Boil water advisory issued for southwest Atlanta, South Fulton, Fairburn and Union City

Stainless-steel pot of boiling water on a gas stove

Residents and businesses in parts of southwest Atlanta, South Fulton, Fairburn and Union City are being told to boil tap water before using it or use bottled water following a water supply interruption. Atlanta Watershed Management issued the boil water advisory Sunday, Oct. 11, after an interruption affecting the Chattahoochee Water Treatment Plant.

People in the affected area should bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute, then let it cool before drinking, cooking, preparing baby food or brushing their teeth. Bottled water can be used instead. Officials also advised people not to drink from public water fountains in the affected area.

Source: Boil water advisory issued for southwest Atlanta, South Fulton, Fairburn and Union City – CBS Atlanta

For, “He who would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it.”
1 Peter 3:10-11

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New giant pandas from China arrive in Atlanta zoo

Two giant pandas from China have arrived in the U.S. as part of an agreement between the Chinese and American governments, the Atlanta zoo confirmed on Sunday. The zoo said giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Sunday morning “via a dedicated ‘FedEx Panda Express’ Boeing 777 aircraft.” “This is a thrilling day for Zoo Atlanta and a historic moment for the City of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and beyond,” said Raymond B. King, the zoo’s president and CEO, in a statement on social media.

“We are elated to welcome Ping Ping and Fu Shuang and could not be more excited about sharing that joy with our members, guests, city and community in the coming weeks.” visitors will have to wait a while to see Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, officials said. They will be quarantined for about a month in a biosecure area of the wildlife park’s new giant panda complex. Park officials haven’t confirmed a specific opening date. While in Washington for a three-day summit with President Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that the pandas would be loaned to Zoo Atlanta and that they would arrive in the coming days.

They were one of the few concrete outcomes to come out of the state visit. Zoo Atlanta has been part of a giant panda agreement with China for more than 25 years. The zoo said farewell to its last pandas in 2024, leaving the zoo without pandas. The new agreement was announced back in April but without any dates. Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are the two adult pandas who will be on loan to Zoo Atlanta for 10 years as part of the agreement. Both pandas were born in 2020 and were kept at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Ping Ping, the male, has dark black circles around his eyes, while Fu Shuang, the female, has a forehead that protrudes a bit, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

China has long used the pandas as part of its diplomacy globally, deploying the bears in loan programs as expressions of goodwill and letting loan agreements lapse when tensions arise. Xi had said the loan program was an example of “friendship between the Chinese and Americans.” Currently, two other zoos in the United States have pandas. The National Zoo and the San Diego Zoo both received pandas from China in 2024.

Source: New giant pandas from China arrive in Atlanta zoo – CBS Atlanta

He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend.
Psalm 15:2-3

Hunted for Following Jesus

In some communities, Muslims who leave Islam to follow Christ face rejection, threats, violence, and even death because of their faith. For Muslim-background believers, choosing to…

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Overturned fuel tanker carrying 7,500 gallons of diesel closes DeKalb County road as crews work to contain runoff

Cleanup crews found no diesel runoff after a tanker carrying about 7,500 gallons of fuel overturned in DeKalb County, fire officials said in an update late Friday morning. A spokesperson with DeKalb County Fire Rescue said most of the diesel remained inside the tanker or soaked into the soil immediately surrounding the truck near White Circle and Browns Mill Road. Testing confirmed the affected area was limited to the crash site. Officials initially raised concerns that fuel could reach a storm drain and nearby pond. However, testing completed by cleanup crews found no runoff from the incident.

All remaining fuel was removed from the overturned tanker by 10:30 a.m. Crews are now removing contaminated soil before S&W Towing returns the truck to an upright position. Browns Mill Road remains closed in both directions. Officials have not provided an estimated reopening time, and drivers are urged to avoid the area. The EPA, Chemtrac, Georgia Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Georgia State Patrol and Valero Gas Corp. were notified about the incident.

Source: Overturned fuel tanker carrying 7,500 gallons of diesel closes DeKalb County road as crews work to contain runoff – CBS Atlanta

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
1 John 5:21

Plague in Russia?

