ATLANTA (AP) — A Georgia Tech program that was about as low as it could go is suddenly filled with optimism.
The Yellow Jackets are coming off their first winning season since 2018 and feel like they’re ready to push even higher under coach Brent Key.
The Yellow Jackets were a laughingstock under previous coach Geoff Collins, who talked a good game but was woefully unprepared to lead a major-conference team.
Those dark days are in the rearview mirror. While no one expects Georgia Tech to contend for national titles on a regular basis, this group has shown it can be competitive in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“We want to embrace these challenges that we have in front of us,” Key said. “Nothing’s easy. We don’t want it to be easy.”
Key’s impact
Heading into his second full season as coach, Key deserves credit for lifting the Yellow Jackets out of the abyss that was the Collins era.
The fiery coach has instilled a winning, edgy attitude in his players, which paid off a season ago with unlikely victories over North Carolina and Miami.
Georgia Tech was 10-28 in three-plus years under Collins, including a 7-19 mark in conference play. Since Key took over four games into the 2022 season, the Jackets are 11-10 overall and 9-6 in the ACC.
Good to be King
Haynes King returns at quarterback after a breakout season.
The transfer from Texas A&M threw for 2,842 yards with 27 touchdowns to go along with 737 yards rushing and 10 more TDs.
If there’s one thing King needs to work on, it’s being a bit more selective with his passes after getting picked off 16 times. But no one was complaining much after the Yellow Jackets averaged 31.1 points per game — their highest output in five years.
“He does everything you want him to do,” offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner said. “We’ve got a lot of confidence in him and what he can do, and we just keep putting more and more on his plate.”
Offensive weapons
Faulkner received plenty of kudos for King’s development, which was hardly a one-man show.
Running back Jamal Haynes piled up 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry, to go along with 20 receptions for 151 yards. Eric Singleton (48 catches, 714 yards, six TDs) and Malik Rutherford (46 catches, 502 yards, four TDs) were the top receivers. All are back.
“He’s got great players around him and he understands that,” Faulkner said of his quarterback. “He knows how to get them the ball and makes them look really good.”
Defensive shakeup
While the offense was a bright spot, Key was not pleased with a leaky defense that surrendered nearly 30 points a game, ranking 97th nationally.
Georgia Tech overhauled its staff on that side on the line, most notably bringing in Tyler Santucci from Duke as the new defensive coordinator. Under Santucci, the Blue Devils surrendered just 19 points a game to lead the ACC and rank 16th nationally.
He is expected to bring the same sort of results to Georgia Tech.
“That’s why I got hired,” Santucci said. “Stop people, create takeaways, get the ball back to the offense and don’t let them score touchdowns. That’s not pressure. That’s our job.”
The schedule
Georgia Tech faces a difficult slate of games, beginning with the Aug. 24 opener against No. 10 Florida State in Dublin, Ireland.
“It’s a great opportunity for Georgia Tech. for people to see the GT on a worldwide stage,” Key said.
The Yellow Jackets also host No. 7 Notre Dame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium — home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons — on Oct. 19 and close the regular season at top-ranked Georgia on Nov. 29.
For good measure, there are back-to-back home games against No. 19 Miami (Nov. 9) and No. 24 N.C. State (Nov. 21), plus another tough road trip to Louisville (Sept. 21).
It’s the kind of schedule that could make it difficult for Key’s team to improve much on last year’s 7-6 mark, even if they continue their upward trajectory.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris ‘ campaign says it is reserving $370 million in advertising to run between Labor Day and Election Day.
In a memo Saturday, the Harris-Walz campaign said the fall advertising push will include $170 million in television reservations running for nine weeks, starting Sept. 3, in battleground states. It also includes more than $200 million in digital reservations on platforms such as Hulu, Roku and YouTube.
That does not include spending on ads on social media or search services.
Former President Donald Trump ‘s campaign has only reserved advertising time after Labor Day in two states, the battlegrounds of Pennsylvania and Georgia, according to data from the media tracking firm AdImpact.
Quentin Fulks and Rob Flaherty, deputy campaign manager for the Democratic candidates, said in their memo that the television ads they were reserving included spots around high-viewership moments such as major sporting events and season premieres.
It also included daytime reservations on Fox News Channel, where the campaign believes they can reach an audience of conservative-leaning independents who had supported former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley over Trump in the Republican presidential primary.
Ad reservations can allow candidates and campaigns to lock in rates before they go up as dates come closer.
DECATUR, Ga. (AP) — A large bronze statue of the late civil rights icon leader and Georgia congressman John Lewis was installed Friday, at the very spot where a contentious monument to the confederacy stood for more than 110 years in the town square before it was dismantled in 2020.
Work crews gently rested the 12-foot-tall (3.7-meter-tall) statue into place as the internationally acclaimed sculptor, Basil Watson, looked on carefully.
“It’s exciting to see it going up and exciting for the city because of what he represents and what it’s replacing,” Watson said, as he assisted with the install process.
Lewis was known for his role at the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement and urged others to get in “good trouble” for a cause he saw as vital and necessary. In DeKalb County where the Confederate monument stood for more than a century, protesters have invoked “good trouble” in calling for the swift removal of the obelisk.
Back in 2020, the stone obelisk was lifted from its base with straps amid jeers and chants of “Just drop it!” from onlookers in Decatur, Georgia, who were kept at a safe distance by sheriff’s deputies. The obelisk was erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1908.
The monument was among those around the country that became flashpoints for protests over police brutality and racial injustice, following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis. The city of Decatur then asked a Georgia judge to order the removal of the monument, which was often vandalized and marked by graffiti, saying it had become a threat to public safety.
The statue of Lewis will be officially unveiled on Aug. 24.
WAYNESBORO, Ga. (AP) — Georgia’s largest nuclear plant declared an emergency alert Tuesday after an electrical transformer caught fire.
The fire, described as small by Georgia Power Co. spokesperson John Kraft, broke out about noon and could have threatened the electrical supply to the heating and cooling system for the control room of one of the complex’s two older nuclear reactors, Vogtle Unit 2.
The fire was put out by plant employees, Georgia Power officials said, and the alert ended just after 2:30 p.m. The cause of the fire hasn’t yet been determined, Kraft said.
Dave Gasperson, a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesperson, said the fire was contained and did not affect any of the plant’s operating systems, and a backup power system remained available for the heating and cooling system. Gasperson said the commission’s onsite inspector monitored the situation and the commission, a federal agency which oversees nuclear power plants, is determining whether additional follow-up inspections are needed.
Officials said the fire caused no injuries and didn’t threaten the safety or health of employees or members of the public. All four of the nuclear reactors onsite continued to produce electricity at full power, Kraft said.
An alert is the second-least serious category of emergency out of four categories designated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an agency that oversees nuclear power plants. That category could reduce a plant’s level of safety but isn’t supposed to affect the public. The plant returned to normal operations after terminating the alert.
Georgia Power said workers are coordinating recovery with federal, state and local officials. Georgia Power owns the plant along with partners Oglethorpe Power Corp., Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Dalton city utilities. It supplies electricity to almost all Georgians, as well as some utilities in Florida and Alabama.
The two older nuclear reactors were completed in 1987 and 1989. If they lose primary electricity from the outside grid, as well as backup electricity from a diesel generator, the reactors can overheat and melt down. A diesel generator was never needed Tuesday, Kraft said.
Vogtle’s two newer nuclear reactors are designed to avoid a meltdown from a power loss. Those reactors were completed this year and are the first new reactors built from scratch in the United States in decades. They cost the owners $31 billion, finishing seven years late and $17 billion over budget. Add in $3.7 billion that original contractor Westinghouse paid Vogtle owners to walk away from construction, and the total nears $35 billion.
Thinking about a trip to Unicoi State Park in Georgia? Unicoi State Park hosts some unique ways to get outdoors with your family. We sent contributor Kristina to check out their barrel cabins and soak up all the adventure she and her kids could handle for a few days in Northern Georgia.
Accommodations at Unicoi State Park were given to us so we could review the park but the opinions henceforth are those solely of the author.
As much as I’d love to take a few months or even a year off to show my kids the world and have all kinds of epic adventures, it’s not happening. It’s not possible for most families. What is possible? Lots of places within driving distance of the Upstate to have amazing adventures.
One such place we recently visited – only two hours away – and made those memories that I was hoping to share with my kids, instilling adventure into their developing personalities, and satisfying my own wanderlust.
Unicoi State Park, part of the Georgia State Park system, is only two hours away from Greenville and has everything a family could want for a great trip – camping, cabins, a lodge, zip lining, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, archery, you name it. And the quaint German town of Helen is a mere five minutes away by car or 90 minutes by hiking.
