Saturday, August 8, 2026

Welcome to The Georgia Flyover

You are now officially subscribed to The Georgia Flyover – Y'all ready! 🍑

Here is what you can expect:

1) Top-notch coverage of every blessed inch of Georgia.

2) Fact-based stories without the spin found in most media outlets.

3) It’s FREE! And always will be.

Consider us your guide to all things interesting in the Peach State.

Let's cover a few (very quick) housekeeping items we should cover to ensure your uninterrupted delivery of The Georgia Flyover:

First, let's make sure our next edition arrives without any interference from your local inbox overlord (Gmail, iCloud, etc).

Would you mind hitting reply and telling us that you got our note? That's the best way to ensure our emails get through in the future.

Also, this is important: Please take one of the following steps so we don't miss you.

Gmail users: move us to your primary inbox:

On your phone: Hit the 3 dots (...) at the top right corner of the app, click "Move to" then "Primary". If you don't see Primary, you're already set.
On desktop: Back out of this email, drag & drop this email into the "Primary" tab on the top left of the screen.

Apple Mail users:

Tap on our email address at the top of this email (next to "From:" on mobile) and click "Add to VIP".

AOL Mail users:

Select "Contacts", select "New Contact" (it's a little person icon at the top left), enter editor@thegeorgiaflyover.com, and click "Add Contact."

Outlook users:

Hover over the from email address at the top of this email, click the three dots icon, click "Add to Outlook Contacts", and click "Save" or "Create".

For all other users, please follow the instructions here.

Second, if you'd like to view the latest edition right away, check it out here.

Finally, we'd love to know what you think of The Georgia Flyover. Please send the Editor any feedback at editor@thegeorgiaflyover.com

Unsubscribe (Step One)

The Georgia Flyover
2274 Salem Rd SE
Ste 106 #5265
Conyers, GA 30013.

Power Outage Penalties, Sales Tax Holiday, and a Polo Club

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1780, militia under Col. George Rogers Clark fought the Shawnee at the Battle of Piqua in present-day Clark County, securing an American victory in one of the Revolution’s largest western engagements.

🛍️ Ohio’s sales tax holiday is underway, giving back-to-school shoppers through tomorrow night to save on qualifying items. Find more info in today’s Top Stories.

Scam calls used to be easy to spot. Not anymore. AI can now clone your loved one's voice, and criminals are using it to stage fake emergency calls across the country. Americans lost billions to AI-enabled scams last year, and experts say the numbers are climbing fast. But here's the good news. The single most effective defense doesn't require an app, a subscription, or any tech skills at all. You won't believe how easy it is to protect what you care about. Today on The Flyover Podcast, Amy breaks down how these scams work and the quick fix that stops them cold. Tune in here!

Today's sponsor is Green Coffee Company, a Colombian coffee producer expanding its vertically integrated business and bringing the legendary Juan Valdez® brand to more consumers across North America.

PUCO Proposes FirstEnergy Penalty

Ohio utility regulators are proposing a $3,049,750 penalty against FirstEnergy's Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co. after an investigation found probable violations tied to repeated Lakewood-area power outages during extreme summer heat.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) said outages from late June through mid-July were caused largely by equipment and line failures rather than severe weather.

Investigators also cited aging infrastructure and found transformers at two substations being cooled with lawn-style sprinklers, a practice PUCO staff called unusual. The utility told regulators it considers the practice an industry standard during extreme heat.

PUCO proposed six corrective actions, including equipment reviews, underground-cable inspections, replacement plans, and better customer communication.

Free Speech Ratings Target Ohio Schools

Fourteen Ohio colleges and universities received “yellow light” ratings in a new review of campus speech policies by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).

FIRE reviewed 493 public and private colleges nationwide and found 69.4% of schools earned yellow ratings, while 13.2% received a “red light” rating. You can read the report here.

Ohio's yellow-rated schools are Bowling Green State, Case Western Reserve, Kent State, Kenyon College, Miami University, Oberlin College, Ohio University, Ohio State, Shawnee State, Akron, Cincinnati, Toledo, Wright State, and Youngstown State.

No Ohio school received a red rating. Cleveland State University was the state's only “green light” school, a designation FIRE gives institutions whose written policies don’t “seriously threaten student expression.”

Sales Tax Holiday Underway

Ohio's three-day sales tax holiday continues through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, exempting qualifying clothing, school supplies, and instructional materials from state and local sales taxes.

This year's holiday is narrower than 2025, when lawmakers authorized a two-week expanded exemption covering most items priced at $500 or less. That temporary expansion expired, returning Ohio to its traditional limits: clothing priced at $75 or less per item, and school supplies and instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item.

Computers, general electronics, food purchased in restaurants, and most other purchases aren't covered this year.

Flying together with our sponsor

Could This Be the Next $110B Coffee Giant?

Dunkin' was acquired for $11B. JDE Peet's IPO’d at $17B. Starbucks today is valued at a $110B market cap. They all achieved this without owning the whole coffee supply chain.

