Named after a Signer of the U.S. Constitution Many might not realize that Gwinnett County is named in honor of Button Gwinnett, one of the signers of the U.S. Constitution. While his name might not be as recognizable as other Founding Fathers, Button Gwinnett left an indelible mark on American history. After signing the Constitution, […]
Posted inCrime
Gwinnett Police Officer Accused of Child Molestation
A Gwinnett County Police officer has been arrested and charged with child molestation. Gwinnett County Police officer Patrick Ventura faces serious charges following an internal investigation initiated by his patrol supervisor last month. According to police officials, what began as a probe into discrepancies in Ventura’s patrol activities quickly escalated, drawing in the Special Victims […]
Posted inIn The News
Family of man ‘eaten alive’ by bed bugs in the Fulton County jail gets $4 million settlement
The Gist: The tragic death of LaShawn Thompson in the Fulton County Jail culminated in a record-setting $4 million settlement, marking the largest pre-litigation sum ever in Fulton County. Thompson, described by family lawyers as being ‘eaten alive’ by bed bugs, died under harrowing conditions, raising serious concerns about the state of inmate care. Backstory: […]
Posted inCrime
Thomson sees string of vehicle break-ins
Recent incidents of vehicles being broken into have rattled residents of Thomson in McDuffie County. Local authorities report a surge in cases where autos have been unlawfully entered, prompting citizens to exercise increased caution. Sheriff’s officials say citizens should lock their vehicles and avoid leaving valuables like wallets, purses, cash, and firearms in them. The […]
Posted inCrime
60-year-old Georgia man gets 18 months in prison for his role in January 6 attack on the Capitol
The Gist: William McCall Calhoun Jr., an attorney from Americus, faces 18 months in prison for his role during the U.S. Capitol breach on Jan. 6, 2021. What Happened?: Calhoun took part in the disruption of a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to verify the 2020 presidential electoral votes. Charged with obstruction of […]
Posted inEducation
Some Fulton County schools will provide free breakfast and lunch for all students
The Gist: Fulton County Schools has opted into the Community Eligibility Provision, a federal program designed to streamline the process of providing free school meals. This change eliminates meal applications, leading to reduced administrative and printing costs and less paperwork for families. What Is It?: The Community Eligibility Provision, a component of the National School […]
Posted inGeorgia People
Meet the New CEO of Georgia Public Broadcasting
Bert Huffman ATLANTA – A veteran administrator at Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) is stepping up to become the state network’s CEO, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Friday. Bert Huffman began working at GPB in 2014 as its first vice president for development and marketing. He later became senior vice president of external affairs before being named […]
Posted inCrime
Two Charged in Slaying of 18-year-old at Norcross Apartment Complex
The Gist: Two Norcross teenagers, Salvador Ruiz Gonzalez and Andy Antonio-Herrera, have been arrested by the Gwinnett County Police Department in connection with the shooting death of 18-year-old Andres David Buitrago Castillo. What Happened?: The incident, which occurred in Gwinnett County, resulted in the death of Castillo. The two suspects, 16-year-old Ruiz Gonzalez and 15-year-old […]
Posted inTraffic & Transportation
Lane Closures on I-675 in Clayton, DeKalb, and Henry Counties This Weekend
The Gist: Got plans to hit I-675 this weekend? You might want to reconsider. A concrete slab rehabilitation project in Clayton, DeKalb, and Henry counties is setting the stage for lane closures along this stretch of the interstate, affecting 10 miles from I-75 to I-285. What’s Happening?: Starting Sunday, August 6 at 8 p.m., crews […]
Posted inGeorgia By The Numbers
Georgia Emerges as a Hotspot for Home Sales. See how the state ranked
The Gist: As American homeowners vie for limited properties and face climbing prices and mortgage rates, some states are turning into sellers’ hotspots. Georgia, in particular, has made its mark as a prime hub for property sales, clinching the spot for the eighth-highest rate of new home listings nationwide. What Happened? In a study carried […]
Posted inLocal
Burn Ban Lifted in Cherokee County to Help with Storm Debris
Residents in unincorporated Cherokee County dealing with the aftermath of the recent storm now have an additional disposal option. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has agreed to lift the burn ban until October 1, providing a method for eliminating vegetative storm debris. The decision comes after the July 20 storm that resulted in substantial tree […]
Posted inEducation
Sequoyah High School Junior Nets Impressive Scholarship for Innovative Scoreboard Skills
In the world of digital scoreboard mastery, a Georgia student is making a national name for himself, netting a hefty scholarship for his standout skills. Noah Popp, a junior at Sequoyah High School in Cherokee County, has garnered the $5,000 Student Scoreboard Scholarship from Formetco Sports. Popp’s innovative use of the company’s video LED scoreboard […]
Posted inYour Government
What part do Georgia’s fake electors play in the Trump Jan. 6 indictment?
The federal indictment accusing Donald Trump of trying to stay in power after losing the 2020 presidential election includes detailed accusations of Trump and his alleged co-conspirators’ pressure on individual state officials. The central plot to overturn the election, as described in the indictment a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., handed up Tuesday, involved switching out legitimate […]
Posted inCrime
Three men impersonating police officers rob Atlanta spa
ATLANTA — A trio of men impersonated law enforcement officers during an armed robbery at Spring Spa, in Northeast Atlanta. The suspects are still at large, and the Atlanta Police Department’s Robbery Unit is seeking your help in identifying them. Spring Spa, at 1996 Manchester St. NE, became an unlikely crime scene at about 9:30 […]
Posted inEntertainment
T.I. Will Headline the A-Town Music Fest
Saturday, the much-awaited A-Town Music Fest makes a triumphant return with local rap legend T.I. leading the pack. The event, first launched in 2017, pays homage to rap icons hailing from the Atlanta area. This year, it’s also honoring the 50th anniversary of hip hop, a milestone officially marked on Aug. 11. T.I., celebrated for […]
Posted inRepresenting You
State agencies in Georgia would like to spend more money
Rick Dunn ATLANTA – Stage agencies will get to ask for more money next year for the first time since fiscal 2020. Rick Dunn, director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (OPB), informed state agency heads in a memo Wednesday that they will be allowed to request spending “enhancements” of up to 3% […]
Posted inCrime
Former State of Georgia employees charged with unemployment insurance fraud
ATLANTA – Eight former state employees have been indicted on charges of unemployment insurance fraud allegedly committed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictments, handed up last week in Fulton County, accuse the eight defendants of filing false unemployment claims with the Georgia Department of Labor while they were working for the state. “Government employees are […]
Posted inCrime
Macon gas station robbed in broad daylight
MACON — A Circle K at 2580 Riverside Drive was the scene of an armed robbery in broad daylight today. At 12:30 p.m., in the midst of bustling daily business, a masked man, brandishing a firearm, stormed the premises demanding money. According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the man pointed the gun at the […]
