Category: Lifestyle

Tired of sky high rents and long commutes in major metros? A new study shows smaller U.S. cities now offer strong job growth, rising wages, and a higher quality of life without forcing tough trade offs. CoworkingCafe ranked the top 20 small metros under 250,000 people. Alpharetta, Georgia took the number one spot. South Jordan, Utah followed close behind with stunning wage gains. These places prove you can build a…

Georgia’s animal welfare community is sounding a loud and clear alarm about a growing crisis that is hurting pets and families across the state. With more than 150,000 dogs and cats entering shelters each year and over 30,000 dying there, advocates are calling for better cooperation between organizations, expanded access to spay and neuter services, and stronger prevention efforts to stop pet overpopulation at its source. The issue is not…

Atlanta turned green once again this weekend as thousands filled the streets for the 142nd St. Patrick’s Day parade and related festivities. The city honored Irish heritage with music, marching groups and plenty of community spirit across Midtown and beyond. The main parade delivered exactly what locals have come to expect from this long running tradition. Historic Parade Draws Big Crowds to Midtown The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade stepped off…

Valdosta is handing the mayor’s role to a high school senior for one special day. Braeden Lampkin will step up as the city’s first Mayor for a Day on April 20. This honor launches Georgia Cities Week and highlights the power of young voices in local government. Meet Braeden Lampkin Braeden Lampkin stands out as a true example of dedication in Valdosta. The Valdosta High School senior keeps a perfect…

Parents in Effingham County now have the chance to request a transfer for their children to a different school. The district opened its annual school choice application window this week. This gives families flexibility to find the best fit amid ongoing growth and redistricting changes coming for the 2026-2027 school year. The window runs through the end of March. Families should act quickly if they want to explore options outside…

DeKalb County School District leaders want to close up to 27 schools including standout Vanderlyn Elementary in Dunwoody. Parents and residents call the idea shortsighted and harmful to kids and neighborhoods. This battle highlights bigger questions about school quality and community futures across the district. District Grapples With Shrinking Student Numbers DeKalb County Schools face real challenges with enrollment. The district now serves about 90,000 students. That number dropped by…

Clinch County is grieving the sudden death of 18 year old Jonah Blake Pittman. The Clinch County High School senior died March 12 from injuries suffered in an accident days earlier. Friends, family and neighbors in this small South Georgia community have come together to remember his love for music and life. Hundreds turned out for a candlelight vigil and funeral services over the weekend. His passing has touched hearts…

Multiple Georgia school districts shifted schedules Monday as a strong line of severe thunderstorms swept through the state. Officials acted quickly to protect students and staff from dangerous morning travel conditions. The moves highlight how fast changing weather forces tough calls for families across the region. Why Districts Changed Plans School leaders pointed to the timing of the storm as the main reason for adjustments. The powerful front was set…

Residents in Albany, Georgia received reassuring news this week after severe storms swept through the region. Officials confirmed that the city’s popular Crawfish Festival will move forward as planned on March 14, despite minor storm damage at the venue. Organizers say preparations are still on track, promising an evening filled with Louisiana style crawfish, live Zydeco music and community celebration. The festival also carries a deeper mission that supports music…

A severe storm tore through the Albany area early Thursday morning, leaving the Victory of Albany church with significant damage for the second time in less than a year. The facility, which was already undergoing repairs from a previous weather event, now faces a fresh set of challenges as community leaders assess the destruction left behind by the March 12 system. New Damage Rocks the Church The storm swept through…