Staying in a Barrel Cabin at Unicoi State Park
I’ve never ventured into the North Georgia mountains or a Georgia state park so I had no idea what to expect. We stayed at the park in a barrel cabin, which is pretty much like it sounds. My kids were in awe when we pulled up. They said “we are staying in that? How cool!” It’s fun to amaze your kids.
Barrel cabins at Unicoi State Park
Barrel Cabin Amenities
The barrel cabin we stayed in is one of several in the park. It had two bedrooms, a pullout couch, a full kitchen, living and dining rooms, and a porch with rocking chairs where you could see one of the trails and catch glimpses of the lake. It’s a good size and can fit six people.
My favorite was the kitchen because I try to stay in places that have cooking areas because it saves me so much money on eating out. This cabin was a win.
In my barrel cabin, the two bedrooms were upstairs, while the full bath was downstairs. I thought it may be an issue for middle-of-the-night bathroom runs for my daughter but it worked out fine.
The barrel cabins were designed and built in the 1970s as an experiment to lure people into the park to enjoy all of the wonderful outdoor activities the park offers. Needless to say, the barrel cabins were a hit, and generations later, people can still stay in this odd, but useful and functional, structure.
The cabins are built on stilts and are in a little barrel cabin village, nestled within the forest and right off the lake trail that loops around Unicoi Lake. The interior is all wood and although not completely updated to Chip and Joanna Gaines’ standards, they are clean, comfortable, and have air conditioning and heat. There are cabins from one-bedroom up to deluxe three-bedrooms.
One special thing I loved about the barrel cabin is the symphony of sounds when it rains – the structure has tin on the outside so the rain is beautiful. Sit on the covered porch and just listen. You haven’t experienced the beauty of rain until you’ve heard it on a tin roof.
Other options for lodging
If you’re into primitive camping, have an RV, or want a
space more like a hotel room or even a large cabin, the state park has all of those
available as well – and plenty of them. The park is spacious and has lots of
room for everyone.
Prices for barrel cabins and other lodgings vary widely based upon season. Accommodation reservations are available online. Some of the accommodations in the park are pet friendly.
Unicoi State Park Beach
Unicoi State Park has a small but beautiful beach swimming area. I loved this for my young kids and they enjoyed the shallow water. We brought sand toys and spent a good chunk of time there enjoying the warm day on the sandy beach. The water is not more than four feet deep, maybe even less. Mountain beaches are great.
Although we didn’t rent boats during our visit, several options for enjoying the water are available: paddle boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. There is a boat house right at the beach where you can rent whatever you like, although call ahead for reservations during the busy summer and fall seasons to make sure you get what you want.
Unicoi Beach
Hiking
There are numerous trails throughout the park to stretch
your legs.
Lake Trail
The Lake Trail loops around Unicoi Lake and is an easy hike and a beautiful way to see the lake. We took it in parts after dinner and my kids enjoyed it.
Smith Creek Trail
The Smith Creek Trail is over eight miles and is more difficult. Check out AllTrails before you go to plan ahead for any unforeseen challenges.
Lake Trail at Unicoi State Park
Unicoi to Helen Trail
The Unicoi to Helen Trail was on my list but we didn’t get
to it. It’s a six-mile roundtrip hike from the park right into Helen, the famed
Bavarian-themed village. It’s of moderate difficulty but a great way to get in
some exercise before enjoying beer and brats and then hiking back (or taking the
free shuttle to the park).
Anna Ruby Falls
Anna Ruby Falls, the waterfalls named after the daughter of a Civil War general, is located in the park up a paved 0.4 mile trail. It’s straight up so it may take you some time while you catch your breath but it’s magnificent. I failed to capture the beauty of the falls on camera but needless to say, if you can make it here during your trip, do it.
There is a $5/person fee for anyone ages 16+. And there is a cute little gift shop on site as well as restrooms and picnic tables.
Anna Ruby Falls
Archery, Zip Lining, Water Sports, & Fishing
Unicoi State Park is actually an adventure lodge as well,
hosting an enormous zip line course, an archery range, an airgun range, and fishing
on-site.
Zip Line Course
Kids have to be at least six-years-old to do most of the adventures so we weren’t able to do what I was hoping for this time around, which means we have to come back. But we did see many of the zip lines and platforms and it looked incredible. Many of the lines go right across the gorgeous lake and everything else looked like it was part of the forest.
In the fall, I can only imagine the tapestry of colors that the forest showcases. Fall is one of the busiest times of year for Unicoi State Park because of the changing of the colors of the leaves.
Being from Greenville, I always think “go north”, go to the Blue Ridge Parkway or up in the mountains near Asheville. But the mountains of Northern Georgia put on quite the show as well. Imagine zip lining and hiking through the forest that time of year!
One of the zip line platforms
Archery
I was quite bummed we weren’t able to participate in archery while at the park. I love the sport and my girls are learning quickly as well. If you have your own bow and arrows, you only pay $5 to use the range.
Otherwise, it’s $25/person for a lesson and range time. If you haven’t felt the pull on the string, your fingers tugging and feeling for the right moment, and that last breath you take below you let the arrow fly, you’re missing out.
Fishing
The park also teaches fly fishing lessons. I’d absolutely do if I had the patience of a saint, which I don’t. I imagine it would be an enlightening and enjoyable activity – the photos alone would probably be worth it- but I may need a little convincing to get me away from the archery range.
More adventures
Boats and mountain bikes are available to rent and other activities, like s’mores at a campfire, happens at night as well as GoPro rentals and GPS scavenger hunts. Adventure pricing is available online.
The location couldn’t be better
Unicoi State Park is just five minutes from Helen, Georgia and all the restaurants and activities of the Bavarian village. We certainly made use of the proximity of the park by grabbing ice cream and chocolate truffles as well as taking a tubing trip with Cool River Tubing down the Chattahoochee River.
The park runs a free shuttle to Helen as well – just call the lodge 30 minutes before you want to leave – which saves money on parking in town.
Also nearby are fantastic hiking trails in addition to the
ones at the park itself. We did the High Shoals Falls Trail, only about a 25-minute
drive from the park, where we saw Blue Hole swimming hole and High Shoals Falls,
both of which were worth the 2.5 mile hike.
Day-use area at Unicoi State Park
Unicoi State Park has a huge day-use area with a playground, lots of picnic shelters, creek access, and restrooms.
My kids loved the playground and a swimming hole looked ideal for hot weather, which we totally would have used if we had more time to spend that day. The park has many picnic shelters spread throughout the park that visitors can rent.
Day-use area at Unicoi State Park
Adventure is calling
There are few things I’d rather do with my kids than explore the outdoors. The best part is that you don’t need to go far from Greenville in order to fulfill that desire.
There is so much to enjoy at Unicoi State Park that you’ll want to come back the minute you leave, wishing you had the time to have more adventures. You don’t even need days and days to savor that quality together and make memories that will stay with you and your family for years to come.
So what’s holding you back? You can’t have too much fun in the mountains.
Have you been to Unicoi State Park?
For more ideas of places to see and things to do in Georgia, see our Guide to Georgia Travel.
ATLANTA (AP) — Four years after the 2020 election, a newly GOP-aligned election board in Georgia is pushing to reinvestigate the state’s largest county for its handling of the vote.
Georgia’s State Election Board voted 3-2 Wednesday to ask state Attorney General Chris Carr to investigate the Fulton County government, seeking to reopen an inquiry closed in May.
The action shows the degree to which Republican outrage over the 2020 election continues to animate party activists and comes on the heels of a Saturday rally in Atlanta where former President Donald Trump attempted to relitigate unproven claims that he won Georgia, which President Joe Biden won that year by a narrow margin. He praised the State Election Board at the same rally.
Spokesperson Kara Murray said Carr, a Republican who has been opposed by Trump, hadn’t yet received the request.
“We take election integrity very seriously, and we will apply the constitution, the law and the facts as we have always done,” Murray said.
However, Murray said the attorney general’s office doesn’t investigate or seek criminal charges in cases referred by the board.
The resolution says that if Carr doesn’t act, the board will try to hire an outside lawyer to conduct an inquiry.
It’s unclear what could happen if an inquiry occurs. In a hotly disputed 2021 law, the board was given the power to take over election administration in individual counties. That provision was always aimed at heavily Democratic Fulton County in the aftermath of an election that an independent monitor said was characterized by sloppy practices and poor management but with no evidence of intentional wrongdoing.
A trio of Republican partisans aligned with Trump has cemented control of the five-member regulatory board, which has no direct role in determining election results but writes rules to ensure elections run smoothly and hears complaints about violations.
Some activists who have long wanted action against Fulton County argue that officials should face criminal charges. Those activists have also long pushed for access to the paper ballots from the 2020 election, which could enable a citizen review similar to one that roiled Arizona in 2021.
As part of the May resolution of the earlier inquiry, the board found that Fulton County improperly double-counted some votes. But those who brought the complaint say other issues are unresolved, such as missing electronic ballot scans.