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New mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile virus in DeKalb County, health officials say

DeKalb County health officials have confirmed another mosquito trap in the county has tested positive for West Nile virus. The latest confirmed positive test came from a trap in the 30316 ZIP code, which consists of East Atlanta and unincorporated DeKalb, officials announced on Monday morning. The number of mosquito traps that have captured insects infected with the West Nile virus in the county this summer is now eight, with neighboring Fulton County reporting one positive trap. Officials say there have been no human cases of West Nile virus infection in DeKalb County this year.

Residents are advised to remove standing water from gutters, planters, toys, wheelbarrows, and old tires at least once a week. The agency also recommends trimming tall grass and weeds, checking window and door screens and limiting outdoor activity around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active. People who go outside should use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 and follow the product’s instructions. Wearing long sleeves, pants and socks can also help prevent mosquito bites. Any DeKalb County residents who have more questions about West Nile virus or want to request a mosquito assessment can do so on the county Department of Public Health’s website.

Source: New mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile virus in DeKalb County, health officials say – CBS Atlanta

‘And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.
Mark 12:30

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Zoo Atlanta’s newest baby red-tailed monkey appearing with mom in African Rain Forest habitat

Visitors to Zoo Atlanta’s Ford African Rain Forest in the next few weeks may be able to see the zoo’s newest little arrival. The zoo announced that Bam, one of Zoo Atlanta’s Schmidt’s guenons, gave birth to an infant on Aug. 6. Schmidt’s guenons, also known as red-tailed monkeys, are found in the forests, woodlands, and swamplands of middle Africa. They’re known for their heart-shaped noses, large cheek pouches used during foraging, and long, chestnut-colored tails. While the species’ population is stable, they do face habitat loss from deforestation and have been illegally hunted.

The baby Schmidt’s guenon was born on Aug. 6 at Zoo Atlanta. Zoo Atlanta

“We’re excited to welcome Bam’s infant to the Schmidt’s guenon family and are looking forward to our Members and guests being able to experience the joy of watching this little one grow,” said Gina Ferrie, PhD, the zoo’s vice president of Collections and Conservation. “While this species is fortunate not to be classified as threatened in the wild, Schmidt’s guenons face many of the same threats faced by other African rainforest animals, and this infant will help us tell that story.” This isn’t Bam’s first baby, but the newborn is the first offspring for Bam and Nafis, who was brought to the zoo last year. Bam and Nafis were recommended to pair by a program from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Visitors should look out for Bam and her new baby in the habitat, which they share with her other children, Jack and Flynn, as well as Nafis and the zoo’s Angolan colobus monkeys. 

Source: Zoo Atlanta’s newest baby red-tailed monkey appearing with mom in African Rain Forest habitat – CBS Atlanta

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Galatians 5:17

2 Timothy 3:12 

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John 15:18–20

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Galatians 1:6-10

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Isaiah 45:2

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Metro Atlanta nonprofit delivers 250,000 pounds of food to people facing food insecurity monthly

The cost of groceries remains high, and a metro Atlanta nonprofit says the demographic of those relying on food pantries is changing. Reflections of Trinity in Hiram said in 2025 they served just under 3 million pounds of food to people across 77 Georgia counties and some outside of Georgia. Carol Reed has spent the past four months volunteering for Reflections of Trinity. “I come in at 8:30, and I leave at noon,” Reed said. “You know that’s a good workout for me.” CBS Atlanta spoke to Reed while she was volunteering on a Tuesday. She loves Tuesdays because the food she and other volunteers pack up goes to senior citizens.

“Since I’m one myself, and I have plenty of food. There’s so many. Look at the people that don’t from the amount of boxes we have,” Reed said. “A lot of people don’t have food. They just don’t.” The number of people in Georgia facing food insecurity has been rising since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Feeding America, more than 1.2 million people in Georgia experienced food insecurity in 2019. The numbers improved in 2020 and 2021, but by 2023 more than 1.6 million people in Georgia were facing food insecurity. Reflections of Trinity Founder Laurie Ann Wong-Burns said around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were serving 1,000 families a week, but that number has gone up. “We’re up to 1,300 families a week, so it’s just steadily increased since 2022,” Wong-Burns said. She said rising costs are adding to additional financial strains.

