Meteor Rattles Georgia, Other States

A rare daylight fireball—officially called a bolide meteor—streaked across the sky on Thursday around noon, startling people from Georgia to Tennessee.

Witnesses reported loud booms, shaking homes, and a visible flash, and some mistook the event for an earthquake. 

A Henry County homeowner reported a rock, possibly a meteorite fragment, crashing through a roof. An investigation is underway to determine if the damage is related to the fireball.

NASA and the American Meteor Society say the bolide likely caused a sonic boom as it entered Earth’s atmosphere at speeds topping 50,000 mph.

  Uber Driver Faces Assault Charge

Atlanta sports reporter Tabitha Turner says she was pepper-sprayed and assaulted by Uber driver Mericole Smith during a roadside dispute on I-85.

Police plan to file misdemeanor battery charges against the Uber driver after reviewing video evidence.

Turner said the driver became hostile after she requested that the vehicle’s windows be rolled up and the A/C turned on.

Storms Topple Trees and Knock Out Power

Severe thunderstorms slammed the state Wednesday night, cutting power to over 23,000 residents, with Clayton and Henry counties hit hardest.

Downed trees and damaged transformers were reported, including a large tree falling on a truck in Decatur. No injuries were reported.

Georgia Power crews worked to restore electricity service, with more storms expected through the weekend.

Meanwhile, a Code Orange air quality alert was issued for metro Atlanta, warning of air quality risks for children, older adults, and people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

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➤ Metro Atlanta: The Georgia Supreme Court reversed a Gwinnett County jury’s $1 million award to a woman injured at a Walmart, calling the amount excessive. (More)

➤ Pearson: City officials cut water service to several school district properties with more than $9,000 in unpaid bills, citing failed negotiations and a lack of cooperation. (More)

➤ Savannah: Police continue to investigate an attempted kidnapping after two women were attacked on June 8 while walking to their Airbnb, with one hospitalized with injuries. (More)

➤ Hiram: Authorities said no charges will be filed in Monday’s death of a 19-year-old man, who was accidentally shot with his own gun by a 3-year-old during a family visit. (More)

➤ Valdosta: Valdosta State University lifted a soft lockdown after a possible active shooter threat prompted a heavy police response. (More)

➤ Cobb County: A police chase ended when a semi-tractor crashed through a fence and nearly struck a home. The driver was charged with reckless driving. (More)

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➤ Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. will participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby on July 14 at Truist Park. (More)

➤ Kristaps Porzingis, acquired by the Atlanta Hawks in a trade on Wednesday, told fans he is “genuinely excited for what’s ahead.” (More)

➤ Five-star tight end recruit Kaiden Prothro said he will announce his college choice on July 12, with Georgia one of three schools in the running. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | PGA | LPGA

➤ Here’s a look at how name, image, and likeness changes could impact Georgia football following the House settlement. Find more stories like this at NIL Wire.

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➤ Summer heat waves are no joke—stay ahead of dehydration with LMNT. Zero sugar, science-backed electrolytes, and a new Lemonade Salt flavor that’s perfect for sweaty days. Flyover readers get a free sample pack! (More)

➤ AGCO and Kubota are leading the reshoring of farm equipment manufacturing, with major investments in Gainesville, Duluth, and other sites. (More)

➤ Iconic California specialty donut chain Randy’s Donuts will open its first Georgia location July 3 at Lenox Square, hosting a grand opening event featuring free treats, music, and family events. (More)

➤ Blackfin Real Estate Investors entered the Georgia market with a $17.3 million purchase of Sage Creek Apartments in Augusta. (More)

Thank you to everyone who supported The Georgia Flyover yesterday—your generosity keeps us going. We rely on readers like you to power independent journalism, so if you haven’t yet, please consider chipping in today to help us keep bringing you the news without the noise.

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Notable Investors Are Buying This “Unlisted” Stock

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➤ Georgia Power urged residents to change their air conditioner filters, clean their vents, and avoid overcooling to lower their energy bills during extreme heat. (See Tips)

➤ Metro Atlanta will host dozens of free Fourth of July events, including parades, concerts, fireworks, and food festivals across parks and entertainment venues. (List)

➤ Atlanta native Julie Monroe won $49,000 on FOX’s The 1% Club, filmed in Fayetteville, after solving the final logic question. (More)

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