1. Ellis finally in state prison system
Dekalb County CEO Burrell Ellis, accused of corruption, is now in the state prison system. Ellis was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months in prison and 3 1/2 years of probation and was transferred Monday from the Dekalb County Jail to the state prison system at Coastal State Prison in Garden City near Savannah. Though Ellis is suspended without pay, he remains Dekalb County's CEO. Learn more about the Burrell Ellis story.
2. Not the Atticus we knew
Reviews of Harper Lee's new novel, "Go Set a Watchman" were all the buzz in the literary world Monday before today's big release date. Fans remember Atticus Finch, who is featured in both of Lee's novels, as the just and admirable lawyer in a racially charged 1930s rape trial from Lee's first novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird." However, the new Mr. Finch, who appears in the leaked first chapter of "Watchman" has been described as racist and a "possible closet bigot." Read more about what's shocking loyal fans of Harper Lee's Atticus Finch.
3. Good with the Cardinals, but even better with the Braves
Ever since Shelby Miller was traded for Jason Heyward last winter, the ex-Cardinals pitcher's game has blossomed. Miller was good but often overshadowed in St. Louis, but on the Braves, he has had more room to display his dominance. The 24-year-old All-Star remains humble as he gears up for tonight's big All-Star game. Read more.
4. Man starts a new job, wins the lottery a few days later
Joshua Holdbrooks of Tallapoosa walked out of a Carrollton gas station with $377,777 after winning the Georgia Lottery Monday. Just a few days earlier, Holdbrook began his new job as a mechanical contractor. The first thing he did when he won? Called up his father for a big bear hug. Read more.
5. Obama commutes sentence of former Georgia Tech standout's mother
Of the 46 sentences commuted by President Barack Obama Monday, one was Katina Smith's, mother of former Georgia Tech standout and Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Smith was supposed to serve 24 years after her arrest in 2000 for narcotics trafficking, but Obama reduced her sentence by two years, stating Smith, like the others whose sentences he commuted, is not a "hardened criminal." Read more.
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