“It seems to me that somebody is moving heaven and earth to not allow anyone to get to the paper ballots,” said Dr. Janice Johnston, a retired obstetrician appointed to the board by the state Republican Party. “I don’t know why. I’m just interested in the data and interested in the numbers.”
Wednesday’s decision is likely to be met with litigation. Fulton County’s election board sent a letter to the state board flatly saying the May resolution is final and the board is legally prohibited from reopening the charges.
“We will not engage in any further discussions, investigations or other action related to this case,” Fulton County board Chair Sherri Allen said in a statement. “To do so would be a waste of taxpayer dollars and time that is best spent preparing for the upcoming general election.”
The state board’s nonpartisan chair, John Fervier, tried to block the action, citing a letter from Carr’s office that he said also warned the move would be illegal. The Associated Press wasn’t immediately able to obtain a copy of the letter.
“We are putting this board in legal jeopardy by approving that motion,” Fervier said.
Johnston, who led a successful effort to overturn Fervier’s ruling blocking consideration of the move, said a lawyer for the state GOP had advised her that the board could legally go ahead. Janelle King, whose appointment tipped the balance of power on the board, said she is not afraid of a potential lawsuit.
“We’ve got to make sure we’re not scared to make moves because of the fear of that, because in some cases it’s just the right thing to do,” said King, a conservative political commentator
It’s at least the second recent time that state Republican Party officials or employees directly advised the board on a course of action. Party Chairman Josh McKoon recently sent two proposed rules and talking points to another GOP-aligned member of the board, former state Sen. Rick Jeffares.
Part of the deal made in May was that Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, the State Election Board and Fulton County would agree on a monitoring team. On Wednesday, though, the board refused to vote on the team proposed by Raffensperger and Fulton County. That’s in part because it included the former chief lawyer for Raffensperger’s office and the man who monitored Fulton’s 2020 election.
Raffensperger’s office declined to comment on the board’s actions. He was removed as a voting member of the board in 2021 and from his nonvoting capacity by lawmakers this year, largely driven by GOP anger at his defense of Biden’s 2020 victory in Georgia.
At the Saturday rally, Trump said the three GOP-aligned board members “are all pit bulls fighting for honesty, transparency and victory” while criticizing Fervier and the Democrat on the panel. He in particular singled out Johnston, who was in the second row and stood to acknowledge Trump’s praise.
“My courage was contagious?” Trump said. “Well, your courage is contagious, too.”
Tropical Storm Debby is moving north after dropping huge amounts of rain on parts of the Southeast. President Biden has authorized emergency declarations from the governors of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides has the latest from Savannah, Georgia.
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Three clips of tornadoes whipping through houses and ripping off roofs appear in a video recently shared on Facebook.
“Tornado in ATLANTA,” text over the video says.
The caption of the July 21 Facebook post sharing the video: “Strong tornado in Atlanta USA.”
This post was flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)
A EF2 tornado touched down in Atlanta in April — at night, in the dark — and none of the clips in the Facebook post, all recorded in daylight, show the Georgia twister.
The second clip also appears to show the Kansas tornado. Another video, which an ABC News affiliate in Tulsa, Oklahoma, published on YouTube, shows a similar scene.
The third clip was shot in June 2023 in Indiana. USA Today published the footage after several severe tornadoes developed across the central part of the state.
Some of the footage has been altered — quickened or flipped so that images that were on the right are now on the left.
We rate claims these clips show a tornado in Atlanta False.
The Fortson family is mourning the loss of two young members, their lives tragically cut short by gun violence.
Source: Hurlburt Field/Facebook
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson was gunned down by a Florida deputy just months before his 16-year-old brother, Andre Fortson, was fatally shot in Georgia.
Officials say this latest tragedy unfolded at Summit Hill Apartments in DeKalb County, just east of Atlanta.
According to USA Today,Andre was found with gunshot wounds in a breezeway at the apartment complex shortly before 10:00 p.m. Authorities swiftly arrested 20-year-old Quintavious Zellner, charging him with aggravated assault.
Preliminary investigations indicated that “two groups of subjects were shooting at each other” for reasons still unknown.
A neighbor named Jaqueia toldUSA Todaythat she tried desperately to save Andre, performing CPR and describing him as a “really good boy” who was never disrespectful or involved in any altercations.
“I tried to save him, doing CPR because I couldn’t save him,” said Jaqueia.
Call for Justice: Community and Family Reactions
This story continues to amplify the need for justice for Roger Fortson.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, known for his relentless pursuit of justice in cases of police misconduct, is calling on Florida State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden to prosecute former sheriff’s deputy Eddie Duran, who fatally shot Roger Fortson on May 3.
Crump is emphasizing the urgency for the State Attorney to act now that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has completed its investigation.
“The actions of Deputy Duran were not just negligent, they were criminal,” said Crump.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office disputes Crump’s claims, asserting that the deputy reacted in self-defense after encountering Fortson armed with a gun. However, Crump and the Fortson family challenge this narrative, highlighting discrepancies in the police response and the alleged misidentification of the apartment involved in the disturbance call.
Chantemekki Fortson, the boys’ mother, is demanding justice for her son Roger, calling for the revocation of the deputy’s credentials and pension.
“I want justice for my child. You’re not going to throw me a bone. Take his credentials. Take his pension,” said Chantemekki.
Crump reinforced her sentiments.
“This has been an incredibly challenging time for them with the loss of Roger. Losing the life of yet another young family member – a mere child – has been an absolute devastation,” Crump said, noting the family’s immense grief from the loss of both Roger and Andre.
Crump’s Advocacy
Bodycam footage showed Duran shooting Roger Fortson, who opened his door holding a legally owned gun pointed at the ground. Crump pointed out the extensive call history to a different apartment in the same complex, raising questions about the validity of Duran’s actions.
Sheriff’s records showed another unit in the apartment complex had repeated domestic calls and welfare checks, which Crump highlighted during a press conference.
MSN states that Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden refuted Crump’s claims, stating that the deputy did not enter the wrong apartment. However, the administrative investigation concluded that Duran’s use of deadly force was unreasonable and violated agency policy, leading to his termination in June.
“We will never let them stain the reputation of Roger Fortson, not today, not tomorrow, not forever. We will remember him as the true American patriot that he was,” said Crump.
Duran, a former U.S. Army serviceman, was current on his response to resistance training and firearm qualifications at the time of the shooting. As BOSSIP previously reported, he was dismissed from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for using unreasonable deadly force in the shooting of Roger Fortson.
According to MSN, Crump emphasized the importance of holding law enforcement officers accountable to prevent future tragedies and rebuild trust within communities.
“This tragic incident should never have occurred, and we must ensure that there are consequences for such reckless actions. Roger Fortson’s family deserves justice, and our community deserves accountability,” said Crump.
Family Calls for Justice in Wake of Devastating Loss
As the Fortson family continues to navigate the unimaginable grief of losing both Roger and Andre, their call for justice grows louder. Their story is a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability and reform within law enforcement to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson II tells CBS News that Hurricane Debby could unleash as much as 30 inches of rain in some areas in the coming days – an amount in many areas that “means obliteration,” Johnson said, adding, “It is forecast to be a historic event for Savannah.”
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It’s just after 6 a.m. at a mosque in suburban Georgia, and the topic of discussion over breakfast is Kamala Harris. “Let’s see what happens, right. The South Asian community knows that they have a really pivotal role and that their turnout, their engagement could shift the election one way or another. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing voting bloc in Georgia, and South Asians make up the largest percentage of that group, totaling around 86,000 eligible voters. Joe Biden won the state by just over 11,000 votes in 2020. “The path to the White House runs right through this state.” Kamala Harris is presumed to be the first Democratic presidential nominee of South Asian heritage. “There’s so much hope that I feel now.” Here in Fulton County, we found new enthusiasm, but also some waiting to see where Harris will stand on the issues. “I’m definitely re-engaged. I consider myself an independent. I’m not sure if I’m going to vote before Kamala Harris entered because I was so unenthusiastic about both candidates.” “But I don’t know if anyone really expected how exhilarating it would feel. As a South Asian, you know, I feel a connection to her. This time, I would like to be more engaged and actually doing something besides just voting.” Parul Kapur is now hosting meetups with friends as she prepares to organize a fund-raiser for the very first time. When did you guys hear and what was your reaction when you heard that?” “She’s been a U.S senator. Now, she’s been vice president for four years. That’s a pretty impressive résumé. But deep inside, I was like someone who looks like me is going to be the next president of the United States.” “That’s very true.” “A lot of people, I think, were, you know, like going to vote for somebody like Biden regardless because they were scared. And, you know, it felt very much like they were going to bite the bullet. Whereas now people feel energized and you want to vote.” And while shared identity resonates for the group, the conversation ultimately shifts back to policy. “And somehow we forget that there is a middle class for a lot of us. Taxation, inflation, all those are important issues for us.” “The economy, essentially, which is what I think ultimately this election is going to come down to anyway.” Back at the mosque, the conversation turns to one specific issue: the war in Gaza. “The Asian American community doesn’t always fit into a nice box along the political spectrum. We all carry different identities. I’m a Muslim American. And how I see the election is kind of a combination of these different factors. Gaza is still the primary issue that I’m looking to see where Kamala Harris will differentiate herself from Biden.” Asian American voters here decisively chose Biden in 2020, but in the four years since, their support for him has declined. These voters could be crucial for Harris to win or lose the state. “She has the potential to change the equation of how things are done for the better. The entire society is changing. I have seen that because when I arrived is when the change started, right — ’69 until today. That has been what they call the ‘browning of America,’ Asians, Indians.” “It’s an open conversation. So I think the Asian American vote, they can be convinced to switch loyalty for candidates and parties. I’m pretty confident I’ll vote now, but I’m going to leave a little bit of wiggle room because so much can happen.”
