West Nile Detected in Metro Atlanta Mosquitoes 

Metro Atlanta’s first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes of the year have been detected near Grant Park. 

The discovery comes amid the nation’s earliest start to the virus season in over 20 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

As of July 7, 56 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported nationwide in 2026. None of those cases have been reported in Georgia. 

In 2024, there were 54 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in Georgia, including five deaths. 

  Man Sentenced for Byron Church Fire

A South Carolina man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after setting fire to a Byron church in 2024.

Luke Andrew Westefeld, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of malicious use of fire in connection with the blaze at Byron United Methodist Church, now known as Byron Heritage Church. 

According to court documents, Westefeld broke into the church and set fire to the church office and flags in the sanctuary, as well as a church van. 

Prosecutors say Westefeld became angered by multiple things he saw inside the church and started the fires in response.

Co-Miss Spelman Steps Down from Title

Kinsley Wilson, who was named co-Miss Spelman earlier this year, has decided to step away from her title, citing online criticism and mental health concerns, amid controversy surrounding the 2026 Miss Spelman pageant at Spelman College in Atlanta. 

Wilson was initially announced as the winner and Jillian Collier was named first runner-up. However, a review of the results found a scoring miscalculation that showed Collier had received a higher score, prompting the college to name both women co-queens. 

The decision marked the first time in the pageant’s 43-year history that two students shared the title.  

“We fully support Kinsley and are deeply grateful for her grace and leadership throughout this journey,” the college wrote in a statement on social media.

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Elon’s New Currency (BUY NOW)

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➤ Statewide: Twenty Georgia-based private companies were named to TIME Magazine’s America’s Best Private Companies of 2026 list. (More)

➤ Columbus: A Chattahoochee Riverkeeper wetland trash trap has collected more than 300 pounds of debris at Cooper Creek Park in over a year. The organization plans to install another by the end of 2026. (More)

➤ Newnan: A U.S. Postal Service truck caught fire on Lower Fayetteville Road, destroying the vehicle and all its mail; the driver escaped unharmed. (More)

➤ Savannah: A family-owned Greek restaurant that operated as Olympia Café, which closed in May, has reopened on East River Street as Limani. (More)

➤ Atlanta: Funds donated by professional tennis player Coco Gauff were used to renovate tennis courts at the East Atlanta Kids Club. (More)

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➤ Matt Olson played his 741st consecutive game since joining the Atlanta Braves on Friday, surpassing Dale Murphy for the longest streak in franchise history. Olson’s overall streak reached 875 games, the ninth-longest run in major league history. (More)

➤ The NASCAR Cup Series returns to EchoPark Speedway in Hampton tonight for the Quaker State 400, the third round of the sport’s five-race In-Season Challenge. (How to Watch)

➤ Jordan Walker, a Stone Mountain native and Decatur High School graduate, will compete in tomorrow night’s Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia during his first All-Star season. (More)

➤ Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey was selected No. 3 overall by the Minnesota Twins in Saturday’s MLB Draft, while the Athletics took Yellow Jackets outfielder Drew Burress with the No. 8 pick. (See Picks)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | Wimbledon | Golf | WNBA

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15X Bigger Than SpaceX: Elon’s New Launch

While the rest of the market goes crazy for “the mother of all IPOs,” a new Elon Musk innovation is quietly being rolled out nationwide. It’s been 27 years in the making, and it could have a radical impact on how millions of people manage their money… and even collect Social Security. Here’s everything you need to know.

➤ Two nurses in Central Georgia received DAISY Awards in recognition of their care for veterans. (More)

➤ The Grady County Sheriff’s Office says K-9 Ares has made a full recovery from a medical emergency last week and has returned to duty. (More)

➤ 300 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to students during a back-to-school event in Savannah aimed at helping families prepare for the upcoming school year. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ This tiny implant may change weight-loss treatment for months at a time. (Hear More)

➤ Humanoid robots successfully performed surgery and stunned medical researchers. (Listen Now)

➤  One child’s kindness sparked an incredible neighborhood tradition. (Podcast Available)

World Cup fans discovering Waffle House in Atlanta.

Have you taken a summer vacation yet?

1. Yes
2. Not yet, but I will
3. No plans this summer

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you like watermelon?

1. Yes: 87%
2. No: 13%

Which Georgia city is home to the World’s Largest Peanut monument?

Show me the answer