Thursday, June 25, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1997, the NHL awarded Atlanta its second hockey franchise, the Thrashers, named for Georgia’s state bird. The team relocated to Canada in 2011.

Yale just tracked over 11,000 seniors for more than a decade, and what they found breaks every rule you’ve been told about getting older. Nearly half of them didn’t decline. They got BETTER. Cognitively. Physically. And the researchers found the one hidden factor driving it… It’s not genetics. Ayla breaks down what it is, and the four things you can start doing today to be in that improving half. Coming up on The Flyover Podcast. Tune in here!

Your home address, phone number, and even family connections may be easier to find online than you think. Later today, watch for a message from our partner, Incogni, on how to take that information back.

Today is the day. Over the past week, we’ve shared details about the Freedom Summit. If you’ve been meaning to sign up, this is your last chance before the event begins later today. Registration is FREE, and you can claim your spot 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.

QR Code Delay Sparks Divisions

Republican state lawmakers explained their decision to delay a July 1 ban on QR-code vote tabulation and end the special session, citing too little time before the midterm elections.

Supporters of dropping QR codes were not happy. “I think there’s going to be dissatisfaction,” said Garland Favorito, cofounder of VoterGA.

GOP leaders said their plan to put off the change until 2028 was supported by Gov. Brian Kemp, who had sought to address the issue ahead of the deadline set forth in a 2024 law.

Republicans, who control both chambers of the state legislature, opted for a measure that requires hand counts in close finishes in the governor and lieutenant governor races.

Judge Blocks Longer Red Snapper Season

A federal judge blocked an exemption that would have opened a 62-day recreational red snapper season in federal waters off Georgia and other states beginning July 1.

The move to extend the recreational red snapper season beyond its usual period of a few days faced resistance from environmentalists and commercial fishermen.

Walter Rabon, commissioner of the state Department of Natural Resources, called the ruling disappointing. The agency said it plans to pursue a future exemption.

10 Tornadoes Touched Down Last Week

The National Weather Service confirmed that 10 tornadoes touched down across Georgia during last Thursday’s severe storms.

They were rated EF-0 or EF-1, with peak winds reaching 95 miles per hour as warnings were issued for Meriwether, Putnam, and Upson counties.

No deaths or injuries were tied directly to the twisters. The following morning, two people died in Putnam County when a tree fell onto a moving pickup truck.

The tornado outbreak came during an extended period of stormy weather across the state that continued into this week. In Jasper County, a 74-year-old man is recovering after crashing his pickup truck into fallen trees during severe storms on Monday.

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➤ Quitman: Facing a $2.4 million deficit, city council members adopted a budget that could cut the police department from 11 officers to eight while raising some resident fees. (More)

➤ Austell: Riders were stranded roughly 260 feet up on Six Flags Over Georgia’s SkyScreamer for about 10 minutes during a technical stop. The park said its safety system worked as designed. (More)

➤ Lee County: The county animal shelter hopes to reopen next week after two dogs tested positive for canine parvovirus, prompting a 14-day quarantine and increased cleaning. (More)

➤ Augusta: As the nation nears its 250th birthday, the Augusta Museum of History is spotlighting the city’s overlooked Revolutionary War role, including a colonial battle near present-day Reynolds Street. (More)

➤ Tybee Island: The city invited residents, businesses, and schools to paint fire hydrants with patriotic designs for its America 250 celebration, drawing more than 30 applications so far. (More)

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➤ Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts reportedly agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract extension that includes $36 million fully guaranteed, a record three-year deal for a tight end. (More)➤ Georgia Tech released the final design for a $70 million renovation of Bobby Dodd Stadium, its first major overhaul since 2003. The project will add 12,500 chairback seats, a new video board, and remodeled premium areas. (More)➤ Atlanta United defender Juan Berrocal and midfielder Matías Galarza will return to their parent clubs in Spain and Argentina, respectively, after their loan agreements expire on June 30. (More)

➤ At 48-30, the Atlanta Braves entered Wednesday tied for the second-most wins in baseball and a 5.5-game lead in the National League East. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | WNBA

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➤ Amazon Prime Day is here, and some of the biggest discounts of the year are live now. From tech and home essentials to kitchen gadgets, fashion, and more, Deal Watchdogs has rounded up standout deals worth your attention. Browse the best savings before these limited-time offers disappear. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Surging nitrogen fertilizer prices are squeezing the state’s farmers while boosting fertilizer producer Nutrien’s plant in Augusta. (More)

➤ Timber company and real estate investment trust Rayonier will relocate its headquarters to metro Atlanta from Yulee, Florida, next year. The company’s U.S. portfolio spans 4 million acres. (More)

➤ Kevin Cooke, a Carrollton native and former state lawmaker, was named the Georgia district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, overseeing lending, counseling, and disaster recovery support. (More)

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➤ Markets are volatile. Inflation remains a concern. And every week seems to bring a new economic headline. When times are uncertain, getting good information matters. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Freedom Summit, a free online event happening tomorrow, featuring economists, investors, and business leaders discussing what’s next for the economy, inflation, and financial markets. Registration is free. Save your spot today.

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Get a Sonic Glow Toothbrush. The advanced toothbrush that cleans up to 90% more effectively than a standard brush with soft silicone bristles that reach every corner and gently massage gums for healthier smiles. Feel fresher, brighter teeth in just 30 seconds with revolutionary tech dentists love. Limited-time offer!

➤ Savannah’s first nonprofit community darkroom, gallery, and photography workshop space opens Friday with a public open house and exhibits by local photographers. (More)

➤ More than 20 veterans from the VA Augusta Health Care System will compete in the five-day National Veterans Golden Age Games that begin Saturday in Tampa, Florida. (More)

➤ Restaurants in Warner Robins are running a nine-day Take Flight Tour, offering sampler flights of desserts, drinks, and dishes in celebration of Robins Air Force Base. (More)

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➤ The Collagen Scam: How To Know If Your Supplement Is One of the Bad Ones. Still buying collagen based on price or brand name? You might be surprised to learn that some of the most popular collagen supplements are missing key elements that make collagen actually work for aging bodies. While companies push fancy packaging and promises, they’re hoping you won’t discover these 5 critical requirements that determine whether your supplement will deliver real results. Ready to become a smarter collagen shopper? Learn More

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ A Yale study tracked 11,000 seniors for over a decade and found nearly half didn’t decline with age; they improved, and one hidden factor explains why. (Hear What)

➤ The military is reinstating flu shots for recruits after an outbreak swept a Texas training base. (Listen Now)

➤ The average couple drops over $6,000 on the honeymoon now, and Gen Z would rather splurge there than on the wedding. (Listen More)