The blog.

The first Mennonites arrived in America on October 6, 1683 aboard the Concord.

Cy Young threw his last professional baseball game as a member of the Boston Braves on October 6, 1911.

On October 6, 1953, WTVM-TV began broadcasting in  Columbus, Georgia.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience held its first rehearsal on October 6, 1966.

The second Presidential debate between Republican incumbent Gerald Ford and Democratic challenger Jimmy Carter took place on October 6, 1976. During the debate, Ford said, there was “no Soviet domination in Eastern Europe”. Polling released on October 8, 1976 indicated that Democrat Jimmy Carter won the second debate against President Gerald Ford by a 50-27 margin.

Pope John Paul II became the first Pope to visit the White House on October 6, 1979. Carter’s notes from the meeting are at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta.

The last four B-52 bombers stationed at Robins Air Force Base in Warner-Robins left the base for the last time on October 6, 1983.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms meet in a televised debate tonight hosted by Atlanta News First.

Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms meet live Tuesday night in a town hall debate, and undecided Georgia voters are driving every question for the two candidates.

The gubernatorial town hall debate begins at 8 p.m. and will air live on Atlanta News First and on Gray Media stations across Georgia.

“On the Record: Live” starts at 7:30 p.m. and the post-debate analysis airing immediately following the debate at 9 p.m.

Tuesday’s event will follow a modified town hall format, giving undecided local voters the unique opportunity to ask questions directly to the candidates about the most pressing issues facing the community.

The gubernatorial town hall debate will air live on Atlanta News First and on Gray Media stations across Georgia. You can watch it on WANF (channel 46) in metro Atlanta and north Georgia; WTOC in Savannah; WPGA in Macon; WRDW in Augusta; WALB in Albany; and WTVM in Columbus. The debate will also be available to stream live and on-demand. Simply download our station news app on your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV or your smart TV devices.

The City of Vienna, Georgia declared a state of emergency and adopted a curfew in the wake of a mass shooting, according to WALB.Continue Reading..

Granite is an adult male mixed breed dog who is available for adoption from the Tift County Animal Shelter in Tifton, GA.

Meet Granite. This handsome brindle boy is equal parts goofy, sweet, and ready to be somebodys best friend. Just look at that smile. Granite is one of those dogs who makes shelter staff fall in love fast. He is friendly, happy, and loves attention from people. Whether he is sitting politely for treats or wagging his tail so hard his whole body moves, he is always trying his best to make friends.

And can we talk about that gorgeous brindle coat? Photos honestly do not do him justice. Dogs like Granite do not belong in a shelter kennel. He belongs on a couch, riding shotgun for snack runs, and being reminded every day what a good boy he is.

Gardiner is a young female mixed breed puppy who is available for adoption from the Tift County Animal Shelter in Tifton, GA.

The adoption fee is $85, which includes: Spay or Neuter Surgery, Rabies Vaccine, DHPP Vaccine, Bordetella Vaccine, Deworming, Heartworm Test, and Microchip.

Johnnie is a young female mixed breed puppy who is available for adoption from the Tift County Animal Shelter in Tifton, GA.

Buster Brown is a young male mixed breed dog who is available for adoption from the Tift County Animal Shelter in Tifton, GA.

Bubbles is a large, young female mixed breed puppy who is available for adoption from the Etowah Valley Humane Society in Cartersville, GA.

Hi there – I’m Bubbles, a 7-month-old white mixed breed pup who’s ready to grow with your family! At 18.5 pounds, I’m going to be a strapping girl, and right now I’m a bundle of energy, curiosity, and puppy joy. I love meeting people, playing, and snuggling up close – I’m the kind of companion who’ll be by your side through all of life’s adventures. My adoption fee is $250, and I promise to fill your home with love and laughter every single day. Come meet me soon – I can’t wait to be your girl!

Shock is a young male mixed breed puppy who is available for adoption from the Etowah Valley Humane Society in Cartersville, GA.

Winston is a young male mixed breed dog who is available for adoption from the Etowah Valley Humane Society in Cartersville, GA.

Pumpkin is a young female mixed breed dog who is available for adoption from the Etowah Valley Humane Society in Cartersville, GA.