If you wish you could escape for just a few days to an exotic destination and just forget about your worries, then the Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse vacation rental is the place to go! You can also visit for the day if you’re just looking for some alpaca and llama cuddles. Find out what this unique property offers and about all the llamas and alpacas who live there.
Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when you book through the lonks on this page.
Lay back and read a book while gentle animals roam past. Let the sound of a bamboo forest lull you to sleep. What if I told you you could have this type of escape for a weekend with minimal travel time?
You can, and it only requires a short drive from the Upstate to Atlanta.
Nestled in a residential area and totally hidden is a place that boasts the title of “Most Wish Listed” on the travel site AirBnB. Once you start to explore this magical place, it’s not hard to see why.
Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse
In July of 2016, Kara O’Brien’s dream of building a tree house among the decades-old bamboo in her yard came to fruition. She forged ahead and knew what she wanted, despite the naysayers. We couldn’t be happier that she ignored the advice not to follow her dream. The result of her work is the Alpaca Treehouse. Everyone who visits falls in love with this bucket-list destination.
Alpacas and Llamas Steal the Show
So many different aspects make this location special. The stars of the show that make this a truly unique experience are the ladies who watch over the accommodations. No, I’m not talking about Kara and Kate the proprietors, although I think they are a huge part of why the property receives a perfect score from every visitor. I’m referring to Dali Llama, Llama Mia Figaro and several more alpacas named Sunny Shevoun, Paloma Piper, Caitlin Tastee, Llyra, Little Rio, and Elfie Fay Von Picklesprite.
Dali Llama
A recent visitor to the Alpaca Treehouse noted that – “waking up on a bali bed, in a bamboo forest with an alpaca staring at you, should be on everyone’s bucket-list!”
It truly elevates the tree-house experience to walk through the bamboo and discover one of these lovely ladies relaxing in the forest, and I think that is why people have flocked to this backyard-turned-into-an-urban-farm.
The Treehouse
The treehouse is also a pretty big part of why this property is one of the most-booked accommodations on the VRBO site. Built from reclaimed materials, this is definitely not just any backyard treehouse. Tons of thought went into every detail of the treehouse. Extended eaves protect visitors from rain while they relax on the bali bed suspended beneath the treehouse. Two guests will enjoy air-conditioned accommodations, along with a pod-style coffee machine, snacks, and a stocked mini fridge. Children 12 and older are allowed with their adult
Alpaca
The Llama Cottage
If treehouse dwelling isn’t your thing, the property also offers a couple of other cottages and unique lodging opportunities. The Llama Stay Farm Cottage is a three-bedroom home that can accommodate up to 7 guests. It still offers the same access to the animals on the property. This would be better suited for families with younger children. You’ll also find the Luxury Llama Cottage, great for groups of 5 guests.
Despite the feeling of being transported away from civilization, big city conveniences are just minutes away. You can have food delivered or drive just a few minutes away to places like downtown Decatur that boast some great restaurants and shops. Plus, Decatur has a Marta station so you can hop a train into the heart of the Atlanta if you so desire.
Visitors to the Alpaca Treehouse and the cottages are invited into the garden behind Kara and Kate’s home next door to harvest figs, grapes, organic carrots, herbs, and other yummy treats. Something else guests can enjoy are the freshly-laid eggs supplied by the ladies’ chickens.
Come for the Day with the Alpaca Experience
If you want to experience this property without spending the night, Kara offers a one-hour Alpaca experience for $50 for adults, $20 for children under 12, and free for babies 2 and under. This allows you to see the animals and the property without staying the night. The Alpaca experience would be a perfect way to get a quick photo shoot among the bamboo forest. Recording artists, reality shows and sitcoms have made their way to the Alpaca Treehouse recently. If you’re a fan of “Love is Blind” or “World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals”, you may have seen the property.
If you are looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle to an exotic destination without the travel, time, passports and expense, I can’t think of a better place than this shangri-la that Kara O’Brien and Kate Giroux have created in the shadow of downtown Atlanta.
Help solve a murder case: a former model brutally killed in her Georgia home. Someone out there knows something … is it you? “48 Hours” correspondent Erin Moriarty investigates.
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Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday misrepresented in a social media post what the U.S. Supreme Court’s Monday ruling on presidential immunity means for his civil and criminal cases.
“TOTAL EXONERATION!” he wrote in the post on his Truth Social platform. “It is clear that the Supreme Court’s Brilliantly Written and Historic Decision ENDS all of Crooked Joe Biden’s Witch Hunts against me, including the WHITE HOUSE AND DOJ INSPIRED CIVIL HOAXES in New York.”
But none of Trump’s pending cases have been dismissed as a result of the ruling, nor have the verdicts already reached against him been overturned. The ruling does amount to a major victory for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, whose legal strategy has focused on delaying court proceedings until after the 2024 election.
Here’s a closer look at the facts.
CLAIM: The Supreme Court’s ruling that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution means “total exoneration” for former President Donald Trump.
THE FACTS: Although the historic 6-3 ruling is a win for Trump, he has not been exonerated and his legal troubles are far from over. A delay of his Washington trial on charges of election interference has been indefinitely extended as a result. Also, he still faces charges in two other criminal cases, and the verdicts already reached against him in a criminal and a civil case have not been overturned.
Barbara McQuade, a law professor at the University of Michigan and former U.S. attorney for the state’s Eastern District, told The Associated Press that Trump’s claim is “inaccurate for a number of reasons.”
“The court found immunity from prosecution, not exoneration,” she wrote in an email. “The court did not say that Trump’s conduct did not amount to criminal behavior. Just that prosecutors are not allowed to prosecute him for it because of the special role of a president and the need to permit him to make ‘bold’ and ‘fearless’ decisions without concern for criminal consequences.”
McQuade wrote that Trump’s case over classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago estate won’t be affected, as it arose from conduct committed after he left the White House. She added that any impact on his New York hush money trial “seems unlikely” since the crimes were committed in a personal capacity.
“In addition, the Court’s opinion is solely focused on immunity for criminal conduct,” McQuade continued, explaining that it will not protect him from civil liability in his cases regarding defamatory statements about advice columnist E. Jean Carroll or fraudulent business practices conducted at the Trump Organization.
Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority said former presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution for official acts that fall within their “exclusive sphere of constitutional authority” and are presumptively entitled to immunity for all official acts. Unofficial, or private, actions are exempt from such immunity.
This means that special counsel Jack Smith cannot proceed with significant allegations in his indictment accusing Trump of plotting to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss, or he must at least defend their use in future proceedings before the trial judge.
The case has not been dismissed. It was instead sent back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who must now “carefully analyze” whether other allegations involve official conduct for which the president would be immune from prosecution. The trial was supposed to have begun in March, but has been on hold since December to allow Trump to pursue his Supreme Court appeal.
However, the justices did knock out one aspect of the indictment, finding that Trump is “absolutely immune” from prosecution for alleged conduct involving discussions with the Justice Department.
The opinion also stated that Trump is “at least presumptively immune” from allegations that he tried to pressure Vice President Mike Pence on Jan. 6, 2021, to reject certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s electoral vote win. But prosecutors can try to make the case that Trump’s pressure on Pence can still be part of the case against him, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote.
It is all but certain that the ruling means Trump will not face trial in Washington ahead of the 2024 election, as the need for further analysis is expected to tie up the case for months with legal wrangling over whether actions in the indictment were official or unofficial, the AP has reported.
Trump is facing charges in two other criminal cases, one over his alleged interference in Georgia’s 2020 election and the other over classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago estate after he left the White House. Trump’s lawyers have asserted presidential immunity in both cases, but a ruling on the matter has not been made in either.
The former president was convicted in May of 34 felony counts in his hush money trial in New York. After Monday’s ruling, the New York judge who presided over that trial postponed Trump’s sentencing until at least September and agreed to weigh the impact of the presidential immunity decision.
