DHS finalizes purchase of Social Circle warehouse for ICE detention center
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has officially purchased a massive industrial warehouse in Social Circle, Georgia, with plans to convert it into a large-scale ICE detention center. Despite strong opposition from local leaders and U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, the facility at 1365 E. Hightower Trail is expected to begin housing up to 10,000 detainees as early as April 2026. Social Circle officials warn that the facility will triple the city's population and overwhelm local infrastructure.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has officially purchased a massive industrial warehouse in Social Circle, Georgia, with plans to convert it into a large-scale ICE detention center. Despite strong opposition from local leaders and U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, the facility at 1365 E. Hightower Trail is expected to begin housing up to 10,000 detainees as early as April 2026. Social Circle officials warn that the facility will triple the city's population and overwhelm local infrastructure.
Trial for father of accused Apalachee High School shooter begins
Jury selection is underway for the trial of Colin Gray, the father of the teenager accused of the deadly 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School. Gray faces 29 charges, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, for allegedly providing his son with the firearm used in the attack. The trial, held in Barrow County with a jury pulled from Hall County, is a rare case of a parent being held criminally responsible for a school shooting. Prosecutors argue Gray was aware of his son’s mental health struggles and violent obsessions before the tragedy.
Jury selection is underway for the trial of Colin Gray, the father of the teenager accused of the deadly 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School. Gray faces 29 charges, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, for allegedly providing his son with the firearm used in the attack. The trial, held in Barrow County with a jury pulled from Hall County, is a rare case of a parent being held criminally responsible for a school shooting. Prosecutors argue Gray was aware of his son’s mental health struggles and violent obsessions before the tragedy.
Douglas County deputies arrest suspect in murder of 19-year-old UWG student
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has made an arrest in the shooting death of 19-year-old Lyric Farley. The University of West Georgia student and Carrollton High School graduate was found with multiple gunshot wounds on Kings Highway on Saturday afternoon. During a press conference Monday, investigators confirmed they identified and arrested a suspect following an overnight investigation.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has made an arrest in the shooting death of 19-year-old Lyric Farley. The University of West Georgia student and Carrollton High School graduate was found with multiple gunshot wounds on Kings Highway on Saturday afternoon. During a press conference Monday, investigators confirmed they identified and arrested a suspect following an overnight investigation.
Troup County jail escapee captured in Cherokee County
Authorities have captured 20-year-old Christian Joel Marcos Cortez after he escaped from the Troup County Jail early Sunday morning. Cortez, who has been in custody since June 2025 on child molestation charges, reportedly walked through an exterior door and climbed a fence to flee the property around 4:42 a.m. Following a tip that he had traveled to Acworth, Cherokee County deputies took him into custody Sunday night. Troup County officials have launched an internal investigation to determine how the security breach occurred.
Authorities have captured 20-year-old Christian Joel Marcos Cortez after he escaped from the Troup County Jail early Sunday morning. Cortez, who has been in custody since June 2025 on child molestation charges, reportedly walked through an exterior door and climbed a fence to flee the property around 4:42 a.m. Following a tip that he had traveled to Acworth, Cherokee County deputies took him into custody Sunday night. Troup County officials have launched an internal investigation to determine how the security breach occurred.
DeKalb County police investigating deadly overnight shooting
Police in DeKalb County are investigating two overnight scenes after officers responded to separate incidents within about an hour of each other.
Police in DeKalb County are investigating two overnight scenes after officers responded to separate incidents within about an hour of each other.
8AM Top Stories for Feb. 9, 2026
Monday morning's top stories include a 10-year-old shot over the weekend; 2 police officers injured during a weekend shooting incident; Colin Gray trial scheduled to begin; Tara Baker's murder trial continues; wet weather on the way later in the week.
Monday morning's top stories include a 10-year-old shot over the weekend; 2 police officers injured during a weekend shooting incident; Colin Gray trial scheduled to begin; Tara Baker's murder trial continues; wet weather on the way later in the week.
Body pulled from car in DeKalb County
DeKalb County police are investigating two overnight shootings. The first one happened on Meadowglenn Village Lane. A body was observed being pulled from a car at that vehicle. The other shooting happened at a shopping center on Covington Highway. Details have not been released for either shooting at this time.
