Thursday, April 16, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1865, Columbus was captured during the Civil War in what became known as the last land battle east of the Mississippi.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their go-to methods for beating the early summer heat. Looks like a cooldown remains a few days away. You can see a forecast here.

Later today, watch for a message from our partner, EnergyX, on how new technology is transforming lithium extraction and why investors are paying close attention right now.

Today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz, is sharing practical tips to help you cut everyday expenses and stretch your budget further when money gets tight.

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.

$100M Transforms Middle Georgia Health Care

Central Georgia Technical College secured more than $100 million in public and private funding to transform health care workforce training across the region.

The investment—combining state appropriations, Houston County support, and a $10 million Bloomberg Philanthropies grant—will fund a STEM/Allied Health Academy in Warner Robins in partnership with Houston County Schools.

Dual-enrollment students will train in nursing, surgical technology, pharmacy technology, and medical lab science, graduating with a college credential and no debt. Other partners on the project include Atrium Health Navicent, Emory Healthcare, and Piedmont Macon.

Community leaders described the project as the largest workforce development investment in Middle Georgia in recent memory, coming as the region faces a growing shortage of health care workers across a dozen counties.

Atlanta Keeps Airport Title

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport handled 106.3 million passengers in 2025, retaining its title as the world's busiest airport for another year.

Airports Council International released the official rankings this week, with Atlanta topping the list ahead of Dubai and Tokyo's Haneda airport.

Atlanta has held the title for most of the past 30 years. The crown carries major economic weight, with the airport considered one of the largest economic drivers in Georgia.

Gram Parsons Enters Rock Hall of Fame

Gram Parsons—who grew up in Waycross, where he is honored each year at the Gram Parsons Guitar Pull—will be inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Parsons' induction comes more than five decades after his death at age 26 in 1973.

Music historians credit Parsons with fusing traditional country with rock, soul, and gospel, shaping a sound that later influenced artists from the Eagles to Wilco.

Parsons' daughter called his selection long overdue and quipped he would have worn "the most fantastical outfit" to the ceremony.

You can see the full Class of 2026 inductees here.

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19 Things to Cut When Money Gets Tight (Most People Ignore #11)

Money is tight, and with prices on the rise, deciding where to cut back can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight to see a difference.

Here is how to start: Browse our list of money-saving strategies below and choose just one or two to try today. Even a single small change can create the breathing room you need to breathe a little easier.

LEARN MORE

➤ Northwest Georgia: Clay Fuller was sworn into the U.S. House, filling the seat vacated by Marjorie Taylor Greene and maintaining the GOP's slim House majority. (More)

➤ South Georgia: Valdosta residents and businesses face drought-related mandatory outdoor water restrictions that limit watering to specific times. (More)

➤ Statewide: The Board of Regents voted to raise in-state tuition 1% and out-of-state tuition 3% at the state's public colleges, starting in the fall. (More)

➤ Statewide: President Trump endorsed Jim Kingston and Houston Gaines in Republican primaries for two open congressional seats. (More)

➤ Warner Robins: A surgeon faces multiple charges after prosecutors say he knowingly bought 13 stolen vehicles and altered their VINs for a side car rental business. (More)

➤ Dawsonville: Georgia's State Election Board met amid ongoing questions surrounding a July 1 deadline to stop counting ballots with QR codes. (More)

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➤ Georgia Tech rose to No. 1 in this week's ACC power rankings after sweeping Florida State, setting up a weekend showdown against conference No. 2 North Carolina. (More)

➤ Georgia men's basketball player Jeremiah Wilkinson committed to Arkansas. The 6-foot-1 sophomore guard led the Bulldogs with 17.4 points per game this season. (More)

➤ Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson played in his 800th straight game on Tuesday, just the 11th player in MLB history to reach that mark. (More)

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➤ Georgia farmers are encouraging more of their fellow growers to apply for Hurricane Helene disaster aid ahead of the April 27 deadline. (More)

➤ Georgia Tech and Coca-Cola are finalizing a $31.3 million deal for the school to buy a neighboring building and a two-acre park owned by the soft drink maker in Atlanta. (More)

➤ A study found the Port of Savannah saves shippers more than $1,000 per container compared to West Coast gateways. (More)

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Your money is getting tight. Prices are going up. And figuring out what to cut back on can feel overwhelming. Here's what you can do: Read our list of money-saving strategies below, and start with one or two today. Even doing just one can help you breathe a little easier. Learn More

➤ A bill passed in the recent legislative session would create a Georgia Music Office to promote the recording, touring, and live music sectors. The bill awaits Gov. Kemp's signature. (More)

➤ Thomasville earned a spot on USA Today's Reader's Choice list of the best small towns in the South, ranking fifth for its distinctive character, walkable downtown, and rose gardens. (More)

➤ LaKese Brown of Albany has turned her personal golf journey into a source of inspiration for others, publishing the book Daddy and Me Hit The Tee. (More)

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