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
Trial begins for father of accused Apalachee school shooter
Opening arguments begin for Colin Gray, charged after prosecutors say his son carried out the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School that killed four.
Metro Atlanta high school students lead walkouts against ICE
High school students across metro Atlanta walked out of class as part of a coordinated protest. Credits: AJC|Party for Socialism and Liberation Atlanta|Telegram
McBath invokes son while grilling Bondi over Minnesota ICE shootings
Rep. Lucy McBath pressed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in an emotional exchange over the ICE shootings in Minnesota. Credit: House Judiciary Committee/YouTube
The verdict is in: Is Atlanta really the Black mecca?
Credits: AJC | NFL Films | Ben Gray, Miguel Martinez, Bita Honarvar, Steve Schaefer, Arvin Temkar / AJC | Southern Fried Queer Pride