Imagine how much more market they could capture if they did.

Green Coffee Company controls its entire coffee-making process from seed to sale. As Colombia’s #1 producer, they’ve seen revenue grow from $1M to $26M since 2021.

Now, they have exclusive distribution rights to the legendary Juan Valdez® brand in North America, and they’re reigniting it across the U.S. coffee market. Become a Green Coffee Company investor today and get up to 20% bonus shares.

➤ Rocky River: Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted called on U.S. Rep. Max Miller, R-Rocky River, to resign and end his reelection campaign amid a House ethics investigation. (More)

➤ Perrysburg: Northbound Interstate 475 will close from 8 p.m. tonight through 6 a.m. Monday for pavement repairs, affecting three ramps. Additional northbound weekend closures are scheduled for Aug. 21 and 28. (See Closures)

➤ Ashville: The Ohio Supreme Court ordered the village fiscal officer to certify a referendum petition challenging an EdgeConneX data center agreement. (More)

➤ Columbus: COTA approved Line 99, a new route planned for 2028 that will connect John Glenn Columbus International Airport with downtown and The Ohio State University. The service is expected to run hourly when it launches. (More)

➤ Yellow Springs: The school district postponed the first day of school until Aug. 31 to allow more time for construction, with grades 1-12 and some kindergarten students returning that day. (More)

➤ Circleville: OhioHealth is investing $10.2 million over two years to expand cancer services at Berger Hospital, including private infusion spaces, added pharmacy capacity, enhanced diagnostic imaging, and a second CT scanner. (See Details)

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

➤ Ohio State women’s hockey coach Nadine Muzerall will lead Canada's National Women's Under-18 team at the 2027 world championship, adding an international assignment after guiding the Buckeyes to seven Frozen Four appearances and two national titles. (More)

➤ Oberlin High School canceled its 2026 football season after no more than eight players reported for mandatory camp. (More)

➤ The Ohio Polo Club will host a public clinic Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon at its Springfield facility after joining the U.S. Polo Association last month. The clinic is open to beginners. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Still Brushing the Old-Fashioned Way? Sonic Glow cleans your entire mouth in just 30 seconds with thousands of sonic bristle movements, making it a great option for anyone who wants an easier, more effective routine, especially if dexterity is a challenge. See why so many people are making the switch today. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

The Coffee Producer Riding 26X Growth

Everyone should know about Green Coffee Company, because they’re Colombia’s #1 largest coffee producer. They’ve already grown revenue 26X since 2021 and reached over 2,500 retailers.

But here’s why 2026 could be their biggest year yet.

They’ve acquired exclusive rights to distribute Juan Valdez® coffee across North America. As Green Coffee Company brings this iconic coffee brand to Raley’s, Target, and other big box stores, investors are paying attention. They’ve already invested over $120M so far.

Become a Green Coffee Company investor today and get up to 20% bonus shares.

This is a paid advertisement for Green Coffee Company's Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.greencoffeecompany.com/. Timelines are subject to change. Listing on the NASDAQ is contingent upon necessary approvals, and reserving a ticker symbol does not guarantee a company's public listing.

➤ A New York Yankees fan is suing for $10 million after Cleveland Guardians infielder José Ramírez lost his bat during a swing and it struck her behind home plate. She alleges that inadequate protective netting led to a traumatic brain injury. (See Details)

➤ Newly released video from the Ohio Department of Transportation shows a driver on Interstate 670 near Columbus jumping onto the median seconds before a sedan slammed into his disabled SUV. (Watch Video)

➤ Fairfield County's auditor is warning residents about fraudulent videos promoting a nonexistent federal property tax relief form, urging homeowners to rely on official sources for legitimate programs. (See Details)

➤ Cleveland Heights native Travis Kelce joined Cedar Point and Kings Island to promote 2027 season passes, recalling family trips to both Ohio amusement parks while growing up. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Big AC companies are panicking over this new cooling invention that helps Americans stay cool for less. Stop suffering from extreme temperatures and high electric bills. Get instant cooling in summer and cozy warmth in winter with CoolCove. 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, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ Scammers can now clone your loved one's voice, but this simple defense makes them harmless. (Hear More)

➤ Meta was ordered to pay a $567 million penalty over findings that it fueled a youth mental health crisis. (Listen Now)

➤ Louisiana health officials are warning residents after a deadly spike in flesh-eating bacteria infections tied to seawater exposure. (Podcast Available)

What was your favorite part of back-to-school shopping?

Yesterday's Results:

Would you consider buying a 3D-printed home?

Probably not: 26%
Maybe: 23%
Never: 18%
Definitely: 17%
If it were cheaper: 16%

What modern device traces its design back to Thomas Edison’s electric pen?

Show me the answer

Unsubscribe (Step One)

The Ohio Flyover
1985 W Henderson Road
Box #2084
Columbus, OH 43220

PVC Breakthrough, Drought Aid, and Kibler Valley Flood

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee wrote a letter of resignation to President Jefferson Davis after the defeat at Gettysburg. Davis rejected the offer, and Lee continued commanding the Army of Northern Virginia until its surrender in April 1865.

