New campaign

The Future of Local News in Georgia

Good morning, Georgia. If you made it through Monday’s arctic blast without your pipes bursting or your face freezing off, congratulations—you’re tougher than most of the tropical plants that didn’t make it.

While Mother Nature was busy reminding us that January in Georgia can, in fact, feel like the inside of a freezer, lawmakers under the Gold Dome were debating the truly pressing issues of our time. Spoiler alert: it involves chicken wings. Grab your coffee and let’s get into it.

Deep Freeze Descends on Georgia

The National Weather Service wasn’t playing around Monday, issuing extreme cold warnings—yes, that’s a real thing and it’s as serious as it sounds—across southwest Georgia. Wind chills dropped as low as -4 degrees in the north Georgia mountains, which is cold enough to give you frostbite in 30 minutes and make you question every life choice you ever made.

Ice and Trees Don't Mix

Up in Lumpkin County, Monday morning brought the kind of road conditions that make you wonder if your car insurance is really up to snuff. Two trees decided to take a nap across Camp Wahsega Road, because the cold wasn’t enough drama for one day. The sheriff’s office politely suggested folks stay home if possible, which is code for “please don’t make us come rescue you from a ditch.”

Violence in Woodstock

An 18-year-old was shot and killed at the Riverstock Apartments in Woodstock Monday afternoon. Matthew Milner was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

From Bitter Cold to a Cold Case

Warner Robins police are still looking for answers in a case that’s been cold for 42 years—and we’re not talking about the weather. Edward Hanley was beaten to death near the old train depot in 1984, and despite four decades passing, investigators haven’t given up. There’s an $8,000 reward on the table for information leading to an arrest. If you know something, now’s the time to speak up.

Legislative Priorities, Explained

And finally, in news that will make you wonder if we’re living in a simulation designed by someone with a twisted sense of humor, the Georgia Legislature is considering a bill to make lemon pepper the official state chicken wing flavor. Yes, really. While Georgia ranks 48th in healthcare quality and rural hospitals are closing faster than you can say “Gucci Mane,” our elected officials are tackling the pressing issue of properly crediting citrus-flavored poultry. T

When you’ve only got 40 legislative days to fix everything wrong with Georgia, obviously chicken wings deserve a spot on the agenda. Our columnist has thoughts. Many, many thoughts. Most of them involve puns.

That's it for today's Sunrise Report. Stay warm out there, check on your neighbors, and maybe order some lemon pepper wings while they're still just a menu item and not a legislative mandate.

{{ admin_address,fallback=PO Box 95, Roswell, Ga. 30077 }}

You can manage your settings here.

{{ admin_address,fallback=PO Box 95, Roswell, Ga. 30077 }}

You can manage your settings here.