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    Trae Young Reacts to Blockbuster Luka Doncic Trade With Cryptic Tweet

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    The NBA world erupted after reports surfaced that the Dallas Mavericks had traded their star player, Luka Dončić, to the Los Angeles Lakers in a stunning deal that sent Anthony Davis and future assets to Dallas. While fans scrambled to make sense of the move, one of the first stars to react was Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young—who kept it short but intriguing.

    Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Young posted just one symbol:

    The chess piece emoji instantly sparked debate. Fans flooded the replies, trying to speculate Young’s message. Was he calling the trade a strategic masterstroke, hinting at more moves ahead, or simply reacting to a game-changing moment in the NBA?

    While this trade shakes up the league, it also brings back memories of one of the most famous draft-night deals in NBA history—the 2018 draft-day swap between Doncic and Young. That year, the Atlanta Hawks selected Doncic with the No. 3 overall pick, while the Dallas Mavericks picked Young at No. 5. However, the teams had already worked out a trade: the Hawks sent Doncic to Dallas in exchange for Young and a 2020 first-round pick.

    That pick became Cam Reddish, who was later traded by Atlanta in 2022. The move has been debated ever since, but both teams ended up with franchise players who shaped their futures. Doncic turned into a multiple-time All-Star and MVP candidate in Dallas, while Young became the face of the Hawks, leading them to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals.

    Young, like the rest of the league, knows this trade has massive implications. With Doncic now teaming up with LeBron James in Los Angeles, the Western Conference just got even tougher. Meanwhile, Dallas is betting big on a new-look roster built around Davis. While the Hawks remain focused on their own season, Young’s reaction shows he’s keeping a close eye on the NBA’s biggest moves. And with the trade deadline still looming, this might not be the last major shake-up.

    Olympic Champion Gabby Thomas Says She’s Being Stalked at Airports

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    Olympic Champion Gabby Thomas stalked
    Image credit: Steve Christo - Corbis/Corb

    Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas is raising alarm about a group of men who she says have been stalking and harassing her at airports. The Atlanta-born sprinter took to TikTok on January 28, sharing her unsettling experiences and expressing fear for her safety.

    “At this point, every time I travel, I’m afraid that these men – it’s three to six of them, middle-aged – are going to show up and harass me,” she said in one of her videos.

    @itsgabbythomas

    They know the airport, day, time, gate, everything!!! Who do I report them to?? #fyp

    ♬ original sound – Gabby

    According to Thomas, these unidentified men somehow track her flights, appearing at her concourse and even at her gate, aggressively pushing her to sign stacks of photos. When she refuses, their behavior turns hostile. The most unsettling part? She has no idea how they keep getting her travel details.

    “What scares me is that they have my flight information even when I don’t even know what time I’m flying out sometimes,” she said. “I don’t tell anyone my flight information.”

    Thomas has taken steps to secure her online accounts, changing email passwords in case of a breach. She has also posted video clips of the alleged stalkers and is now considering taking the matter to authorities.

    Paulding County Man Sentenced to 475 Years for Massive Dog Fighting Operation

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    Paulding County Man Sentenced for dog fighting
    Image credit: Paulding County Sheriff’s Office

    A Paulding County man will spend nearly five centuries behind bars for running a large-scale dogfighting operation. Vincent Lemark Burrell was sentenced to 475 years in prison after authorities uncovered over 100 dogs living in deplorable conditions on his property.

    Deputies raided Burrell’s home in 2022 and found dogs chained to fence posts with heavy restraints. Inside, the situation was just as grim—dogs were packed into a basement filled with waste and an overwhelming stench. Authorities had to wear protective gear just to enter.

    One of the victims named Baby Shark rescued Paulding County officials (Image credit: K.C. Pagnotta)

    Investigators also discovered training equipment, contracts, and documents linking Burrell to known dogfighting circles. Officials described the conditions as unfit for any living being, with many animals left outside for days without proper shelter or care.

    Burrell was convicted on 93 counts of dogfighting and 10 counts of animal cruelty. Authorities called the case one of the worst examples of organized dogfighting they’ve seen.

