Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1795, Georgia’s governor approved the sale of 35 million acres of land to private developers in a bribery scandal known as the Yazoo Land Fraud.

Seven weeks later, the lucky Georgian who won the $983 million Mega Millions jackpot in November finally came forward to claim the prize—and chose to remain anonymous. How long would you wait? Would you want to stay anonymous? Reply and let us know.

If you value your privacy and don’t like the idea of your personal information being just a Google search away, today’s sponsor, Incogni, has a simple way to take back control.

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.

Flu Cases Reach ‘Very High’ Range

Georgia is battling its harshest flu season since before the pandemic, with the number of cases surging into the “very high” category.

Severe cases are also on the rise, with hospitalizations in the fourth week of December jumping to 511—up from 317 the prior week—and seven deaths reported.

Since October, the state has recorded 29 flu-related deaths and 1,600 hospitalizations.

Health officials recommend people with the flu seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, or severe vomiting.

Feds Detail Latest Lawmaker Fraud Case

Federal prosecutors detailed their fraud case against longtime state Rep. Karen Bennett, alleging the $13,940 she claimed in pandemic unemployment benefits came while she continued working as a physical therapist and lawmaker.

Bennett, D-Stone Mountain, who resigned last week and was indicted on Monday, became the second Georgia state lawmaker accused of unemployment fraud. Last month, state Rep. Sharon Henderson, D-Covington, was arrested on similar grounds.

In the case of Bennett, she also failed to disclose that she was employed through a church, which paid her $905 each week she was claiming pandemic benefits, according to prosecutors.

Bennett pleaded not guilty and was released on $10,000 bond.

Young and Hawks Explore Mutual Split

The Atlanta Hawks and Trae Young are cooperating on exploring possible trade options for the four-time All-Star, according to league sources.

Young, 27, has struggled with injuries and efficiency this season, and the team is 15–12 without him compared to 2–8 when he played.

The Washington Wizards emerged as one possible landing spot, with salary cap space and a need for a lead guard in what could be a rare win-win trade scenario, league analysts say.

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➤ Dallas: A judge ordered the forfeiture of a $267,000 house and $116,000 in cash linked to an illegal drug operation, raided in 2023. (More)

➤ Cobb County: Dashcam footage was released showing a police officer using a PIT maneuver during a chase, the focus of a lawsuit filed by an injured occupant of the fleeing vehicle. The county seeks dismissal of the lawsuit. (More)

➤ Statewide: Gov. Brian Kemp named six state House and Senate members as his administration’s floor leaders for the upcoming legislative session. (List)

➤ Augusta: A section of the Augusta Canal will close and be drained for maintenance work starting Sunday. (More)

➤ Savannah: The police department released its 10 Most Wanted list of 2026, accused of crimes ranging from aggravated assault to child cruelty. (List)

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➤ Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and the team are in talks over Ryan serving in the team’s newly created position of president of football operations. Both the team’s future head coach and general manager would report to him. (More)

➤ World Cup organizers report record demand for tickets to this summer’s event, including matches in Atlanta. The deadline for entering the random drawing phase for tickets ends Jan. 13. (More)

➤ Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch declared for the NFL Draft, where he’s expected to be one of the first pass catchers taken. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Community support surged for Cherokee County’s Busy B Plant Supply after the owners announced their plans to close, prompting them to reconsider. (More)

➤ Kroger, Publix, and Target plan to open more Georgia locations this year, including stores in Locust Grove, Oakwood, Perry, Kingsland, and Covington. (More)

➤ Southwest Georgia farmer Alex Harrell warned that 2026 may bring widespread unplanted farmland due to high costs. (More)

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➤ With the Hooters in Augusta gone, pro golfer John Daly will move his Masters week visits, autograph signings, and merchandise sales to Top Dawg Tavern near Augusta National. (More)

➤ Georgia Tech rose to No. 2 nationally in federally funded research spending, accounting for $1.5 billion of Georgia’s $4 billion total. (More)

➤ CBS Atlanta’s Sam Crenshaw was named 2025 Georgia Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. (More)

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