Friday, June 19, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 2022, Georgia state employees began receiving a paid holiday for Juneteenth. The annual observance commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.

As Georgia and Oklahoma battled in the College World Series, a heartfelt high-five between opposing brothers Kolby and Kyle Branch stole the spotlight. Read more in Top Stories.

If you've been reading The Flyover for a while, you've probably heard us talk about LMNT before. It's become one of our favorite sponsors because it solves a real problem many people deal with every day: staying properly hydrated. With summer temperatures climbing, now is a great time to see why so many of The Flyover readers have made LMNT part of their routine.

Vote Counting Methods in Focus

The Republican-led state legislature appeared ready to delay a move away from digital ballot counting, a day after dropping redistricting talks.

A 2024 law bars counties from using ballot QR codes for the official tally after July 1, but no replacement has been funded ahead of the ongoing election cycle.

The State Election Board recently approved a non-binding resolution in support of counties switching to hand-marked paper ballots if state lawmakers fail to act.

The next elections are July 28, when parts of six counties hold a vote to fill the late U.S. Rep. David Scott's seat.

Jobs Streak Keeps Going

Georgia continues to attract factories and jobs to communities across the state, extending its long run as one of the best states for business.

In May, the state's jobless rate fell to 3.4%—0.9% below the U.S. average—and employment reached a record 5.28 million, the state labor department reported.

Recent wins include firearms maker Rideout Arsenal's $22 million Thomasville plant, expected to create 120 jobs in administrative, production, engineering, and management.

Officials credit initiatives such as workforce training through Georgia Quick Start, innovations such as Hyundai's training hub, and the ongoing expansion of the port system.

Homer Unites Rival Brothers

As he rounded the bases Wednesday for the final home run of his college career, Georgia shortstop Kolby Branch received a high-five from an opposing player: his younger brother Kyle.

Kyle Branch is an infielder for Oklahoma, which went on to win 11-4, ending the Bulldogs' historic season that included SEC regular-season and tournament titles.

Kolby Branch was moved by the gesture. "You can't script it up any better," he said, adding that he wished his brother luck in the title series.

Their parents, Kari and Rusty, were overcome with emotion watching from the stands. Afterward, the officiating crew presented them with the lineup cards for each son's team.

You can watch the high-five here.

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➤ North Georgia: The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur triggered an extended flood watch through Saturday, with 2 to 4 inches of rain amid isolated storms. (More)

➤ Guyton: Effingham County commissioners rejected a proposed 1,000-home subdivision near the southern part of the county, citing drainage and traffic concerns. (More)

➤ Statesboro: Police Chief Mike Broadhead will retire July 1 after nine years leading the department, with veteran police Capt. Jared Akins named interim chief. (More)

➤ Pooler: The city bought more than 28 acres near Tom Triplett Park, preserving green space. (More)

➤ Columbus: Construction on the county's new $200 million judicial building is nearing completion, with the transition to the new site set to begin by summer's end. (More)

➤ Springfield: The Springfield and Rincon library branches will close for a few days at the end of the month, as part of their transition into the Statesboro regional library system. (More)

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➤ This year's U.S. Open features eight Georgia Bulldogs in the 156-player field, the most of any college program. The tournament continues through Sunday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. (More)

➤ Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted its second World Cup match Thursday at noon, with Group A's Czechia and South Africa battling to a 1-1 draw. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves entered Thursday's matchup against San Francisco on a three-game skid. The Braves lead the National League East by 6.5 games. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | WNBA | Golf

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➤ Burlington Stores opened its first Georgia distribution center, a 2 million-square-foot automated plant in Ellabell featuring more than 25 miles of conveyor systems and custom software. The plant is expected to create about 1,500 jobs. (More)

➤ Columbus' airport welcomed the arrival of its first Boeing 717, to be used on some Fridays and Saturdays for midday Delta Air Lines flights between Columbus and Atlanta. (More)

➤ Luxury homebuilder Toll Brothers opened its Heardmont Farms community in Cumming, offering five-bedroom homes priced from the low $900,000s and resort-style amenities. (More)

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A Summer Staple for Many of The Flyover Readers

We don't partner with companies repeatedly unless they're delivering value to our audience, and LMNT has done exactly that.

As temperatures rise across the country, proper hydration becomes even more important. Whether you're headed to the gym, the golf course, the lake, or just tackling a busy day, LMNT makes it easy to get the electrolytes your body needs.

Plus, Flyover readers can currently receive a free gift with purchase.

See what all the buzz is about and get the details here.

➤ National Mascot Day put a spotlight on the state's most beloved sideline stars, including UGA's Uga, Georgia Tech's Buzz, and the Atlanta Braves' Blooper. (More)

➤ Juneteenth events continue through this weekend across the state. (List)

➤ Fort Gordon plans a 250th anniversary of American independence celebration from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. July 1 at Barton Field, featuring music and fireworks. (More)

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➤ A new King Tut discovery has shocked doctors. It was once called “The Cure for Every Disease except Death,” and modern labs now say it shrinks tumors, slashes cholesterol, and cuts pain in half. Why haven't you heard about it? See the truth here while you can.

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ The flip phone is making a comeback, and this time it is built to keep you off your phone. (Hear Details)

➤ Several high-ranking Trump officials have adopted the same diet, and one credits it with reversing a heart condition. (Hear Episode)

➤ A Los Angeles warehouse fire released hazardous gas and smoke, forcing air quality warnings across the region. (Listen Now)