Sunday, April 19, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1979, the azalea became Georgia’s official state wildflower. The Callaways were picnicking in 1930 when they came across the flower that inspired them to buy 2,500 acres for a weekend retreat. Callaway Gardens, located in Pine Mountain, now showcases the world’s largest azalea garden.

A heroic K-9 officer, injured while helping to bring down a suspect in a bank robbery in Coweta County, was recently honored in recognition of his service. Learn more in Around Georgia.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, host Ayla Brown unpacked a new report that suggested Joe Biden’s first choice for Vice President in 2020 was not Kamala Harris. Who was it, and what ultimately drove the Kamala Harris selection? Listen here.

Today’s sponsor, the knēNest Pillow, is designed to relieve nighttime pain and improve sleep by keeping your body properly aligned for deeper, more restorative rest.

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.

Four Georgia State Troopers Fired

Four Georgia State Patrol troopers were terminated after an investigation found they violated department policy and ethical standards by making money from personal injury claims tied to police pursuits.

Officials said the troopers were involved in pursuits that included PIT maneuvers resulting in crashes.

Following a crash, the group would send crash reports to a lawyer who then sought compensation for the crashes by filing claims against the drivers’ insurance after those drivers fled from troopers, according to investigators.

A report by the Georgia Department of Public Safety indicates that the group received more than $100,000.

Restaurant Franchisee to Pay Fine for ADA Violation

The franchisee of a Church’s Chicken in Warner Robins has agreed to pay a $2,000 civil penalty after one of its employees denied service to a veteran because the veteran had a service dog with them in the restaurant.

The refusal violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

As a result of the incident, the restaurant’s franchisee will implement and train employees on a new service animal policy.

“Ensuring access for individuals with disabilities, including permitting service dogs, is required by the ADA. Our office is dedicated to protecting these rights and ensuring proper accommodation for all,” said U.S. Attorney Will Keyes.

Closing Schools Will Become Community Hubs

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) will begin converting seven schools into community hubs after they close in the 2027-2028 school year.

APS launched its first community hub over a year ago at the former Oglethorpe Elementary School. The facility offers free clothing, groceries, and school supplies, as well as services such as school registration and transcript pickup.

Late last year, the district announced plans to repurpose 11 schools primarily due to declining enrollment as part of its “APS Forward 2040” plan. The decision is expected to save APS between $20 million and $25 million in operational costs.

Flying together with our sponsor

Tired of waking up with aching hips, sore knees, or lower back pain? The knēNest knee pillow is designed specifically for side sleepers, using a unique cradle shape to keep your knees properly aligned all night. By preventing bone-on-bone pressure and keeping your spine in a natural position, it helps your body finally relax into deeper, more restorative sleep.

Made with premium memory foam and built-in airflow for cool, all-night comfort, knēNest stays in place while you move—so you’re not constantly readjusting. The result: less stiffness, better sleep quality, and mornings where you actually feel rested and pain-free.

LEARN MORE

➤ Atlanta: MARTA launched its NextGen Bus Network and new Rapid A-Line bus service on Saturday, marking a major overhaul of the city’s public transit system. (More)

➤ Lula: 22,000 chickens died in a fire that destroyed a commercial chicken house on Highway 51 South. Officials are investigating the cause of the blaze. (More)

➤ St. Simons Island: The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a 71-year-old kayaker who became separated from her group and was stuck in a marsh near Village Creek Landing. (More)

➤ Roswell: A stretch of Fraser Street will remain closed through Oct. 30 to allow for construction of the Chambray Hotel. (More)

➤ Coweta County: A K-9 named Robbi was rewarded with gifts and treats after being injured while helping deputies apprehend a robbery suspect at a Regions Bank in Newnan. (More)

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

➤ The Atlanta Falcons swung a unique trade on Friday, sending Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for Maason Smith. The two players were taken just 13 picks apart in the 2024 NFL Draft and play the same position. (More)

➤ No. 2 Georgia Tech baseball’s 13-game winning streak came to an end on Friday after falling behind 5-0 early, eventually losing to No. 3 North Carolina by a final score of 5-2. (More)

➤ No. 5 Georgia baseball knotted its series against No. 14 Arkansas on Friday with a gutsy 5-3 win, maintaining its hold on first place in the SEC. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves offense exploded on Friday, leading the team to a 9-0 thrashing of one of their top division rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies. Braves third baseman Austin Riley had the best performance, hitting two home runs in the game. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Thirty Years of Work Shouldn’t Be Left Fully Exposed. Thirty years of saving. One unexpected shift can change everything. Many Americans are starting to question how protected their retirement really is. Augusta helps you understand options like physical gold in your IRA, clearly and without pressure. Get the free Gold IRA guide and explore your options. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Wake up without aches with the knēNest Knee Pillow—designed for side sleepers seeking better alignment and deeper sleep. Its unique cradle design supports your knees, hips, and spine while reducing pressure and discomfort. Stay cool, sleep comfortably, and feel the difference in just one night. Experience smarter, more restful sleep tonight. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Savannah’s free Earth Day Festival returns on April 24 at Daffin Park with a focus on promoting community environmental action. (More)

➤ Music artist Teddy Swims, a Conyers native, is set to perform at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on Oct. 20 as part of The Ugly Tour, with general ticket sales beginning on April 24. (More)

➤ A Georgia Lottery player won a $2.5 million prize from a scratch-off ticket purchased at West Mart on Hickory Flat Highway in Woodstock. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ The real reason your hands and feet tingle (It’s not what you think). That numbness or tingling many dismiss as aging may actually be linked to a hidden vitamin deficiency. Your body could be signaling something deeper—unrelated to circulation or arthritis. Discover what might be causing these symptoms and why it matters. (Learn more)