Sunday, July 5, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1969, 120,000 fans attended the Atlanta International Pop Festival, which featured performances from Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, and the Chicago Transit Authority.

A Delta flight heading to Atlanta was forced to make a diversion after it was struck by lightning. Learn more in Around Georgia.

As our nation commemorates its 250th birthday, we’ll be sending out shortened editions through Monday so The Georgia Flyover staff can celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Our regular edition will be back on Tuesday.

America just turned 250, and we invited the entire world to the party. For years, the world has been told that this country is angry, divided, and not what it used to be. Then over a million international visitors poured into our cities this summer for the World Cup, and they are seeing something completely different. Late-night Waffle House runs, brisket the size of a small child, and strangers going out of their way to help. A lot of them showed up braced for the worst and instead fell head over heels. Tune in to today’s Flyover Podcast as Amy shares what the world is discovering about America. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, Lemonade Pet Insurance, helps pet owners manage rising vet costs with affordable plans starting around $10/month and flexible coverage designed to protect both your pet’s health and your budget.

The whole world came to America for the World Cup this summer, and over a million visitors are discovering why this country is truly one of a kind. (Watch Now)

State’s Medical Cannabis Program Expands

The state is expanding access to its medical cannabis program under the Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act, which took effect July 1.

The law allows new marijuana product forms to be sold such as vaporized flower. The changes also remove the previous 5% THC cap and instead permit patients to possess up to 12,000 milligrams of medical cannabis in pharmaceutical containers.

The expansion broadens eligibility by adding new qualifying conditions. It also eliminates the severe or end-stage requirement for conditions such as cancer and AIDS.

Georgia’s registry stands at roughly 36,600 people as of Tuesday, and dispensaries are expecting a wave of new patients.

Bald Eagle Statue Stolen in North Georgia

Authorities are searching for a bald eagle statue that was stolen from the Barn Market at Deer Creek Farms in Catoosa County just days before Independence Day.

The roughly 7 foot wooden statue, valued at more than $3,000, was planned to be showcased at the market during a Fourth of July festival.

“This is a bald eagle. It represents our America’s 250th and it belongs at the Barn Market,” said the market’s owner James Coles.

Authorities are requesting anyone with information about the theft to contact the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office or Deer Creek Farms.

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➤ Statewide: Since 2023, drownings in Georgia have increased nearly 25%, while fatal boating crashes have declined over 37%. (More)

➤ Columbus: A $2 million rural development grant has been secured by the Development Authority of Columbus to ready Technology Park for future business developments. (More)

➤ Miller County: Bellview Road has reopened following the replacement of the 1962 bridge over Big Drain Creek, ending a closure that began in February. (More)

➤ Atlanta: A lightning strike hit a Delta flight destined to Atlanta on Friday night, forcing the plane to divert to Indianapolis. The aircraft landed safely and no injuries were reported. (More)

➤ Savannah: The city broke ground on a $5.5 million, 11,300-square-foot gymnasium at the Pennsylvania Avenue Resource Center, with the facility expected to open in 2027. (More)

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