The push by a large coalition of Georgia legislators to protect the Okefenokee Swamp from mining failed this session even before legislators could vote on a panel to study ways to protect the diverse wildlife refuge. The failure of Georgia legislators to pass bills designed to protect the Okefenokee natural resource, was another blow to […]
Posted inCrime
Norcross teen arrested in Roswell hit-and-run that injured elderly pedestrians
The News: A 17-year-old from Norcross is facing multiple charges after being arrested in connection to a hit-and-run crash in Roswell that left two elderly pedestrians critically injured. What Happened?: On April 1 at about 6:30 a.m., The Roswell Police Department received a 911 call from a passerby who discovered two injured women in their […]
Posted inFire
Downed power lines cause fire on Slygo Road in Dade County
The Dade County Sheriff’s Office has issued a transit alert for the 5000 block of Slygo Road, urging residents to avoid the area and find alternate routes. The alert, posted on the department’s social media accounts, warns that multiple trees have fallen, causing road blockage and subsequent fires. Authorities report that the fallen trees have […]
Posted inCrime
18-year-old arrested in killing of Albany teen
ALBANY — An arrest has been made in the homicide that occurred in the 900 block of Willowwood Drive in Albany. 18-year-old Kaleb Brown was apprehended April 1, and charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, and tampering with evidence in the shooting death of 17-year-old Keshawn Hunt. The Albany Police Department took […]
Posted inGeorgia By The Numbers
The average Georgia resident tips 16% for fast food
Millions of hospitality industry workers – including most servers and bartenders – rely on tips for a majority of their income. In over a dozen states, tipped bar and restaurant workers earn a minimum wage of just $2.13 an hour. That comes to just over $17 for an eight-hour shift, with the rest of their […]
Posted inCrime
Smyrna Man Sentenced in $3.3 Million COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud Scheme
The News: A Smyrna resident, Rowlando Hatter Jr., has been sentenced for his role in a $3.3 million multi-state COVID-19 unemployment insurance fraud scheme. Hatter and his co-conspirator, Clyde Parker, used the personal identifying information of over 100 victims to fraudulently obtain benefits from state workforce agencies across five states. What Happened?: According to prosecutors, […]
Posted inWeather
Weekend Weather: A cold front moves through Georgia this weekend
The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for portions of North and Central Georgia, warning of severe thunderstorms and the potential for isolated tornadoes late tonight and into Saturday. Damaging wind gusts are expected to be the primary hazard associated with this weather event. A line of thunderstorms is forecast to develop […]
Posted inHealth
Boil Water Advisory Issued for Parts of Monroe County
The Gist: A Boil Water Advisory has been announced for some Monroe County water system customers, specifically affecting those residing on Talmadge Road and Boxankle Road. The advisory is expected to last until at least Saturday afternoon, April 1. What Happened?: Monroe County water system customers living on Talmadge Road or Boxankle Road, from its […]
Posted inEducation
Forsyth County education chief and sheriff respond to threats against schools
Forsyth County school superintendent Jeff Bearden and Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman released the following joint statement about threats against Forsyth County Schools this week in the wake of the school shooting in Nashville. The full statement is below. March 30, 2023 The heart-breaking school shooting in Nashville has been difficult for many of us. […]
Posted inGeorgia By The Numbers
Cities with the most expensive homes in Georgia
Stacker compiled a list of cities with the most expensive homes in Georgia using data from Zillow.
Posted inCrime
Woodstock Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Child Molestation and Rape
WOODSTOCK — John Allen Bennett, 38, of Woodstock, was sentenced to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole on March 13, after pleading guilty to multiple charges of sexual abuse of children. The sentence, handed down by Superior Court Judge Tony Baker, also includes life on probation subject to sex offender special conditions. […]
Posted inYour Family
Sandy Springs Police Department Offers Free Parent-Teen Driving Class
The Gist: The Sandy Springs Police Department is now providing a free Parent-Teen Driving Class aimed at reducing the number of motor vehicle crash-related injuries and fatalities among teenagers and young adults. The Reason: As motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers and young adults in the United States, the Sandy […]
Posted inCrime
In Georgia 95% of police officers involved in the killing of a suspect are never disciplined
Since the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020, police departments across the country have come under intense scrutiny for excessive use of force, particularly for incidents involving Black suspects. George Floyd’s murder is one of many in recent years that highlight the abuses of power that […]
Posted inYour Government
Georgia lawmakers have finished for the year. Here’s what they did and didn’t do
The final day of the Georgia Legislative session comes with many traditions, like throwing fistfulls of paper, wearing seersucker suits in early spring and, in recent years, failing to pass a bill to allow for medical cannabis. Sine Die, pronounced “see-nay dee-ay” in Latin but “Sigh-nee Die” in Georgia, typically sees lawmakers scramble to get […]
Posted inEvents
Decatur County Marks 200th Birthday with Bicentennial Week of Events
Decatur County is preparing to celebrate its 200th birthday with a weeklong series of events from April 17-23, 2023. The Bicentennial Week promises a variety of activities for residents and visitors alike, commemorating the county’s rich history and achievements since its founding in 1823. The festivities kick off April 17 with the BMS Annual Wax […]
Posted inCrime
Alpharetta Police Nab Five in Child Exploitation Sting
The Gist: Alpharetta law enforcement officials have arrested five suspects and are seeking two more after a successful undercover operation targeting child predators. The operation was a joint effort between the Special Investigations Unit of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. What Happened?: From […]
Posted inCrime
School Gunman Report Leads to Police Shootout in Douglas County
The News: A man identified as Steven Blunt, 29, was shot and killed in a police shootout in Douglas County, following a report of a gunman at a Special Olympics event held at New Manchester High School. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now involved in the case. What Happened?: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies […]
Posted inTraffic & Transportation
Dunwoody launches plan to boost road safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists
The Gist: Road safety in Dunwoody could improve for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, as the city moves forward with developing a Local Road Safety Action Plan. The plan involves data analysis, public input, and prioritization, with the aim of reducing fatalities and serious injuries on local roads. Taking Action: The city approved a contract with […]
