County Approves Google Deal

Columbia County officials approved a memorandum of understanding for a proposed $17 billion Google data center in Appling, among the largest private investments in the county’s history.

Under the project, announced in July, the county will receive $40 million annually for seven years, with about $5 million per year flowing to the county’s development authority.

The county aims to use the money to reduce homestead property taxes, pending a November vote by residents. “We made certain promises to our taxpayers, and we let Google know in advance that they were gonna have to do certain things to be able to do business in Columbia County. And property tax relief was at the forefront of that. So we negotiated a deal that’s probably never been negotiated before,” County Manager Scott Johnson said.

Google would be the sole operator of the data center and has committed to paying all associated energy costs, protecting the local water supply, and complying with noise limits.

  Leaders Clash Over Data Centers

Gov. Brian Kemp rejected U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock’s call for a statewide moratorium on new data centers, arguing the decisions belong to local communities.

Warnock called for the moratorium last week, citing concerns over electricity and water costs. In the governor’s race, Republican Rick Jackson supports local control while Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms favors a statewide pause.

Last week in Savannah, the city council paused large data center projects for 155 days, joining about 40 Georgia municipalities seeking more time to weigh impacts.

At the state level, utility regulators recently approved a Georgia Power contract for OpenAI’s proposed $20 billion Effingham County data center, described by one regulator as the strictest in data center history.

Stuckey’s Rolls On

A Stuckey’s executive detailed the iconic snack maker’s plans for the future, saying its Wrens candy and gift shop will stay open and pecan log sales will continue even as it ends manufacturing in the city.

The nearly 90-year-old road trip brand announced the plant closure last week, citing tariffs, fuel prices, and Hurricane Helene’s damage to Georgia’s pecan crop. The closure will result in about 25 layoffs.

Production of pecan log rolls, brittle, and other treats will move to partner facilities, including a longtime operation in Garfield, and snacks will still reach retail partners, the company said.

“We’re grateful to everyone who has chosen Stuckey’s over our 90 years in business—and ask for your prayers and support—and please keep buying our pecan log rolls,” the company said in a statement.

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➤ Augusta: Community leaders celebrated a topping-out ceremony for the new downtown arena, marking a major construction milestone. (More)

➤ Statesboro: The city this month will open its third fire station, a $4.8 million facility completed after 10 months of construction. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport expects 2.3 million passengers to come through during the Labor Day travel period, up 1% from last year, with Friday projected as the busiest day. (More)

➤ Statewide: An audit of the state’s 8 million voter registrations found about 2,570 potential noncitizens reached the rolls through processing errors. (More)

➤ Savannah: Property owners began paying a new stormwater fee as the city targets flooding trouble spots. Credits are available for rain barrels and other mitigation. (More)

➤ Hinesville: A police officer who left a disabled U.S. Army veteran and her amputee husband on the side of a dark highway in April resigned rather than be fired. (More)

➤ Lawrenceville: Courts have dismissed or reduced 65 DUI cases from a Gwinnett County officer since April 2025 after his reports conflicted with body and dash camera footage. (More)

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➤ Former Georgia All-American long snapper Beau Gardner made the Chicago Bears’ initial 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie. (More)

➤ Veteran infielder Kyle Farmer and relief pitcher Blake Burkhalter were added to the Atlanta Braves as rosters expand for the season’s final month. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons claimed linebackers Yasir Abdullah and Jared Ivey and offensive tackle Cameron Williams off waivers. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: U.S. Open | MLB | Soccer

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➤ State Farm will return a $5 billion dividend to auto customers nationwide, with Georgia policyholders set to receive about $279 million, or an average of about $135 per insured vehicle. (More)

➤ The average gas price in Georgia fell 3 cents over the past week to $3.78 per gallon heading into the Labor Day travel weekend, about 88 cents higher than a year ago. (More)

➤ UnitedHealthcare reached an agreement with Emory Healthcare to keep hospitals in Warner Robins and Perry in the insurer’s network. (More)

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➤ Savannah kicks off its 912 Day celebration this week with nine days of scavenger hunts and community events leading up to Sept. 12, the fifth anniversary of Savannah Day. (More)

➤ A lottery player who bought a Powerball ticket in Albany won $1 million by matching all five white-ball numbers in Saturday’s drawing. (More)

➤ Hairy Dawg joined Squishmallows’ new college mascot collection, with the University of Georgia mascot available in 12-inch plush and 3.5-inch clip versions. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. 

➤ Buying these seven things before you retire could save you thousands, but the clock is ticking. (See List)

➤ Federal officials say a monthlong immigration sweep across New York netted thousands of arrests, including a number of violent criminals. (Hear Details)

➤ A Lake Tahoe swimmer needed nearly 40 stitches after an otter pulled her underwater and wouldn’t let go. (Hear Story)

What’s a must at your Labor Day cookout?

1. Burgers and hot dogs 
2. Barbecue
3. Sides and desserts
4. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you have a favorite college football team?

1. One: 53%
2. Several: 30%
3. Not a fan: 17%

What is 912 Day in Savannah?

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