“Housing has gone up, so has fuel, so it’s like a trifecta, and a lot of times people’s wages haven’t gone up, so that’s where food pantries come in,” Wong-Burns said. She said partnerships with metro Atlanta businesses help them get the job done. “We can’t do it without them,” Wong-Burns said. “Not for the volume of food we move every week.” One of those partners is Wellstar Health System. “If you don’t have nutritious food, that can lead to chronic disease like hypertension and diabetes,” said Wellstar’s Assistant Vice President of Community Health Elise Lockamy-Kassim. “And so, although we’re a health system that serves those needs, we want to prevent people from coming through our doors with those needs.” Wellstar donated a van to the nonprofit in 2025 to help Reflections of Trinity further its mission.

“To know that we are a part of this large vision that Reflections of Trinity has to serve even more people, oh, that makes it all worthwhile,” Lockamy-Kassim said. Linda Riddle is one of the seniors who receives a box of food every Tuesday. “It helps me a lot because, you know, I only get a minimum of food stamps, so I run out of a lot of things like milk and fruits and whatever else that’s in the box,” Riddle said. Her grocery budget is tight. “I have to have them to keep a tab of what I’m spending, and just a little bit of groceries it gets so, so much,” Riddle said.

Mildren Williams is another senior who receives food from Reflections of Trinity. Her grocery budget is tight too. “Heart trouble, diabetes, it all costs money, and this insurance I have is… I got in more debt this year with sickness and medication, and it’s a blessing for me to get this extra, and I appreciate it very much,” Williams said. Wong-Burns said they also rely heavily on volunteers and have about 200 to 250 volunteers each week. 

Source: Metro Atlanta nonprofit delivers 250,000 pounds of food to people facing food insecurity monthly – CBS Atlanta

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2

Proverbs 21:23

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Psalm 5:8

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Isolated storms could impact metro Atlanta counties, forecasters say

water splash on ground

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the Atlanta metro area this evening.  At 6:48 p.m., meteorologists reported a severe thunderstorm over Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, approximately eight miles northwest of Jonesboro, moving south at 10 miles per hour Communities expected to be impacted include Atlanta, Jonesboro, City of South Fulton, East Point, Union City, Forest Park, Riverdale, College Park, Morrow, Hapeville, Lake City, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Fort Gillem, and Conley. The warning officially expired at 7:15 p.m., but forecasters say expect some isolated showers throughout the evening.

Source: Isolated storms could impact metro Atlanta counties, forecasters say – CBS Atlanta

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5

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Texas man sentenced for killing bald eagle

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Georgia Secretary of State opens investigation into voter registration mailers sent to deceased residents

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Thursday that his office has opened an investigation into Ready to Register and other third-party organizations after reports that voter registration mailers were sent to deceased Georgians and other ineligible recipients. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, election officials have received numerous complaints about voter registration solicitations being mailed to people who have died. In one unusual case cited by the office, a deceased family dog reportedly received one of the mailers. State officials said they are reviewing whether the mailings violate Georgia law or otherwise undermine confidence in the state’s election system.

The Secretary of State’s Office said third-party voter registration groups frequently conduct mass mail campaigns ahead of major elections but often rely on commercial databases that can contain outdated or inaccurate information, unlike Georgia’s official voter registration system. “Groups like this highlight the unreliability of commercial data,” Raffensperger said in a statement. “Georgia maintains one of the cleanest voter rolls in the nation through continuous list maintenance and citizenship verification. These outside organizations don’t use those standards. Instead, they flood mailboxes with inaccurate solicitations that confuse voters and waste election officials’ time.” Raffensperger also thanked voters who alerted his office to the mailings. “I want to thank the voters who have flagged the inaccurate mailings and sent them to our office,” he said. “Whether checking their ballots for accuracy or keeping their own registration information up to date, voters are a crucial line of defense in election security.” Georgia officials said the issue mirrors problems recently identified in North Carolina, where election officials warned residents about similar mailings from Ready to Register. According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, North Carolina officials said the organization mailed registration forms to deceased individuals, used outdated forms, listed incorrect election office addresses and included QR codes that raised privacy concerns.

Raffensperger criticized the mass mailing campaigns, saying they create confusion while increasing the workload for local election offices. “Whether intentional or simply reckless, these mail campaigns operate like a grift — raising money and generating activity while shifting the costs onto taxpayers, election officials, and voters,” Raffensperger said. “Georgia taxpayers should not have to clean up the mess created by organizations that prioritize volume over accuracy.” The Secretary of State’s Office is encouraging Georgians to verify their voter registration through the state’s My Voter Page and says voters who are already registered at their current address should disregard unsolicited voter registration mailers.