Trump was ordered in February to pay a $454 million penalty as part of a civil fraud lawsuit, for lying about his wealth for years as he built the real estate empire that vaulted him to stardom and the White House. It is still under appeal.
In May 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in 1996 and for defaming her over the allegations, awarding her $5 million. Carroll was awarded an additional $83.3 million in January by a separate jury for Trump’s continued social media attacks against her. An appeal of the former decision was rejected in April. The latter case is still being appealed.
LYON, France (AP) — Ambitious French side Lyon took its pre-season spending to over 100 million euros ($109 million) by signing Georgia forward Georges Mikautadze on a four-year contract on Thursday.
The 23-year-old Mikautadze joins from second-tier French club Metz for 18.5 million euros ($20.2 million). Lyon said the deal includes a possible additional payment of 4.5 million euros ($4.9 million) and 15 percent of any sell-on profit.
The seven-time French champion already signed central defender Moussa Niakhaté for 31.9 million euros ($34.8 million) and midfielder Orel Mangala for 23.4 million euros ($25.5 million) — both from Premier League side Nottingham Forest — along with Ghana forward Ernest Nuama for 28.5 million euros ($31.1 million) from Belgian club RWD Molenbeek.
Mikautadze stood out for Georgia at the recent European Championship, and was one of several players to finish as joint top scorer at the tournament with three goals. He impressed with his dazzling dribbling ability and close control, as well as his clinical penalty taking.
Monaco was also keen to sign Mikautadze. He scored 13 league goals in 20 games for Metz last season, almost helping the club avoid relegation from the first division.
Lyon overcame a terrible start to last season to finish sixth in the league under coach Pierre Sage and reach the French Cup final, where it lost to Paris Saint-Germain. Sage was awarded a two-year deal until 2026 for reviving the club’s fortunes and qualifying it for the Europa League.
Are you looking for the perfect, uncrowded beach for this summer? We visited Jekyll Island, Georgia. Here’s what we experienced plus recommendations on what to do and where to eat on the island.
Despite all the media coverage of crowded beaches, in the Southeast, there are great choices of beach towns that you can visit where crowding is not an issue. Jekyll Island, Georgia is one of these pristine, unspoiled beach towns where you can relax and recharge in a quiet setting while still having access to entertainment options. The main island activities include enjoying the numerous beaches, biking, and eating great food. For families looking for additional entertainment, Jekyll Island also offers mini-golf, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, historic tours, a waterpark, and more.
Our lodging was courtesy of Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island.We were also provided complimentary tickets to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Find a place to stay in Jekyll Island, GA. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Traveling to Jekyll Island from the Upstate
Jekyll Island is part of the barrier islands on the southern Georgia coast known as the Golden Isles. It took us about 5 hours to travel to Jekyll Island from the Upstate. Our trip took us through Columbia and then along the South Carolina/Georgia coast.
Jekyll Island is a Georgia State Park, and vehicles are charged a $10 daily parking fee or you can purchase an annual parking pass for $100. You only have to pay the fee when you enter the island. You can purchase your parking pass here.
What Is There to Do on Jekyll Island?
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
When we started telling friends that we were headed to Jekyll Island, one of the top recommendations of “things to do” was to visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. This turtle rehabilitation center offers a public glimpse of sea turtles and conservation efforts. While there, you can visit the sea turtle hospital where the turtle patients are recovering and you might even get to watch a turtle surgery or medical procedure take place from the observation area.
Right now the center is limiting guests due to COVID-19, which may result in a wait to get in. We were told that 2 pm was a quieter time but we still experienced a 30-minute wait to enter the building at that time. You do not have to wait in line but do need to wait close enough to the entrance to hear your name called.
While signage was posted encouraging guests to social distance, limit numbers in particular buildings, and the staff wore masks, we did find that a large percentage of guests were not wearing masks or observing signage. Part of the tour is in an open-air facility but you must walk through a gift shop and museum room to get there. More vulnerable guests may want to consider these factors as they plan their visit.
The center also offers guided sea turtle walks in the morning and evening.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort on Jekyll Island. You can read our full review below, but one of the biggest perks was that the resort had beach front directly in front of the property. Choosing lodging that has beachfront access will allow you to avoid more crowded public beaches though during our visit even the public beaches did not look overly crowded.
You will also find a number of public beaches on the island and several have unique features.
Driftwood Beach
Near the north end of the island, Driftwood Beach is a beautiful spot that is famous for its marine forest driftwood from years of erosion. You can walk up and down the beach front and explore the many trees. We also saw quite a bit of wildlife from little crabs to interesting beach bugs.
Also, this area is adjacent to a paved path that leads through the salt marsh and is also quite scenic.
This beach is a great area for photos and our readers recommend seeing it at sunrise.
Sharktooth Beach
As you might guess, Sharktooth Beach is a great place to find shark teeth and also see other wildlife. Go at low tide if you want the best chance of finding interesting treasures.
Jekyll Island Oceanview Beach Park
Described as peaceful and uncrowded the Oceanview Beach Park also has air-conditioned bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers.
Great Dunes Pavilion
This beach is a great place swim, see local wildlife, and has a large sandbar. Outdoor showers, bathrooms, and changing rooms are available and mini-golf and bike rentals are just a short walk away.
St. Andrews Beach
St. Andrews Beach is a great place to see dolphins and another spot on the island where you can find driftwood. In addition, near the picnic area you will find The Wanderer Memorial that remembers the lives of 400 illegally imported slaves.
Biking at Jekyll Island
There are approximately 25 miles of bike trails and most of the beaches and parts of the island are easily accessible by bike. Many of the hotels offer adult bike rentals, but you can also find children’s bikes and other types of bikes such as dual bikes at the Jekyll Island Bike Barn (912.635.2648). We did learn that it’s best to rent early in the day rather than wait as sometimes the bike rentals do run out. Learn more here.
Summer Waves Water Park
Jekyll Island’s water park has multiple water slides, a lazy river, and a children’s splash zone. Tickets are currently $28/day. Tickets for Children (3 and under) are $2.50 and come with a swim diaper which is required for the park.
Mosiac, Jekyll Island Museum is a history museum that also offers tours of the historic district. On the island, there are significant remains and restored homes that you can either drive by or even tour, including the Horton House, the remains of an 18th century tabby house and the Indian Mound Cottage which was owned by the Rockefeller family in the early 1900s.
Tons to Do on Jekyll Island
These are just a sampling of the many activities available on the island. Families can also enjoy mini-golf or golfing, horseback riding, exploring the parks and trails on the interior of the island, or attending wildlife exploration trips such as a gator trip or dolphin tour. In addition, Jekyll Island is part of the Golden Isles and the surrounding islands are close enough to explore.
Where to Stay on Jekyll Island
Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island
Our trip was courtesy of the Holiday Inn Resort of Jekyll Island. We loved that the resort had outdoor entrances to every room, ocean views in every room, and double rooms with sleeping quarters. The resort was also right on the beach and had multiple beach access points. We have written a full review that includes more information on our stay.
Camping on Jekyll Island
Many of our readers recommended the Jekyll Island Campground. The campground offers both full hook-up sites and primitive sites and is within walking distance to the Clam Creek picnic area and Driftwood Beach.
There are also plenty of other hotel options and short-term rentals on the island. We recommend considering the proximity to bike rental options (or onsite bike rental) and the beaches for your stay. We did notice as we roamed the island that not all of the beaches were accessible at high tide.
Where to Eat on Jekyll Island
These are the restaurants we enjoyed during our stay:
The Beach House at Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island
Whether or not you stay at the Holiday Inn Resort, you can dine at their on-site restaurant, The Beach House. We were happy with the wide range of options on the menu, reasonable pricing, and outdoor seating options. Kids, 11 and under eat free with a paying adult.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is a natural wonder in Georgie that families will really enjoy. With gorgeous hiking, waterfalls, swimming holes, and more, the park is full of the stuff that amazing and memorable day trips are made of, so get packing. Kristina tells us all about how to enjoy this beautiful Georgia State Park, what to expect, and even where to grab something to eat.
Day Trip to Tallulah Gorge
It’s a day trip! Getting to Tallulah Gorge State Park, approximate driving time from:
Greenville, SC 90 minutes
Atlanta, GA 90 minutes
Columbia, SC just under 3 hours
Charlotte, NC 3 hours
Where to Stay Near Tallulah Gorge
Planning to stay awhile? If you’re planning a family vacation or weekend getaway, here’s where to stay near Tallulah Gorge State Park. Note: Kidding Around earns when you book through this link via an affiliate relationship with STAY22.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is only 90 minutes from Greenville yet seems a world apart when you get to the vast gorge. I had no idea a place like this existed. I was researching some hiking trails and wanted to stay within a certain driving distance and decided to check this place out. I wasn’t disappointed! The park is very unique and I’ve got all the info you need to know before you visit this nearby wonder.
