State Jobless Rate Falls

Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.4% in July, its lowest since April 2024, adding to an 11-month streak of steady decline.

So far this year, Georgia has added an estimated 26,900 jobs, driven by growth in healthcare, manufacturing, and construction.

Labor officials say the trend shows the impact of workforce-first policies and statewide economic partnerships.

In June, the state ranked 16th lowest in joblessness nationwide, below the U.S. average of 4.1%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said.

  Deadly Flash Floods Hit

Storm-triggered flash floods forced more than 100 residents from their homes in Catoosa County and killed four in adjacent Hamilton County, Tennessee.

Crews in Fort Oglethorpe rescued people from two apartment complexes after water surged to waist level within minutes. No injuries were reported.

Community relief drives are now collecting personal care items, nonperishable food, and household goods at drop-off sites across Catoosa County. 

Small County Touts Digital Election Security

Bitcoin Magazine this week featured an interview with Screven County elections supervisor Stacey Scott about the small Georgia county’s novel use of digital blockchain technology to secure election records.

In the interview, recorded in May at a bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, Scott discussed how the technologies that underlie cryptocurrency also prevent tampering with public and private records.

“The great thing is it was super simple, I didn’t have to know anything about bitcoin or the blockchain,” Scott said in the interview and accompanying article, titled How a Georgia County Put Its Results on Bitcoin—And Why It Will Transform Election Security.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Atlanta: Sonny Perdue may receive a big raise as chancellor of the University System of Georgia, bringing his salary to $572,500, pending a 30-day review by the state Board of Regents. (More)

➤ State: Drivers of alternative fuel vehicles must meet standard HOV lane occupancy rules starting Sept. 30, ending a federal exemption for solo motorists. (See Details)

➤ Baldwin County: A water main break in Milledgeville forced early dismissal for Baldwin County schools and a boil advisory affecting Georgia College and nearby neighborhoods. (More)

➤ Fulton County: The school district replaced several bus drivers who allegedly released young children without a parent present in violation of the district’s rules. (More)

➤ Statewide: Georgia voters who haven’t updated their voter registration or voted in five years must respond to mailers or risk being marked inactive. (See Details)

➤ Macon: Macon-Bibb County may cut its property tax rate for a fifth straight year, to 9.575 mills, saving homeowners money while maintaining rising public safety investments. (More)

Enjoy reading The Georgia Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.✈️

➤ Buford High School opened its new $62 million stadium with a 20-13 win over fellow Georgia powerhouse Milton High School in the nationally televised ESPN High School Football Kickoff game on Thursday night. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons were valued at $7.05 billion by sports industry publication Sportico, ranking 13th among NFL teams. The Dallas Cowboys topped the list at $12.8 billion. (More)

➤ Softball standout Jashiya “Moosie” Wooten logged a school-record 100th career strikeout for Chattooga Middle School this week. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA | LLWS

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Sculpt your dream body at home with ABForce! Save up to 60% off today and enjoy fast, effort-free fat-burning and muscle definition using FDA-grade EMS technology. Completely wireless, multi-zone, and backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Act now—limited stock, limited time!

➤ Delta Air Lines added self-service bag drop zones in Atlanta and three other airports, letting passengers check in their bags using a phone app, print tags, and drop off luggage without waiting in line. (More)

➤ U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler, toured the Yamaha Marine Innovation Center in Kennesaw, where he met with employees to discuss the company’s regional economic impact and developments in sustainable technology. (Details)

➤ A Morgan County judge will decide if Rivian factory critics must pay $344,000 in legal fees after losing a zoning fight over the state-backed project. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Protect your peace of mind today with Comprehensive Home Warranty! Enjoy a one-year service contract covering all your major home systems—no age limits—and get 30-day risk-free enrollment. Act now: affordable, certified professionals, fast response, and a free quote—act now and get $150 off and 2 months free.

Flying together with our sponsor

Boost your circulation and conquer long days with Compressa Compression Socks! Designed for all-day comfort, enhanced support, and improved blood flow, they’re perfect for work, travel, or workouts. They’re lightweight, breathable, and backed by a 30-day guarantee. Slip into relief and step confidently—because every stride deserves comfort.

Ease wrist pain and stay productive with Compressa compression wrist sleeve! Engineered for targeted support, swelling relief, and enhanced grip—perfect for typing, lifting, or daily tasks. Lightweight, breathable, and discreet under clothing. Backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Reclaim comfort and wrist strength now!

➤ Once facing euthanasia at a Georgia shelter, a Belgian Malinois named Bozi was rescued thanks to a shelter worker finding him a new home as a police K-9 in Iowa. (Photo)

➤ Honda awarded The Community Foundation of West Georgia a $25,000 grant to expand an online community resources platform, The Connector. (More)

➤ An ESPN columnist offered his observations on Augusta’s changing golf culture. (See Column)

Did you take the school bus?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Sometimes
4. I still do

Yesterday’s Results:

How often do you play the lottery?

1. Rarely 36%
2. Never 35%
3. Weekly 16%
4. Monthly 13%

What was the point spread in the most lopsided game in Georgia high school football history?

Show me the answer