Georgia
South Georgia honors Officer Caleb Abney
VALDOSTA Ga. (WALB) – Family, friends, and law enforcement agencies from across South Georgia gathered at Martin Stadium to remember Officer Caleb Abney.
First responders from across the region stood alongside Abney’s family as Lowndes County opened the stadium for the service.
Lowndes County Board member Chris Buescher said community attendance was important.
“Obviously, these first responders give their all to our community. It is important to come out and support them. We are all heartbroken as a community as one Lowndes family,” Buescher said.
Abney’s ties to the community
Buescher noted Abney’s deep roots in Lowndes County, describing his connection to the area beyond his role in law enforcement.
“Caleb was not only a first responder in terms of the fire department, a police officer. He was a former Lowndes County High graduate. He was a former Georgia Bridgeman. So he marched on this very field that these last respects were paid to. So his mom and dad were big volunteers within the school system. So it is important to recognize the sacrifices these first responders make for all of us in the community,” Buescher said.
Procession travels through Lowndes County
The procession exited Lowndes High School and traveled through several roadways across the area. Family members, guests, and first responders made their way to Fellowship Baptist Church.
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Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.
See massive bluefin tuna worth $3.2 million at auction
A 535 pound bluefin tuna has been sold at Toyosu fish market to “Tuna King,” Kiyoshi Kimura, for a record $3.2 million.
Georgia was already going to see plenty of anglers this summer, but now they have even more reason to go fishing this season.
On Friday, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that his administration approved state permits for the 2026 red snapper season with much larger windows for fishing.
“For years, our Great Fishermen have been punished with very short federal fishing seasons despite record high fish populations and the states begging to oversee these permits,” Trump wrote. “We love and respect our fishermen and, unlike the Democrats, will only do good for them.”
When is Georgia red snapper season 2026?
Georgia anglers will be able to fish for red snapper from July 1 through Aug. 31. The state’s department of natural resources said via news release that, traditionally, the season has been limited to just a few days due to data uncertainty. But, if Georgia can show proficiency in data collection, the longer season could be extended for two more years.
Red snapper fishing laws
Anglers may keep only one red snapper per day. They must register their trips prior to departure using the Georgia DNR app, which will be released at a later date. They must also report their catch within 24 hours.
Georgia DNR coastal resources director Doug Haymans said “This is a major step forward for Georgia anglers….If anglers want longer, more reliable seasons, we need better data—and that comes directly from them. Reporting through the app is how anglers can help shape the future of red snapper fishing in Georgia.”
Reactions to expanded red snapper fishing season
Gov. Brian Kemp said on his social media platforms “Thank you to President Trump for putting the power to conserve and manage this key fish population back where it belongs – in the hands of those who know the region best. Looking forward to Red Snapper season opening soon!”
Florida and the Carolinas’ governors have shared similar statements of excitement and praise.
However, when these moves were being considered in February, the US-based advocacy group Ocean Conservancy put out a statement of opposition, writing as a group “Overfishing drove the red snapper population to just 11% of its historical abundance; in response, seasons were reduced as part of a rebuilding plan set to last through 2044. These new exemptions risk undermining the progress made to restore this stock and allow sustainable fishing opportunities.”
Where are red snapper in Georgia?
According to NOAA, red snapper are generally found 30-620 feet deep in the Gulf of America and along the east coast. They are rare north of the Carolinas.
Larval red snapper swim freely within the water column. Juveniles live in shallow waters over sandy or muddy bottom habitat. Adults live on the bottom, usually near hard structures on continental shelf that have moderate to high relief (rocks, ledges, reefs, etc), sloping soft-bottom areas, and limestone deposits.
What do red snapper eat?
Red snapper eat fish, shrimp, crab, worms, cephalopods (octopus or squid), and some plankton (tiny floating plants and animals).
Best way to cook red snapper
Chef and host of Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods” Andrew Zimmern posted a video on TikTok of a recipe idea using red snapper:
How big are red snapper?
Red snapper may grow up to 40 inches long and weighing up to 50 pounds.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This Georgia baseball team excels when it’s threatened, shortstop Kolby Branch says.
It dominated during a brutal conference road stretch in April, then didn’t let up when returning home to Foley Field.
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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — High pressure is keeping North Georgia in a dry pattern through Tuesday, but a cold front approaching from the northwest will bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms back to the region by Wednesday and Thursday.
Your Next Two Days: Enjoy the Sunshine
Today will feature mostly sunny skies with highs climbing into the upper 70s in north Georgia. Light southwest winds will keep conditions comfortable for outdoor activities. Overnight lows will dip into the 50s.
Tuesday will see increasing clouds as the next weather system approaches from the northwest, but the day will remain dry. Highs will reach the upper 70s to middle 80s, with lows Tuesday night in the upper 50s to low 60s.
Midweek Changes: Showers and Storms Return
The pattern shifts dramatically Wednesday and Thursday as a cold front moves through the region. Models show good agreement that instability will build during the day Wednesday, with temperatures climbing into the low to mid 80s and dewpoints rising into the low 60s.
Shower and thunderstorm chances will increase Wednesday and Thursday, with rain and storms in northwest Georgia by 8 p.m. Wednesday evening.
The rain will overspread all of north Georgia after midnight and continue through your entire Thursday morning commute.
Thursday is a First Alert Weather Day for rain and storms in the morning.
The rain is expected to move out around lunch on Thursday.
The Weekend Outlook
Cooler air will follow the frontal passage on Thursday, with highs dropping into the 70s Friday and Saturday. Overnight lows will dip into the 40s and low 50s.
Our next best chance of rain after Thursday will be on Mother’s Day.
Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.
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