Artificial intelligence is driving a new wave of scams targeting Georgians. According to the FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Report, Georgia residents lost more than $10.4 million to AI-enabled scams last year, while nationwide losses approached $893 million. Officials say scammers are increasingly using voice cloning, deepfakes and fake identities to make emergency calls, investment schemes and "grandparent scams" appear more believable. Experts urge people to verify unexpected requests before sending money.

Nearly two months after 25-year-old Malik Polk disappeared, the Carroll County Sheriff's Office says the investigation remains active. Deputies have searched more than 300 acres, nearly 20 miles of the Chattahoochee River and continue reviewing digital evidence. Investigators say they do not suspect foul play, while Polk's family says they remain focused on finding answers.

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A new Georgia State University study found that more than half of Atlanta's publicly available restrooms aren't actually accessible to the public. Researchers surveyed 262 restrooms and found 55% were limited to customers or otherwise restricted. Experts say the lack of restroom access can create serious public health concerns, particularly for people experiencing homelessness. Atlanta officials say 10 new solar-powered public restrooms have been installed to improve access.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is doing more than filling stadiums in Atlanta—it's also bringing people together. Tinder reports a 47% increase in swiping by international users in World Cup host cities and a 22% increase among domestic users. DatingAdvice.com also ranked Atlanta as the nation's second most romantic World Cup city, with dating experts saying the tournament is creating more opportunities for meaningful, in-person connections.

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A new Georgia State University study found that more than half of Atlanta's publicly available restrooms aren't actually accessible to the public. Researchers surveyed 262 restrooms and found 55% were limited to customers or otherwise restricted. Experts say the lack of restroom access can create serious public health concerns, particularly for people experiencing homelessness. Atlanta officials say 10 new solar-powered public restrooms have been installed to improve access.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is doing more than filling stadiums in Atlanta—it's also bringing people together. Tinder reports a 47% increase in swiping by international users in World Cup host cities and a 22% increase among domestic users. DatingAdvice.com also ranked Atlanta as the nation's second most romantic World Cup city, with dating experts saying the tournament is creating more opportunities for meaningful, in-person connections.

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The CDC is investigating a nationwide increase in Cyclospora infections after more than 840 cases were reported across 31 states, including more than a dozen in Georgia. Doctors say severe diarrhea and dehydration are the most common symptoms, with some patients experiencing dozens of episodes a day. Health experts urge anyone with persistent diarrhea to ask specifically to be tested for Cyclospora, as it is not included in routine lab work.

At Trees Atlanta's Junior TreeKeeper Camp, children are exploring Atlanta's urban forest through hands-on environmental education and BeltLine adventures. Camp leaders say the program helps the next generation understand the importance of protecting local ecosystems, while campers are learning simple ways to support wildlife and care for the environment.

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A major housing measure championed by Sen. Raphael Warnock is now federal law. The bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes a provision preventing large private equity firms from purchasing additional single-family homes, while also expanding programs to increase housing supply, modernize appraisals and support homeownership. The law comes as corporate investors own more than 72,000 single-family rental homes across metro Atlanta.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is leading the first clinical trial of a new potential treatment for peanut allergies. Researchers are testing a microneedle stamp that delivers tiny amounts of peanut allergen through the skin in hopes of safely training the immune system to reduce the risk of accidental allergic reactions. If successful, the study will expand from adults to adolescents and eventually children.

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A statewide audit of Georgia's June runoff election found just 23 discrepancies among more than 1.1 million ballots reviewed. Election officials say every discrepancy involved hand-marked ballots, while no discrepancies were found among ballots completed using ballot-marking devices. The audit comes as Georgia continues work on its next generation of voting systems.

Metro Atlanta rideshare drivers are raising concerns about the growing rollout of Waymo robotaxis. Drivers say autonomous vehicles are reducing their earnings and making it harder to stay in business, with some now considering leaving rideshare driving altogether.

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A prominent Georgia conservative advocacy group has been fined $17,500 after state ethics officials found it violated lobbying and campaign finance disclosure laws during the 2024 election cycle. Regulators say the organization failed to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions and committed multiple lobbying violations. The group's president says the issues were clerical mistakes that have since been corrected.

Also, even though jet fuel prices are falling, airline tickets remain expensive. Travel experts say strong demand and reduced competition are keeping fares high, but new AI-powered tools are helping travelers find better deals by tracking price drops and automatically securing travel credits or savings after a flight is booked.

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As food prices remain high, a metro Atlanta nonprofit is helping residents take food security into their own hands. The Metro Atlanta Urban Farm in College Park has spent nearly two decades teaching sustainable gardening, expanding access to fresh produce, and building community through agriculture. The organization has also partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project to provide veterans with hands-on gardening experience and the tools to grow food at home.

Also, hundreds of Georgia homeowners are set to receive restitution after a court ruled that Florida-based MV Realty used deceptive real estate agreements that locked homeowners into decades-long contracts. The company has been ordered to pay $1 million in restitution and is permanently barred from operating in Georgia. State officials encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible for compensation to contact the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

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Five former Albany police officers are facing criminal charges after investigators say they improperly used the city's Flock license plate reader system for purposes unrelated to law enforcement. The officers were fired following an internal audit, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation says the case remains active as investigators continue examining how the data was allegedly used.

Also, conservation advocates are calling for greater investment in protecting the Okefenokee Swamp, one of the South's largest and most ecologically important wetlands. Environmental leaders warn that shrinking budgets and reduced staffing at national wildlife refuges could limit conservation efforts, threatening critical habitat and public access to one of Georgia's most iconic natural landscapes.

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Georgia's current voting system will remain in place through 2028 after Gov. Brian Kemp signed new legislation extending the use of QR-coded ballots. The law also creates a committee to recommend the state's next voting system, with lawmakers expected to weigh options that include hand-marked paper ballots and other election reforms before making a final decision.

Also, meet the DeKalb County educator who has spent nearly three decades giving children with disabilities an unforgettable summer experience. For 27 years, Timothy Strozier has returned to FOCUS Camp Hollywood, where he helps create an inclusive environment that allows every camper to feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated.

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