On October 5, 1864, the Battle of Allatoona Pass was fought in Bartow County, Georgia.

The first televised Presidential address from the White House was broadcast on October 5, 1947.

At the time of Truman’s food-conservation speech, Europe was still recovering from World War II and suffering from famine. Truman, the 33rd commander in chief, worried that if the U.S. didn’t provide food aid, his administration’s Marshall Plan for European economic recovery would fall apart. He asked farmers and distillers to reduce grain use and requested that the public voluntarily forgo meat on Tuesdays, eggs and poultry on Thursdays and save a slice of bread each day. The food program was short-lived, as ultimately the Marshall Plan succeeded in helping to spur economic revitalization and growth in Europe.

The Georgia Supreme Court outlawed use of the electric chair as “cruel and unusual punishment” on October 5, 2001.

Fort McAllister State Park will host a two-day reenactment of the Battle of Fort McAllister, according to the Savannah Morning News.

Fort McAllister State Historic Park will mark the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Fort McAllister with a two-day winter muster and battle reenactment.

The event commemorates the final battle fought in Georgia during the Civil War and the conclusion of Sherman’s March to the Sea, according to a community announcement. Visitors will have opportunities to explore military encampments, watch living history demonstrations and experience a reenactment of the assault that led to the fort’s capture in December 1864.

Activities are scheduled for Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 at Fort McAllister State Historic Park, 3894 Fort McAllister Road in Richmond Hill.

Guests attending on Dec. 11 can tour Union camps, observe Confederate soldiers preparing for battle and visit the fort and museum between 10 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Fort and museum tours are included with admission.

On Dec. 12, visitors can explore military camps and learn about daily soldier life from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The battle reenactment is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. Visitors who want to watch the reenactment must be in place by 4 p.m. and purchase tickets before that time.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Two pandas have arrived at Zoo Atlanta, according to the Augusta Chronicle.

Two black and white fuzzy creatures made the long journey from China to Zoo Atlanta last weekend, arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport early Sunday morning, according to the zoo.

Male Ping Ping and female Fu Shuang, both born in 2020, will usher in a new era of research and partnership between Zoo Atlanta and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding from the China Wildlife Conservation Association, two groups that have already been working together for decades.

Like any VIP (very important panda), Ping Ping and Fu Shuang were treated to a private chartered flight directly from China to Atlanta. The “FedEx Panda Express” Boing 777 aircraft landed in Atlanta early in the morning on Sept. 27.

The flight and transportation was donated from FedEx, and was specially curated to keep the pandas safe and comfortable. In video shared by FedEx, the flight is seen landing at Hartsfield-Jackson, and a crate with airholes along the top edge being carefully lowered from the plane.

Then, the pandas were strapped into a FedEx truck where they made the roughly 10 mile journey from the airport to Zoo Atlanta.

All pandas abroad continue to be owned by China, and are only ever on loan to other nations. A new agreement between the United States and China for their pandas was announced in April, but it was unclear when the pandas may actually return to Atlanta.

The new panda agreement with Zoo Atlanta is set to last for 10 years.

While Zoo Atlanta has not provided an exact reveal date for Ping Ping and Fu Shuang to be on display for the public, the organization said there will be a quarantine period before visitors can say hello.

Today is the voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2026 General Election, according to Atlanta News First via WTVM.Continue Reading..

Kalahari (26-340) is a 14-month old female Australian Shepherd mix who is available for adoption from the Jackson County Animal Shelter in Jefferson, GA.

Ricky Bobby (26-171) is a 5-year old male Boxer mix who is available for adoption from the Jackson County Animal Shelter in Jefferson, GA.

Arlo (2026-365) is a 13-month old male Hound mix who is available for adoption from the Jackson County Animal Shelter in Jefferson, GA.

Harwin (26-515) is a 5-month old male mixed breed dog who is available for adoption from the Jackson County Animal Shelter in Jefferson, GA.

On October 2, 1789, President George Washington signed a resolution transmitting the (then-twelve) amendments constituting the Bill of Rights to the states that had ratified the Constitution. Click here for the letter from Washington to Governor Charles Pinckney of South Carolina that accompanied the amendments.

On October 2, 1835, Texans and Mexicans met in the first military battle of the Texas Revolution, the Battle of Gonzales.