Source: Georgia Secretary of State opens investigation into voter registration mailers sent to deceased residents – CBS Atlanta

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1

Finding Truth and Life in Jesus

In a world filled with competing voices, confusing paths, and endless distractions, Jesus doesn’t simply show us the way He declares, ‘I am the way.’ When everything around you tries to pull…

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Spot them and stomp them: Georgians asked to help stop spread of invasive spotted lanternfly

A bright and colorful insect wants to make Georgia its new home, and officials want you to kill it as quickly as you possibly can. A native of Asia, the spotted lanternfly was first identified in the United States in 2014, northwest of Philadelphia. It’s likely that insect eggs came over with a load of landscaping stones. Twelve years later, there are reported infestations in 21 states, from the Midwest to the East Coast. Georgia’s first live population was found in 2024. Since then, the Peach State has had 79 reports of the species, all in Fulton County. The insect has been able to spread so far, so fast because it is a sneaky hitchhiker.

Drivers in the summer unwittingly give lifts to adults, which look like moths, perched inside trunks, on wheel wells, or on bumpers. Cars can also carry the insect’s eggs, which can hatch miles away from where they were laid. What makes the lanternfly such a threat is its appetite. The insect feeds on a variety of plants, including grapes, hops, and hardwood trees. As it eats, it emits a sticky fluid that can lead to the growth of sooty mold, which also damages the plants. “We urge all Georgians to remain vigilant. While spotted lanternflies do not directly threaten human health, they can severely impact our number one industry—agriculture,” the Georgia Department of Agriculture wrote. What do spotted lanternflies look like? Spotted lanternfly egg masses hold 30 to 50 eggs and look like wet gray putty before turning a brown that’s similar to cracked mud. The insect lays its eggs in the fall, winter, and spring. From March to June, juvenile nymphs start growing. These tiny insects are black with white spots that turn red as they grow older.

The adult spotted lanternflies are around 1.5 inches long and have a yellow, black-barred abdomen. Their wings are highly recognizable, with brown forewings speckled with black spots and bright scarlet hind wings that turn into black and white at the ends. The insects frequently gather together while feeding and are easiest to spot at dusk or at night, officials say. What to do if you spot a spotted lanternfly in Georgia If you see a spotted lanternfly, Georgia officials say you should follow three simple steps. First, take a clear picture of the insect. Second, squish it. Third, send in a report to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, giving as many details as possible about where you found the insect.

Source: Spot them and stomp them: Georgians asked to help stop spread of invasive spotted lanternfly – CBS Atlanta

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

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Metro Atlanta Urban Farm helps veterans, students and families grow food and stronger communities

Two people harvesting vegetables in a rooftop urban farm with city skyline and sunset

As grocery prices continue to strain household budgets, a five-acre farm in College Park is helping people save money by teaching them how to grow their own food while cultivating something just as valuable: community. For 19 years, Metro Atlanta Urban Farm has used agriculture to improve lives, serving as a gathering place for neighbors, students, volunteers and, more recently, military veterans. Founder Bobby Wilson says the mission has always extended far beyond planting vegetables. “When we started out, we never intended for this just to be a place where you plant a seed and watch it grow,” Wilson said.

“We understood the therapeutic value of agriculture, of growing food.” Located at 3271 Main St. in College Park, the nonprofit teaches participants how to grow food using heirloom seeds, compost and natural growing methods without synthetic chemicals. Wilson said those skills help families become more self-sufficient while improving access to fresh, healthy food. “We use agriculture as a tool to help improve the quality of life of those who have been primarily left out of the mainstream of society,” Wilson said.

Metro Atlanta Urban Farm founder Bobby Wilson explains sustainable farming techniques to community members at the College Park nonprofit, which uses agriculture to promote food access, education and community wellness. CBS News Atlanta

The farm recently expanded its reach through a partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project. Veterans gather at the farm every other week to plant crops, harvest produce and learn skills they can use at home. Combat veteran and Wounded Warrior Project Peer Leader Teak Wilson said the experience has given veterans more than gardening knowledge. “It’s allowed me to make an impact in the community, not feel like I’m alone in the city,” Wilson said. “It’s lessened my stress. It’s given me a place to just get grounded, be in nature, and not be too far away from the house.” She said the practical lessons are becoming increasingly valuable as food costs continue to climb.

