Ag Secretary Says Farm Aid Set to Flow 

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in an Atlanta visit that the federal government will meet next week’s deadline for starting to distribute billions of dollars in disaster relief to Southeast farms hurt by Hurricane Helene.

“We were given a deadline by Congress, which isn’t often met, but for me, it was very important we meet it,” said Rollins, who was confirmed last month.

Farmers expressed thanks but some said they wished the money had come sooner, noting that some farms were forced to sell equipment or land to generate cash to plant this season’s crops.

Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast in September. In Georgia, the storm killed 34 people and caused an estimated $5.5 billion in damage to agricultural and timber growers.

  White House Withdraws CDC Nominee

The White House on Friday withdrew Dr. David Weldon’s nomination for director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control, with the decision announced just before his scheduled confirmation hearing.

Weldon appeared to lack enough votes for confirmation. Some U.S. senators cited concerns over his stance on vaccines causing neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

The CDC is one of the federal agencies targeted for extensive job cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a decision supported by some Georgia leaders and opposed by others.

Six Flags Opens with New Roller Coaster

Six Flags Over Georgia opens for the season on Saturday with a fresh look, including a new roller coaster called the Georgia Gold Rusher, the park’s 13th thrill ride.

The ride was announced last year as the “Georgia Surfer” and then renamed. It reaches nearly 150 feet in the air and travels at speeds of up to 60 mph on a spinning gondola that runs over spraying water.

The Austell theme park will open on weekends through May, except for a full week of open gates early in April to celebrate spring break.

Flying together with our sponsor

Somalia is facing a devastating combination of natural disasters, global conflicts, widespread poverty, and disease outbreaks. East Africa has just endured its worst drought in 40 years, leaving tens of millions without access to clean water, wiping out millions of livestock, and destroying crops. With domestic food production crippled, Somalia has relied heavily on imports—90% of its wheat coming from Russia and Ukraine—until those shipments stopped.

Now, two in five children in Somalia suffer from acute malnutrition, and cholera is spreading in some regions. The food crisis, compounded by global humanitarian aid being redirected to Europe and the Middle East, has created a perfect storm, leading to a sharp rise in child malnutrition.

Be Doers

We’re asking The Flyover community to join us in partnering with World Concern to help get emergency nutrition packs (a peanut paste fortified with nutrients), water, and hygiene products to those with the most need.

Every $12 feeds a child for a month. We’re matching the first $750; just give through this link.

Statewide: Savannah ranks as the third best city in the nation to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a study found. Atlanta (No. 107), Augusta (No. 125), and Columbus (No. 138) also made the list. (More)

Fulton County: An Atlanta father developed an app, ALLSAFE, which detects social media threats and alerts authorities to threats of potential gun violence in schools. (More)

Macon: A Mercer student uses drones to deliver medication to rural areas in Georgia, improving healthcare in underserved locations. (More)

Savannah: Girl Scouts, founded in Savannah by Juliette Gordon Low, celebrated its 113th anniversary this week. (More)

Gwinnett County: Customers donated money and offered help to repair a Suwanee restaurant targeted by a rock-throwing burglar. (More)

➤ Georgia Tech men’s basketball put up a fight but fell 78-70 to No. 1 Duke in the ACC tournament on Thursday. Duke star Cooper Flagg left the game with an ankle injury. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Hawks extended their win streak to four with a 123-110 win over the Charlotte Hornets. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves revealed the eight restaurants to be featured in the new Outfield Market section of Truist Park this season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | PGA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAABB | NCAASB | Soccer 

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➤ Elevate your golf performance with FlightPath Golf Tees. Designed to enhance distance and accuracy, these tees feature precision engineering that reduces friction, promoting straighter ball flight. Their durable construction ensures longevity, providing consistent performance round after round. (Shop Now)

➤ A KPMG audit of MARTA found $865,000 in overcharges, significantly less than the amount claimed by the city of Atlanta. (More)

➤ Breweries in Northwest Georgia want state lawmakers to allow self-distribution and direct sales to eliminate unnecessary inefficiencies in the industry. (More)

➤ Unemployment in the state remained at 3.6% in January, outperforming the national average of 4%. (More)

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➤ Car insurance costs will hit record highs in 2025. With car insurance premiums projected to reach a record $2,101 annually in 2025, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re not overpaying. In fact, switching car insurance providers could save drivers over $1,300 a year, according to a 2024 survey.

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Flying together with our sponsor

Somalia faces a crisis caused by natural disasters, conflict, poverty, and disease. The worst drought in 40 years devastated crops and livestock, while food imports from Russia and Ukraine were halted. Two in five Somali children now suffer from acute malnutrition. Join us in partnering with World Concern to provide emergency nutrition packs and clean water to children. $12 feeds a child for a month.

➤ A metro Atlanta nonprofit will attempt to break the world record for the longest continuous basketball game, as part of its efforts to raise awareness about human trafficking. (More)

➤ The state Senate advanced a bill on crossover day that would legalize human composting, which aims to provide an eco-friendly alternative to cremation or burial. (More)

➤ Three restaurants in the state are listed among the South’s 15 best places to eat in a poll conducted by Southern Living. (More)

How often do you eat at Chick-fil-A? 

1. Never
2. Once or twice a month
3. More than twice a month

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever watched a Formula 1 race?

1. Yes: 46%
2. No: 54%

Which popular Tex-Mex restaurant chain opened its first location in Atlanta 25 years ago?

Show me the answer