In 1831, Mexican authorities gave the settlers of Gonzales a small cannon to help protect them from frequent Comanche raids. Over the next four years, the political situation in Mexico deteriorated, and in 1835 several states revolted. As the unrest spread, Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea, the commander of all Mexican troops in Texas, felt it unwise to leave the residents of Gonzales a weapon and requested the return of the cannon.

When the initial request was refused, Ugartechea sent 100 dragoons to retrieve the cannon. The soldiers neared Gonzales on September 29, but the colonists used a variety of excuses to keep them from the town, while secretly sending messengers to request assistance from nearby communities. Within two days, up to 140 Texians gathered in Gonzales, all determined not to give up the cannon. On October 1, settlers voted to initiate a fight. Mexican soldiers opened fire as Texians approached their camp in the early hours of October 2. After several hours of desultory firing, the Mexican soldiers withdrew.

On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving to be observed on November 26, 1863 and on the fourth Thursday in November every succeeding year.

This announcement harkened back to when George Washington was in his first term as the first president in 1789 and the young American nation had only a few years earlier emerged from the American Revolution. At that time, George Washington called for an official celebratory “day of public thanksgiving and prayer.” While Congress overwhelmingly agreed to Washington’s suggestion, the holiday did not yet become an annual event.

Thomas Jefferson, the third president, felt that public demonstrations of piety to a higher power, like that celebrated at Thanksgiving, were inappropriate in a nation based in part on the separation of church and state. Subsequent presidents agreed with him. In fact, no official Thanksgiving proclamation was issued by any president between 1815 and the day Lincoln took the opportunity to thank the Union Army and God for a shift in the country’s fortunes on this day in 1863.

On October 2, 1879, Wallace Stevens was born. Stevens would become a renowned poet and insurance industry lawyer. My favorite poem of his is “Connoisseur of Chaos.”

A. A violent order is disorder; and
B. A great disorder is an order. These
Two things are one.

President Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke at the White House on October 2, 1909.

On October 4, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson sent a telegram to the Georgia Democratic Party Convention delegates in appreciation for their support of his administration.

On October 3, 1922, Rebecca Latimer Felton was appointed to the United States Senate from Georgia following the death of Senator Tom Watson. After initially being rebuffed by the Senate, Felton was sworn-in on late in November, becoming the first woman to serve in the United States Senate.

The Savannah River Bridge opened on October 4, 1925.

The Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, on October 4, 1957.

Thurgood Marshall was sworn-in as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court on October 2, 1967.

Betty Talmadge, then wife of Senator Herman Talmadge, hosted a fundraiser with Rosalynn Carter and Joan Mondale on October 2, 1976.

Ground was broken for The Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta on October 2, 1984.

Beverly Hills, 90210 debuted on October 4, 1990.

On October 3, 1995, O.J. Simpson was acquitted of murder.

The last Braves game at Turner Field was played on October 2, 2016, with the Detroit Tigers besting the Braves by 1-0.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

The website for Democrat Brenda Hankinson claims she is the new Democratic candidate for State Senate District 47 after the nominee was sentenced to prison, according to the Athens Banner Herald.Continue Reading..

Madi Peeps is a young female Terrier mix who is available for adoption from Ozzie Albies Foundation in Marietta, GA.

Madi Peeps and her sister, Stevi Peeps, were found alone in the woods over Easter weekend, no microchip, no one searching for them, and clearly in distress. A rescue partner stepped in quickly, got them to the vet, and gave them the care they needed. At just 8 weeks old, they were thankfully healthy and ready for a second chance.

Madi is the quieter, more sensitive of the two. She is shy and takes time to feel safe, but she has a very gentle, observant personality. She is the type of puppy who watches first, processes her environment, and then slowly builds trust. Once she starts to feel comfortable, her sweet nature really begins to show.

She thrives around other dogs and gains a lot of confidence from them. A home with a calm, well-balanced dog will help her continue to come out of her shell and adjust more quickly. She is not a bold, outgoing puppy right away, she will need patience, structure, and consistency from her adopter. We are not exactly sure of her breed mix, but based on her size and features, we estimate she will be a medium-sized dog, likely around 40-50 lbs fully grown.

