Sunday, March 8, 2026

Good Morning! In March of 1817, the first prisoner arrived at the Georgia Penitentiary in Milledgeville, marking the beginning of the state's first official prison and an important step in Georgia's development of a formal criminal justice system.

Georgians are serious about preserving the state's beautiful rivers and creeks. See how the city of Valdosta is helping to keep local waterways clean in Around Georgia. Then check out two kayakers who've made a 500-mile commitment to protect the Chattahoochee River in Et Cetera.

Today's sponsor, Sonic Glow Toothbrush, uses powerful sonic vibrations and built-in blue light technology to help remove plaque, protect sensitive gums, and promote a cleaner, brighter, healthier smile in just seconds a day.

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.

State of Emergency, Curfew Issued for Henry County

Henry County has declared a local state of emergency and issued a weekend curfew for minors that will remain in effect until Monday morning amid concerns about a planned "teen takeover" event at the Henry Town Center on Jonesboro Road.

The curfew requires everyone under the age of 18 to be off public streets by 7 p.m. unless they qualify for specific exceptions or are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult.

The decisions were made in response to information circulating on social media regarding the planned event.

In recent weeks, over 30 arrests were made at similar gatherings in Atlanta.

16 Arrested in Drug Trafficking Operation

A multi-agency investigation, Operation Silent Hand, led to the arrest of 16 North Georgians who are accused of running a drug trafficking ring across six counties.

Thirty-two kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, 4 pounds of suspected fentanyl, numerous diverted pharmaceutical opioids, and multiple firearms were seized by authorities.

Investigators with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation stated that the group was sourcing its supplies from cartel-connected individuals in metro Atlanta, primarily Gwinnett County, and illegally diverting pharmaceuticals from local pain clinics. All of those arrested have been charged with violating the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Nearly 1,000 Laid Off From Battery Plant

SK Battery America Inc. has laid off 958 employees at its manufacturing plant in Commerce.

The job cuts come amid slowing demand for electric vehicles and shifts in automakers' electrification plans, including Ford's cancellation of the fully electric F‑150 Lightning pickup truck, a vehicle the plant had supplied batteries for.

Affected workers will receive pay through May 6.

"To align operations to market conditions, SK Battery America has made the difficult decision to reduce our workforce. We appreciate the contributions of employees and will be working with those affected during this transition," the company said in a statement.

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➤ Kennesaw: Yamaha Motor Co. will move its U.S. headquarters to the city from Cypress, California. The relocation is scheduled to begin at the end of this year and is expected to be completed by late 2028. (More)

➤ Hawkinsville: A local fisherman set a new state fishing record by catching a 31‑pound, 14‑ounce longnose gar at Lake Blackshear. (See Photo)

➤ Valdosta: The city secured a $98,250 grant to fund the installation of new trash‑catching equipment designed to intercept debris before it reaches local waterways. (More)

➤ Harlem: A new city park featuring a playground, splash pad, pavilion, and other amenities broke ground last week, with the project scheduled to be finished by the end of August. (More)

➤ Dunwoody: Two new dual-purpose K9s from the Czech Republic, Max and Zorro, have joined the Dunwoody Police Department. (More)

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➤ Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. roped a double on the first pitch he saw in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, helping lead team Venezuela to a 6-2 win over the Netherlands on Friday. (Watch Video)

➤ Georgia Southern men's basketball took on Coastal Carolina late last night in the Sun Belt Conference tournament quarterfinals. (See Score)

➤ No. 11 Georgia baseball defeated Queens 12-2 on Friday to improve to 12-3 on the season. Sophomore utility man Henry Allen ended the game early with this two-run home run to complete the run-rule victory. (Watch Video)

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➤ A dog missing for nearly a year was reunited with its family after the Lee County Animal Shelter identified the owners using the dog's microchip. (More)

➤ Music artist Lady Gaga donated $100,000 through her Born This Way Foundation to the Atlanta nonprofit COR Inc. during her tour stop in the city, supporting programs that provide resources to marginalized students and families. (More)

➤ Two men are kayaking 500 miles down the Chattahoochee River to raise money for conservation efforts supporting the river. (More)

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