Chaos Ensues On Escalator After Beyoncé Concert

A scream from a child startled by a bug triggered panic earlier this week at Atlanta’s Vine City MARTA station following a Beyoncé concert, contributing to an escalator incident that injured 11 people.

Witnesses said the crowd surged onto the escalator, which moved rapidly before halting abruptly as its safety mechanism activated, causing riders to fall and collide. Watch the surveillance footage here.

MARTA officials stated the escalator had passed inspection days earlier and attributed the incident to overcrowding.

However, a family with injured members claims that the escalator failed mechanically, not due to a stampede, and is considering legal action.

  Atlanta Rapper Found Guilty of Multiple Charges 

A Fulton County jury has convicted Atlanta rapper John Michael Hakeem Gibson, known as Ca$h Out, as well as his mother and cousin, of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and sex trafficking charges.

Prosecutors said the group operated a years-long criminal enterprise that trafficked women for sex. A significant part of the prosecution’s case relied on text messages, recorded phone calls, and financial records allegedly showing coordinated control over the women and their earnings.

The defense, however, denied the existence of a criminal enterprise. Gibson’s attorneys argued that the women were not coerced and that the prosecution failed to prove the level of force or fraud necessary to meet legal definitions of trafficking.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 21.

Public Schools Employees Get Pay Raise

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is set to give substantial pay raises to many of its frontline workers in the financial year 2026. Bus drivers, custodians, and paraprofessionals will receive a 10% pay increase.

APS nurses will receive market-adjusted increases, with registered nurses receiving an additional 1% and licensed practical nurses receiving an extra 2%.

These increases are in addition to step raises that will apply to all APS staff.

Last year, teachers saw a historic 11% pay increase, while non-teaching staff received a 5% increase.

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➤ Sandy Springs: UPS has offered voluntary buyouts to its full-time drivers for the first time in its 117-year history, as part of a major network reconfiguration. The offer provides $1,800 per year of service, with a minimum payout of $10,000. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Delta Air Lines will pay $8.1 million to settle federal allegations it broke the rules of a COVID-era payroll program meant to protect workers’ pay. (More)

➤ Roswell: A 32-year-old man drowned last week while swimming near the waterfall at Vickery Creek in Old Mill Park, an area where water access was banned last year due to safety and environmental concerns. (More)

➤ Norcross: A tree fell across Jimmy Carter Boulevard during severe storms on Friday, striking two vehicles and blocking three left lanes in both directions. (More)

➤ Dooly County: Dr. Rodney McBride announced he is stepping down as principal of Dooly County High School after three years in the role, effective July 18. While no reason was given, McBride expressed gratitude and hope for continued connection during the transition. (More)

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➤ Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. stunned Braves fans with this jaw-dropping 301-foot throw to nail a baserunner attempting to tag from second to third base. (See Throw)

➤ Two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes told reporters that Atlanta Falcons second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. can “throw the football as good as anyone.” (More)

➤ Four-star defensive lineman Valdin Sone has announced his commitment to the University of Georgia, marking the Bulldogs’ fifth defensive line commit of the recruiting cycle. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA | Soccer | PGA | Tour de France

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➤ A Greenbrier High School student successfully collected 100 blankets, 100 pairs of socks, and 100 care packages to brighten the spirits of cancer patients in their community. (More)

➤ Augusta’s Dave & Buster’s raised approximately $2,500 for victims impacted by the devastating floods in Texas. (More)

➤ More than 2,000 job seekers packed a DeKalb County job fair last week, and officials say hundreds are now advancing through the hiring process. (More)

Do you consider yourself more Southern or more Georgian? 

1. Southern
2. Georgian
3. Neither
4. Other (reply to let us know)

Yesterday’s Results:

Which team do you root for the hardest?

1. Georgia Bulldogs: 38%
2. None/Other: 28%
3. Atlanta Braves: 20%
4. Atlanta Falcons: 14%

When was the last time the Braves missed the playoffs? 

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