Stevi Peeps is a young female Terrier mix who is available for adoption from Ozzie Albies Foundation in Marietta, GA.

Since then, Stevi has been settling into foster home and making steady progress. She is a shy, timid puppy who takes a little time to warm up, but she has a gentle, sweet nature. Her confidence grows significantly around other dogs, she truly looks to them for comfort and guidance. Stevi is still learning about the world. She will need a patient, loving home that understands how to guide a timid puppy through proper socialization and training. With consistency and the right environment, she has all the potential to become a confident, well-adjusted dog. 

Pam is a young female Black Mouth Cur and Miniature Pinscher mix who is available for adoption from Ozzie Albies Foundation in Marietta, GA.

Located in Atlanta, GA Pam is a 1-year-old, 40-pound sweetheart who is looking for her forever family. Pam’s journey began when her mama, a small Pinscher mix, was rescued while pregnant. After giving birth, Pam was fortunate enough to stay with her mama until she was 10 weeks old, giving her a wonderful start in life. She was adopted as a puppy and spent the last year with her family. Unfortunately, due to significant life changes beyond anyones control, they made the heartbreaking decision to return her to rescue so she could find the stability and attention she deserves.

Pam is healthy, happy, incredibly smart, and absolutely loves people. She is a true social butterfly who thrives when she has friends by her side. Whether she’s meeting new people, playing with other dogs, or simply hanging out with her family, Pam is always ready to be part of the action. She’s also very intelligent and eager to learn. Pam picks up on new things quickly and loves having a job to do. When she’s not showing off her smarts, you’ll find her soaking up the sunshine, relaxing beside her favorite people, or cuddling up after a day of fun. At just one year old, Pam is still very much a young dog. Like all puppies and adolescents, she’s continuing to learn and mature. Dogs don’t fully mature until around two years of age, so shell do best with a family that understands the commitment, patience, and consistency that come with raising a young dog. The good news? You wont be doing it alone.

Dolly is a young female Labrador Retriever mix puppy who is available for adoption from Ozzie Albies Foundation in Marietta, GA.

Meet Dolly! Dolly is a sweet 3-month-old Labrador mix puppy who is looking for her forever family. She is smart, affectionate, playful, and incredibly cute. Dolly loves being around people and other dogs and is continuing to build confidence as she experiences new things. She is a bright little puppy who is eager to learn and would do best with a family ready to continue helping her grow through structure, consistency, socialization, and plenty of love.

A few things to know about Dolly:
• 3-month-old Labrador mix
• Expected adult weight: approximately 60 lbs
• Dog-friendly
• Sweet, affectionate, and playful
• Smart and eager to learn
• Healthy Up to date on age-appropriate vaccines
• Spay will be covered through one of our partner veterinarians when she is old enough

Original Communist (O.C.) Karl Marx published Das Kapital on October 1, 1867.

Wyoming adopted the first state constitution to allow women to vote on September 30, 1889.

Voters in the state of Washington adopted the state constitution on October 1, 1889.

The first World Series of baseball opened on October 1, 1903.

On October 1, 1908, Ford introduced the Model T.

President Woodrow Wilson spoke in favor of Women’s Suffrage in an address to Congress on September 30, 1918. The bill to pass the 19th Amendment would die in the Senate that year after passing the House.

Former President Jimmy Carter was born on October 1, 1924 at Wise Sanitarium in Plains, Georgia, the first American President to be born in a hospital.

On September 30, 1927, Babe Ruth hit his 60th home run of the season.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Warm Springs, Georgia for the 21st time beginning on October 1, 1931.

In a Special Election October 1, 1940, Florence Gibbs became the first woman elected to Congress from Georgia, completing her late husband’s term and serving through January 3, 1941, but no standing for a full term of her own.

Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong proclaimed the Communist People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949.

On September 30, 1976, Democrat Jimmy Carter led the Harris Poll for President over President Gerald Ford by a 50-41 margin. In November 1976, the popular vote tallied 50.08% for Carter to 48.01% for Ford, with an Independent taking nearly a point.

The Carter Center in Atlanta was dedicated on October 1, 1986.

Mikhail Gorbachev named himself Chairman of the USSR’s Supreme Soviet on October 1, 1988.

