How organizers revived Orange Crush, the HBCU spring break bash known for chaos
For those who never felt represented by MTV’s Spring Break or Atlanta’s infamous Freaknik, Orange Crush has long been a coastal tradition for HBCU students carving out a space of their own. Over the years, the party gained a reputation for being unruly, unpredictable, and unpermitted. But, 2025 marked a turning point: For the first time in decades, organizers secured a city permit—paving the way for sponsors, vendors, and a full stage setup. Has the infamous beach party entered a new era? AJC’s Najja Parker traveled to Tybee Island to find out what happens when a celebration known for no rules suddenly has a rulebook. Credits: AJC | Getty Images | Savannah Morning News | orangecrushofficial / IG | thad.deuss / TikTok | thatmfnkira / TikTok | WSAV3 / YouTube | Kenneth Flowe
The ultimate severe weather supply guide for the South
Here's how smart preparation helps people across the South stay safe and comfortable through severe weather events. Credits: AJC | AP
How one man turned a 101‑year‑old church into a Trump shrine
Whitey Taylor has turned his store into a monument to President Donald Trump. Credits: AJC|@libertyuniversity/YT| Cornerstone Church, Trump Town USA/FB
Saving lives one stroke at a time: How Swemschool is changing swim access in Atlanta
Atlanta swim school works to close racial gap in swimming Credits: AJC|Trish Miller|SlaveVoyages.org|Google Translate| Getty Images|Trish Miller
Downtown Atlanta parking lot will be a $5 billion bet on the city’s future
Credits: AJC|GSU Library|Atlanta History Center|Georgia Archives Vault|Zachary Hansen/AJC|New Georgia Encyclopedia|GDT|National Trust for Historic Preservation