DeKalb County police are investigating two overnight shootings. The first one happened on Meadowglenn Village Lane. A body was observed being pulled from a car at that vehicle. The other shooting happened at a shopping center on Covington Highway. Details have not been released for either shooting at this time.
Stone Mountain Village celebrates Mardi Gras
Stone Mountain Village celebrated Mardi Gras over the weekend with a colorful parade and festival.
Stone Mountain Village celebrated Mardi Gras over the weekend with a colorful parade and festival.
Free coffee today from Starbucks
Starbucks is offering free coffee today at participating locations if you purchase a qualifying beverage. They are also introducing a new blend named the Starbucks 1971 Roast, which is named after the year Starbucks opened its first location in Seattle.
Starbucks is offering free coffee today at participating locations if you purchase a qualifying beverage. They are also introducing a new blend named the Starbucks 1971 Roast, which is named after the year Starbucks opened its first location in Seattle.
Viral moments at Super Bowl LX
There were multiple viral moments at Super Bowl LX, including Mack Hollins showing up wearing handcuffs and a face mask; multiple celebrities in attendance like Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, Leonardo DiCaprio, Quavo and Travis Scott; and the halftime show by Bad Bunny.
There were multiple viral moments at Super Bowl LX, including Mack Hollins showing up wearing handcuffs and a face mask; multiple celebrities in attendance like Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, Leonardo DiCaprio, Quavo and Travis Scott; and the halftime show by Bad Bunny.
Concerning study about retirement savings
A new study about retirement savings is concerning. According to the nonpartisan National Institute on Retirement Security, the average American has less than $1,000 in savings for retirement.
A new study about retirement savings is concerning. According to the nonpartisan National Institute on Retirement Security, the average American has less than $1,000 in savings for retirement.
Final Stone Mountain daycare abuse defendant pleads guilty
The final defendant charged in connection with alleged abuse at a Stone Mountain daycare center pleaded guilty on Monday to 19 counts of cruelty to children.
The final defendant charged in connection with alleged abuse at a Stone Mountain daycare center pleaded guilty on Monday to 19 counts of cruelty to children.
Federal judge orders Fulton County election raid warrant unsealed
A federal judge has ordered the unsealing of a federal search warrant allowing FBI agents to seize hundreds of documents related to the 2020 election.
A federal judge has ordered the unsealing of a federal search warrant allowing FBI agents to seize hundreds of documents related to the 2020 election.
Atlanta celebrates during Super Bowl halftime
People around Atlanta gathered on Sunday to watch the Super Bowl LX halftime show where Bad Bunny lit up the stage.
People around Atlanta gathered on Sunday to watch the Super Bowl LX halftime show where Bad Bunny lit up the stage.
10-year-old shot, police search for shooters
A 10-year-old boy was shot in the chest in southeast Atlanta early Sunday morning. Police are searching for three suspects in connection with the shooting.
A 10-year-old boy was shot in the chest in southeast Atlanta early Sunday morning. Police are searching for three suspects in connection with the shooting.
Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. makes cameo during Super Bowl halftime show
Braves Country got a surprise during Sunday night’s Super Bowl LX halftime show.
Braves Country got a surprise during Sunday night’s Super Bowl LX halftime show.
Patriots' Mack Hollins makes striking Super Bowl entrance barefoot with mask, cuffs
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins has made it clear that he tries to avoid wearing shoes when he's away from the football field.
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins has made it clear that he tries to avoid wearing shoes when he's away from the football field.
High school students organize march protesting ICE in Gwinnett County
A group of high school students helped organize a march on Saturday on several busy streets in Gwinnett County, demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement leave their communities.
A group of high school students helped organize a march on Saturday on several busy streets in Gwinnett County, demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement leave their communities.
Gwinnett County students protest ICE
A group of high school students helped organize a march on Saturday on several busy streets in Gwinnett County, demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement leave their communities.
A group of high school students helped organize a march on Saturday on several busy streets in Gwinnett County, demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement leave their communities.
19-year-old found shot to death on Kings Highway; deputies make arrest
A young woman was found shot to death on Kings Highway over the weekend, authorities said.
A young woman was found shot to death on Kings Highway over the weekend, authorities said.