“I went in the store recently and spent $80 and only left with three things,” she said. “So just being able to come here and know that I could have at least a cucumber tomato salad that I didn’t have to pay for, that’s a blessing.” The partnership began in early June, with veterans from multiple branches of the military learning how to plant heirloom seeds that can be harvested and replanted for years to come. Participants leave with planter bags, seeds and vegetables to continue growing food at home. The farm is also investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders. Joshua Good, 20, traveled from Ridgeland, Mississippi, to spend eight weeks interning at the farm while studying agricultural business at Alcorn State University. Good said the internship is teaching him skills that can’t be learned in a classroom. “How to plant with my hand, how to operate a tractor, how to make a grow bed, and how to use different types of soil,” he said.

Wilson believes those lessons are the true harvest. For nearly two decades, he has watched volunteers return year after year, mentoring new gardeners and sharing what they’ve learned with others. “Some of those same people that have been gardening with me for almost 20 years are still here,” Wilson said. “They’re still helping new gardeners, they’re still building communities, and they’re still trying to make a difference by growing some of their own food and taking it back and sharing it with other people in their community.” The nonprofit also partners with schools, churches and community organizations, including groups from Coca-Cola and Tuskegee University, to provide hands-on agricultural education throughout the year. Wilson hopes the farm continues expanding those partnerships while encouraging more people to discover the benefits of growing their own food. “We’re trying to make a positive difference in the lives of marginalized and underserved communities,” Wilson said. “

Gain those skill sets to help improve the quality of life of everybody in your community and expand it into other communities.” For participants, every harvest offers more than fresh produce. It provides knowledge, confidence, and the opportunity to strengthen communities one seed, one lesson, and one neighbor at a time.

Source: Metro Atlanta Urban Farm helps veterans, students and families grow food and stronger communities – CBS Atlanta

Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!”
Matthew 21:9

Hope in the dark

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Raccoon tests positive for rabies after attacking dog in metro Atlanta

scared bristling raccoon

Gwinnett County officials are warning residents to use caution after a raccoon tested positive for rabies over the weekend. Officials say the raccoon attacked a dog near Biltmore Oaks Drive in the Bethlehem area on May 26. Testing revealed that the animal was infected with the potentially deadly virus. The disease, which can be transmitted through bites and scratches from infected animals, is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms occur. Those symptoms include muscle aches, fever, vomiting, and general weakness and discomfort. The National Association of State Health Veterinarians says all unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal need to be quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month before being released.

Georgia is a rabies-endemic state, which means the virus can be found in wildlife year-round. Officials say that means it’s important for residents to make sure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations and avoid animals that may be behaving in unusual ways. Earlier in May, a DeKalb County raccoon tested positive for rabies. If you have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal suspected to have rabies, seek medial care immediately and let your provider know about the possible exposure. After that, contact GNR Public Health at (770) 339-4260 and ask for the on-call epidemiologist.

Source: Raccoon tests positive for rabies after attacking dog in metro Atlanta – CBS Atlanta

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
1 Peter 3:14

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Georgia wildlife officials warn smallmouth bass are being illegally introduced into Lake Allatoona

person holding a brown fish

Smallmouth bass are turning up in Lake Allatoona, but Georgia wildlife officials say the fish are not supposed to be there and are likely being illegally introduced into the lake. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division said biologists have obtained a specimen and are working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and researchers at the University of Georgia to determine how the fish ended up in the reservoir. Officials said some fish introductions can happen naturally through range expansion or severe weather events such as hurricanes.

However, most cases are linked to human activity. Authorities warned that unauthorized introductions of non-native fish can have serious and irreversible ecological consequences, potentially affecting native fish populations, food webs, wildlife and existing fisheries. The Wildlife Resources Division is asking boaters and anglers on Lake Allatoona not to release any smallmouth bass they catch. Officials also urged the public to report anyone suspected of illegally stocking or transferring fish into the lake.