    Police Arrests Atlanta Couple Trying To Flee With A 3-Month-Old Child in Hands

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    Police Arrests Couple Trying To Flee With Child
    Image credit: Fayette County Police

    A high-speed police chase through Fayette County took a shocking turn when a fleeing suspect sprinted away—carrying a 3-month-old baby. The dramatic pursuit unfolded on Jan. 26, ending in arrests for an Atlanta couple now facing multiple charges.

    The incident began when Fayetteville police responded to a shoplifting report at the Pavilion Shopping Center. Authorities say 25-year-old Karlysa Cameron, behind the wheel of the getaway car, sped off with 24-year-old Derrick Bailey and the infant inside. Deputies later spotted the vehicle, but instead of stopping, Cameron led them on a dangerous chase.

    Police Arrests Couple Trying To Flee With Child
    The moment the suspect gets out of his vehicle with a child in his hands. (Image credit: Fayetteville County police)

    The pursuit ended when officers lost sight of the car, only to find it wrecked at the entrance of a Clayton County subdivision. As deputies moved in, Bailey grabbed the baby and ran. Dashcam footage captured the intense moment as law enforcement chased him down with a Taser drawn.

    Inside the car, deputies found stolen merchandise from multiple stores, some with security tags still attached. Bailey faces shoplifting and fleeing charges, while Cameron is in deeper legal trouble, facing traffic violations, child endangerment charges, and a burglary warrant from Fulton County. Both suspects remain in the Fayette County Jail.

    Jimmy Carter Wins Posthumous Grammy for Sunday School Audiobook

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    Image: The Carter Center / Facebook

    Former President Jimmy Carter has been posthumously awarded his fourth Grammy for the audiobook “Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration.” This work features recordings of his final Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. The album includes contributions from musicians Darius Rucker, LeAnn Rimes, and Jon Batiste.

    Carter, who passed away in December 2024 at the age of 100, was honored in the Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording category during the 2025 Grammy Awards. His grandson, Jason Carter, accepted the award on his behalf, expressing gratitude for the global outpouring of love and highlighting the significance of preserving Carter’s words and creative achievements.

    This Grammy win distinguishes Carter as the most awarded former president in Grammy history, surpassing Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, who each have two Grammys. Carter’s previous Grammy wins were for “Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis” (2007), “A Full Life: Reflections at 90” (2016), and “Faith: A Journey For All” (2019).

    “Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration” is available on major streaming platforms, offering listeners a chance to experience Carter’s reflections and teachings firsthand.

    Protesters Fill Buford Highway Against ICE Raids in Metro Atlanta

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    Metro atlanta protests ICE raids.
    Image credit: Photojournalist Billy Heath

    More than a thousand people took to the streets of Buford Highway on Saturday, voicing outrage over recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that swept through metro Atlanta. The arrests, part of a nationwide crackdown, targeted undocumented migrants, with at least one man reportedly taken into custody at a church in Tucker.

    Metro atlanta protests ICE raids
    Protesters gather against ICE raids at a rally in Buford Highway(Image credit: Matthew Pearson)

    The demonstration, centered in front of Plaza Fiesta, saw protestors waving flags from Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala while holding signs condemning the raids. Music blasted from passing cars, and children leaned out of windows, displaying messages of solidarity. The event paralyzed traffic for hours as emotions ran high.

    Recent measures have even granted the ICE power to make arrests in spaces that were previously considered off-limits, such as churches and schools.

    Many of the protesters called out the ICE raids too personal. Families and individuals worried about their futures, with some young participants expressing fears of losing their parents to deportation. The economic contributions of immigrants, particularly in agriculture and essential industries, were also a key focus among the protesters.

    Kennesaw Woman Marks 106th Birthday with a Spirited Celebration

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    Kennesaw woman celebrates 106 birthday
    Image credit: Canterfield of Kennesaw Assisted Living

    A Kennesaw woman is ringing in her 106th birthday in style, keeping up a tradition that brings a little extra excitement to her special day.

