Vice President JD Vance and Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk are in Athens today for a major event hosted by the conservative youth organization. The visit, confirmed by WSB-TV and 11Alive, underscores the national spotlight on Georgia as a key political battleground. Vance's trip follows a high-profile but ultimately unsuccessful diplomatic mission to Pakistan to negotiate an end to the war in Iran, and a failed effort to support Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in his recent election defeat. [WSB-TV Atlanta, 11Alive Atlanta]
A wave of violence struck DeKalb County over the weekend, culminating in a deadly shooting spree. A suspect has been arrested in connection with the killings of two women and the critical wounding of a man in separate incidents across the county. The suspect is also linked to a fatal shooting at a Kroger store. In a separate incident, a man was shot and killed while walking into work at a CVS in Loganville; the suspect has been arrested. Additionally, a 14-year-old has been charged with the murder of a 12-year-old boy who was fatally shot inside his Atlanta home, with police stating the children were playing with a gun. [WSB-TV Atlanta, 11Alive Atlanta]
A woman was fatally attacked while walking her dog in DeKalb County, police confirm. The victim was both stabbed and shot. A suspect has been linked to this crime and the earlier DeKalb shooting spree. The case is under active investigation. [WSB-TV Atlanta, 11Alive Atlanta]
An Uber Eats delivery driver was shot and killed inside a gas station store in southwest Atlanta. Police are investigating the incident, which adds to a series of violent crimes reported in the city over the past 24 hours. [11Alive Atlanta, WSB-TV Atlanta]
A significant water main break has caused the shutdown of a busy intersection in Gwinnett County. The break has led to flooding and road closures, disrupting traffic in the area. Crews are on-site working to repair the line and restore normal conditions. [WSB-TV Atlanta]
The city of Dunwoody has officially approved the installation of Flock surveillance cameras, a decision that has sparked debate among residents. While city officials cite the technology as a tool to enhance public safety and solve crimes, some neighbors have raised significant privacy concerns about the widespread use of automated license plate readers. [WSB-TV Atlanta]
A babysitter has been charged and booked into jail in connection with the fatal shooting of a 3-year-old child. The incident occurred at a home, and the suspect remains at large, prompting a public plea from the child's grandmother for her to turn herself in. [WSB-TV Atlanta]
The Georgia Department of Corrections has agreed to a $4 million settlement following the death of an inmate, according to the inmate's lawyer. The details surrounding the death and the circumstances that led to the settlement have not been fully disclosed. [WSB-TV Atlanta]
The Georgia legislature has passed a bill expanding a law that requires health insurers to cover prosthetic devices. The new legislation specifically extends this coverage to state workers, ensuring they have access to necessary medical equipment. This follows the story of Hannah Nabors, a Rome teacher and coach who lost her leg in a car accident and has been advocating for better access to prosthetics. [Georgia Recorder]
A legal challenge to the residency of former Public Service Commissioner Fitz Johnson is moving forward. Johnson, a candidate for his old seat, is accused of living in Cobb County, which is outside the district he is running to represent. A judge is expected to rule on whether he meets the residency requirements to remain on the ballot. [Georgia Recorder]
Republican state Rep. Kasey Carpenter is facing criticism after a photo of him in blackface at a Chattanooga bar approximately 12 years ago resurfaced. Carpenter has acknowledged the photo and called his actions a "mistake," but the incident has sparked debate over past behavior and accountability. [Georgia Recorder]
The Atlanta Dream have made a significant offseason move by trading for star forward Angel Reese, a move reported by 11Alive. This acquisition is expected to bolster the team's core as they prepare for the upcoming WNBA season. [11Alive Atlanta]
Rapper Offset, a native of Atlanta, made a public appearance and performed just days after being shot near a casino. The incident, which occurred in Louisiana, was described by the artist as a reminder that "life’s a gamble." He has since been released from the hospital. [WSB-TV Atlanta]
An "extreme" drought has expanded across Georgia, according to the Savannah Morning News. The dry conditions have significantly increased the risk of wildfires, with fire crews currently battling a blaze on Buzzard Mountain in White County that is 60% contained. Warm, dry weather forecasts continue to elevate fire danger across the region. [Savannah Morning News, 11Alive Atlanta, WSB-TV Atlanta]
A state program designed to help residents manage high cooling costs during the summer months is now accepting applications. The initiative aims to provide financial assistance to eligible Georgians to help offset the burden of energy bills. [WSB-TV Atlanta]
A metro Atlanta city is honoring the state’s first Black high school basketball champions in a ceremony described as "long overdue." The recognition celebrates a historic achievement and the legacy of these pioneering athletes. [WSB-TV Atlanta]