FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 1845, Dr. Crawford Long of Jefferson gave his wife ether to inhale to relieve pain during childbirth, the earliest use of anesthesia during childbirth.

Today's issue is a bit shorter than usual as The Georgia Flyover team gets ready to greet the New Year next week. Speaking of which, two of the hottest music acts in the country are set to represent Georgia on the national stage this New Year's Eve. You can learn more about it in our top story below.

Today's sponsor is the Voice of Martyrs, who are helping provide aid to Christians in hostile territories.

Georgians will be Rockin' New Year's Eve

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve will come with a Georgia flair this year, led by host Ryan Seacrest, a Dunwoody High graduate.

Among the artists set to perform are TLC, Teddy Swims, and Megan Moroney, the latter two Georgia natives. TLC got its start playing Atlanta venues.

Moroney, 27, won the New Artist of the Year award at last month's Country Music Awards in Nashville. Born in Savannah and raised in Douglasville, she attended the University of Georgia before moving to Nashville.

Swims, 32, raised in Conyers, accepted two awards at this month's Billboard Music Awards, saying, "Thank you for letting a fat kid from Conyers win."

2024 Hurricane Season Saved Worst for End

A peak-season lull that gave way to record-breaking storms—led by the unprecedented spin-up of Helene, the deadliest since 2005—characterized this past year's Atlantic hurricane season.

Twelve named storms developed after the season's usual early September peak. A record seven formed after Sept. 25. In a first, Helene was so threatening weather forecasters predicted it as a major hurricane even before it reached tropical storm level.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year. The annual NOAA forecast is released around May, and Colorado State University forecasts start around April.

Flying together with our sponsor

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His mission? To meet the courageous men and women who have faced persecution for their unwavering faith in Christ. Todd has traveled far and wide to hear their powerful stories firsthand and to bring their voices to the world, sharing their extraordinary testimonies of faith and resilience.

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Each stop on this journey will challenge you to reflect on your own walk with Christ along the sometimes-difficult path toward our heavenly home.

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➤ Tallapoosa: Spencer, a stuffed possum, will help usher in 2025 at Tallapoosa's The Possum Drop party, one of many novel New Year's Eve community celebrations in the state. (See List)

➤ Perry: The mayor of this fast-growing city in central Georgia says the city is up to the task of maintaining their community's quality of life. (More)

➤ Metro Atlanta: The suburban Atlanta area made the Top 10 of Realtor.com's Top Housing Markets for 2025, landing at No. 9 in a forecast clouded by worries about the nation's ongoing housing sales slump. (See Rankings)

➤ State: Full exit poll results for Georgia offer insights into the recent election, showing President-elect Donald Trump gaining ground in almost all groups in the state other than younger voters. (See Results)

➤ Decatur: Seniors living on a fixed income may want to consider a move to this Atlanta suburb, which tops a research group's list of 10 Best Places in Georgia for a Couple To Live Only on Social Security. (See List)

➤ State: Liam, Noah, and William top the list for boys' names, and Olivia, Charlotte, and Amelia lead for girls in a check of Social Security records for the most popular baby names in Georgia. (More)