View from the North Rim looking out over Sliding Rock
History of the Tallulah Gorge State Park
The land at Tallulah Falls was originally inhabited by the Cherokee, who called it Ugunyi, and they lived there until white settlers appeared in 1820. The Cherokee typically avoided the falls and did not hunt there but the white settlers flocked there, inspired by the beauty of the waterfalls through the gorge.
The town of Tallulah Falls became a summer destination for wealthier families, especially once the railroads were laid in the region in 1882 from Atlanta. The town became a resort town and by 1897 it had three churches, hotels, post office, and restaurants, all supported via the tourism industry.
At the turn of the century, power companies began competing for the rights to dam the falls for hydroelectricity. Conservation efforts led by Helen Dortch Longstreet, who saw the possible destruction of the beauty of the gorge happening because of the power companies, laid the groundwork for the state park.
The dam was completed in 1913, which created a lake above the gorge and at the time, supplied North Georgia and Atlanta with electricity. It’s still in operation today but is a smaller component to the electricity grid.
The Georgia Power dam
The state park was created in 1992 and on weekends in the spring, summer, and fall, controlled releases from the dam invite brave kayakers to run the falls a handful of weekends out of the year. Hiking on the gorge floor is prohibited during these releases, the dates of which can be found on the Tallulah Gorge website.
The gorge was formed by the strong currents of the Savannah River, which cut through the rock. It’s about 1,000 feet deep and two miles long.
Hiking at Tallulah Gorge State Park
There are 20 miles of hiking trails at the park and they have everything from strenuous and challenging to leisurely and easy. There are maps everywhere at the gorge and inside the Interpretive Center so be sure to grab one and or take a screenshot.
The North and South rim trails are easy (about 3 miles total for both trails) and the overlooks are stunning. You can see straight down into the gorge and check out all the waterfalls. On the summer day we first visited, the clouds were wisping in and out of the canyon and it was beautiful.
There are signs at each overlook that tells you what you’re looking at. I cannot even imagine how stunning this place must look when the leaves change color in the fall.
The suspension bridge is what you may see photos of when you Google the park. I love suspension bridges and was excited to see this one – my first question to the Park Ranger was how to get to it! It swings 80 feet above the gorge floor and is so beautiful.
But here’s the thing: you have to walk down (and then back up) 620 metal steps. These steps are no joke: they are steep and one of the Rangers told me a lot of rescues happen on these stairs because people think they can do it and then find out they cannot make it back up.
Stairs. Stairs. More stairs.
An important thing to note is that dogs are not allowed on this trail or the Sliding Rock Trail on the gorge floor.
We did the hike down into the gorge to see Hurricane Falls and then back up to the South Rim and headed off to the North Rim for a total of a little over two miles. My kids (ages 11 and 7) and I are experienced hikers and while the stairs were pretty brutal, we didn’t have any issues completing the hike.
One thing to note is that the connection of the North and South rim trails is over a busy highway bridge at the dam. You don’t have to cross the road but you do need to keep a close eye on your kids if you choose this route.
Suspension Bridge
One cool thing on the North Rim trail was the old remnants of the tower that 65-year-old tightrope walker Karl Wallenda used when he took 18 minutes to walk across a steel tightrope on July 18, 1970. Inside the Interpretive Center are photos, a portion of the cable he used, and tickets that were distributed that day. So cool!
I made an Instagram Reel about our visit that you may enjoy.
The Sliding Rock (Gorge Floor) Trail
I hiked the Gorge floor on my second trip to Tallulah Gorge and had read so many reviews of the trail and what to expect. I really try to be prepared and my kids and I all had enough water and snacks and the right hiking shoes.
I did have second thoughts when a Ranger asked me directly, “Do you know how dangerous this is?”. I mean, yes, I had an idea. But of course, hiking it is a whole other beast. Let me tell you how it went.
So, you need to know that there are only 100 permits per day that the park gives out. They are free but they are also in demand. To get one, you need to get to the park at least 30 minutes before they open and wait at the gate. Then you’ll be let in, able to park, and wait in line at the Interpretive Center.
The other variable is weather: if it rained the night before or is raining that morning or the Gorge is releasing water from the dam, they won’t issue a permit. So watch the weather and look at the Gorge website to check the dates of the dam release.
We had camped right at the park the night before and ended up hiking the half mile or so from the campground to the Interpretive Center in the morning and were the very first people in line at 7:20 am (the park opens at 8 am).
About 20 minutes later, the gates must have opened because cars just poured in. By 8 am, there was easily 100 people in line. A ranger came out to tell everyone that if you were wearing Crocs or flip-flops, you wouldn’t get a permit no matter if you were one of the first 100 people in line.
Once the doors opened, the ranger led us and about 50 other people to the bottom floor of the Interpretive Center for a safety class. The ranger had photos of the trail, gave us tips on water crossings and making sure to tell us that Oceana Falls, which looks a little like Bridal Veil (aka Sliding Rock) Falls, was definitely not the right one to swim at because it was “bone-breaking.”
That waterfall was hence known as Bone Breaking Falls to us. See how you remember things?! He told us to make sure we had the right shoes and plenty of water and that this was not a hike for inexperienced hikers or little kids. This class lasted about 15 minutes and then we each got a permit and were on our way.
There are water fountains in the Interpretive Center so we filled our water bottles and headed down the stairs to Hurricane Falls where we would open the permit-only gate and head to the unmarked trail down to Sliding Rock, the only place in the Gorge you are allowed to swim.
The very first water crossing was a doozy. We had three kids ages 8-11 with us who were all experienced hikers, as are my friend and myself who went. My friend ended up getting in the water almost up to her waist halfway through the crossing to help the kids across. I was next in the water and slipped on a rock but caught my balance before tumbling in the water. The kids did awesome. It was so fun!
Then the next mile, which felt like forever, was all over boulders, walking over crevasses and drops, and crab crawling over a sloped rock above Bone Breaking Falls. That last one had me wondering what I had gotten myself into. I’m thankful my hiking boots have a really good grip.
Once we got to Sliding Rock, it was even more fun to slide down the nearly 20-ft waterfall into the pool below. I have a slight fear of doing this but figured this was a bucket list item and headed down, nearly turning my whole body around because apparently I’m awful at sliding down waterfalls. My kids tell me everyone looked over to the waterfall when they heard me scream. I was fine. Totally fine. Promise.
Aren’t I graceful?
The absolute coolest part of this hike for me was swimming in the pool below Sliding Rock and looking up at the sheer cliffs of the gorge above me. It was truly an awesome experience. Getting out of the pool was another challenge since the rocks near the edges were really slippery. We ended up swimming all the way over to the right side of the falls to get out. That’s where you need to go anyways to complete the three-mile loop trail.
That last part is a straight-up rock scramble over 0.25 miles where you gain 800 feet in elevation. It’s hard but as long as you take it slow, you’ll be ok. The whole trail was a lot of fun and the kids had such a blast.
This really isn’t a trail for inexperienced hikers though. Consider your own abilities, and those of whoever will be with you, before you go, and make sure you have the proper footwear and water with you. Always carry a first aid kit as well and just take your time. I’m used to hiking a three-mile trail in a hour and a half usually with my kids. The ranger told us to plan for four hours and he was right on the money. We spent maybe an hour at Sliding Rock and the whole trip took us just over four hours. For some people, they are there all day since it’s a slow go.
The Interpretive Center
I’ve found that visitor centers at parks are truly underrated establishments. My kids and I have learned so much about local areas through just checking out the visitors’ centers wherever we travel. The Interpretive Center at Tallulah Gorge State Park is no exception. This place is a museum in and of itself!
It is two stories with a switchback walkway in the center that has animals, both alive and stuffed, to see and learn about, plus exhibits on the many habitats of the gorge, Cherokee legends, and even a mini-theater that plays a 15-minute movie about the history of the town and state park every half hour.
Interpretive Center
There is an awesome exhibit on the top floor that shows a replica of the town in the 1800s plus tells all about the Native peoples who first inhabited the land, the construction of the dam, the introduction of the railroad, and the history of the resort town.
My kids and I really enjoyed this part and spent about 40 minutes after our hike going through the exhibits and learning all about the animals and history.
Camping at Tallulah Gorge State Park
The state park offers 57 RV, tent, and backcountry sites and you can pick up the trails right from the campground. This would be ideal if you especially want to hike the Sliding Rock Trail since you can be one of the first ones in line since you’re camping there!
Backcountry sites start at $20 and campsites start at $37. I thought the campground was pretty great. There are electrical outlets and water at each site and the bathhouse was really nice!
