Good morning, Savannah.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is seeking local volunteers to portray disaster victims during an emergency exercise on Oct.

22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (makeup volunteers should arrive at 6 a.m. while others come at 8 a.m.).

Rising pet care costs are forcing some owners to surrender their pets, with rescues in Savannah and South Carolina reporting more calls.

Renegade Paws (Savannah-based) received over 600 surrender requests in five months and urges owners to seek help with medical and food support before giving up their pets.

The Magnolia Grove Festival will be held Oct.

17-18 at New Ebenezer Retreat Center in Rincon and offers live music, a farmers market, family activities and a pumpkin patch. The free event will support first responders’ families, cancer support and historic preservation — funds will aid local causes.

A Savannah law firm hosted its 13th annual celebration today to honor area first responders including EMTs, police, detectives and firefighters.

The event also paid tribute to Marine veteran and fallen firefighter Mark Hummeldorf (Hon Mark Foundation).

The Savannah Philharmonic kicks off its 2026-27 season (marking a farewell) today at Lucas Theatre for the Arts in a concert featuring Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite and Holst’s The Planets; Music Director Keitaro Harada curates his final season with works by Beethoven, Mozart, West Side Story and Ghibli films.

The 45th Savannah Jazz Festival, dedicated to arts patron Bob Faircloth on his 90th birthday, is underway in Forsyth Park this weekend, featuring free concerts today for more than 50,000 attendees (including acts like Brian Miller, Jane Monheit, and the Savannah Jazz Orchestra) with additional ticketed shows planned around town.

Georgia's unemployment rate fell to 3.2% in August, with the labor force reaching a record 5,490,319 and employment rising to 5,314,822.

The Georgia Department of Labor said the figures, released on Sept. 18, indicate promising opportunities for local workers and businesses.

Savannah State University (SSU) President Dr. Jermaine Whirl visited Jenkins High School during homecoming festivities to introduce his admissions staff and explain college options for juniors and seniors.

Jenkins High Principal Marlon Worrill said the visit builds a useful bridge to help students plan for life after graduation.

Savannah Bananas dispute that the new Banana Ball facility hurt nine live oak trees near Grayson Stadium (the trees had pre-existing soil compaction), while the city protects them by installing bollards and planning soil remediation.

Georgia residents can fish without a license on Saturday, Sept.

26 when the Department of Natural Resources offers free fishing day statewide. The event is part of National Hunting and Fishing Day and includes 12 activities featuring family fishing and conservation education on public waters.

Rural hospitals across the Coastal Empire (Evans Memorial, Emanuel Medical Center, Appling General) will receive about $187,000 each in federal funding today through the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program to support frontline healthcare workers and keep services available.

Local leaders say the funds will help retain essential staff and ward off closures.

A historic Isle of Hope estate at 3 W.

Bluff Drive sold yesterday for $5 million in an off-market deal featuring a 4,498 sqft cottage with three bedrooms and two bathrooms on four acres with views of the Skidaway River, according to Seabolt Real Estate.

Residents can vote for their top midseason boys cross-country runner during an open poll (which runs until Friday, Sept.

25 at 11 a.m.) as candidates prepare for the GHSA State Meets in Carrollton.