A Chattooga County jury convicted Ricky Lamar Blackmon on February 19 of raping and sexually abusing a child family member. Chief Superior Court Judge Brian House sentenced him to life in prison immediately after the verdict. What’s Happening: The three-day trial ended with Blackmon, 46, guilty on all seven counts, including rape, incest, and child […]
Posted inWeather
Cool air settles over North Georgia Tuesday before warmup Wednesday
A shallow wedge of cool, cloudy air is spreading across North Georgia today, with temperatures expected to rebound by midweek, according to the National Weather Service in Atlanta. What’s Happening: High pressure over the Mid-Atlantic is pushing a band of cool, cloudy air into North Georgia. A “wedge” is a shallow layer of cold air […]
Posted inGeorgia People
Meet Georgia’s youngest lawmaker
At 22, Georgia Rep. Akbar Ali, D-Lawrenceville, is the state’s youngest lawmaker. Whether he was organizing climate marches in high school or rechartering the Gwinnett Young Democrats, Ali has long been civically engaged. The driving force behind Ali’s desire to serve the community dates back to 2010 when the Gwinnett County mosque he grew up […]
Posted inCrime
If you visited one of these massage parlors, the Sandy Springs police will be contacting you
Sandy Springs police say their investigation into illicit sexual activity at four local massage businesses is still active, and people who visited those locations should expect to hear from detectives. What’s Happening: Detectives are still identifying and investigating people connected to four businesses: Pileo Therapy at 195 Cliftwood Drive, Pearl Massage at 8610 Roswell Road, […]
Posted inFood
Marietta barbecue restaurant closes
Heavenly BBQ, a barbecue restaurant on Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, closed permanently on Sunday, March 1. What’s Happening: The restaurant announced the closure on social media, saying the decision “was not made lightly.” No reason for the closing was given. What’s Important: The restaurant’s final post thanked customers for their loyalty and described Heavenly […]
Posted inCrime
Bibb County Deputy arrested for DUI: What we know
A Bibb County Sheriff’s deputy is off the job this morning after Georgia State Patrol troopers arrested him on four charges, including driving under the influence. Why It Matters: When someone sworn to uphold the law breaks it, the community deserves to know. While the sheriff’s office frequently alerts the press and the public of […]
Posted inYour Vote
Here is when and where to vote in the Macon-Bibb District 5 race
Early voting is underway for the Macon-Bibb County District 5 Commissioner special election. Election Day is March 17. What’s Happening: The seat opened after former Commissioner Seth Clark resigned to run for lieutenant governor. Six candidates are on the ballot: What’s Important: Early voting runs through March 13, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to […]
Posted inPublic Safety
101 people got help instead of being arrested in Atlanta last month
The Atlanta Police Department says its Center for Diversion and Services kept 101 people out of jail last month by connecting them to health and housing services instead. The center has counted 1,444 diversions between January 20, 2025 and February 28, 2026. What’s Happening: The Center for Diversion and Services is run by the City […]
Posted inMissing
Savannah teen missing since Halloween found safe
A Savannah teenager who vanished more than four months ago has been found. Elijah Lanier-Newton, 14, is safe. The Update: Savannah Police confirmed Monday morning that Elijah had been located safely. No further details about where he was found or his condition, other than that he was located safely, were immediately released. Worth Knowing: If […]
Posted inFire
Photos: Fire breaks out at Roswell restaurant near Crabapple Road
What’s Happening: Crews arrived within four minutes of the call, around 7 p.m., and found heavy smoke pouring from the roofline. Firefighters found the fire had spread through the walls and into the attic space above. What’s Important: No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. How This Affects Real People: […]
Posted inFood
Alpharetta Bakery fails health inspection with a score of 61
A routine inspection Friday left Cake World in Alpharetta with a failing grade and a return visit scheduled for March 9. Why It Matters: A score of 61 falls in the “U” — Unsatisfactory — range under Georgia’s food safety grading system. The restaurant stays open, but state inspectors will return in less than two […]
Posted inEconomy
Georgia gas prices rise to $2.78 per gallon after Iran bombing
Georgia drivers are paying more at the pump this week. The state average for regular unleaded gasoline rose to $2.78 a gallon on Sunday, up 9 cents from last week, according to AAA. What’s Happening: The Georgia average climbed from $2.69 last week. A standard 15-gallon fill-up now costs about $41.70. What’s Important: Prices are […]
Posted inWeather
Georgia Weather: Temperatures will reach 80 this week
Georgia is in for a warm week, with temperatures running well above normal before rain and thunderstorm chances move in by the weekend. What’s Happening: Highs will climb into the upper 70s and low 80s across much of the state by midweek. A storm system is expected to bring rain and thunderstorms to the region […]
Posted inTraffic & Transportation
Roswell man dies after motorcycle crosses into oncoming traffic on Ebenezer Road
A Roswell man died Sunday evening after his motorcycle crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a car on Ebenezer Road in Cobb County. What’s Happening: Nicholas Karantonis, 33, was riding a 2009 Harley-Davidson southbound on Ebenezer Road at around 6:24 p.m. when his motorcycle drifted into the northbound lane. He lost control, and the bike […]
Posted inCrime
Georgia rape suspect flees to Louisiana and crashes car during police chase
A man wanted for rape and kidnapping in Candler County is on the run in Louisiana after crashing his vehicle and escaping on foot during a police chase Saturday. What’s Happening: Jorge Eduardo Hinojosa, 45, is wanted in connection with a sexual assault that happened February 27 in the Webb Circle area of Candler County. […]
Posted inCrime
Help solve a cold case murder in Toccoa
Fifteen years ago today, Robert Lee Simmons Jr. was found dead inside his home at the Glendale Apartments on Norman Drive in Toccoa. His killer has never been identified. What’s Happening: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Toccoa Police Department are asking the public for help in the homicide case of 46-year-old Simmons. The […]
Posted inWeather
Dense fog blankets parts of Georgia Sunday morning
Dense fog is covering several Georgia counties this morning, cutting visibility and making roads dangerous in some areas. What’s Happening: The National Weather Service has issued Dense Fog Advisories for two separate zones in Georgia. The advisories expire at different times depending on location. What We Know: Two distinct advisory areas cover Georgia counties: A […]
Posted inFood
Atlanta soul food restaurant fails health inspection with a score of 64
A southern cuisine restaurant in Atlanta failed its routine health inspection Tuesday, scoring a 64 out of 100 — a grade the state classifies as unsatisfactory. Why It Matters: A score below 70 triggers a required follow-up inspection. That visit is scheduled for March 3. Until then, Zion Delight Southern Cuisine at 808 McDonough Blvd. […]