Tallulah Gorge Full Moon Hikes
This is one thing we did not do but it sounds super cool. The park will open at night so guests can hike down (and back up – remember #stairs) to the suspension bridge to see the full moon. You must register in advance and the admission is $10 in addition to the $5 parking pass. 2024 dates and times are below:
Saturday, July 20th, 2024 at 9 pm
Sunday, August 18th, 2024 at 8:15 pm
Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 at 7:45 pm
Thursday, October 17th, 2024 at 7:15 pm
Friday, November 15th, 2024 at 5:15 pm
Sunday, December 15th, 2024 at 5:45 pm
Tallulah Falls Lake
We saw the beautiful lake during our hike but didn’t visit it. Besides Sliding Rock, it’s the only other place you can swim at the gorge. There’s a sandy beach and picnic area for the enjoyment of guests.
The Ranger told me that if you Google “Tallulah Falls Post Office” and if you look to the right of the Post Office, there is a small area to walk down and drop in your kayak or paddleboard. You could also just drop it in at the beach. The $5 parking pass at the state park covers this lake as well. If you camp at the park, you’ll have a day-use pass you can use here.
Visiting Tallulah Gorge State Park
Admission to the park is a $5 parking fee that can be paid in cash or via an app that you scan the QR code with your phone when you get there.
Dogs are not allowed on the hike down to Hurricane Falls, the suspension bridge, Sliding Rock Trail on the gorge floor, or at the lake whatsoever. Dogs are allowed on leash on the rim trails.
Hours are 8 am – dark and the office is open daily 8 am – 5 pm.
Hurricane Falls
Know your limits and health regarding the trails with the stairs. And bring enough water. There are signs everywhere indicating how difficult it is, and to bring water. We passed a couple of water bottle and water fountain filling stations on the stairs, which were much appreciated. One wasn’t working though so be prepared.
During the summer and busy fall leaf-peeping season, the park will close the gates when they reach capacity, usually pretty early, around 8:30/9 am. So if you want to go, get there when the park opens.
Please exercise Leave No Trace and pack out what you pack in and don’t litter. The park is beautiful but we saw so many discarded plastic water bottles along the stairs and it was so sad. Not only does it take away from the natural, stunning environment but it makes it really hard to pick up since it’s very steep terrain.
One of our awesome readers recommended grabbing coffee/tea and small bites at Tallulah 1882, right across the street from the park entrance. We saw it but didn’t stop so now we have to go back! After our gorge floor hike, we did stop at the general store right behind Tallulah 1882 for ice cream and it was so good. The owner was so kind also.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery that feels like you’ve traveled across the world, but only used a tank of gas, then Helen, Georgia is the perfect place to go. This quaint mountain town in northern Georgia is a fun place to visit no matter what time of year you decide to go. Helen offers tubing in the summer, Oktoberfest in the fall, and numerous activities that celebrate German culture. We have all the information you need to plan your trip!
Bavaria, in the middle of the Georgia mountains, makes sense right? It did to a handful of local businessmen in 1968, who were trying to figure out how to revitalize this small mountain town. The idea was well-received by the town and now some 50 years later, it’s Georgia’s third most visited city. With all the things to do in this small town, it’s no wonder why people keep coming back.
Things to do in Helen, GA
2024 Oktoberfest in Helen
One of the two biggest attractions in Helen is their annual Oktoberfest. This traditional German festival is one of the longest-running in the country, lasting almost two months. The festival includes a parade, contemporary Bavarian music, food, and of course a Biergarten. The festivities run Thursday through Sunday during the month of September, and daily during the month of October.
Admission is $10 per person Monday – Friday, $12 on Saturdays, and Free on Sundays. Kids under 6 are free and children ages 6-12 are half price. This is just to access the festivities, all food and beverages are extra.
Sept 5 – 8, 2024 (Thursday – Sunday)
Sept 12 – 15, 2024 (Thursday – Sunday)
Sept 19 – 22, 2024 (Thursday – Sunday)
Sept 26 – Oct 27, 2024 (nightly)
The 2024 Oktoberfest Parade will start at 12 pm on Saturday, September 7, 2024 if you would like to see it and be a part of the magic.
Tubing The Chattahoochee River
Tubing in Helen Georgia is hugely popular and runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are two companies that service the Chattahoochee River in Helen, and each offers shuttle service and comparable tubing adventures.
Cool River Tubing
Cool River Tubing- Cool River Tubing offers affordable tubing rates ($14 Monday – Friday; $18 weekends and holidays) so that anyone 3 and older can enjoy a ride down the river. Cool River also offers a 1.5-hour ride or a 2.5-hour ride to choose from. The Chattahoochee Outpost on the premises offers changing rooms, lockers, ice cream, and a souvenir shop. They will even hold your keys for you through their Key Saver Service provided in the purchase of your tickets. Ticket prices include the tube, tube ties, key service, lifejackets, and a shuttle ride.
Helen Water Park & Tubing– Helen Tubing offers an affordable per-person fee ($14 Monday – Friday; $18 weekends and holidays) along with a two and up age restriction. Lockers are not available, so pack lightly with essentials, especially if you have small children. Be sure to bring lifejackets or prepare to rent them for children 13 and under. Toddlers can enjoy tubing in their parent’s lap or seated in an inner tube. You can even bring your dog along for the adventure, but they will need a separate tube rental. Be prepared for a 2.5-hour-long ride down the river. If you’re still in the water mood afterward, you can purchase passes to the waterpark for an additional fee.
Things to Know Before Tubing in Helen, GA
Alcohol is strictly prohibited on the river within the Helen City limits. Coolers are not allowed on the river either and each tuber is allowed up to a 32 oz water bottle. The local PD does patrol and enforce the rules and a violation will mean a steep fine.
Push Sticks are a must to help you dislodge your tube when stuck on a rock. Buy one onsite (the ones at Cool River are $5) or bring one from home.
Call the morning you plan on going, before heading out. If rain has made the river swell, this can drastically affect the way tubers are allowed on it that day, including increases in age limits.
You will notice flip-flops floating down the river orphaned. I lost a pair that way. Water shoes can be purchased at the Cool River Outpost for just $10, or grab a pair locally.
Straps are offered to keep two tubes together. It is recommended that no more than two be attached.
A waterproof phone case is well worth the less than $10 investment to keep your device safe.
Children under twelve are required to wear a coast guard approved life vest at all times, adults are not required to. Both companies supply these for anyone wanting to use one.
Parking In Downtown Helen
Parking at the tubing companies is only allowed while you are tubing. If you venture into the heart of Helen and need to move your car, the best option is the city-owned lot on the corner of Chattahoochee and Edelweiss. The fee is around $5 (some privately owned places charge more) for the entire day, and the revenue generated goes back into the development and maintenance of the parks.
Best Hiking, Restaurants, and Places to Stay near Helen, GA
Places to Hike and Explore Near Helen Georgia
Georgia State Park, Hardman Farm– As you drive into Helen, you will drive by The Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound at Hardman Farm. The park offers 173 acres to explore and includes the Indian burial mound, a dairy farm, and the historical mansion that was last owned by a former Georgia governor, for whom the park is named. The park is open from March through December and admittance starts at $6. Check out the Hardman Farm Historic Site event calendar for fun things to do while visiting.
Zip line at Unicoi State Park
Unicoi State Park is just minutes from Helen and offers so many activities at the park, you’d almost think you were at a resort! Almost any type of outdoor activity is offered, including zip-lining, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, paddle boarding, fly fishing, hiking, and a GPS scavenger hunt. They also have Go Pro Hero Cameras for rent so you can capture your adventures to keep as a souvenir.
Best Places to Eat in Helen, Georgia
There are a lot of dining options in Helen. Many of the local restaurants embrace the German culture by utilizing authentic German cuisine on their menus. Be sure to check out The Troll Tavern located along the riverfront which visitors find charming and authentic, serving both American and German cuisine. Also highly recommended is Bodensee for their delicious traditional German dishes, including pretzels with beer cheese and schnitzel! If you’re looking to fulfill a sweet tooth, Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe serves German food and “comfort fare”. For breakfast, be sure to check out the Alpine Cafe, where you’ll find a variety of breakfast food.
If you’re wanting to enjoy the outdoors during your meal, pack a picnic and head down to Riverside Park. Located just up from the Cool River outpost, it has a playground, picnic shelter, and restrooms. It’s the perfect place to enjoy lunch and watch other tubers float down the river.
Where to Stay in Helen, GA
The convenient distance of Helen from the Upstate means a day of fun can be had without requiring an overnight stay. However, if you choose to spend the night in Helen, you’ll have plenty of options. There are several chain hotels, like the highly-rated Hampton Inn Helen or the SureStay Hotel by Best Western, as well as locally owned hotels such as the Bavarian-style hotel The Helendorf River Inn and Suites.
If you’re wanting to camp near Helen, be sure to check the camping and lodging options at Unicoi State Park and Lodge, including barrel cabins! This lodge has a ton of outdoor activities available, a beach for swimming, dining options, and more. Check out our review of the barrel cabin we stayed in at Unicoi Lodge.
