Sunday, August 2, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1776, Georgia delegates Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, and George Walton signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.

Drought conditions have improved in the northeast region of the state following recent rainfall. Learn more in Around Georgia.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla tackled the science behind what your dreams are actually made of. Researchers just wrapped one of the largest dream studies ever conducted, and it turns out the coworker from years ago and the worry that spun into a full storyline are not random at all. Ayla broke down the five things the study uncovered, including one detail that has been hiding in people’s dreams for years without them noticing. Tune in here!

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Man Goes Missing on Carters Lake

As of Friday, crews were still searching Carters Lake in Ellijay for Sean Michael Cunningham, a 37-year-old man who went missing during Tuesday night’s storms.

According to authorities, Cunningham was canoeing when he took shelter under a dock near Woodring Campground. His last known contact came on Tuesday night, when his phone died mid-call with a friend.

A backpack containing Cunningham’s passport turned up floating near the dam on Wednesday, and searchers have found his truck but not the canoe.

Anyone with information that could assist in finding Cunningham is asked to contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Murray County Sheriff’s Office, or the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office.

Macon-Bibb Continues Jail Expansion

Macon-Bibb County broke ground on the next phase of the expansion of the Bibb County Jail, meant to ease overcrowding and enhance inmate safety.

The phase will renovate the jail’s interior, add housing for inmates with mental health challenges, and expand inmate healthcare.

The next and final phase of the project is set to add up to 150 beds as well as new spaces including new housing units, support spaces, and maximum-security pods.

The three-phase project, which began with the demolition of a building to make room for a now-open public parking lot, is estimated to cost at least $28.5 million and is funded through a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).

ONE Musicfest Paused for 2026

ONE Musicfest, the Atlanta music festival that draws more than 100,000 fans a year, will skip 2026 and return in 2027.

Organizers announced the pause Friday, calling it a strategic break rather than a cause for concern after 16 years. They said the year off will let them create new partnerships and improve the event.

“Rather than produce the same festival we’ve done in the past, we’re taking this year to build the next iteration of ONE Musicfest with the same bold vision and a commitment to giving you the very best,” festival organizers said in a statement.

The festival is known for its diverse lineups, featuring artists from a wide range of musical styles and generations. In 2025, the event featured performances from several Grammy-winning artists, including The Roots, Doechii, Future, Ludacris, and Mary J. Blige.

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➤ Henry County: Commissioners approved roughly $1.63 million in upgrades to North Mt. Carmel Park, adding a new restroom, sidewalks, and seating. (More)

➤ Northeast Georgia: Late July rainfall has improved drought conditions across the region, with most areas now classified as “Abnormally Dry.” (More)

➤ Wheeler County: An anonymous bomb threat prompted the evacuation of Wheeler County K-12 School, which reopened after authorities discovered no credible threat. (More)

➤ Columbus: Columbus Technical College officially opened its $12 million Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. Workforce Development Center on Friday, a 13,000-square-foot hub on Fort Benning Road offering career support and advanced training labs. (More)

➤ Savannah: A Douglas A-4 Skyhawk blew a tire while landing at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, briefly closing the runway. The aircraft suffered minimal damage and the pilot was unharmed. (More)

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➤ Georgia Tech hired five-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins as an assistant wide receivers coach after he explored coaching with the New England Patriots. Hopkins said he hasn’t retired from the NFL. (More)

➤ Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been limited by back tightness at training camp but said Friday he could likely play if it were a game week. (More)

➤ The Georgia Bulldogs landed a commitment from four-star safety Seth Williams of Atlanta’s Lakeside High School, who chose Georgia over Clemson. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA | Golf | Soccer

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➤ Col. Robert Fairel, a Georgia native, took command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Savannah District from the retiring Col. Ron Sturgeon during a ceremony at Telfair Museum. (More)

➤ A father who lost his 21-month-old son in a drowning brought his water safety message to Truist Park in Atlanta this week, his 14th stop on a 30-ballpark tour in 30 days, all while wearing a life jacket. (More)

➤ A visual arts teacher at Perry High School, Brianna Walker, was named Houston County’s 2026-27 Teacher of the Year. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ The U.S. and Israel are reportedly preparing to bombard Iran’s energy infrastructure this weekend, though no final order has been given. (Hear More)

➤ Police arrested a man who stole a running car in Atlanta with a 2-year-old in the back seat while her mother made a delivery. (Listen Now)

➤ Savannah Guthrie on Saturday pleaded again for answers after Arizona officials released the ransom notes sent following her mother’s disappearance six months ago. (Podcast Available)