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With new security robot, Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward gets ‘spunky’

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With new security robot, Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward gets ‘spunky’


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – People living in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward have noticed a new security officer patrolling the streets… and the fact that it’s not a person at all.

“Spunky,” said Brenda, a nearby resident at Station 464 Apartments. “His name is Spunky.”

Spunky patrols the sidewalks in front of Station 464 & 496 Apartments on Boulevard NE, a busy road that’s seen an uptick in crime over the past six months.

“Yes, it’s needed,” Brenda said. “It’s very much needed.”

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Spunky is actually a K-5 robot created by Knightscope.

“I love that they came up with Spunky,” said Knightscope Executive Vice President Stacy Stephens upon hearing the name. “He’s our fifth generation.”

Listed on the depth chart as weighing over 400 pounds and standing at 5′6,″ Spunky acts much like a person with a 2.5-hour battery life.

“We as humans have five senses we use to navigate our daily lives,” Stephens said. “The robot coincidentally has five sensors to navigate through its life.”

That includes sensors to navigate and recognize anomalies, where it can record the surrounding area, notify police of problems, and even give basic commands.

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“Yes, it’s going to engage and interact with people,” Stephens said. “It’s not, however, like a Siri or Alexa, where you’re going to sit there and have a conversation with it.”

And it’s not going to keep the pod bay doors closed. (Sorry, Hal).

Spunky has been on patrol for only a month, but the reviews are positive.

“Well, I would give him a 10 out of 10,” Brenda said. “It’s 100% safer.”

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Atlanta, GA

Elder turns in another strong start, three Atlanta homers lead Braves past Marlins 6-3

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Elder turns in another strong start, three Atlanta homers lead Braves past Marlins 6-3


ATLANTA — Bryce Elder pitched scoreless ball into the sixth inning, three Atlanta players homered and the Braves won another series with a 6-3 victory over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night.

Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley and Matt Olson went deep for the first-place Braves, who took two of three from Miami for their fifth series win. They split their other series, a four-game set at Arizona.

Considered the weak link in the rotation coming into the season, Elder (2-1) lowered his ERA through four starts to 0.77. He limited the Marlins to four hits over 5 2/3 innings, with two walks and seven strikeouts.

Albies put the home team ahead with his fourth homer of the season, a 370-foot drive off Chris Paddack (0-3) that just cleared the right-field wall. The Braves followed with three straight singles, including Mauricio Dubón’s run-scoring liner that made it 2-0.

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The Marlins appeared to halve the deficit in the fifth when Xavier Edwards was ruled safe at first on an attempted double play with the bases loaded. The Braves challenged, and the call was overturned when the replay showed the throw from shortstop Dubón landing in Olson’s glove just before Edwards’ cleats landed on first base for the third out.

Riley, off to a sluggish start, tacked on his first homer of the season in the sixth by sending one into the left-field seats off John King. Olson added a two-run homer against Andrew Nardi in the seventh.

Miami’s Liam Hicks broke up the shutout in the eighth with a two-run homer. Robert Suárez escaped further trouble with an inning-ending double play, and Raisel Iglesias struck out the side in the ninth for his fourth save.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in Atlanta. Credit: AP/Colin Hubbard

Up next

Marlins: RHP Janson Junk (0-2, 4.32 ERA) will make his fourth start of the season Friday when Miami hosts the Milwaukee Brewers to begin a three-game series.

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Braves: After an off day, Atlanta heads to Philadelphia to open a three-game series Friday. LHP Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14) will rejoin the big league roster to go against RHP Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36).



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Elyse Buckhead Condominiums Begin Construction as Early Sales Top $50 Million

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Elyse Buckhead Condominiums Begin Construction as Early Sales Top  Million


In Buckhead, meaningful change in the residential market tends to happen quietly—until it doesn’t. This spring, Kolter Urban is making a definitive impact with the start of construction on its third residential tower in Buckhead.

Elyse Buckhead, a new 20-story residential condominium tower along West Paces Ferry Road, has officially broken ground, marking a significant step forward not only for the project itself but for the broader Buckhead residential market. The milestone follows more than $60 million in early contracts, underscoring a level of demand that has been building quietly—and decisively—over the past several months.

For buyers and market observers alike, the combination of construction commencement and early sales velocity tells a clear story: confidence in well-located new construction remains strong, particularly in supply-constrained submarkets like Buckhead.

The Buckhead Market Defined by Limited New Opportunities

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That dynamic is not new, but it is becoming more pronounced. Buckhead has long been defined by its established character and limited development pipeline. With few sites available for new high-rise development, most inventory consists of resale residences.

Kolter Urban, serving as development manager, brings a track record that includes the successful sellout of Graydon and The Dillon—two projects that helped shape the current condominium landscape in the neighborhood. Their performance has contributed to strong recognition among both local real estate professionals and buyers.

