Atlanta, GA
School rallies around 11-year-old Atlanta student shot in the head

11-year-old shot in head remains critical
A 11-year-old named Messiah Heard is still critical after being shot in the head Tuesday night. Police have not given details about how the young boy was injured. FOX 5 Atlanta spoke to people at the boy’s school on Thursday.
ATLANTA – An Atlanta elementary school student remains in critical condition after being shot in the head earlier this week.
What we know:
The victim has been identified as 11-year-old Messiah Heard, a fourth-grader at KIPP WAYS Academy, who is described by educators and classmates as a bright, joyful child who brought energy and love to every room he entered.
ORIGINAL STORY: 11-year-old boy critically injured in shooting at Atlanta apartment complex
The shooting occurred Tuesday evening at the Square at Peoplestown Apartments on Hank Aaron Drive.
According to Atlanta Police, Messiah was shot inside his home around 6 p.m. but have not released details about how the shooting happened or whether a suspect has been identified.
Messiah is currently hospitalized at the Arthur M. Blank Children’s Hospital in Atlanta.
What they’re saying:
School officials say his mother and grandmother are at his bedside, along with the school’s principal, who is providing support to the family during this crisis.
“He was so vibrant and energetic, charismatic and just so loving. The whole school loved him. He was an amazing kid,” said Dr. Travis Barber, a mentor at KIPP WAYS Academy through the One Mo Question Men’s Leadership Program.
The tragedy comes just weeks after the school community mourned the death of another fourth grader, A’Erica Dixon, who was killed when a tree fell on her home during a recent storm.
Tree falls on Atlanta home, kills 10-year-old girl in the middle of the night
What’s next:
KIPP WAYS has brought in grief counselors and therapists to support students, staff, and families as they cope with the emotional toll of the recent tragedies. Friends and loved ones of Messiah are holding out hope for a miracle and continue to pray for his recovery.

Atlanta, GA
Prelim Results | UFC Atlanta

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: USMAN vs BUCKLEY takes place Saturday, June 14 at State Farm Arena. The entire card will be available in English and Spanish on ESPN+, starting with the prelims at 7pm ET/4pm PT. The main card will also air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, kicking off at 10pm ET/7pm PT.
Main event scheduled for five rounds. All other bouts scheduled for three rounds.
Main Card Results | Official Scorecards | Watch on ESPN+
UFC Fight Night: Usman vs Buckley Results
Atlanta, GA
Francis Ngannou makes shock UFC return on stage at UFC Atlanta in support of legendary ex-champion

Francis Ngannou returned to the UFC stage for the first time in almost two years to support Kamaru Usman tonight.
The legendary former heavyweight champion has been persona non grata with the promotion since an explosive exit at the beginning of 2024 that saw him leave with the belt. He is now signed to PFL, but has also had some big money boxing outings against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
However, he appeared in a prominent role tonight on stage with Usman at the ceremonial weigh-ins for his fight with Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. The pair are close friends, and regularly appear to support one another at their fights.
Francis Ngannou makes surprise UFC appearance at UFC Atlanta
Fans were stunned this evening when Francis Ngannou made his first appearance at a UFC event in years. His relationship with boss Dana White, who wasn’t in attendance, is frosty at best and at worst one of the most bitter in the sport.
However, his love for fellow African champion Kamaru Usman trumps all, and he put his issues with the promotion to the side for his big comeback fight. The ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ hasn’t fought since 2023, when he was narrowly defeated by Khamzat Chimaev in Abu Dhabi.
Now, with Ngannou in his corner, he is plotting an exciting comeback that kicks off against renowned striker Buckley. The PFL star even donned UFC gear to support his friend, which was perhaps the most shocking of all.
Francis Ngannou has reportedly been eyeing UFC return
For years, Francis Ngannou rallied against the UFC’s control over MMA and his excursions into the ring and then the PFL cage were viewed as major successes for fighters. But in recent weeks, his coach Eric Nicksick has teased a potential return to the octagon.
There is one last super-fight for Ngannou, who turns 39 this year, waiting in the UFC heavyweight division; the current undisputed champion Jon Jones. The champ is keen on the fight despite incessant calls for a Tom Aspinall unification.
“Enough time has passed, I would love to see them mend these fences and get back to competing in the UFC,” Ngannou’s coach Eric Nicksick told Home of Fight.
“I think it’s more about business than it is about ego, at least it is from Francis’ side. Now where does his motivations come from? It’s not about money, it’s about competition. And the best competition is in the UFC.”
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta gears up for FIFA Club World Cup with over 800 volunteers ready

Volunteers readying for FIFA Club World Cup
We are days away from the start of the FIFA Club World Cup. The international football competition will feature 32 clubs from different continents, and it starts this weekend. We’ve been telling you about Atlanta being one of the 11 U.S. cities hosting matches for the tournament. None of this can happen though without the help of volunteers.
ATLANTA – As the FIFA Club World Cup prepares to make its U.S. debut this weekend, more than 800 volunteers in Atlanta are stepping into their roles to help welcome the international tournament to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
What we know:
Atlanta is one of 11 U.S. cities selected to host matches in the prestigious event, which will feature 32 soccer clubs from across the globe. In the days leading up to kickoff, volunteers gathered on Georgia Tech’s campus to receive their official uniforms and assignments, creating an atmosphere of excitement and purpose.
Volunteers will play a crucial role throughout the tournament, assisting fans, guiding teams and officials, and managing on-field ceremonies. For many, the opportunity offers not just a front-row seat to the action, but a chance to contribute to a major international moment in their own city.
One volunteer, Calhoun, will work on the ceremonies team—directly on the field during matches. For him and others, the experience is more than just a task—it’s a thrill to be part of something so globally significant.
What they’re saying:
Another volunteer, Craig Collins, knows that significance well. He first stepped up during the 1994 FIFA World Cup and answered the call again this year. His commitment earned him a special honor: recognition as FIFA’s one millionth volunteer and a personal meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Collins recalled turning to see Infantino calling his name. “I put out my hand. I said, ‘Ciao Gianni. Yeah, good to meet you.’”
For longtime residents and newcomers alike, the tournament represents a moment of pride and opportunity. Collins reflected on the impact: “People who are not that familiar with FIFA may not really understand the avalanche that’s going to come to this city.”
For those volunteering, it’s a chance to help showcase Atlanta on the international stage—one handshake, one smile, and one perfectly timed assist at a time.
“Raise your hand, get involved,” said Collins. “It’s worth it.”
What’s next:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host six matches during the Club World Cup, including three group-stage games, two round-of-16 matches, and one quarterfinal. The tournament is being seen as a valuable dress rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup, which arrives in Atlanta next year.
The Source: FOX 5 spoke with volunteers for the FIFA Club World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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