Thursday, April 9, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1907, Bronze Star recipient and Macon Telegraph owner Peyton Anderson was born in Macon. After he died in 1988, his $35 million estate funded the Peyton Anderson Foundation to benefit Middle Georgia.

Twenty-one months ago, Tucker Carlson told America that President Trump surviving an assassination attempt was "divine intervention." Today, he's calling Trump's latest post "vile on every level." Trump's response? "I like dealing with smart people, not fools." This isn't a subtle disagreement. This is open warfare between two of the most influential voices in conservative media and politics. In today's Flyover Podcast, CEO Cole Strehlow walks through exactly what happened, what they've said, and how we got here. Listen here.

Later today, keep an eye out for a message from our partner, Frontieras, exploring how new technology is reshaping domestic energy by transforming coal into high-value fuels, an approach that’s gaining traction quickly.

Today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz, is highlighting the Citi Double Cash Card and other incredible offers, featuring insane cards charging 0% interest into 2027 and welcome bonuses of up to $200.

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.

Gas Tax Relief Hits Pumps

Georgia's 60-day suspension of the state gas tax is keeping costs lower than otherwise, but drivers say the change is being overshadowed by still rising overall prices.

Nationally, as of Tuesday, the Iran conflict continued to drive up prices in Georgia and elsewhere, but Georgia's average of $3.75 was lower than the U.S. average of $4.16.

The gas tax pause eliminates the state's excise tax of 33.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel through May 19. Legislative leaders estimate the move will save Georgia taxpayers nearly $400 million over the two-month window.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr warned that retailers who fail to pass the savings on to customers could face investigation for unfair or deceptive practices.

Masters Tees Off Today

The 90th Masters Tournament begins today at Augusta National Golf Club, with 91 golfers teeing off in the first round of the year's opening major.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy, who won last year's dramatic playoff over Justin Rose, is grouped with Cameron Young and U.S. Amateur champion Mason Howell.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the two-time Masters winner and betting favorite, will go out late alongside Robert MacIntyre and Gary Woodland.

ESPN will carry today's first-round broadcast from 3 to 7:30 p.m., with early coverage on Amazon Prime Video starting at 1 p.m.

Among course changes this year, Hole 17 has been lengthened by 10 yards to 450 yards, and a new three-story Player Services Building is in use for the first time.

State Seeks Input on Aging Services

Georgia leaders want adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities to help shape the state's next plan for aging services through a series of public listening sessions this spring.

Events will take place in each of the state's 12 Area Agencies on Aging regions, starting Tuesday in Oakwood and continuing through May.

Virtual events are also planned. You can also provide feedback on the division's website here.

Later this year, a draft of the 2028–2031 State Plan on Aging will be posted for a 30-day public comment period.

Flying together with our sponsor

Take control of your finances and choose a credit card with 0% intro APR until 2027! If you have outstanding credit card debt and large monthly payments, getting a new 0% intro APR card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances.

Credit card experts at FinanceBuzz identified the top balance-transfer credit cards for anyone looking to pay down debt, not add to it!

Click through to see what all the hype is about.

➤ Statewide: The state will begin processing the one-time $2,000 bonus for state workers approved by the state legislature, with the first payouts set for April 17. (More)

➤ Hall County: The county unveiled an artificial intelligence chatbot to help field questions from residents about county services and programs. (More)

➤ Statewide: Gov. Brian Kemp can take up to 40 days to sign or veto bills passed in last week's closing days of the legislative session. (More)

➤ Stone Mountain Park: The park's 497 employees must reapply for their positions as a new operator prepares to take over the attraction by June 1. (More)

➤ Jackson County: National food provider Zee Zee's awarded local schools a $73,000 grant to wipe out student meal debt, part of its Grab the Tab promotion. (More)

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

➤ Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez exchanged punches with former teammate Jorge Soler on Tuesday night after nearly hitting him in the head with a high pitch. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons organization praised Atlanta Braves skipper Walt Weiss for the form he showed in tackling an opposing player in the midgame brawl. (More)

➤ Georgia football coach Kirby Smart said that he's played Augusta National "a few times" and called the experience "humbling." (More)

➤ Jake Wilkins, the son of former Georgia legend Dominique Wilkins, became the sixth Georgia men's basketball player to enter the transfer portal this offseason. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Take your game to the next level with FlightPath Golf Tees—engineered to reduce spin and help you drive longer, straighter shots with ease. Right now, score their limited-time buy 2 packs, get 1 free deal and upgrade your swing with tees designed for serious performance.

➤ Coweta County commissioners voted 3-2 to approve an 829-acre, nine-building data center campus, with supporters arguing in part that the additional local tax revenue will help pay for a new high school. Opponents cited concerns about the project's fit with the community and the potential for noise and water pollution. (More)

➤ Shrimp boat crews remain docked across the coast as diesel prices above $5 a gallon cast doubt on the profitability of the upcoming season. (More)

➤ Northeast Georgia Health System's Center for Simulation and Innovation was named one of the top hospital simulation programs in the country. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ A U.S. “birthright” worth trillions — activated quietly. A small government task force just completed a 20-year mission. With almost no coverage, they confirmed a massive U.S. resource "claim"—estimated at $500 trillion. Under sovereign law, this isn’t just national wealth. It’s an American birthright. Meaning citizens can legally stake a "claim" But almost no one knows. I’ve laid out how to position yourself in a new, time-sensitive briefing. See how to "claim" your share—before the window closes.

Flying together with our sponsor

While it may sound crazy, there's a much easier way to pay down debt (and faster) by using a credit card. Some of the top credit card experts identified their favorites that put interest on ice until 2027 on balance transfers, while offering up to 5% cash back on qualifying purchases, and earning a welcome bonus of up to $200. Talk about the best of both worlds! Click here to learn how to apply and start paying down debt faster.

➤ A rehabilitated sea turtle named Carnegie was released back into the ocean at Jekyll Island's Oceanview Beach Park after months of treatment for tumors and parasites. (More)

➤ The Savannah Philharmonic launched its "Phil the Neighborhoods" spring concert series, bringing free outdoor performances to communities across the city. (More)

➤ Flags at the State Capitol and in Pierce County were lowered last week in honor of a soldier killed in World War II whose remains were returned to the state. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Looking for extra financial help? BeneFinds is a free platform that connects you to personalized benefits, grants, and assistance programs tailored to your situation—covering everything from housing and insurance to debt relief and job opportunities, all in one easy-to-use place. (LEARN MORE)