A devastating fire swept through Hancock Street in downtown Madison, Georgia on Sunday, July 13, 2025, severely damaging three local businesses and echoing a historic blaze that changed the town over 150 years ago. The fire, reported around 4:16 p.m., originated at Betty Gene’s restaurant before spreading to Community Roots Market and The Sinclair coffee […]
Posted inCrime
Jury Slams Georgia Hotel With $40M Verdict In Child Sex Trafficking Case
A Decatur hotel must pay $40 million after a federal jury found it failed to stop child sex trafficking on its property. The landmark decision could reshape how hotels handle suspicious activity. 💰 Why It Matters: This massive verdict puts every hotel on notice that ignoring trafficking can lead to financial ruin. For local families, […]
Posted inCrime
Georgia Mechanics Busted With Over a Ton of Meth at Auto Repair Shop
Two DeKalb County mechanics are facing federal charges after authorities discovered over a ton of meth hidden at their auto repair shop. 🚨 Why It Matters: This massive drug seizure represents one of the largest meth busts in metro Atlanta history, showing how ordinary businesses can serve as fronts for major drug trafficking operations in […]
Posted inYour Government
Georgia Republicans Under Pressure Over Donations From Alleged Ponzi Scheme
The public reaction to the meltdown of a financial institution connected to Republican politics in Georgia continued Monday as Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger called on campaign finance recipients to return any contributions from First Liberty Building and Loan or the family that controlled it. “Now is the time for every elected official, candidate, or […]
Posted inIn The News
Third Drowning at West Point Lake Claims Atlanta Man’s Life
Another swimmer has lost his life at West Point Lake, marking the third drowning death in just two weeks at the popular recreation spot. 🌊 What Happened: Deshun Mayfield, a 32-year-old Atlanta resident, disappeared underwater at McGee Bridge Park on Sunday afternoon and never resurfaced. Emergency responders recovered his body shortly after arriving at the […]
Posted inEducation
Tanger Outlets in Commerce Hosts Free Back-to-School Celebration on July 26
Families can enjoy free activities while shopping for school supplies and summer deals at North Georgia shopping center Tanger Outlets Commerce will host a free Back-to-School Bash featuring activities for children and families on Saturday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, sponsored by Atlanta Suits Outlet, will include inflatables, caricature art, […]
Posted inFood
What is Georgia’s Favorite Hot Dog Topping?
Georgians reach for the mustard bottle and onions at equal rates when dressing their hot dogs, according to a new survey revealing the state’s unique hot dog habits ahead of National Hot Dog Day. 🌭 Why It Matters: These regional food preferences offer a window into America’s diverse culinary identity, showing how something as simple […]
Posted inTraffic & Transportation
Police To Southern Drivers: Slow The Hell Down
A sea of flashing lights on a Georgia interstate. State troopers pulled over on the shoulder, measuring speed with radar guns while traffic blurs by at 90. It’s not just a warning, it’s a crackdown. Operation Southern Slow Down is back. And this year, the stakes are even higher. 🚦 Why It Matters: Speeding is […]
Posted inWeather
Georgia’s Monday Meltdown: Heat Advisory Blankets State as Temps Hit Triple Digits
Georgia residents face dangerous heat conditions today as heat index values soar past 105 degrees across dozens of counties. 🌡️ Why It Matters: Extreme heat is the deadliest weather phenomenon in the U.S., and today’s combination of high temperatures and humidity creates conditions where heat-related illnesses can develop rapidly, especially for vulnerable populations. 🔥 What’s […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Cyclist In Serious Condition After Running Stop Sign and Hitting SUV
A bicyclist is in the hospital after colliding with an SUV at the intersection of Cumming and Hickman Roads in Richmond County Sunday evening. 🚲 What Happened: According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the cyclist failed to stop at a stop sign while traveling east on Cumming Road around 7:48 p.m. on Sunday. 🏥 […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Drowsy Driving Derails Detention Center Transfer
A Walton County Sheriff’s Office transport van carrying eight inmates and two officers crashed into a utility pole in Sparta after the driver reportedly dozed off behind the wheel. 🚔 What Happened: According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the driver of the inmate transport van fell asleep, causing the vehicle to collide with a […]
Posted inCrime
Two Dead in Domestic Incident at Stone Mountain Home
A domestic dispute turned deadly Sunday afternoon in a quiet Stone Mountain neighborhood, leaving two people dead from gunshot wounds. 🚔 What’s Happening: Gwinnett County Police responded to a 911 call around 4 p.m. from a relative who discovered two people with gunshot wounds in a home on the 300 block of Stone Hill Drive. […]
Posted inCrime
Airport Bust: Traveler Caught with $3 Million in Drugs in His Luggage at Hartsfield-Jackson
Police arrested a man at Atlanta’s airport after finding nearly $3 million worth of marijuana products in his luggage before a flight to Brazil. The discovery happened during a routine luggage search. 🔍 What Happened:Atlanta Police and U.S. Customs officers searched the passenger’s bags on June 28 at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. 🚨 Why It Matters: […]
Posted inWeather
Tybee Island Beach Conditions Are Perfect for Sunday Swimmers
Tybee Island Ocean Rescue has raised the green flag today, signaling ideal swimming conditions for beachgoers looking to cool off in the 80-degree Atlantic waters. 🏄♀️ Why It Matters: With extreme UV levels and temperatures climbing to 86 degrees, knowing when it’s safe to swim helps residents and visitors enjoy the beach while staying protected […]
Posted inCrime
Georgia Deputy Run Down in Mall Parking Lot After Confronting Shoplifter
A Richmond County deputy was injured when a repeat shoplifting suspect allegedly drove into him while fleeing the Augusta Mall. 🚔 What Happened: Deputy Jeff Adams was struck by a white Nissan Altima driven by Toni Wallace, who had been formally banned from the mall just weeks earlier on June 19. 🛒 Between the Lines: […]
Posted inClark Chronicles
I Love the South, But We Need to Talk
Before I get into this week’s topic, I’d simply point out that my family tree has roots deeper in Southern soil than most oak trees. One branch has been in Georgia for five generations, while another has been lounging around Virginia since before we decided taxation without representation wasn’t our cup of sweet tea. I […]
Posted inUnderdressed and Overeducated
Opinion: Murder, Mob ‘Justice,’ and Georgia’s Culture of Silence
It’s been 110 years since Jewish factory owner Leo Frank was publicly lynched by a mob in Marietta, but former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes still gets death threats about it. Hundreds listened in rapt silence last night as Barnes related a call he received from the FBI just two years ago. The agent told him […]
Posted inGeorgia People
Georgia Fisherman Catches 400 Pound Grouper
When Robert Turybury and his friend Seth Silverstein set out to celebrate Turybury’s first wedding anniversary by fishing for sharks off St. Simons Island, they had no idea they were about to encounter something much larger and more powerful than anything they’d ever imagined. Turybury, a Brunswick resident, and Silverstein, who lives on St. Simons […]
