atlanta Falcons president Matt Ryan declined to fully commit to Michael Penix Jr. as the team’s starter, saying new head coach Kevin Stefanski will guide the decision. (More)

➤ Georgia outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe will join the Dallas Cowboys in the same role. (More)

➤ Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson logged his ninth triple-double—second most in the NBA this season—in the team’s victory against Miami. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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