Source: Georgia wildlife officials warn smallmouth bass are being illegally introduced into Lake Allatoona – CBS Atlanta

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Philemon 1:25

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Extremely rare Guatemalan bearded lizards hatch at Zoo Atlanta

Guatemalan bearded lizard

Zoo Atlanta has two new additions, and they are members of one of the rarest reptile species on Earth. The zoo announced that two Guatemalan beaded lizards hatched on May 14 and 17 and are reportedly “healthy and feisty.” The Guatemalan beaded lizard is only found in the wild in the country’s Motagua Valley. It’s estimated that there may be only 500 to 600 members of the critically endangered venomous lizard species in the wild, and the zoo says they have faced habitat loss and illegal trade. Zoo Atlanta is one of seven zoos in the U.S. to house the species. In over 25 years, 46 of the lizards have hatched at the zoo, which has worked with the Heloderma Natural Reserve of Guatemala to protect the species.

Source: Extremely rare Guatemalan bearded lizards hatch at Zoo Atlanta – CBS Atlanta

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10

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Heavy rains in Marietta lead to spike in emergency tree removal calls

uprooted tree after severe storm in urban area

The owner of a Marietta tree cutting service says business is up this week as residents grow concerned about the effects of heavy rain on their trees. Tree-cutting crews report they are working nonstop, removing trees as more severe storms are forecast. Crews with Top Tier Trees cut down a tree that fell in the yard of a Sandy Springs home. “We had a catastrophic failure of a 42-inch deep southern red oak that sprawled across the back of this well-landscaped backyard. It caused quite a bit of damage,” David Hall, the owner of Top Tier Trees, said.  The tree knocked down a retaining wall in the home’s backyard.

“This is probably the twelvth or thirteenth emergency job we’ve responded to in the last couple of days,” Hall said. He’s had a busy week. Periods of excessive rain can weaken roots and make trees unsafe. Over in Marietta, David Lynch says trees in his yard started to lean in recent years. “We’re thinking about having that taken down just as a kind of preemptive move in case something reoccurs again. We just don’t want a second tree hitting the house. Being proactive rather than reactive,” Lynch said. Hall has this warning: “A tree that leans towards your house obviously is always of concern. If it’s within striking distance, it’s just pretty obvious where it’s going to fall,” Hall said. Tree experts warn that you should check the health of trees around your home.

Source: Heavy rains in Marietta lead to spike in emergency tree removal calls – CBS Atlanta

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

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More rain, flash flooding expected in metro Atlanta during Memorial Day weekend

water droplets in tilt shift lens

The CBS News Atlanta NEXT Weather team has issued a NEXT Weather Alert for the holiday weekend. Increasing rain chances will impact North Georgia and metro Atlanta for Memorial Day. After a day of flooding in downtown Atlanta and at the I-75/I-85 connector during rush-hour traffic, more rain is expected. While there is not a big risk of severe storms in the coming days, the main threat will be heavy rain that could lead to localized flooding and even flash flooding, similar to what was seen on the Downtown Connector on Wednesday.

Source: More rain, flash flooding expected in metro Atlanta during Memorial Day weekend – CBS Atlanta

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8

Feeling Alone? God Sees You

Even when you feel invisible in your struggle, God sees every tear, every burden, and every silent prayer. Your exhaustion has not escaped His attention. “The Lord is close to…

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Brookhaven preschool director and teacher arrested on child cruelty charges involving toddlers, police say

police automobile parked on street sidewalk

The director of a Brookhaven preschool and its lead teacher have been arrested following multiple allegations of cruelty to children in their care.  Detectives with the Brookhaven Police Department began investigating reports of abuse of children at the Oglethorpe Presbyterian Pre-School and Kindergarten in early May. And on Thursday, 63-year-old Beverly J. Moon and 27-year-old Charles K. Wheeler were taken into custody at the DeKalb County Jail. The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning also conducted separate investigations, and their findings confirmed information gathered by Brookhaven detectives. 

Police said several witnesses came forward and told authorities that Wheeler, the lead teacher, used “excessive measures” to restrain kids inside the classroom, causing distress. However, no specific injuries were reported.  Based on the witness statements and accounts provided by the parents of the victims, detectives established probable cause to initially charge Wheeler with five counts of cruelty to children in the first degree. After investigators took Wheeler into custody, an additional victim came forward, and detectives charged him with one more count of cruelty to children in the first degree, bringing the total to six counts. 

