Southern states have higher rates of unreported COVID-related deaths than other regions of the country, according to a new study. The study, led by Andrew Stokes, a professor of global health at Boston University School of Public Health, analyzed deaths in 787 U.S. counties that had more than 20 COVID fatalities from Feb. 1 to […]
Posted inSunrise Report
The Sunrise Report: Tornado warnings cause early wake-up call
Residents of Cobb, Paulding and Cherokee Counties woke early Tuesday morning at about 2:30 a.m. to tornado sirens and weather alerts as a strong storm passed from Alabama into Georgia, bringing with it high winds, thunder and the possibility of tornados. The tornado warning expired within an hour, but the tornado watch lasted until 5 […]
Posted inMissing
Missing 12-year-old Athens boy found
Police in Athens say they have found a 12-year-old boy who went missing Monday evening. Police and Fire units were searching for 12-year-old Justin Porter, in the area of Big Oak Circle in southeast Athens. Residents of Athens-Clarke County were notified of Justin’s disappearance at about 9 p.m. Monday. The child was found at about […]
Posted inMissing
Athens police search for missing 12-year-old boy
Update: According to police, Justin Porter has been found. The original story is below. Police and Fire units are searching for 12-year-old Justin Porter, who is described as a black male, in the area of Big Oak Circle in southeast Athens. According to officials, Justin was last seen wearing a black hat, all dark blue […]
Posted inFire
Hall County gets brand new fire trucks
Eight new fire trucks and a new ladder truck will arrive in Hall County this week. Hall County Fire and Emergency Services personnel will begin training on the new equipment Tuesday at Fire Station 7. “We are excited about the arrival of this new apparatus and for the opportunity it affords us to be able […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Coronavirus Update: Cases and deaths continue to drop in Georgia
The Gist: The spread of coronavirus continues to decline in Georgia, and this week the number of deaths per day appears to be declining as well. The number of deaths in a single day hit a record high Jan. 19, with 162 people succumbing from the virus. The 7-day average for deaths that day was […]
Posted inCrime
Fugitive Murder Suspect on the Run in DeKalb County
STONE MOUNTAIN — The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit is asking for your help locating a murder suspect. A Felony Murder warrant has been issued for 32 year-old Stone Mountain, Georgia resident Michael Blair Stewart in connection with the December 5, 2020 shooting death of 31 year-old Stone Mountain resident Jireh Kharnplay Morris on […]
Posted inYour Family
New bills take aim at human trafficking in Georgia
State lawmakers plan to bring new legislation aimed at helping victims of human trafficking in Georgia recover from abuse and protect their identities, Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp announced Monday. One bill would change state law to give privacy protections for human-trafficking survivors who want to legally change their names, Marty Kemp […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Georgia sheriff’s captain dies from coronavirus
A Gordon County Sheriff’s Captain who served the Sheriff’s department for 30 years died Sunday morning from coronavirus complications, Sheriff Mitch Ralston reports. “I am heartbroken today to inform the people of Calhoun and Gordon County that we have lost a great man and a wonderful public servant. Captain Michael D. (Mike) Garigan passed away […]
Posted inCrime
Police Stand off in Dade County Shuts Down Highway 136
A police stand off in Dade County has shut down part of Highway 136. According to the Dade County Sheriff’s office, multiple law enforcement agencies are on the scene at a stand off with an armed suspect in the area of Highway 136 at Black Valley Road. Authorities say the suspect set fire to an […]