    Marge Hatcher, who turns 106 on February 2, is celebrating with a party at Canterfield of Kennesaw on Monday. Hatcher is known for her humor and energy and remains active and engaged, never missing a chance to enjoy life. She is a lifelong sports fan who continues to cheer for the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves.

    Kennesaw woman celebrates 106 birthday
    Hatcher worked with the Red Cross as a volunteer during the second world war. (Image credit: Canterfield of Kennesaw Assisted Living)

    Her life has been filled with adventure. During World War II, she traveled the world alongside her husband, a U.S. Army colonel, while volunteering with the Red Cross and working in United Service Organization clubs in the Philippines and Japan.

    One of her favorite birthday traditions started years ago when she requested a dance with firefighters. It became a yearly event, and this year’s celebration will include not just firefighters but also police officers and Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling.

    For Hatcher, birthdays aren’t just about cake and candles—they’re about keeping the fun alive. And at 106, she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

    Metro Atlanta Businesses and Farmers Brace for Trump’s Tariffs

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    Trump tariffs hit atlanta businesses
    Image credit: Matthew Pearson/WABE

    Metro Atlanta business owners are preparing for the fallout from new tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, which took effect Saturday.

    With a 25% tax now in place, industries that rely on international products are bracing for higher costs and potential supply chain disruptions.

    Trump tariffs hit atlanta businesses
    Businesses that rely on imported goods are bracing for higher costs. (Image credit:Reuters)

    Local businesses that depend on imported goods, including tequila and beer from Mexico, are particularly concerned. Many have worked to keep prices stable despite past economic challenges, but with tariffs in place, some may have no choice but to raise prices. The hospitality industry, including bars and lounges, could feel the pinch as they try to balance affordability with profitability.

    The impact goes beyond city businesses. Georgia farmers face potential losses, especially those growing pecans and Vidalia onions. With Canada and Mexico planning retaliatory tariffs, exports to these major markets could take a hit and could lead to decreased sales and revenue for local agricultural producers.

    Hawks Suffer Eighth Straight Loss to Pacers in Final Minutes

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    Atlanta Hawks 8th consecutive loss
    Image credit: Trevor Ruszkowski

    The Atlanta Hawks suffered an 8th consecutive loss against the Indiana Pacers, the second-biggest losing streak by an NBA team. The Indiana Pacers edged out the Atlanta Hawks 132-127 on Saturday night, fending off a late surge to secure their third consecutive win.

    Pascal Siakam stepped up in the final minutes, sinking a crucial three-pointer that sparked an 11-3 run to seal the victory. Indiana dominated early by building an 18-point lead in the first half. But the Hawks, led by Trae Young, clawed their way back and briefly took control in the third quarter.

    Young, who erupted for 26 of his 34 points after halftime, also dished out 17 assists and kept Atlanta within striking distance until the final minutes.

    Despite the Hawks’ resilience, the Pacers found their rhythm back when it mattered most. Siakam’s late three broke a 119-119 tie, and Aaron Nesmith followed up with another, giving Indiana a cushion they wouldn’t give up. The Pacers took advantage of Atlanta’s mistakes by converting turnovers into key points that made the difference.

    Atlanta showed flashes of a fight on an eight-game losing streak but couldn’t close it out. Indiana, meanwhile, proved they could finish under pressure—something they’ll need to maintain as they push for a postseason spot.

    Douglas County Water Authority Hit by Ransomware Attack

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    Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority
    Image credit: Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority

    The Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority (WSA) fell victim to a malware attack, with officials confirming the breach on Saturday. The cyberattack, which occurred on November 26, was allegedly carried out by the Lynx ransomware group.

    Evidence of the incident surfaced online on January 14, but the details have since been removed.

    The Authority’s systems were compromised despite passing a cybersecurity audit by the Environmental Protection Agency just a month before the attack.

    In response, officials immediately enacted emergency protocols, secured affected systems, and contacted insurance providers, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies.

    Operations at water and wastewater treatment plants remained intact, and customer impact was minimal. The Authority has since rebuilt its network and restored functionality with little data loss.

    Enhanced security measures have been deployed across servers, workstations, and other critical systems to prevent future attacks.

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