Carter Joins U.S. Senate Race

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler, launched his 2026 U.S. Senate campaign on Thursday, becoming the first Republican to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in what’s expected to be a marquee national race.

Carter’s entry follows Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision not to run, opening the door for a possibly crowded and combative GOP primary, with U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Rome, among those who may consider bids.

With Georgia considered one of two toss-up Senate seats on the 2026 election map, both parties are bracing for a high-stakes and high-dollar battle.

Carter, 67, is a pharmacist and former Pooler mayor who has represented the Savannah area in the U.S. House since 2015. 

  Hospitals Graded on Patient Safety

One in four Georgia hospitals earned an “A” in patient safety in the latest hospital report cards from healthcare watchdog The Leapfrog Group, with one in 10 achieving “straight A” status for consistent top performance.

Among states, Georgia ranked 35th nationally.

Four hospitals in the state received “D” grades and 29 received “C” grades. See the full list here.

Traffic Stop Leads to Deportation Threat

A 19-year-old college student in Dalton faces deportation after a traffic stop revealed her family has lived in the U.S. illegally for 15 years.

Ximena Arias-Cristobal, a Dalton State student, was arrested for allegedly running a red light and driving without a license, leading to her detention at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement center in Lumpkin.

Brought from Mexico as a child, Arias-Cristobal awaits a court hearing along with her father, who also has been detained.

Flying together with our sponsor

This travel credit card offer is worth over $1,000 in travel, but most people won’t see it until it’s too late.

While most people will miss out on this rare credit card offer, you’re one of the lucky few hearing about it now—meaning a massive bonus and elite travel perks could be yours.

It’s not for everyone, but the clock is ticking, and if you’re curious, this might be your only chance to grab it before it slips away.

Take advantage of it while you can because it could be gone very soon.

➤ Rome: The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed the Gulf of America name change bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Rome. The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for its consideration. (More)

➤ Forsyth: Gov. Brian Kemp signed six public safety bills and announced more Hurricane Helene relief for farmers at a signing ceremony Thursday. (More)

➤ Atlanta: U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff launched a probe into four firms allegedly inflating housing costs and limiting homeownership. (More)

➤ Macon: A 56-year-old man was killed after his non-street legal minibike was struck by an SUV and two other vehicles. (More)

➤ Fulton County: Officials approved $2.7 million for jail staff overtime and incentives amid staffing shortages. (More)

➤ Hall County: A former West Hall Middle School teacher was arrested for an allegedly inappropriate relationship with a student. (More)

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

➤ Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider delivered another strong bullpen session on Wednesday. (More)

➤ Georgia softball was eliminated from the SEC Tournament in Athens after a walk-off grand slam by Arkansas. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons assigned jersey numbers to rookies from the 2025 draft, with top picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. keeping their college numbers. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA

➤ Get the latest on college athlete sponsorship deals at NIL Wire.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Feel the Difference From the First Wear. Tired of knee pain holding you back? The Wellnee Knee Brace is designed to support weak or injured knees, reduce inflammation, and help restore your mobility. (Order Your Brace Now)

➤ The Coweta County Board of Commissioners approved a moratorium on data centers, pausing rezoning and developments as officials draft new regulations. (More)

➤ Georgia Grown launched its 2025 U-Pick Farms Map to promote agritourism, helping families find fresh produce and supporting local farms. (More)

➤ With the state’s small businesses still facing hiring challenges, industry groups expect recently enacted workforce legislation to help. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ This Mother’s Day, give the gift of confidence with HeyShape’s figure-flattering bodysuits. Designed to smooth, shape, and support, they help moms look and feel amazing every day. Perfect under any outfit or worn solo—celebrate her beauty with comfort and style she’ll love!

Flying together with our sponsor

If you’ve been on the fence about getting a travel card, but are itching to plan more trips, then this one just might be the perfect card for you… 

Earn a rare welcome bonus to use towards travel with this incredible card’s limited-time offer from FinanceBuzz.

Take advantage while you can because it might be gone soon!

➤ Six Flags White Water in Marietta kicks off its 2025 season on Saturday with the new Cabana Village and a revamped Tornado ride. (More)

➤ Georgia should expect a hotter-than-usual summer, with higher energy costs and drought risks in the east, according to Accuweather’s seasonal forecast. (More)

➤ Alpharetta will conduct a study on building a sports arena near North Point Mall, joining Forsyth County as Georgia communities interested in possibly hosting a National Hockey League team. (More)

Have you ever been to Six Flags White Water? 

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you own or work for a small business?

1. Yes: 37%
2. No: 63%

Which city has the second-largest population in the state?

Show me the answer