President George H.W. Bush condemned Iraq’s takeover of Kuwait in a speech to the United Nations on October 1, 1990.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Governor Brian Kemp announced the appointment of Ron “Big D” Daniels to a vacancy on the Superior Court for the Oconee Judicial Circuit, according to a Press Release.Continue Reading..

Rover is an adult male mixed breed dog who is available for adoption from AthensPets in Athens, GA.

I liked Rover and Octo right away. They’re both sweet, calm boys. I first walked Rover to the interaction pen and planned on getting his pictures before bringing out Octo. He was nice but missing his best friend, so I went back for Octo. What a change! Rover was all smiles when he saw his buddy and both boys were happy and wagging their tails. They truly are best buds. They sit for treats and don’t mind waiting for their turns. They also don’t mind sharing attention and are partial to head scratches. They’re so well-behaved, I probably could have walked them together with a dual leash. I really enjoyed my time with this great duo!

Prissy is an adult female mixed breed dog who is available for adoption from AthensPets in Athens, GA.

Prissy is pure joy! She is a pocket pitty mix and you can easily win her over with a belly rub. I had seen her at the kennel and she had my heart because he wags her tail with such enthusiasm. Fill your life with joy! Bring this little girl home! She is 5 years old and ready for her own family!

Prissy (aka Princess) has been at the shelter before and is as sweet as I remember. She’s super friendly, and when I sat down on a bench, she was on my lap. She sits for treats, but her priority today was being loved on. Prissy is house trained, and her former owner said she loves children. I bet they love her, too. She’s a happy, affectionate girl!

Army (fka Ram) is a young male mixed breed dog who is available for adoption from AthensPets in Athens, GA.

Ram is currently in a foster home. He takes several walks a day and his leash manners are improving all the time. He is house trained and loves people. He’s a sweet and gentle boy who knows commands very well from his time in Project Homebound, and he’s looking for his people to share his heart full of love with.

Army (aka Ram) is currently at Project Homebound because he’s such a good boy! The Project Homebound Dog Training Program is a partnership between ACC Animal Services, ACC Department of Corrections, and Athenspets. Dogs from ACCAS are brought to live in a specialized enclosure on Corrections property. There, they are trained and socialized by pairs of Returning Citizens and the program’s professional dog trainer.

Eileen is a young female mixed breed dog who is available for adoption from AthensPets in Athens, GA.

Eileen is a unique beauty with her long snout and adorable ears. I don’t know her breed mix, but her snout reminds me of a greyhound though she is a smaller dog. No matter what her mix, she’s a sweet girl. She sits for treats and likes toys-especially if they squeak! She has an injured back leg, so I didn’t throw toys for her to chase, but she enjoyed them on a blanket. Eileen’s a good girl who’s sweet, happy, and affectionate.

You can read more about this dog and check out additional photos here: https://www.accgov.com/9482/Dogs

On September 29, 1526, 600 Spanish colonists led by Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon landed on the Georgia Coast, the first European colonists in Georgia.

Long before Plymouth, or Jamestown or even St. Augustine, there was another settlement in North American: the very first European attempt to establish a permanent colony on the mainland since the Vikings 500 years earlier.

Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon and 600 Spanish colonists landed on Georgia’s coast on this day in 1526, over 200 years before Oglethorpe founded the Georgia Colony.  It also represents another historic moment: the first time enslaved Africans set foot on what is now the United States.

Ayllon established San Miguel de Gualdape on Sapelo Sound in present–day McIntosh County. He sailed north from Hispaniola during the summer and first landed in present–day South Carolina. Meeting no natives, he traveled south along the coast before settling in Georgia.

To help establish the colony, Ayllon brought with him the very first group of slaves.  But hunger, disease, and conflict with the natives all took their toll, and the settlement survived for only three months.

Other sources say that the September 29, 1526 landing was in South Carolina and Vasquez de Ayllon established San Miguel de Gualdape on October 8, 1526.

WSB-TV took to the airwaves for the first time on September 29, 1948.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Today is National Coffee Day, according to the Augusta Chronicle. Feel free to buy me a cup of coffee anytime, anywhere.

Monday, October 5, 2026 is the voter registration deadline to be eligible to vote in the November General Election, according to the Statesboro Herald.Continue Reading..