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frequently conduct mass mail campaigns ahead of major elections but often rely on commercial databases that can contain outdated or inaccurate information, unlike Georgia’s official voter registration system.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State’s Office, North Carolina officials said the organization mailed registration forms to deceased individuals, used outdated forms, listed incorrect election office addresses and included QR codes that raised privacy concerns.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

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18

Prayer for Boldness; Acts 4:24-31

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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

I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10

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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

But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
Psalm 103:17-18

George Washington on Freedom of Speech

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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

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

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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

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8

North Korea commissions largest-ever warship

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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

And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
1 John 2:2

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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

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3

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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

Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
Matthew 24:42

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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

I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’
John 1:33

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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

This also comes from the LORD of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance.
Isaiah 28:29

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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

As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

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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

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2