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Voter outreach in full swing in metro Atlanta ahead of Election Day

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Voter outreach in full swing in metro Atlanta ahead of Election Day


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – James White III, a former prisoner-turned-prosecutor, was told in the 2016 election that he couldn’t vote.

“That was because they said I wasn’t finished with my probation,” he said.

White said he had already paid his dues to society and could have been offered the option to fill out what is called a felon affidavit.

“It says, ‘Yes, I’ve committed a felony and I’ve completed that sentence and now I want to vote,’” said White.

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He said a certificate of sentence completion also helps. He is now making sure those who were locked up know that they can vote, as long as they have finished their sentence or probation.

“There are so many people who have felony convictions that are done with probation. That means there are a ton of people out there ready to vote,” said White.

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Nonprofits like New Georgia Project are also reaching out.

“Our goal is really to reach that hard-to-find voter,” said Stephanie Jackson-Ali, policy director of New Georgia Project.

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They will be offering free rides to the polls on Election Day.

“These are often seniors who are unable to drive themselves, or members within the disability community,” said Jackson-Ali.

The nonprofit is also spreading the word to young adults.

“They might be moving apartments frequently. They are working jobs with particularly irregular hours,” Jackson-Ali said.

Both Gwinnett and Fulton counties said they’re ready for any voter who shows up Tuesday.

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“We are going to run the best election in the United States of America tomorrow morning,” said Robb Pitts, chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Gwinnett County is also beefing up election security, adding more police officers around the county.

This is happening as all eyes are set on battleground states such as Georgia.

If you are a convicted felon hoping to learn more about your voting rights, Georgia Justice Project can help. They can be reached at 404-827-0027 ext. 248 or Ann@GJP.org.

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Atlanta, GA

1 teenage girl killed, another injured in shooting at Piedmont Park, police say

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1 teenage girl killed, another injured in shooting at Piedmont Park, police say


Editor’s note: The video above is from an earlier report.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A teenage girl was killed and another was injured in a shooting at Piedmont Park on Saturday night, according to Atlanta police.

The shooting prompted a large police response to the Midtown Atlanta park around 9 p.m., soon after a festival there celebrating the city’s 404 Day, which drew thousands of people, wrapped up.

Upon arrival, officers located two girls with gunshot wounds.

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Paramedics pronounced one victim, a 16-year-old, dead at the scene. Her identity has not been released.

The second victim, a 15-year-old, was alert, conscious and breathing, and was taken to the hospital, police said.

Soon after the incident, a witness told Atlanta News First that hundreds of people took off running after dozens of shots were fired.

Police said the park’s permitted 404 Day festival concluded around 7:45 p.m.

“At this time, there is no information indicating that the shooting is connected to that event,” police said.

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Instead, the department’s “preliminary investigation indicates the incident stemmed from an unpermitted gathering that occurred near the far west end of the park,” the opposite side of the park from where the festival was being held, police said.

Earlier, a witness told Atlanta News First there was also a “teen takeover” event in the park Saturday night.

There is a large police presence at Piedmont Park on Saturday night.

Officers were seen gathered around Lake Clara Meer in the heart of the park.

Police shut down surrounding streets, and video captured an ambulance at 12th Street NE and Piedmont Avenue, at the southwest corner of the park.

Police have not announced suspects.

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This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.



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Atlanta, GA

Driver dies after head-on crash with MARTA bus in NW Atlanta

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Driver dies after head-on crash with MARTA bus in NW Atlanta


A driver died on April 4, 2026, after colliding head-on with a MARTA bus in northwest Atlanta. (FOX 5) 

A Jeep driver died in the hospital Saturday morning after their SUV crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a MARTA bus in northwest Atlanta.

What we know:

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Atlanta police responded to the crash around 8:14 a.m. near 266 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive NW.

When they arrived, they discovered a MARTA bus, and a Jeep Patriot had collided head-on. 

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The driver of the Jeep Patriot was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and later died from their injuries. 

No one on the bus was reportedly injured, police said, 

Investigators said that the Jeep Patriot had crossed into the opposing travel lane when it crashed into the MARTA bus. 

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An investigation is ongoing. 

What we don’t know:

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Authorities have not yet released the name of the driver who died. 

It also remains unclear why the Jeep traveled into the opposing lane of traffic before the impact.

The Source: Information in this report comes from the Atlanta Police Department. 

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta gears up for 404 Day 2026

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Atlanta gears up for 404 Day 2026


Atlanta is set to celebrate its rich culture and global influence this Saturday with a massive lineup of 404 Day events, including a downtown parade, a 5K run, and a music festival at Piedmont Park.

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