State authorities are investigating the hanging death of an inmate in Lumpkin County. According to the GBI, preliminary information indicates that at about 10:38 a.m. Thursday, Lumpkin County inmate Randall Thomas Hanley, of Dahlonega, was found hanging in his jail cell. Lumpkin County officers performed lifesaving measures and EMS transported Hanley to the Northeast Georgia […]
Posted inFood
How to get the most out of your peaches
The first Georgia peach crop of the year is arriving at roadside fruit stands, farm markets and grocery stores. Preserving peaches by canning, freezing or drying is the best way to extend the use of this popular fruit long after the harvest is over. First, select well-ripened peaches and handle carefully to avoid bruising. Use safe […]
Posted inCoronavirus
It’s Not Over: Georgia reports record 1,900 new coronavirus cases in a single day
Georgia reported a new record high number of new COVID-19 cases in a single day Friday. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, the state added 1,900 new cases Friday, topping the previous record of 1,800 from six days ago. The total number of cases is now 72,995. The state also added 148 new […]
Posted inYour Government
Kemp signs hate crimes bill
Hate crimes will be punishable in Georgia for the first time in 16 years after Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation Friday that cleared the General Assembly this week amid tense back-and-forth and tears of joy. Under legislation Kemp signed Friday, prison time could be meted out for those who terrorize or physically harm others based […]
Posted inEvents, Coronavirus
Centennial Park Fourth of July Celebration canceled
ATLANTA — The popular Fourth of July Celebration at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Georgia World Congress Center Authority announced yesterda that it will forgo hosting its annual July 4th celebration at Centennial Olympic Park as Atlanta and the nation continue to take the necessary precautions […]
Posted inWeather
A massive dust cloud from the Sahara Desert is headed for Georgia
Dust from the Sahara Desert that has been pouring off the western coast of Africa and into the Atlantic has effectively put the Atlantic hurricane season on pause, with the exception of short-lived Tropical Storm Dolly, which formed on Tuesday in the North Atlantic. The dust is forecast to largely impact the Gulf Coast, but could […]
Posted inCrime
37-year-old Smyrna man dies in shootout with Cobb Police
A Smyrna man suspected in a local carjacking was shot and killed by Cobb County police last night after officers say he opened fire, striking an officer in the head. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, preliminary information indicates that at about 6:55 p.m., the Cobb County Police Department received a request from the […]
Posted inIn The News
Piedmont Healthcare will pay $16 million to settle billing lawsuit
Atlanta-based Piedmont Healthcare has agreed to pay $16 million to settle allegations it violated the False Claims Act by improperly billing Medicare and Medicaid. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Thursday that Piedmont billed the government insurance programs for procedures at the more expensive inpatient rates instead of the less costly outpatient or observation rates. “Billing […]
Posted inCoronavirus
Georgia surpasses 70,000 coronavirus cases
New numbers released by the Georgia Department of Public Health show that the number of cases in Georgia continue to increase sharply, along with hospitalizations and deaths from the disease. As of the health department’s 3 p.m. status update Thursday, the state had a total of 71,095 confirmed cases of COVID-19, adding 1,714 cases since […]
Posted inYour Family
New bill would cut down on the number of tests Georgia students take
Georgia students would have fewer standardized tests to submit to at the close of each school year under legislation that passed out of the General Assembly Thursday. The change eliminates four year-end tests in high school and one in the third grade from the trove of assessments required annually for third graders through seniors in […]