Macon Approves Costco Plans

Macon-Bibb’s planning commission approved a rezoning, clearing the way for the city’s first Costco.

Developers said the store will employ up to 200 workers, with groundbreaking possible later this year. Mayor Lester Miller said the city is also courting Trader Joe’s, Topgolf, and Dave & Buster’s.

The approved plan rezones nearly 28 acres near the Shoppes at River Crossing for a 158,000-square-foot warehouse, 32 gas pumps, and 873 parking spaces.

Planning staff backed the request, calling it consistent with the county’s 2050 plan. Some raised concerns about traffic on a corridor that planners estimate could see more than 6,300 vehicle trips on a typical weekday.

  Oil Change Costs Rise

Metro Atlanta motorists are paying more for routine vehicle maintenance as a shortage of synthetic motor oil pushes prices higher.

Georgia Tech supply chain expert Chris Gaffney said prices are rising due to the Middle East conflict, including disruptions of the Strait of Hormuz and the bombing of a key production plant in the region.

Before this week’s announcement of a cease-fire in the conflict, some shops predicted that a synthetic oil change that recently cost $60 to $65 could eventually climb to $85 or even $90, while premium services could top $120.

Industry publication Lubes’n’Greases reports that global base oil markets have tightened amid geopolitical uncertainty and shipping disruptions, adding pressure to supply chains.

Georgia Heads to America 250 Fair

Georgia will take part in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.

The fair will run from Thursday through July 10, with exhibits highlighting culture, innovation, and economic achievements from across the country.

Georgia will showcase key industries as well as iconic Georgia-based companies such as Waffle House and Chick-fil-A.

“From information about famous Georgia-grown goods to exclusive products from major Georgia-based brands, visitors from around the world who experience our showcase will have plenty of reasons to keep us on their minds,” Gov. Brian Kemp said.

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➤ Statewide: State lawmakers ended the special session Tuesday, passing a bill that requires hand counts only in close finishes in the governor and lieutenant governor races. The measure now goes to Gov. Brian Kemp for his review. (More)

➤ Albany: Residents shared videos of the water that covered streets during the area’s latest storm Sunday night, with several vehicles seen submerged. (Watch)

➤ Metro Atlanta: Filming will begin in August on the NASCAR drama series Thunder Road, starring Dennis Quaid. Production will be based at Riverwood Studios in Senoia. (More)

➤ Gainesville: Radio host and state school board member Martha Zoller died Monday following a sudden illness. The longtime WDUN talk-show host and 2012 congressional candidate was an influential voice in conservative politics. (More)

➤ Statewide: Legislative committees from the state House and Senate held a joint meeting to discuss the implementation of the Georgia Early Literacy Act, with one committee chair calling the measure the most impactful change to education in the state since the 1990s. (More)

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➤ The Atlanta Hawks selected Houston guard Kingston Flemings with the No. 8 pick in the NBA Draft on Tuesday night, followed by St. John’s Zuby Ejiofor with the No. 23 pick. (Draft)

➤ Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. is expected to receive at least an eight-game suspension for his offseason legal problems, including alleged instances of domestic violence and stalking. (More)

➤ Morocco faces Haiti in a FIFA World Cup Group C match today at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (More)

➤ Atlanta United introduced Mauricio Culebro as its president of soccer, a newly created role overseeing both the MLS club and the incoming NWSL Atlanta franchise launching in 2028. Culebro previously ran both the men’s and women’s programs at Mexico’s Tigres club. (More)

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

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➤ A real estate company sued Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, claiming the closure of the Georgia country music stars’ Nashville steakhouse violated the lease agreement. (More)

➤ The state’s economic development efforts supported 423 facility expansions and new locations last year, with 77% of the projects based outside of metro Atlanta. (More)

➤ Atlanta-based UPS will invest $48 million to build 27 temperature-controlled freight facilities across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, targeting growing demand for Ozempic and other refrigerated pharmaceuticals. (More)

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Musk: This Will Make Everyone Wealthier Than Me

After SpaceX’s history-making IPO, Elon Musk has become the world’s first trillionaire. But he says the forthcoming AI and robotics boom will make everyone wealthier than him.

Over 44,000 people are tapping into this boom by investing in a private robotics company: Miso Robotics.

Miso’s AI and robots are becoming fixtures across the $1T fast-food industry, serving customers at Cinnabon, Jersey Mike’s, Jamba, and many more. In fact, Miso’s Flippy Fry Station AI robot has already logged over 200,000 hours in real kitchens like White Castle. 

Now Miso’s scaling Flippy across a $4B/year US revenue opportunity.  And it’s only one piece of Miso’s growing platform.

This is your chance to tap into this growth as a Miso shareholder. Invest before Miso hits their $2.5M raise goal for June.

➤ NOAA’s research ship Nancy Foster opened its decks to the public on Savannah’s River Street before launching an ecosystem survey of Gray’s Reef. (More)

➤ The first-ever tomato festival in Brooklet included a tomato contest judged by local celebrities, with prizes awarded for the biggest, best-tasting, and ugliest tomato. (More)

➤ Macon received a shout-out as one of the must-stops for music fans touring the country, celebrated as the launching pad for Otis Redding, Little Richard, the Allman Brothers, and others. (More)

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➤ A Harvard scientist discovered a new “facelift protein” that smooths wrinkles, shrinks pores, and evens-out red blotchy skin in just 7 seconds a day. What surprised researchers the most wasn’t just the results…It was that women with higher levels of this “facelift protein” appeared to age dramatically better than their peers. Learn about this new discovery here.

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:

➤ Savannah Guthrie made a tearful on-air plea as new details emerge in her mother’s disappearance. (Listen Here)

➤ Should weight-loss drugs be banned in sports? Serena Williams reignited the debate. (Hear More)

➤ These are the 20 highest-paying jobs in America that aren’t doctors. (Tune In)

What’s your favorite way to eat pecans?

1. Pralines
2. Pecan pie
3. Roasted and salted
4. Straight off the tree
5. Not a fan

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you ever go to the Georgia National Fair?

1. Every year: 37%
2. Once in a while: 34%
3. Never been: 29%

Where does Georgia rank among the nation’s top pecan-producing states?

Show me the answer