“Breaking ground is an important milestone, but it’s also a reflection of the response we’ve seen from the market,” said Aaron Taulbee, Regional President of Kolter Urban. “Early demand has reinforced our belief that there is a continued need for thoughtfully designed, well-located residences in Buckhead. Savvy buyers understand the advantages of entering at this stage.”

That early-stage confidence is driven by more than timing alone. It is also shaped by experience—particularly among buyers who recognize Kolter Urban’s track record in Buckhead and understand the performance of its previous developments. Historically, those who engaged in the pre-construction phase of Graydon and The Dillon benefited from both pricing advantages and broader selection, reinforcing a pattern that continues to inform buyer behavior today.

At Elyse, one- to three-bedroom residences are currently offered from just over $1 million, providing a range of entry points for those seeking a long-term position within the neighborhood.

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A Construction Milestone That Changes the Conversation

Integra Construction, the general contractor for the project, brings deep experience in the Buckhead market, having delivered both Graydon and The Dillon. That continuity across Kolter Urban’s previous developments reinforces a level of consistency in execution, along with a strong familiarity with local conditions. Their involvement reflects a commitment to quality and precision in construction, with the project currently scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Design and Livability Drive Long-Term Appeal

Elyse Buckhead will include 194 residences, ranging from approximately 1,400 to over 4,000 square feet, with layouts designed to support a range of lifestyles—from full-time primary residences to those seeking a pied-à-terre or a more effortless city-based lifestyle. Expansive floor plans, floor-to-ceiling glass, and private terraces create a sense of openness that aligns with how many buyers are choosing to live today—prioritizing light, connection to the outdoors, and adaptable living space.

The amenity offering further reinforces that approach. With more than 63,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, the building has been designed as a true extension of the residences. Rather than functioning as occasional-use spaces, these environments are intended to support everyday routines—whether that includes wellness, work-from-home flexibility, entertaining, or quiet retreat. The result is a residential experience that feels both comprehensive and intentionally scaled.

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Location remains a defining factor.

A Central Location Near Buckhead Village

Situated adjacent to the St. Regis Atlanta, Elyse Buckhead occupies one of the neighborhood’s most sought-after residential corridors, with immediate proximity to Buckhead Village. This positioning allows residents to engage with the area’s dining, retail, and cultural destinations while maintaining a sense of separation and residential calm—an increasingly important balance for today’s buyer.

Taken together, the project’s timing, location, design, and execution help explain its early traction. More broadly, they also reflect a market that continues to respond to well-considered new construction. As the project moves into its next phase, Elyse Buckhead offers a clear example of how demand is taking shape in one of Atlanta’s most established neighborhoods.

For those watching the evolution of Buckhead’s residential market, the message is clear:  when Kolter Urban offers a new opportunity, the luxury market takes note. The Elyse Buckhead Sales Gallery is located at 107 W Paces Ferry Road, Suite 200, across the street from the project development site. Learn more at ElyseBuckhead.com or call 404.777.6259.

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Atlanta daycare owner faces $400,000 loss as fire investigation stalls and insurance claim delayed

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Atlanta daycare owner faces 0,000 loss as fire investigation stalls and insurance claim delayed



It’s been six months since Keisha Archer last set foot in her childcare center after it was set on fire in October.

She had planned to care for three times as many children as she currently serves at her Atlanta location. But now, she’s using proceeds from her other daycare center just to hold onto this condemned building.

“A lot of that goes toward making sure the mortgage on this building is paid,” Archer said, standing next to her boarded-up doors and windows. The ceiling of the awning, once white, is now charred and peeling.

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Keisha Archer is still waiting for answers from her insurance company and local investigators, while using money from her other daycare to keep business afloat.

CBS News Atlanta


She says her insurance claim with her carrier, Canopius, still hasn’t been processed.

“We’re still paying insurance every month, and it’s a big chunk that comes out of our other business.”

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She’s also frustrated that there has been no progress in the investigation of the fire, even though the suspect was caught on camera.

“It’s very sad with Rockdale County. It’s very confusing. We’ve tried to reach out to them every two or three weeks to get some type of resolution. We’re trying to understand why it’s so hard to catch this person.”

We’ve reached out to Canopius and Rockdale County Fire Rescue for an update in the case but haven’t heard back.

Archer estimates that she’s facing about $400,000 in damages and says the interior is a total loss. She has these words for whoever is responsible:

“What you did is beyond wrong. It’s hurtful. Turn yourself in. Make it easy on yourself now, because when you do get caught, I will be prosecuting to the fullest.”

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Despite all the damage to her property, Archer says she’s staying positive and leaning on her community to get through this difficult chapter.



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