Saturday, April 25, 2026

Good Morning! On this date in 2009, University of Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford was selected No. 1 overall by the Detroit Lions in the NFL Draft.

Giant Pandas are returning to Zoo Atlanta for the first time in over a year. Learn more in Top Stories.

Would you believe the firing squad is making a comeback in 2026? The Justice Department just made a major move to reshape the death penalty while also reversing the Biden administration’s freeze on federal executions. When was the last time a firing squad was actually used in the U.S.? How soon could this new policy be put into place? And who could it apply to? On today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, host Amy Hess answers all your questions and breaks down the latest on this developing story. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, Sonic Glow Tooth Brush, uses powerful sonic vibrations and built-in blue light technology to help remove plaque, protect sensitive gums, and promote a cleaner, brighter, healthier smile in just seconds a day.

Don’t feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily—watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

Gov. Brian Kemp Tours Wildfire Damage

Gov. Brian Kemp traveled to South Georgia on Friday to survey widespread wildfire damage and meet directly with emergency crews battling fast-moving blazes across multiple counties.

More than 38,000 acres have burned across Georgia in the past week.

In response, the Georgia National Guard has deployed four aircraft to help assist in fighting wildfires across the southeastern part of the state.

As of Friday, at least 120 South Georgia homes have been destroyed by the fires, said Kemp.

Players with Georgia Ties Selected in NFL Draft

Three players with ties to Georgia were selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday.

Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling was selected as the 19th overall pick by the Carolina Panthers, while Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge went 26th overall to the Houston Texans.

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, a Gwinnett County native who attended Mill Creek High School, was drafted 11th overall by the Dallas Cowboys.

Click here to see a full list of players with Georgia connections who could be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Giant Pandas Coming Back to Zoo Atlanta

Giant pandas are making a return to Zoo Atlanta.

Two pandas, a male named Ping Ping and a female named Fu Shuang, will soon call Atlanta home, about 18 months after the zoo’s previous panda family was returned to China.

The new arrivals are part of a new International Cooperative Research Agreement between the zoo and the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

“We can’t wait to meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang and to welcome our Members, guests, city, and community back to the wonder and joy of giant pandas.” Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Raymond B. King said in a statement.

It remains unclear when the animals will go on exhibit.

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➤ Rockdale County: Operations at Salem High School have returned to normal after it was evacuated due to a reported safety threat. (More)

➤ South Georgia: Nineteen dogs rescued from wildfire zones in the area were safely transported to metro Atlanta, where they are now beginning recovery and will eventually be placed for adoption. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Georgia Tech is allowing adults attending, volunteering, or working at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to stay in the North Avenue East Apartments from June 1 to July 31, with nightly rates starting at $237 per person. (More)

➤ Macon: Bibb County Schools has launched its first fleet of 15 electric school buses to cut diesel pollution, lower costs, and protect student health. (More)

➤ Pooler: The city purchased 35 acres of undeveloped wetlands off Old Pine Barren Road for $480,000, aiming to preserve the land. (More)

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➤ The Atlanta Hawks host the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round tonight at 6 p.m. (More)

➤ Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. entered a six-month intervention program that could result in all charges being dismissed if he completes the requirements. (More)

➤ Braves rookie JR Ritchie became the first pitcher in franchise history to pitch seven innings, allow no more than two runs, and strike out seven batters in his MLB debut. (More)

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➤ A Church’s Chicken in Atlanta is attempting to set a Guinness World Record next week by getting at least 250 people to dip their chicken tenders at the same time. (More)

➤ The Buena Vista City Council appointed Sharon Williams as the city’s first female police chief. (More)

➤ Savannah State University has opened a free on-campus grocery store in partnership with Amazon and Goodr to provide students with access to food and essentials. (More)

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