THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 1922, physician, humorist, storyteller, and best-selling author Ferrol Sams was born in Fayetteville.

With Hurricane Helene blowing through the state, we want everyone to stay safe. Our Top Story provides an update on what to expect.

Today's sponsor is ProDentim, offering advice on tooth and gum health.

Hurricane Helene: State of Emergency Declared

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene due to forecasts of severe weather, including winds reaching up to 60 mph and heavy rain.

Helene is expected to strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane, with winds up to 130 mph, before reaching Florida.

Some areas of Georgia are expected to see as much as 5 inches of rainfall, raising concerns about flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, and widespread power outages due to downed trees.

Shelters may be opened in areas expected to experience the storm's worst impacts, and residents are urged to prepare for hazardous conditions.

Southwest Cuts Atlanta Flights, 300 Jobs

Southwest Airlines announced plans Wednesday to reduce service and staffing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport next year, a move that comes as the carrier faces pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management to cut costs and boost revenue.

The Dallas-based airline will eliminate up to 200 flight attendant and 140 pilot positions in Atlanta by April 2025, according to a company memo, and reduce its gate presence at the world's busiest airport from 18 to 11.

Southwest will serve 21 cities from Atlanta, down from 37, but emphasized that affected employees will not be laid off and will likely need to transfer to other cities.

Elliott, which has amassed a stake of more than 10% in Southwest, escalated its boardroom battle with the company on Tuesday, saying it plans to request a special shareholder meeting to overhaul the airline's leadership.

Georgia Corn Maze Among Nation's Best

The Georgia corn maze at Jaemor Farms has been ranked in the top 10 in the nation by USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.

The Jaemor Farms maze is known for its intricate patterns and interactive features, making it a popular attraction. As they say, get lost in the stalks!

The rankings were determined by reader votes, highlighting corn mazes across the country that offer unique designs, challenging pathways, and family-friendly experiences.

At Jaemor Farms, visitors can also enjoy additional farm-related activities like apple picking and visiting a petting zoo. Watch a video here.

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➤ Savannah: Former President Donald Trump spoke at a rally on Tuesday, pledging to restore U.S. manufacturing through tariffs, lower corporate taxes, and reduced regulations. (More)

Georgia: U.S. News & World Report ranked 11 Georgia schools in its 2025 Best Colleges list. Emory University ranked 24th nationally, Georgia Tech 44th, and the University of Georgia 47th. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Booker T. Washington High School, Georgia's first public high school for black students, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. (More)

➤ Brunswick: Gov. Brian Kemp swore in new members to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. Members include Chairman Parker Gilbert and disability advocate Shawn Wilbur. (More)

➤ Clayton County: Lovejoy High School has started a $141 million modernization project at Hampton. The renovations include a new two-story wing with 25 classrooms for the 9th-grade academy, a new gym, and upgrades to several existing facilities. (Details)

➤ Savannah and Statesboro: Several locals from Savannah and Statesboro were named to Georgia Southern University's "40 Under 40" Class of 2024, including Michelle Rickerson, chosen for her work in healthcare administration, and Jason Rogers, recognized for his leadership in local government. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves picked up a huge win over the division rival New York Mets to gain ground in the National League postseason race. The team is now just half a game out of the final wild card spot and could move into that position with a series sweep. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, news broke that Atlanta Braves star third baseman Austin Riley is out for the season with a broken hand. Riley hasn’t played in around a month but there was optimism he could return for the postseason. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Dream have been eliminated from the WNBA playoffs after being swept 2-0 by the New York Liberty. (More)

➤ Yesterday's Results: MLB | NHL | WNBA

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➤ Brunswick and Chatham County have been awarded more than $4.8 million in state housing grants as part of Gov. Brian Kemp's Rural Workforce Housing Initiative. (Details)

➤ The Georgia Ports Authority reported growth for the eighth consecutive month as it continues expanding operations on Colonel’s Island. Progress could be affected by a looming dock workers strike. (More)

➤ Atrium Health has purchased 40 acres of land in Atlanta near Wellstar Cobb Hospital, close to Austell and Powder Springs roads. The hospital group has yet to announce plans for the land. (More)

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➤ A Trump campaign ad aimed at the swing state of Georgia mistakenly used a photo from the nation of Georgia rather than our state, prompting delight among the opposition. (More)

➤ Trilith Institute, a non-profit wing of the studio in Fayetteville, has launched new professional education classes aimed at developing skills for careers in film production, designed to meet the demands of Georgia’s growing film industry. (Details)

➤ The Strand Dinner Cinema in Jesup is turning 100 years old this week. The Mayor of Jesup, who’s also the owner of the cinema, said he’s looking forward to keeping it alive, so they’ll make it to the next 100 years. (More)

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