Georgia Trend Daily – Aug. 4, 2026
Aug. 4, 2026 GlobalAtlanta.com
Korean Mattress Company’s Closure Makes Way for New Investment in Henry County
Trevor Williams reports, the closing of a Korean mattress producer that had localized U.S. production in the face of tariffs has opened the door for another manufacturing investment in Henry County. Zinus USA Inc. invested $108 million on a warehouse in the midst of the pandemic, as anti-dumping duties on China, its previous production base for bargain-priced memory foam mattresses, were ramping up.
Aug. 4, 2026 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Healthcare in Georgia: An AI Lifeline
Michelle Cohen Marill reports, when Jim Matney felt pressure in his chest, his first thought was to reach for an antacid. But the feeling persisted, like a heavy weight that wouldn’t lift. As his wife drove him to Colquitt Regional Medical Center in Moultrie, where he is president and CEO, he imagined how embarrassed he would be if the emergency room doctor just thought it was acid reflux, told him to eat bland food and gave him a prescription.
Aug. 4, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta water system hit by cyberattack possibly linked to Iran
Drew Kann and J. Scott Trubey report that Clayton County officials said Monday they experienced a temporary water service disruption last week, which could be part of a string of suspected cyberattacks that have struck municipal water systems across the country. The news comes after the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that “malicious cyber actors” had hit water utilities in seven states in recent days.
Aug. 4, 2026 Augusta Chronicle
Augusta Canal director lays out plan to boost recreation
Erica Van Buren reports that Augusta Canal’s new senior director, Brian J. Graham, is laying out an ambitious plan to turn one of Augusta’s signature historic assets into a bigger engine for recreation and tourism, with a new trailhead, better water access and critical canal repairs on the way. His vision centers on making it easier for residents and visitors to walk, bike and paddle along the canal while preserving the character of the national heritage area.
Aug. 4, 2026 Athens Banner-Herald
Marigold Collective builds local food system in Athens area
Alena Salazar reports that Athens-Clarke County qualifies as a food desert by USDA classifications. Fulfilling the low-income dispersal criteria, over 20% of Athens citizens live below the poverty line — and in Winterville, a city dually governed with Athens-Clarke County, access to healthy and fresh food is further limited.
Aug. 4, 2026 Georgia Recorder
Meet the Gen Z journalist who bought his hometown newspaper in Georgia
Ellie Fivas reports, four years ago, Evan Newton was an intern at the Monticello News. Last month, he became the newspaper’s editor, publisher and owner after purchasing the outlet from its previous local owner. At 25 years old, Newton is one of the youngest newspaper owners in Georgia.
Aug. 4, 2026 WABE
South Fulton’s new anthem is AI-generated. Leaders say that shouldn’t overshadow the community message
Dormiya Vance reports that South Fulton officials are undertaking a rebrand to help change the city’s image after years of tension between the previous mayor and the city council. One of the ways they’re doing it is with a song, or city anthem, meant to inspire the local community.
Aug. 4, 2026 Savannah Morning News
School zone speed cameras returning across Chatham County
Ansley Franco reports that drivers traveling through school zones in Chatham County will continue to encounter speed cameras as students return to class, as both the Savannah Police Department (SPD) and the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) will operate school zone camera programs.HB651 added new requirements for school zone speed camera programs across the state, including clearer warning signs, regular camera accuracy testing and a formal complaint process.
Aug. 4, 2026 Valdosta Daily Times
Southern Regional Technical College’s surgical technology graduates achieve 100% pass rate on national certification exam
Staff reports that Southern Regional Technical College’s Surgical Technology program graduates achieved a 100% passage rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist examination, administered through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Eight students from the Thomasville and Tifton cohorts completed the rigorous program, including multiple semesters of prerequisite and occupational coursework and a series of clinical rotations at local medical offices.
Aug. 4, 2026 GPB
Mental health treatment for these military veterans is a free afternoon of fishing, kayaking
Ellen Eldridge reports, every year, Josh Back relives the day in December 2004 when a suicide bomber walked into the chow hall in Iraq, but he doesn’t talk about it. Instead, he hosts fishing trips along the Chattahoochee River as the chapter coordinator for the national nonprofit Heroes on the Water.
Aug. 4, 2026 Capitol Beat News
Social media posts by Collins and those in his circle draw more political fire
Ty Tagami reports that social media posts by Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Collins and his associates have become a target of Sen. Jon Ossoff and his allies. U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, who hopes to unseat Ossoff, the Democratic incumbent, has a history of edgy online posts.
Aug. 4, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Democrats seek ‘crucial third vote’ on PSC
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Beam report, Democrats face an uphill climb to flip control of chambers at the Georgia Capitol or the congressional delegation in the midterms. But majority control of one policymaking body is within the party’s reach: the Georgia Public Service Commission.
