Star-Mercury-Vindicator Thursday, June 4, 2026
Guilty Verdict in Bryant Murder
Jack's Latest Articles
DID YOU KNOW …? You are now reading the 500th “Did You Know…?” Column!
In October of 2016, I began this column. The story of how it came to be has been relayed here numerous times; I won’t go into it again. That was 500 weeks ago. This week, you are reading the 500th column in this series. It’s a milestone I never once thought would happen. I had actually assumed you’d all get tired of this stuff and stop reading it; far from it, you’ve asked for more. Now, 500 columns in, I’m ready to get the next 500 underway. I have to thank all the editors who run this silly stuff I write, sharing it with all of you; and I thank you, the readers, who spend a part of your day with this nonsense, and make me feel good about doing it. Five. Hundred. Columns. Let’s keep it going, shall we? Read on!
DID YOU KNOW …? You are now reading the 500th “Did You Know…?” Column!
In October of 2016, I began this column. The story of how it came to be has been relayed here numerous times; I won’t go into it again. That was 500 weeks ago. This week, you are reading the 500th column in this series. It’s a milestone I never once thought would happen. I had actually assumed you’d all get tired of this stuff and stop reading it; far from it, you’ve asked for more. Now, 500 columns in, I’m ready to get the next 500 underway. I have to thank all the editors who run this silly stuff I write, sharing it with all of you; and I thank you, the readers, who spend a part of your day with this nonsense, and make me feel good about doing it. Five. Hundred. Columns. Let’s keep it going, shall we? Read on!
We Are Protected No Longer
Before proceeding, last week I received an email that in the subject line contained the words “truth in advertising”. Like most of you, I am bombarded with spam and delete all of it before looking at real email messages. That is what I did and as my finger hit the delete button, I noticed those words – but it was too late, message gone. If any of you sent such a message, my apologies and please send it again.
Murder Trials Rescheduled
Three men who were scheduled to appear in Meriwether County Superior Court last week in the murder case of Jordan Simon, 14, of Coweta County has been postponed, so has a trial date for Qua’vion Cooper allegedly connected to the Brandon Smith murder case.
Former Warm Springs Chief Arrested for Misconduct
A former Warm Springs Chief of Police has been arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on charges of misconduct in the department. Aisha Al-Khalifa, 41, now of Grovetown, Georgia, reportedly turned herself in on May 15 following an investigation by the GBI of the Warm Springs Police Department. Al-Khalifa was charged with making false statements and violation of her oath of office while serving as Chief of the department. The investigation began in June of 2024 when the Warm Springs Police Department asked the GBI to examine allegations of misconduct among then-current and former officers in the department. During the investigation, agents determined that Al-Khalifa had allegedly knowingly made false statements to investigators. Al-Khalifa became Chief after an investigation led to the termination of the previous Chief, Emilio Quintana, and the suspension of every officer in the department under him in June of 2024. The actions were taken after city leaders evaluated recent events and growing concerns about the conduct and functioning of the Police Department. The case is still active, according to the GBI, and once the official investigation is over the findings will be turned over to the Coweta Judicial Circuit’s District Attorney’s office for review and possible prosecution. Al-Khalifa was booked into the Meriwether County Detention Facility after her arrest.
Ah, the Good Old Days … Back When It Made Sense
The world can be a frightening place. (As if you needed me to tell you that.) But twice a day at least, I get to escape from it for a few minutes, back to a time when things made more sense. I’m referring to the times I get into my car and come to work or go home, and I spend that time listening to Old-Time Radio classic programs.
Ah, the Good Old Days … Back When It Made Sense
The world can be a frightening place. (As if you needed me to tell you that.) But twice a day at least, I get to escape from it for a few minutes, back to a time when things made more sense. I’m referring to the times I get into my car and come to work or go home, and I spend that time listening to Old-Time Radio classic programs.
Verdict Expected This Week for Bryant Murder Suspects
A verdict of the three people accused of killing Manchester High star athlete Daryus Bryant is expected to come sometime this week after the jury couldn’t come to a conclusion on Friday, May 22 and reconvened on Tuesday, May 26. The verdict was not avaiable at press time of this newspaper.
DID YOU KNOW …? Was a popular French fashion designer actually a Nazi spy?
Be sure you’re here next week. Next week’s column is going to be one of the most special I’ve ever produced, because it celebrates something I never thought would happen. No, I won’t share any hints beyond those, but whatever you do, don’t miss next week’s installment of “Did You Know ...?” because it’s going to be a very special one, one that took over nine years to create. Be here. Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.