Use this map to find more great places to stay. This map contains STAY22 affiliate links. KA earns when you book through these links.
Annual Festivals Hosted in Helen, GA
Helen also celebrates several other annual events including, Fasching which is the Bavarian version of Mardi Gras, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. One notable event includes the annual Christendlmarkt around Christmas, which is a german style Christmas market. Check out the Helen Georgia event calendar for updates on events for each month!
What are you excited about doing on your trip to this picturesque town in the Georgia Mountains?
Uncertainty about the upcoming election is stifling car sales, according to a new report from Cox Automotive. Almost 75% of consumers expect vehicle prices to change after November, prompting a wait-and-see mentality in the market.
What You Need To Know
75% of consumers expect vehicle prices to change after November, according to new election research from Cox Automotive
While consumers expect things will get somewhat or much better after the election, car dealers expect things to get worse
Interest rates are the No. 1 factor depressing car sales
Concern about the political climate has been growing among car dealers for the last three quarters
“No matter what side of the political aisle you sit on, a majority agree that change is coming, good or bad, and change is causing paralysis,” Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating said Tuesday.
For its 2024 election research, Cox surveyed 529 consumers who were in the market for a car in February and 1,026 car dealers in April and May. The report found that consumers are more likely to believe things will get “somewhat” to “much better” after the election, while dealers expect things to get worse for the auto industry.
Already the automotive market has been sagging as consumer sentiment about the economy and buyers’ confidence wanes, with loans for new cars averaging 10% and average transaction prices at $48,389.
“Consumers are cautious and growing more price sensitive, while believing that rates will be lower soon,” Cox Automotive Senior Economist Jonathan Smoke said during a briefing about where the auto industry is headed for the second half of the year.
Smoke said three of the four factors that affect consumers’ ability to afford cars are in their favor, including declining prices for cars, higher incentives and higher incomes. But financing costs are on the rise.
“The U.S. election is looking to be a close call with a very wide range of policy implications,” Smoke said. “Consumers believe things will be better and more certain after the election is over, which adds to the hesitancy in buying.”
Cox analysts project 15.7 million vehicles will be sold in 2024, but they expect volatility in the second half of the year.
Auto dealer sentiment was even lower than it was for consumers in the second quarter. The majority of dealers cited interest rates as the number one factor depressing car sales, followed by the economy, market conditions and the political climate. Concern over polarized politics has been growing among dealers over the last three quarters, Keating said.
More than 80% of dealers said the outcome of the U.S. presidential election will impact interest rates in some way, compared with 66% of consumers.
Most consumers feel the election will not affect their decision to buy an electric, hybrid or gas-powered vehicle, though the majority said they are against government EV mandates.
In a dreary part of downtown Atlanta, shipping containers have been transformed into an oasis for dozens of previously unsheltered people who now proudly call a former parking lot home.
The gated micro community known as “The Melody” doesn’t look like a parking lot anymore. Artificial turf is spread across the asphalt. Potted plants and red Adirondack chairs abound. There’s even a dog park.
The shipping containers have been divided into 40 insulated studio apartments that include a single bed, HVAC unit, desk, microwave, small refrigerator, TV, sink and bathroom. On a recent afternoon, a half-dozen residents were chatting around a table in The Melody’s smoking area.
The gated micro community known as “The Melody” is a housing complex made from shipping containers.
John Bazemore / AP
“I’m just so grateful,” said Cynthia Diamond, a 61-year-old former line cook who uses a wheelchair and used to be chronically homeless. “I have my own door key. I ain’t got to worry about nobody knocking on my door, telling me when to eat, sleep or do anything. I’m going to stay here as long as the Lord allows me to stay here.”
Faced with years of rising homelessness rates and failed solutions, city officials across the U.S. have been embracing rapid housing options emphasizing three factors: small, quick and cheap. Officials believe micro communities, unlike shelters, offer stability that, when combined with wraparound services, can more effectively put residents on the path to secure housing.
Sprouting across nation
Denver has opened three micro communities and converted another five hotels for people who used to be homeless. In Austin, Texas, there are three villages of “tiny homes.” In Los Angeles, a 232-unit complex features two three-floor buildings of stacked shipping containers.
“Housing is a ladder. You start with the very first rung. Folks that are literally sleeping on the ground aren’t even on the first rung,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, sitting in one of the city’s new micro communities that offer tiny, transitional homes for that first rung.
More than 1,500 people have been moved indoors through the program, with over 80% still in the housing as of last month, according to city data. The inexpensive units are particularly a boon for cities with high housing costs, where moving that many people directly into apartments wouldn’t be financially feasible.
Both Atlanta’s and Denver’s program act as a stepping stone as they work to get people jobs and more permanent housing, with Denver aiming to move people out within six months.
That includes Eric Martinez, 28, who has been in limbo between the street and the bottom rung for most of his life. At birth Martinez was flung into the revolving door of foster care, and he’s wrestled with substance use while surfing couches and pitching tents.
Eric Martinez, 28, who has wrestled with substance abuse most of his life, was directed into a micro community after his Denver tent encampment was swept by the city.
Thomas Peipert / AP
“It’s kind of demeaning, it makes me feel less of a person,” said Martinez, his eyes downcast. “I had to get out of it and look out for myself at that point: It’s fight or flight, and I flew.”
Martinez’s Denver tent encampment was swept and he along with the others were directed into the micro communities of small cabin-like structures with a twin bed, desk and closet. The city built three such communities with nearly 160 units total in about six months, at roughly $25,000 per unit, said Johnston. The 1,000 converted hotel units cost about $100,000 each.
On site at the micro community are bathrooms, showers, washing machines, small dog parks and kitchens, though the Salvation Army delivers meals.
The program represents an about-face from policies that for years focused on short-term group shelters and the ceaseless shuffle of encampments from one city block to the next. That system made it difficult to keep people who were scattered through the city connected to services and on the path to permanent housing.
Martinez sits outside his room, one of the micro community’s160 small, cabin-like structures equipped with a twin bed, desk and closet.
Thomas Peipert / AP
Those services in Denver’s and Atlanta’s micro communities are largely centralized. They offer residents case management, counseling, mental health and substance abuse therapy, housing guidance and assistance obtaining anything from vocational skills training to a new pair of dentures.
“We’re able to meet every level of the hierarchy of needs — from security and shelter, all the way up to self-actualization and the sense of community,” said Peter Cumiskey, the Atlanta site clinician.
The Melody, and projects like it, are a “very promising, feasible and cost-effective way” to tackle homelessness, said Michael Rich, an Emory University political science professor who studies housing policy. Rich noted that transitional housing is still just the first step toward permanent housing.
The programs in Denver and Atlanta, taking inspiration from similar ones in cities like Columbia, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, offer a degree of privacy and security not found in congregate shelters or encampments.
Giving each resident their own bathroom and kitchen is a crucial feature that helps set The Melody apart, said Cathryn Vassell, whose nonprofit, Partners For Home, oversees the micro community. Aside from a prohibition on overnight guests, staff emphasize the tenants are treated as independent residents.
Vassell acknowledged it’s unclear how long the containers will last — she’s hoping 20 years. But, she said, they were the right choice for The Melody because they were relatively inexpensive and already had handicap-accessible bathrooms since many were used by Georgia hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project, which took only about four months to complete, cost about $125,000 per unit — not “tremendously inexpensive,” Vassell said, but less than traditional construction, and much quicker. Staffing and security operations cost about $900,000 a year.
City officials look to expand rapid housing
The Melody is the first part of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ target of supplying 500 units of rapid housing on city-owned land by December 2025. A 2023 “point-in-time” count found there were 738 unsheltered people in Atlanta, far fewer than many cities, but still an increase over the previous year.
“We need more Melodies as fast as possible,” said Courtney English, the mayor’s chief policy officer.
Few objected when The Melody was announced last year, but as city officials seek to expand the rapid-housing footprint, they know local pushback is likely. That’s what Denver faced.
Mayor Johnston said he attended at least 60 town halls in six months as Denver tried to identify locations for the new communities and faced pushback from local residents worried about trash and safety.
“What they are worried about is their current experience of unsheltered homelessness,” Johnston said. “We had to get them to see not the world as it used to exist, but the world as it could exist, and now we have the proof points of what that could be.”
Prepped for a move at a moment’s notice
The scars of life on the street still stick with Martinez. All his belongings are prepped for a move at a moment’s notice, even though he feels secure in his tiny home alongside his cat, Appa.
The community has been “very uplifting and supporting,” he said, pausing. “You don’t get that a lot.”
On his wall is a calendar with a job orientation penciled in. The next step is working with staff to get a housing voucher for an apartment.
“I’m always looking down on myself for some reason,” he said. But “I feel like I’ve been doing a pretty good job. Everyone is pretty proud of me.”
