Illegal Immigrant Found Guilty in Laken Riley Murder

Judge H. Patrick Haggard sentenced Jose Ibarra to life without parole on Wednesday, after finding him guilty on all charges in the murder of Laken Riley.

The judge directed remarks to Riley’s family and friends before the sentencing, acknowledging the court could not give them “closure” but hoping they would be able to smile again someday when remembering Laken Riley’s life.

Prosecutors presented an overwhelming case against Ibarra, arguing that he was “hunting for females” on the University of Georgia campus and attacked Riley during her morning run.

Key evidence included DNA under Riley’s fingernails, a bloodstained jacket found in a dumpster, and digital data tracking her location and heart rate. Surveillance footage linked Ibarra to the crime, and jailhouse calls revealed him avoiding his wife’s direct questions about the killing.

The case has drawn national attention and been used in political debates on immigration, with prominent figures citing Riley’s death as part of broader arguments over border security.

  Two DeKalb Elementary Schools Best in State

Two DeKalb County schools—Kittredge Magnet School and Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers—were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 elementary schools in Georgia by U.S. News & World Report, respectively.

The rankings assessed student proficiency in math and reading/language arts while accounting for the students’ backgrounds and overall effectiveness.

DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton attributed the achievement to the dedication and teamwork of students, teachers, administrators, and staff, emphasizing their commitment to world-class education.

Hamburgers in the Sky 

Delta Airlines has partnered with Shake Shack to offer its cheeseburgers as a meal option for first-class passengers on flights over 900 miles, starting Dec. 1.

The meal includes a customizable burger with toppings served on the side, along with chips, a Caesar salad, and a dark chocolate brownie.

Initially available on flights departing from Boston, the option will expand nationwide throughout 2025. Passengers can pre-select their meals through the Fly Delta app.

Delta executives highlighted that burgers are one of their most popular menu items, aligning with their focus on customer preferences and comfort food.

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➤ Atlanta: Rachel and Dalton Braden, owners of Bella Vita Mushrooms, are celebrating eight years in business while producing 2,500 pounds of mushrooms monthly for local markets and restaurants. (Watch Video) 

➤ Cobb County: A cold front moving through Georgia is expected to bring a significant temperature drop by the weekend, with lows in the 30s and possible frost in northern areas. (See Details)

➤ Macon: Kelvin Collins, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia, warns consumers about delivery scams and porch pirates during the holiday season. He advises consumers to use official tracking sites and require delivery signatures. (More)

➤ Covington: A local man died on Monday after being pierced in the chest by a tree pushed by a Bobcat skid-steer loader while helping clear a wooded area behind a home. An investigation is ongoing. (More)

➤ Richmond County: The new Belair Middle School, a state-of-the-art facility, will open on Monday, Jan. 6. (More)

➤ Georgia: House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer revealed that a whistleblower alleged a FEMA contractor in Georgia told a hurricane-impacted family to remove Trump campaign signs, claiming a supervisor had labeled Trump supporters as “domestic terrorists.” (More)

➤ Georgia head coach Kirby Smart criticized the College Football Playoff committee, saying, “I don’t know what they’re looking for” after Georgia came in at No. 10 in the most recent ranking. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Dream introduced Karl Smesko as the team’s new head coach. (More)

➤ Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that he would continue to allow defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake to make the team’s defensive play calls despite a rough stretch for the defense in recent weeks. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | CFP | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW

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➤ Don’t risk losing the family photos on your phone! Protect them in seconds with the PhotoStick Omni. (Watch How)  

➤ More medical marijuana dispensaries could be authorized in Georgia now that the state’s patient registry has surpassed 25,000 people. (See Details)

➤ Wren’s Collision Group has acquired Keziah’s Collision in Canton, marking its 16th location, with 14 in Georgia and two in Florida. (More)

➤ A new survey shows that 31% of Americans plan to increase their Black Friday spending this year, with men leading the trend and Gen Z shoppers focusing on smaller purchases in the $100–$299 range. (See Trend)

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➤ Chick-fil-A has launched its holiday season offerings with the return of its popular Peppermint Chip Milkshake, Peppermint Iced Coffee, and Peppermint Chip Frosted Coffee, available for a limited time. (More)

➤ The Georgia Aquarium safeguarded the coral from The Florida Aquarium, aiding Florida’s reef restoration after Hurricane Milton. The coral relocates to Tampa early Wednesday. (Watch Video)

➤ John Portman’s beachfront estate, Entelechy II, is for sale on Sea Island for $40 million. Inspired by Aristotle’s philosophy, it merges art and architecture. (See Photos)

Would you order a hamburger if you were flying first class?

1. Yes
2. No
3. I’d think about it

Yesterday’s Results:

What is your favorite type of apple for snacking?

1. Honeycrisp: 19.1%
2. Gala: 13.9%
3. Fuji: 13.9%
4. Granny Smith: 13.6%
5. Pink Lady: 12.1%
6. Red Delicious: 13.7%
7. Another type: 13.7%

What is the state butterfly of Georgia?

Show me the answer