MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 1851, Coca-Cola founder Asa Candler was born in Villa Rica. Click here to learn how, under his leadership, the Atlanta-based company became the world's leading soft drink maker.

Today, we share remembrances, accomplishments, and a famous quote from Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at age 100. On his journey from peanut farmer to governor to U.S. President to Nobel Peace Prize winner, his love of Georgia was a constant.

Later today, we'll share a special message about Todd Nettleton's collection of stories, When Faith Is Forbidden. As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to consider supporting persecuted Christians—your gift to The Voice of the Martyrs will bring you this powerful book from the frontlines of faith.

Jimmy Carter Dies at 100

Georgians joined in mourning the death of Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer from Plains who rose to become U.S. President and later won a Nobel Peace Prize for his global humanitarian work. He died Sunday at his home in Plains. He was 100 years old.

Public memorial services are planned in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., with times and dates still to be determined. The Carter Center has invited the public to visit an online tribute site, which includes an online condolence book.

Carter was the only Georgian to be elected president. He ascended to the nation's highest office after serving as the state's governor and, before that, running his family's peanut business following a successful stint in the U.S. Navy.

After his presidency, his volunteer work and global peace-making efforts elevated him to the status of one of the world's leading humanitarians. In 2002, he became the second Georgian to win the Nobel Peace Prize, following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

His famous remarks included one made during his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1976: "It is time for the people to run the government, not the other way around."

Deadly Plant Explosion Blamed on Boiler

One woman was killed, and several others were injured in an explosion late Thursday night at the Tyson Foods poultry plant in Camilla. Dramatic images captured flames rising from the facility.

Bajarma Batozhapov, 61, of Las Vegas, was sleeping inside a semi-truck driven to the plant by her husband when a boiler exploded. Her husband was inside the building and was not hurt.

According to a statement issued by the union representing 1,600 workers at the plant, several people sustained severe burns. Tyson Foods also released a statement extending its sympathies to those affected and pledging a full investigation.

Judge: Lawmakers Can Subpoena Willis

A judge has ruled that state lawmakers can subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis as part of their investigation into alleged misconduct related to her election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump.

Fulton County Superior Judge Shukura Ingram rejected Willis' claim that a state Senate panel's subpoena request exceeded its authority, stating that the Legislature's subpoena powers are "undisputed."

The state Senate committee plans to resume its investigation early next year. Willis has announced plans to appeal the decision.

Earlier this month, a state appeals court removed Willis from the case, citing concerns over a romantic relationship with a fellow prosecutor. Trump has said the case is politically motivated and should be thrown out.

Dear Reader,

This time last year, The Georgia Flyover didn't even exist!

Now we have more than 80,000 subscribers.

How did we make it this far together in just a year? Simply put, we got here because of you.

We supply the elbow grease, the late nights, and about 1,500 words per day, sure.

None of it would matter if you weren't with us. The Georgia Flyover would crash and burn without the direct support of our readers, and we appreciate you.

Now, we're turning our attention to 2025.

We have big plans, and we need lots of help to accomplish them. If you enjoy reading The Georgia Flyover in the mornings, would you consider giving us a year-end gift?

Despite all those big numbers, we're still a small operation. I would really appreciate your support!

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I'm grateful for all your support in 2024, and I'm excited to grow together in 2025.

Thank you!
-Cole, CEO

➤ North Georgia: A weak tornado touched down Sunday morning as part of strong storms that swept through the region, causing wind and water damage. (See Damage)

➤ Statewide: Traffic deaths over the Christmas holiday dropped significantly compared to last year, with five fatalities reported across the state. (See Locations)

➤ State: Georgia National Guard troops at the southern border received a pre-Christmas visit from Gov. Brian Kemp and legislative leaders, who thanked them for their efforts. (More)

➤ Sharpsburg: A woman rescued her 4-year-old daughter and 75-year-old father after an explosion and fire at their home in the middle of the night. (See Images)

➤ Lithonia: Luther Rice College and Seminary will offer state-funded student aid following a successful legal challenge that ended the ban on religious schools' participation in state aid programs. (More)

➤ Newnan: Genealogists have identified a victim of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre as a young war veteran from Newnan who was visiting the city. The identification concludes over a century of mystery about his origins. (More)

➤ A 30-24 overtime loss to Washington on Sunday leaves the Atlanta Falcons in need of a win and a Tampa Bay loss next week to make the playoffs. (Game Summary)

➤ Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has declared for the NFL draft, effectively ending his Bulldogs career as he is set to miss the College Football Playoffs with an elbow injury. (More)

➤ Zaccharie Risacher continued to flash his potential on Saturday with this huge dunk, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 120-110 win over the Miami Heat. (Watch)

➤ Penalties and turnovers hurt Georgia Tech in its 35-27 lightning-delayed loss to Vanderbilt in the Birmingham Bowl. (Game Recap)

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➤ Big Lots reached a deal to keep hundreds of stores open. No information was released on the fate of individual stores, including the 39 in Georgia. (More)

➤ Family, friends, and local dignitaries gathered Saturday to remember Steve Mensch, an executive at Tyler Perry Studios and a leader in the state's film industry. Mensch was killed in a small plane crash on Dec. 6. (More)

➤ How much does it cost to raise a child in Georgia? The price is below the U.S. average, a new study found. (See Costs Per State)

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Dear Reader,

The Georgia Flyover wouldn't exist without you.

It might sound like a cliche, but it's true. If you didn't tell your friends & family about us, we wouldn't grow. If you didn't support us directly, we couldn't keep the lights on.

The Georgia Flyover is all about you!

We're grateful for all your support this year, and we're excited to make this even better in 2025. Would you help us with a year-end gift? I would truly appreciate it!

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➤ Hanging out with live zoo animals or a stuffed possum is among the many options available to Georgians as communities prepare for a variety of New Year's Eve events. (Event Listings)

➤ Michael Penix Jr. used a backdrop of Christmas decorations—and not his first-ever win as the Atalanta Falcons starting quarterback—to propose to his girlfriend last week. (More)

➤ Lillie Mae Hightower was surprised with a parade outside her Henry County home to celebrate her 102nd birthday. (Watch)

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