Friday, June 19, 2026

Brotherly Respect, New Judicial Building, and Mascot Salute

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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➤ 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)

Do you have a favorite mascot?

Yesterday's Results:

Have you ever had to repair storm damage to your home?

No, lucky so far: 25%
Insured: 24%
Out of pocket: 17%
Mix of both: 27%
Can’t afford to fix: 7%

What type of bulldog is Uga?

Show me the answer

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Unemployment Fraud, Canes Parade, and Where’s Waldo

FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1938, modernist architect and member of the New York Five, Charles Gwathmey, was born in Charlotte. Renowned for geometric purity, clean lines, and abstract forms, he designed iconic residences, the Guggenheim museum addition in New York, and cultural landmarks through Gwathmey Siegel & Associates.

If you’re heading out to the Carolina Hurricanes parade in Raleigh tomorrow, get details on the route, parking information, and more in Top Stories.

Audit Reveals $47M in Unemployment Fraud

New state audits have uncovered more than $47 million in fraudulent unemployment benefit overpayments in North Carolina between 2021 and 2025.

The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor reported an improper payment rate of 22%, exceeding the federal 10% standard and up from 18% in a prior review.

The findings highlight ongoing issues within the Division of Employment Security, including delayed first-time benefit payments. Auditors found 28% of initial claims were paid late, totaling about $12.2 million, though this marked an improvement from previous years.

State Auditor Dave Boliek criticized the lack of urgency in addressing longstanding problems affecting workers and employers. The Division of Employment Security agreed with the auditor’s recommendations to strengthen processes, including better monitoring of work search requirements and eligibility checks.

Lawmakers Pass, Advance Multiple Bills

North Carolina lawmakers advanced several key bills this week aimed at improving child welfare, Medicaid oversight, and mental health procedures for criminal cases.

The House passed the Dominique Moody Safety Act to create a state-level child welfare escalation team, increasing oversight of county social services in high-risk cases involving repeated reports or neglect.

The Senate advanced a Medicaid oversight bill strengthening provider controls, including authority to exclude or terminate providers with criminal convictions, billing issues, or licensing problems. The measure also allows closed networks for certain behavioral health services amid concerns over surging autism therapy costs.

Additionally, the Senate committee moved forward a bill to shift mental evaluations for some criminal suspects out of emergency departments and expand who can conduct them, addressing issues in involuntary commitments and public safety.

Hurricanes Celebration Parade: What to Know

Carolina Hurricanes fans are gearing up for a major downtown celebration this weekend as the team hosts its 2026 Stanley Cup Championship Parade on Saturday, June 20, which Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell has proclaimed Carolina Hurricanes Day.

The victory parade and rally, presented by Spectrum, will kick off at 11 a.m. and run through the heart of downtown Raleigh.

The parade route begins at the intersection of Hillsborough Street and St. Mary’s Street, proceeds through key downtown streets, and ends at Davie Street, where players will then make their way to City Plaza for a rally.

Officials are encouraging fans to use public transit, carpool, or park in designated free decks to avoid congestion, with road closures beginning between 3:30 and 5:30 a.m. Text “CANESPARADE” to 888777 for real-time updates on traffic, weather, and safety.

Flying together with our sponsor

The Hydration Product We Keep Coming Back To

There are a lot of wellness products out there. Very few become repeat sponsors because very few consistently resonate with our audience the way LMNT does.

That's where LMNT comes in.

Even better, they've rolled out refreshing summer flavors like Lemonade and Iced Tea that are perfect for warmer weather.

Check out LMNT today and claim your free gift with purchase.

➤ Statewide: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants are expected to bring heavy rain chances and possible severe storms to North Carolina this morning, offering some drought relief amid humid conditions. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Christopher Carnes, 33, was arrested after posting social media threats to harm President Trump, including claims of pipe bombs, leading to federal charges. He’s being charged under the same federal law that served as the basis for the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey. (More)

➤ Wilmington: Jury deliberations continue in the double murder trial of Omante Bell and Dyrell Green for the 2021 killings of two women, with heavy reliance on cell phone evidence. (See Details)

➤ Catawba Nation: North Carolina recognized the Catawba Nation as its ninth state-recognized tribe, approved by the Commission of Indian Affairs, strengthening its presence in the state. (More)

➤ Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools: The school district announced that Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill was placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into administrative and operational oversight. Details of the investigation were not made public. (More)

➤ Graham: The town canceled its 2026 Slice of Summer water festival that had been scheduled for June 27 due to ongoing drought conditions, and is seeking community feedback via a survey for future events. (More)

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➤ UNC faces Oklahoma in a best-of-three series starting Saturday at 8 p.m. on ESPN. UNC advanced through its bracket, going undefeated and finishing with a dominant offensive performance against West Virginia. The Sooners lead the series history 3-2. (More)

➤ Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was one of 12 people to receive North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday from Gov. Josh Stein for his community and economic impact. (More)

➤ Olympic bronze medalist Jenny Simpson collapsed after a medical episode while pacing a group at the Sir Walter Miler event at Athens Drive High School in Raleigh on Tuesday night. She was briefly without a pulse before being revived with CPR and an automated external defibrillator, then hospitalized. (More)

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

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➤ North Carolina Utilities Commission member Donald van der Vaart will not be able to vote on the next version of Duke Energy’s Carolinas Resource Plan after missing public hearings due to vacation. (More)

➤ The North Carolina Court of Appeals revived a lawsuit by Ami Hill and Muse Originals challenging Kill Devil Hills’ restrictive “itinerant vendor” ordinances, reversing a lower court dismissal on constitutional grounds involving rights to labor, due process, and equal protection. (More)

➤ Asheville’s Piebird restaurant and bar, inspired by American diners, will open by year-end in the former TGI Fridays space near Biltmore Village. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

Flying together with our sponsor

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.

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

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

➤ As summer begins, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund is urging visitors to keep a safe 50-foot distance from wild horses on the Outer Banks to protect both animals and people. (Watch Report)

➤ Raleigh officials are removing debris piles at Dix Park used by painted buntings for perching, citing wildfire risk from drought conditions, while exploring alternative habitats for the birds. (See Photo)

➤ Highland Books in Brevard is launching a monthlong Where’s Waldo scavenger hunt across 30-plus local businesses in July, with prizes for participants. The national initiative is held annually by Candlewick Press, publisher of the Where’s Waldo book series. (See Details)

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