Illegal Immigrant Pleads Not Guilty to Murder

Hector David Sagastume Rivas, accused of entering the U.S. illegally, appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the March murder of 52-year-old Camilia Williams in Marietta.

Authorities say Rivas, 21, of Honduras, strangled Williams and left her body in the bushes in March. He faces charges of malice murder, rape, and necrophilia.

In 2021, Rivas was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol but was released pending a hearing.

  Survey Shows Parents’ Top Concerns

Georgia parents’ top concerns include school quality and social media, Emory University’s annual State of Child Health and Well-Being in Georgia study found.

The survey of nearly 1,000 parents also found that most think vaccines are generally safe, but support for vaccine mandates is split, especially if no exceptions are allowed.

The top five concerns listed by parents: school quality, social media use, bullying, gun violence, and mental health. You can access the full report here.

Drug and alcohol ranked among the top five concerns for rural parents, but not for those in urban areas.

Alpharetta Ranks Seventh Greenest

Alpharetta is the seventh-greenest small city in America, according to a new ranking by Compare the Market.

The city stood out for the cleanest air and the most Energy Star buildings among the small cities surveyed, and also scored solid marks for electric vehicle access and walkability.

The city’s public transit options ranked low, but its overall Green City Score of 72.43 placed the city near the top. Palo Alto, California, ranked No. 1 overall.

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Northwest Georgia: U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Rome, says polling shows she would win the Republican primary for governor or U.S. Senate if she chooses to run. (More)

Macon: Community activist Danny Glover launched a bid for the 2nd Congressional District seat held by U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, saying it’s time for a new generation of leaders. (More)

Roswell: Officials are closing Economy Hotel after rescuing trafficked teens, citing criminal activity and major safety violations at the motel. (More)

Atlanta: The family of an Atlanta-born U.S. airman who was fatally shot filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against a Florida deputy and sheriff’s office, claiming excessive force. (More)

Statewide: Experts warned that Georgia’s low vaccination rate leaves it vulnerable amid a measles outbreak that has spread to 25 states with more than 900 cases. (More)

Kennesaw: Stilesboro Road near Kennesaw Mountain will close for utility work, heavily disrupting West Cobb commuters. (More)

➤ Georgia football received a commitment from five-star QB Jared Curtis, beating Oregon in a key recruiting battle. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves said Ronald Acuna Jr. will not need more surgery, clearing a path for him to start rehab games this month. (More)

➤ Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson predicts major improvement by tight end Kyle Pitts next season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ A group of Franklin Springs residents protested after reports surfaced that a poultry processing plant might open in the area. The mayor says a plant isn’t coming. (More)

➤ Grand Farm and the University of Georgia broke ground on a 250-acre farm in Perry that will focus on agriculture advances, robotics, and sustainability. (More)

➤ Georgia’s average gas price held steady around $2.91 per gallon over the past week, down 55 cents from a year ago, according to AAA. (Local Gas Prices)

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Even neurologists were stunned…

They couldn’t believe the true impact a vertigo attack has on the brain… 

Or that dizzy spells might actually signal a deeper, hidden condition.

Discover the full story here:

Why You Should Never Ignore a Vertigo Attack

➤ Jekyll and St. Simons islands rank among America’s most pet-friendly beaches, offering dog access year-round with relaxed island charm, HGTV says. (More)

➤ Table & Main in Roswell, By George in Atlanta, and The Deer and the Dove in Decatur ranked among the top Mother’s Day spots in a poll of moms. (More)

➤ An international student from Bogota, Colombia, will graduate from Georgia State after turning a brief visit into a journey of growth in journalism and community impact. (More)

Do you plan to go to a restaurant for Mother’s Day?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Unsure

Yesterday’s Results:

Is Publix your favorite grocery store?

1. Yes: 44%
2. No: 33%
3. No preference: 23%

What city with a population of at least 1 million is closest to Atlanta?

Show me the answer