Virginia Tech researchers have found a way to turn notoriously hard-to-recycle PVC plastic into synthetic lubricant oil. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve ever seen recycled or repurposed? Hit reply and let us know!

Virginia Tech Turns PVC into Lubricant

Virginia Tech researchers developed a process that converts PVC plastic waste into polyalphaolefin, a key ingredient used in lubricants such as engine oil.

PVC is among the hardest plastics to recycle because of its chlorine content and varying additives. Much of the material instead ends up in landfills.

The process removes chlorine and converts the remaining material into synthetic lubricant oils that performed competitively with commercial products, according to the study published in Nature.

Researchers said the method could address two problems at once by reducing difficult-to-recycle plastic waste while producing a higher-value material used across transportation and industry.

Virginia Farmers Gain Drought Assistance

Farmers across Virginia can now seek federal drought assistance after the USDA added 40 localities to its disaster designations, bringing the statewide total to 125.

The additions mean every Virginia county now carries a drought disaster designation for 2026. Eligible farmers may apply for assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Programs include emergency loans, with applications evaluated individually based on eligibility, circumstances, and financial need. Farmers generally have eight months from the disaster declaration to apply.

The designations apply to areas that experienced severe drought for at least eight consecutive weeks or reached extreme or exceptional drought levels during the growing season.

Flood Strands Kibler Valley Residents

Weekend flooding washed out a private bridge in Patrick County’s Kibler Valley, leaving 11 residents without vehicle access to their homes and debris blocking the crossing.

Because the bridge is privately owned, residents are responsible for clearing the debris and replacing it. Neighbors built a temporary footbridge to restore pedestrian access.

Volunteers from Virginia and neighboring states arrived with heavy equipment Friday to begin clearing the river. Resident Angie Nelson said the response showed “the power of community.”

Flying together with our sponsor

Could This Be the Next $110B Coffee Giant?

Dunkin' was acquired for $11B. JDE Peet's IPO’d at $17B. Starbucks today is valued at a $110B market cap. They all achieved this without owning the whole coffee supply chain.

Imagine how much more market they could capture if they did.

Green Coffee Company controls its entire coffee-making process from seed to sale. As Colombia’s #1 producer, they’ve seen revenue grow from $1M to $26M since 2021.

➤ Statewide: State Police seized more than $2.7 million in illegal drugs during a weeklong operation, including cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, along with six firearms. (More)

➤ Giles County: Regulators approved Appalachian Power’s $340 million plan to move 6.8 million cubic yards of coal ash from the retired Glen Lyn plant to a new landfill on the property. (More)

➤ Shenandoah County: A federal judge ordered the school board to rename two schools after finding its 2024 restoration of Confederate names discriminated against black students. (More)

➤ Appomattox County: Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III was killed Thursday while assisting at a crash scene in Campbell County. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing. (More)

➤ Roanoke County: A boil water advisory was issued for the Roselawn, Homewood, and Smokey Ridge pressure zones after an equipment failure caused water pressure problems. (More)

Like The Virginia Flyover? Share it with a friend! ✈️

➤ Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs practiced with the team for the first time yesterday after signing a one-year deal worth up to $12 million earlier this week. The four-time Pro Bowler had 85 catches for over 1,000 yards with the Patriots last season. (More)

➤ The Washington Wizards and Anthony Davis will reportedly hold off on extension talks until the regular season. Davis became eligible for a deal worth up to $275 million on Thursday, but the team’s hesitant to commit long term. (More)

➤ Mandatory athletic fees at Virginia's state colleges rose 5.5% this year, the fastest-growing category of student costs. At James Madison University, those fees fund 74% of the athletic budget, more than donors give annually to Michigan's sports programs. (More)

➤ Virginia Tech men's basketball will play in the Charleston Classic alongside Dayton, Minnesota, Northwestern, Oklahoma State, and Utah. The two-day event tips off Nov. 20. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

The Coffee Producer Riding 26X Growth

➤ A Fairfax County high school student launched Raaha, a free AI tool that helps neurodivergent job seekers evaluate whether a workplace matches how they work. (More)

➤ Three Henrico County high school students developed BusGuard, a device designed to alert students when vehicles illegally pass stopped school buses. Their prototype recorded 95.35% accuracy in 211 trials. (More)

➤ Virginia Tech’s mining program is among 14 schools named in a federal initiative that could provide up to $100 million to expand the critical minerals workforce. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Scammers can now clone your loved one's voice, but this simple defense makes them harmless. (Hear More)

➤ Meta was ordered to pay a $567 million penalty over findings that it fueled a youth mental health crisis. (Listen Now)

➤ Louisiana health officials are warning residents after a deadly spike in flesh-eating bacteria infections tied to seawater exposure. (Podcast Available)