Sunday, February 1, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1871, Jefferson Franklin Long of Georgia became the first African American to make an official speech in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Georgia's dining scene is nothing to scoff at. See which three restaurants made it into Yelp's annual "Best in Nation" list in today's Top Stories.

From today's sponsor, the Winter Essentials Checklist from the Consumer Gift Guide—see the 11 must-have items people are using to stay safe, warm, and prepared as extreme winter weather sets in.

Don't feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily—watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

Water Advisory Lifted After Fuel Spill

A fuel spill at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport that reached the Flint River prompted tap water concerns.

As a precaution, the City of Griffin shut off all Flint River water intakes and issued a "do not consume" water advisory, which has since been lifted.

Response and cleanup efforts are underway.

Officials have not disclosed the amount of fuel that had spilled.

Georgia Power Critic Will Not Be Prosecuted

Patty Durand, a frequent critic of Georgia Power who was arrested for allegedly stealing a notebook containing the company's trade secrets, will not be prosecuted due to a lack of evidence.

Durand was arrested in October 2025 after surveillance footage showed her taking documents from a desk during a Georgia Public Service Commission meeting.

Durand voluntarily returned the notebook to law enforcement later that day.

Durand spent nearly two days in jail and faced one to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.

GA Restaurants Ranked Among Nations Best

Three Georgia restaurants earned spots on Yelp's "Top 100 U.S. Restaurants 2026" rankings.

Leading Georgia is Flavor Rich Restaurant in Atlanta, which took the No. 60 spot.

The BEP Corner in Duluth ranked No. 81, and Fúdo in Chamblee came in at No. 86.

The list considered various factors, including the quantity and ratings of customer reviews.

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Winter Is Here: These 11 Must-Have Winter Essentials Make It Better

As Arctic air sweeps across the country, many are rethinking how they prepare for extreme cold. This winter weather checklist breaks down the must-have essentials people rely on to get through snow, ice, and dangerously low temperatures.

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➤ Atlanta: Hundreds of flights at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport were delayed or canceled on Saturday due to inclement weather. (More)

➤ Fort Valley: The city council voted to fire Police Chief Dennis Johns Flores, City Administrator Gary Lee, and the assistant police chief due to spending and budgeting issues. (More)

➤ Colquitt County: A man who had been missing for two weeks was safely located and returned to his family on Wednesday. (More)

➤ Gwinnett County: Dr. Candice Richardson, a 9th-grade Biology teacher at the Gwinnett InterVention Education Center East, was named Gwinnett County Public Schools 2027 Teacher of the Year. (More)

➤ Albany: After facing delays, construction has started on the 3,000-square-foot Community Center at Putney Park, which will include a meeting room, catering kitchen, and event space. The project is expected to be finished by the end of the year. (See Details)

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➤ Georgia men's basketball fell 92-77 in a crucial conference matchup against Texas A&M yesterday after a brutal 22-0 run doomed the Bulldogs' chances. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves have agreed to terms on a minor league contract with former All-Star pitcher Martin Perez. Perez has dealt with injuries in recent years but is expected to contend for a spot in the Braves' starting rotation. (More)

➤ University of Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks says he is unsure if the team will play its annual G-Day spring football game this year. (More)

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"Arctic Blast" Winter Weather Checklist:

Stay warm, comfortable, and prepared all season with Winter Essentials from the Consumer Gift Guide. This curated collection features practical, must-have items designed to beat the cold—from cozy gear to smart winter-ready solutions for everyday life. Perfect for gifting or upgrading your own routine, these essentials combine comfort, usefulness, and seasonal style. Discover winter favorites people love and see which essentials make cold days easier, warmer, and more enjoyable.

LEARN MORE

➤ The Savannah Bananas have unveiled their new locker rooms at Historic Grayson Stadium. (See Photos)

➤ A Stephens County sheriff's deputy drove on icy roads during last weekend's winter storm to personally deliver baby formula to a mother in need. (More)

➤ A buck-cam video shows deer playfully moving around in the snow amid the winter storm. (See Video)

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