GOP Nominee Plans $87M Blitz

Georgia Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson announced this week that he plans to spend $87 million on an initial ad buy targeting Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms.

The campaign spending sets an early-cycle record for the state’s governor’s race. Analysts say the figure signals an aggressive statewide media strategy months before voters head to the polls.

His team says the buy ensures all 11 million Georgians across 159 counties hear his message.

Bottoms and primary rival Burt Jones counter that Jackson is trying to buy the seat, noting his fortune grew partly from state healthcare contracts.

  Dozens Rescued From North Georgia Floods

More than a dozen people were rescued from heavy flooding in McCaysville over the weekend. Nineteen people were safely rescued without injuries.

In Fannin County, emergency agencies from Tennessee and North Carolina joined local first responders after storms dumped up to six inches of rain. The group included vacationers from Florida, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico who were unaware of the unfolding disaster.

McCaysville remains under a state of emergency after floodwaters shut roads and government buildings and knocked out the water treatment plant’s power.

Mayor Terry Arp said storage tanks are critically low and urged residents to conserve, calling the response delays unacceptable.

APS Opens With Every Post Filled

Atlanta Public Schools welcomed roughly 50,000 students back Monday, joining DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, and Fulton among metro districts starting the year.

The district reported that every teaching position and every bus route was filled for the first time in years, a milestone amid statewide staffing shortages.

At Hope Hill Elementary on Boulevard, students walked a literal red carpet as teachers offered high-fives and announced each child’s name over the loudspeaker.

One parent welcomed the greeting, saying it helped get students excited for the year ahead.

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➤ Statewide: The Powerball jackpot rose to an estimated $748 million after Saturday’s drawing produced no grand prize winner, sending players across Georgia back to counters ahead of the next draw. (More)

➤ Athens: The University of Georgia welcomed the inaugural class of its new School of Medicine, enrolling 64 students in a milestone for the institution and state medical education. (More)

➤ Lawrenceville: An attorney has proposed the Zero Hot Car Infant Deaths Act, requiring vehicle sensors after a Gwinnett child’s death. It was submitted to Sen. Ossoff and Rep. Burchett. (More)

➤ Sandy Springs: Parents of former Spalding Drive Elementary students won state approval for a new charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade, opening in the 2027-2028 school year. (More)

➤ DeKalb County: The county has approved a $75 million housing initiative within a larger $155 million bond program, expected to create or preserve over 10,000 housing units countywide. (More)

➤ Midtown: A 27-year-old security guard, Gregory Thomas III, is recovering after being shot Thursday night on Peachtree Street, an ordeal he described as being like a scary movie. (More)

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➤ The Atlanta Braves acquired starter Tyler Mahle from the Giants for minor league pitcher Anthony Molina. Mahle has a 5.13 ERA overall this season but has pitched to a 3.06 ERA over his last six starts. (More)

➤ NFL wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins joined Georgia Tech’s coaching staff as assistant coach, but then clarified that he hasn’t officially retired from his career in the NFL. (More)

➤ Southwest DeKalb High School football coaching legend William “Buck” Godfrey died over the weekend at 83. Godfrey compiled a 273-89-1 record across 30 seasons, won the 1995 state championship, and helped more than 300 athletes earn college scholarships. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA | Tennis | Little League Softball World Series

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➤ A law firm is investigating a class-action lawsuit against Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A after a June breach of Chick-fil-A One accounts exposed emails, phone numbers, and partial card details. (More)

➤ Raising Cane’s opens a new Statesboro location on Aug. 24, part of the chicken chain’s 30th-anniversary expansion into southeastern Georgia, following its July debut in Albany. (More)

➤ The Minute Grill in downtown Dublin marked 63 years in business, serving 63-cent burgers and hot dogs to customers who lined up around the block for the celebration. (More)

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➤ An Atlanta 6-year-old boy who entered a coma after being hit by a car has woken up, though he remains hospitalized and faces a lengthy recovery. (More)

➤ A Columbus veteran founded Star Spangled Tea and Coffee, a veteran-owned company honoring fellow veterans and first responders with patriotic treats made as a labor of love. (More)

➤ Charlie, the Georgia Aquarium’s oldest African penguin and one of the oldest ever in human care, has died at 40, far exceeding the species’ typical 10-to-20-year lifespan. (See Charlie)

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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:

➤ Hidden ultra-processed ingredients lurk in over half your diet, but there are six simple swaps to fight back. (Hear Details)

➤ The first deaths have been reported in the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, with two victims confirmed in Michigan. (Hear Episode)

➤ New Yorkers can finally camp overnight in Central Park, but scoring a free spot means winning a coveted citywide lottery. (Listen Now)

Do you ever play the Powerball?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Other (let us know)

Yesterday’s Results:

Which driving habit bothers you most?

1. Left-lane camping: 25%
2. Tailgating: 24%
3. Distracted driving: 23%
4. Failure to signal: 12%
5. Speeding: 9%
6. Other (let us know): 7%

Which U.S. senator from Georgia has the longest term in office in state history?

Show me the answer