Sunday, February 8, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1986, Spud Webb, a 5-foot-7 guard for the Atlanta Hawks, made basketball history by winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend, beating out his much taller teammate, Dominique Wilkins.

Five Georgia universities were named among the top 500 universities in the world by TIME magazine for 2026. See which ones made the list in today's Top Stories.

Over the weekend, we gathered our team to connect, celebrate, and consider how we can improve in 2026. On behalf of our entire staff, thank you for reading our email editions, watching our podcast episodes, and sharing us with your friends and family. I'm thankful for you, and I've never been more excited about The Flyover! - Cole, CEO

From today's sponsor, The Stonegate Firm: learn how families are permanently ending timeshare contracts that can last a lifetime and burden future generations through a proven legal exit process.

Don't feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily—watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

Musician's Son Found Dead After Missing for Days

Nathan Murray Smith, the 27-year-old son of Atlanta native and music artist Lil Jon, was found dead in a pond near his home in Milton on Friday.

Smith was reported missing on Tuesday after he was last seen running out of his home without a phone.

"I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother (Nicole Smith) and I are devastated," Lil Jon wrote in a statement on Instagram.

Smith's body will be examined by the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office next week.

Authorities say there is no current indication of foul play. The incident remains under investigation.

Atlanta Seeking 1,000 Volunteers for Park Initiative

The City of Atlanta's "Love Your Park" initiative is seeking 1,000 volunteers this month to take part in 33 projects focused on improving and maintaining its parks.

The projects consist of outdoor tasks like trail building, litter removal, spreading bark chips around trees, and pulling invasive species such as kudzu and ivy.

Last year, 818 volunteers collectively contributed over 2,500 hours to 35 service projects across the city.

Click here to register as a volunteer.

Georgia Universities Rank Among World's Best

Five universities in Georgia were named among the top 500 universities in the world for 2026 in a recent global ranking by TIME magazine.

Emory University in Atlanta was the state's highest-ranked college, taking the No. 22 spot.

Other Georgia universities that made the list are Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, Augusta University, and Georgia State University.

Flying together with our sponsor

Ending Contracts That Outlive You

Some timeshare agreements are written to last a lifetime and even pass obligations to children. Clients are often surprised to learn this, and our process ensures the burden ends with you. These contracts can create stress not only for owners, but also for future generations who never agreed to take them on.

By securing a legal and permanent exit with the Stonegate Firm, families can protect their loved ones from inheriting unwanted financial obligations.

The Stonegate Firm has helped thousands of families achieve peace of mind through permanent cancellation.

Protect your family's future. See if your timeshare qualifies for cancellation

➤ Columbus: The city's 2026 Point in Time count revealed a homeless population of 300, a slight decrease from last year. (More)

➤ Decatur: A suspect accused of critically injuring a man in a Feb. 2 shooting at the Decatur Library is in custody after he turned himself in on Thursday. (More)

➤ Cobb County: A drive-thru service will launch in Marietta on Feb. 23, allowing individuals to pay certain court fines, fees, and citations from their vehicles. (More)

➤ Palmetto: Six CSX train cars derailed early Friday morning; no injuries or hazardous materials leaks were reported. (More)

➤ Atkinson County: State Route 31 reopened this week after months of bridge work, restoring a key route for drivers traveling between Valdosta, Pearson, and nearby communities. (See Details)

Enjoy reading The Georgia Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ The Atlanta Hawks acquired Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis ahead of the NBA trade deadline on Thursday. (More)

➤ Georgia women's basketball took No. 17 Tennessee to the brink on Thursday, falling 82-77 in overtime. The Lady Bulldogs sit at an impressive 18-5, but all five losses have come within the SEC, putting them in 10th in the conference standings. (More)

➤ Atlanta Falcons star running back Bijan Robinson finished fourth in Offensive Player of the Year voting after a record-breaking 2025 season. (More)

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Contracts That Last A Lifetime (And Beyond)

Some timeshare contracts are written to last forever, with no natural end date. That means owners could be responsible for rising fees for life, and in some cases, the burden can even be passed down to their children. Instead of offering flexibility, these contracts trap families in obligations they never expected. What once seemed like a vacation plan quickly turns into a generational financial strain.

With years of proven legal expertise, Stonegate has become a trusted leader in timeshare exits.

Curious if your contract could be canceled for good? Take our quick quiz and get answers in minutes!

➤ Two Warner Robins firefighters were honored during Firefighter Recognition Week for their dedication, training, and service to their community. (More)

➤ LifeLine Animal Project staff stayed overnight at the Community Animal Center in Atlanta during a recent winter storm to keep animals warm, safe, fed, and comforted. (More)

➤ A Cobb County woman celebrated her 107th birthday at Canterfield at Kennesaw with family, friends, and first responders. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

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