Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1930, music legend Ray Charles was born in Albany. Blinded by glaucoma, he pioneered soul music and gave the state its beloved anthem, Georgia on My Mind.

While Georgia has been home to many iconic musicians, it’s hard to argue against Ray Charles being the most notable. Do you have a song that you think represents the Peach State the best? Let us know in today’s poll or reply with your favorite.

We’re sponsored today by Grounded Footwear, the barefoot shoe that can improve your fitness and health.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

Chance of ‘Flash Drought’ Grows

The risks of a fast-developing “flash drought” are rising for metro Atlanta and much of western and southern Georgia, as weeks of mostly dry, hot weather reduce soil moisture and stress crops.

“After several weeks of minimal rainfall, the potential is increasing for a rapid onset drought to develop across portions of GA by the end of Sept.,” the National Weather Service posted.

Much of the state now falls in the abnormally dry category, with several areas moved into the moderate drought category this past week. You can see the latest statewide drought map here.

Peanut farmers in the southwest are losing yields due to hardened soil, and cattle producers are already dipping into winter hay.

Man Kills Self After Firing Shots Into Amazon

A man fired gunshots into an Amazon facility in Columbus early Monday morning, leading to a brief police standoff before he took his own life. No other injuries were reported.

The gunman’s motive was not immediately known, and his identity was being withheld pending notification of next of kin, authorities said.

Columbus police officers responded just before 5 a.m. to reports of shots being fired into the front of the building from outside.

Officers confronted the gunman as he was walking a short distance away.

Fair Hosts Special Needs Guests

The North Georgia State Fair in Marietta set aside a few hours on its opening weekend for a Special Friends Day event for children and young adults with special needs.

The fair opened on Thursday and runs until Sunday. You can find a schedule of activities here.

The Special Friends Day event treated guests to a calmer, crowd-free experience with full access to rides and games. Parents said the quiet, controlled environment allowed their children to enjoy the fair safely.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Georgia National Fair in Perry continues to prepare for its Oct. 2 opening, offering rides, live music, food, and family fun. You can find a fair guide here.

Flying together with our sponsor

Step into better health with Grounded Footwear’s barefoot-style shoes—designed to align your posture, reduce joint pain, and support natural movement.

These shoes mimic walking barefoot, helping strengthen muscles, improve balance, and enhance overall wellness. Lightweight, flexible, and ultra-comfortable, they’re perfect for daily wear.

Plus, enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee—experience the health benefits risk-free!

➤ State: Four Georgia men, at least one of them an inmate at the time, were sentenced to prison in a multi-state fraud scheme where cell phone calls were made to convince victims they had missed court appearances. The scammers threatened the victims with arrest unless they paid cash bonds. The phones were smuggled into the prison using drones. (More)

➤ Jones County: A former poll worker from Milledgeville was sentenced to 20 months in prison for impersonating a voter and threatening to bomb a county voting site in Gray. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Hundreds of students gathered at the College Football Hall of Fame for Georgia Reads Day, promoting literacy amid test score declines and concerns over education quality. (More)

➤ Tucker: The city will review a noise study on proposed pickleball expansions after residents complained about neighborhood disruption. (More)

➤ Albany: A bomb threat at Albany State University prompted evacuations Sunday night before officials declared the campus safe and resumed operations. (More)

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

➤ The Atlanta Falcons remain open to trading quarterback Kirk Cousins, but want a premium pick in return. They also want another team to absorb a large amount of his 2025 salary. (More)

➤ Nacho Alvarez Jr. was not in the Atlanta Braves’ lineup on Sunday following his career-best game because of a cut on his thumb. The injury will not require stitches. (More)

➤ Former Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague predicted the Hawks will make the Eastern Conference finals this year following the team’s acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NHL | MLB | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ This Weird Trick Gets Rid of Bad Breath. Bad breath isn’t just embarrassing—it’s stubborn. But this weird, dentist-approved trick is helping thousands eliminate bad breath fast, without mouthwash, gum, or brushing nonstop. It targets the real cause most people overlook, delivering fresh breath that actually lasts. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Americans hold $1.32 trillion in credit card debt, and Georgia’s households rank No. 7 nationally with an average of $12,819 owed, according to WalletHub. (More)

➤ Kennesaw State hosted the Construction Owners Summit, spotlighting rising trade school interest and job opportunities for young adults. (More)

➤ Parker’s Kitchen in Statesboro launched a four-year partnership with Georgia Southern athletics, including the chain’s first NIL deal with football star Davion “Chewy” Rhodes. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Stop Bad Dog Behaviors Fast. Tired of your dog barking, jumping, or ignoring commands? This simple training method is helping thousands of frustrated dog owners fix bad behaviors—fast. Developed by a professional K9 trainer, it’s safe, gentle, and works on dogs of all ages and breeds. No shock collars, no yelling—just real results. If your dog’s behavior is driving you crazy, this might be the solution you’ve been looking for. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Stay active and comfortable all summer with Grounded Footwear’s Freedom shoes. Designed for natural movement and all-day support, these lightweight shoes are perfect for walking, hiking, or chasing adventure. Breathable, flexible, and stylish—your feet will thank you. Step into summer freedom and feel the difference with every stride.

➤ Ticket prices for Saturday’s Georgia vs. Alabama football game in Athens start around $400 to $500 on online ticketing sites. (More)

➤ World Atlas named Helen and Tybee Island among the South’s best weekend getaways, citing their coastal history, hiking trails, and vibrant local events. (More)

➤ A Georgia State researcher received a $25,000 grant to develop a novel obesity drug that promotes weight loss without affecting appetite or lean mass. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Your Cutting Board is a Major Health Risk. Did you know your kitchen cutting board could be poisoning you? New studies reveal that plastic and wooden boards harbor dangerous bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella… even after a good scrub. Why risk your family’s health when the solution is simple? Discover how Tivano Cutting Boards keep your food safe today. (LEARN MORE)