Source: Brookhaven preschool director and teacher arrested on child cruelty charges involving toddlers, police say – CBS Atlanta

Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.
Jeremiah 32:17

Boundary Waters wilderness burning at U.S

Wildfires flared earlier this week and destroyed thousands of acres in Manitoba, Ontario, and Minnesota, with many of the fires straddling the U.S.-Canadian border. The Western Fire Chiefs’ map on Thursday afternoon…

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Passengers help woman give birth on board Delta flight from Atlanta to Portland

a passenger plane flying in the sky

A Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Portland last week had a special addition to its passenger list after a woman went into labor in the air. A spokesperson for the Atlanta-based airline said that Delta Flight 478 was just about 30 minutes from Portland International Airport on Friday night when the unexpected visitor gave the signal it wanted to be there for the landing. The flight attendants onboard sprang into action, aided by a doctor and two nurses who happened to be on board. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, actually,” Oregon EMT Tina Fritz told KOIN 6, saying that she and her friend improvised using a flight attendant’s shoestrings to create a makeshift tourniquet for an IV.

“She’s like, ‘I gotta push, I gotta push.’ And within three really good pushes, the baby was out and doing perfect. Mom was a rock star, like, mom did so good,” Fritz said. Because of the situation, the crew declared an emergency and were given priority landing at the Portland airport. They landed safely, and the woman was met by emergency medical services. “We extend our sincere thanks to the crew and medical volunteers on board who stepped in to provide care to a customer onboard prior to landing in Portland,” a Delta spokesperson told CBS News Atlanta.

Source: Passengers help woman give birth on board Delta flight from Atlanta to Portland – CBS Atlanta

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Corinthians 7:1

The Brave New Age of Trust-Fund Socialism

Democrats are in the midst of a fun and terrifying transformation. Hating Trump is no longer sufficient to win elections in blue states. Democratic primary voters—specifically the party’s core constituency of college-educated white professionals—are…

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China will send giant pandas to Atlanta again

close up of giant panda eating bamboo

China is sending two giant pandas to Zoo Atlanta, the China Wildlife Conservation Association says. The China Wildlife Conservation Association said in a statement that male panda Ping Ping and female panda Fu Shuang, from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, will kick off a decade-long conservation partnership under an agreement it signed with the zoo last year.

The association did not specify the pandas’ departure date but said the U.S. side was carrying out facility upgrades, among other preparation work, to create a more comfortable and safer environment for the pair. Chinese experts provided technical guidance on the upgrades, it said.

The announcement came weeks ahead of Trump’s planned visit to China in mid-May, during which he is expected to discuss various issues, including trade, with his counterpart, President Xi Jinping.

Source: China will send giant pandas to Atlanta again

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25

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Two killed in Cobb County crash involving Papa John’s truck on I-75

delivery man riding a motorcycle

The Cobb County Police Department has confirmed that two people were killed Friday morning in a multi-vehicle crash on northbound I-75 near Hickory Grove Road. The crash happened around 8:34 a.m., according to the department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit. Preliminary reports show a red 2023 Freightliner Cascadia truck, operated by 28-year-old Zory Beavers of Conyers, struck a white 2019 Freightliner Cascadia driven by 62-year-old Verlon Henley of Fairburn. Beavers was driving with 42-year-old Royan Osborne of Norcross as a passenger. After the first collision, Beavers’ truck continued north, rolled onto its left side, and hit the sound barrier wall on the right shoulder. A white 2018 Ram 3500 pulling a flatbed trailer, driven by 48-year-old Arkino Walker of White, then collided with the rear of the trailer and ended up across the northbound lanes. Beavers and Osborne were pronounced dead at the scene by the Cobb County Medical Examiner. Henley and Walker were not injured. Authorities have notified the victims’ next of kin. The STEP Unit said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact Cobb County Police. Papa John’s, which confirmed one of its tractor-trailers was involved, said in a statement that it is cooperating with authorities.  “The safety of our team members and the communities we serve is a top priority,” the company said. “Our thoughts are with all those who may be affected, and we will continue to support the investigation as it moves forward.”

Source: Two killed in Cobb County crash involving Papa John’s truck on I-75 – CBS Atlanta

And said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”
Luke 9:48