MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024

Technical issues slowed down our delivery this morning; we apologize for the delay.

Good Morning! On this day in 1891, 25,000 Atlantans turned up for the unveiling of a statue of Henry Grady on Marietta Street. Grady had been the managing editor of the Atlanta Constitution and the man who coined the term "The New South."

The Yellow Jackets played hard in a loss to Notre Dame, but the Dawgs defeated erstwhile No. 1 Texas, as we report in Sports. (UGA's nemesis, Alabama, also lost to Tennessee.) All in all, a fine weekend.

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Sapelo Island Ferry Dock Collapse Kills Seven

A ferry dock collapse on Sapelo Island killed seven people and injured several others on Saturday.

Officials reported that "the gangway gave way suddenly, leaving little time for those on it to react," which sent around 20 people into the water.

The incident occurred at Marsh Landing Dock during a celebration of the Gullah-Geechee community.

Emergency responders, including boats with sonar equipment and helicopters, were deployed for search and rescue operations.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse.

Shooting at Albany State Kills One, Injures Five

A shooting occurred during Albany State University's homecoming weekend, resulting in one death and five injuries.

First responders arrived promptly to secure the area and treat the wounded.

Dr. Lawrence M. Drake II, the university's interim president, issued a statement offering condolences and calling for unity within the community. He also emphasized the university's commitment to assisting those affected and ensuring campus safety.

Law enforcement officials are investigating the motive behind the shooting, but no suspects have been identified as of Sunday evening.

GOP Expected to Retain Majorities in Georgia Legislature

The Republican Party is expected to retain its majorities in the Georgia General Assembly, despite the state's competitiveness in the presidential race.

Political consultant Brian Robinson noted that maintaining a majority in such a politically divided state is difficult, but Republicans remain confident due to their advantage in redistricting.

Shifting demographics, particularly in suburban areas, have made some legislative races closer, though the GOP still controls 101 House seats and 33 Senate seats.

The redrawn maps by the Republican-led General Assembly are likely to hold Democrats to minimal gains in the state House and Senate, and no changes are anticipated in Georgia's congressional delegation.

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➤ Barrow County: Colt Gray and his father, Colin Gray, have been formally indicted by a grand jury following the shooting at Apalachee High School. Colt smuggled the gun inside a poster and kept a notebook detailing the attack. (More)

➤ Moultrie: At the Sunbelt Expo, the Georgia Farm Bureau named Belue, a Shetland Sheepdog from Sumter County, as the 2024 Farm Dog of the Year, recognizing the dog's role in agricultural operations and education. (Photo)

➤ North Georgia: Officials confiscated a wolf kept illegally as a pet, emphasizing the importance of following wildlife laws. (More)

➤ Savannah: Residents are urging the city to protect local trees and ensure insurance companies don't dictate decisions about tree removal. (More)

➤ Georgia: Early voting in the state, spurred by the presidential race, has already surpassed 1 million ballots cast as of this week. (More)

➤ East Point: A local candidate reported that campaign signs were stolen, with the theft caught on surveillance footage. (Video)

➤ No. 5 Georgia picked up a huge SEC win over No. 1 Texas on Saturday thanks to a dominant first half that saw them jump out to a 23-0 lead. The Bulldogs held on to win the game, 30-15. (Highlights)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons lost to the Seattle Seahawks, 34-14, with Kirk Cousins throwing two interceptions and struggling throughout. (Highlights)

➤ Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks games will air on FanDuel Sports Network moving forward. (More)

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➤ Chick-fil-A has announced plans to expand into Asia, with Singapore set to host the first restaurant in 2025. (More)

➤ The Cobb Galleria Centre is slated for a major renovation and expansion to modernize and improve its facilities. (More)

➤ Three companies headquartered in Columbus—Aflac, Muscogee County School District, and Global Payments—were ranked by Forbes as among the best places to work in Georgia. (More)

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➤ Friends and colleagues are remembering Wanda Smith, a beloved former V-103 radio personality, for her generosity and community spirit. (More)

➤ Three haunted houses and a brewery in Georgia have been featured in the TV series "Ghost Adventures," showcasing their eerie histories and paranormal activity. (More)

➤ Fluffy Fluffy, known for its signature Japanese soufflé pancakes, will open a new location in Marietta. (More)

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