Central Georgia Focus’s Ask Mayor Miller is a monthly interview series produced by the nonprofit Macon Newsroom and the Center for Collaborative Journalism at Mercer University. Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Fabian, who covers Macon-Bibb County government entities, hosts the show. In the July edition of the program, Macon Mayor Lester Miller talked about tax rollbacks, new […]
Posted inWeather
Severe storms and high winds are expected in Georgia today and Monday
We’re looking at a potentially turbulent weather pattern for North and Central Georgia over the next week. Today and Tonight Today, we’re facing a marginal risk, that’s a level 1 out of 5, for severe weather conditions in both northern and central parts of the state. The morning will see the brunt of the storm […]
Posted inIn The News
Mega Millions jackpot soars over 1.5 billion
The Mega Millions jackpot is on a thrilling ascent, with the upcoming draw on Tuesday, August 8, poised to potentially shatter the game’s record. The current record stands at a staggering $1.537 billion, which was claimed in South Carolina on October 23, 2018. After no ticket matched all six numbers in the Friday night draw, […]
Posted inGeorgia Places
6 Things You Didn’t Know About Gwinnett County
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 […]