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Georgia drought report: Blame it on the rain

Recent storms eased drought conditions in Georgia, but every part of the state remains dry.

Climate

Recent storms helped relax Georgia&#x27;s drought in roughly one-fifth of the state, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report released Thursday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.drought.gov/states/georgia" data-vars-content-id="0ac800f4-4e0f-44fc-b082-0244204da659" data-vars-headline="Georgia drought report: Blame it on the rain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.drought.gov/states/georgia" target="_blank">report released Thursday</a>.Why it matters: Droughts reduce water flows and stress creeks and rivers, turn crops crispy and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fuel wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/28/wildfire-season-2026" data-vars-content-id="0ac800f4-4e0f-44fc-b082-0244204da659" data-vars-headline="Georgia drought report: Blame it on the rain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/28/wildfire-season-2026" target="_self">fuel wildfires</a> like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/04/13/georgia-wildfires-increasing-la-nina-drought-hurricane-helene-debris" data-vars-content-id="0ac800f4-4e0f-44fc-b082-0244204da659" data-vars-headline="Georgia drought report: Blame it on the rain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/04/13/georgia-wildfires-increasing-la-nina-drought-hurricane-helene-debris" target="_self">recent</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blazes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/04/27/wildfires-burn-acres-drought-south-georgia" data-vars-content-id="0ac800f4-4e0f-44fc-b082-0244204da659" data-vars-headline="Georgia drought report: Blame it on the rain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/04/27/wildfires-burn-acres-drought-south-georgia" target="_self">blazes</a> in south Georgia.

Northside Hospital expands emergency department to meet demand

The 67,000-square-foot expansion will add 18 treatment rooms, a new entrance and lobby, five triage rooms, EKG rooms, and a CT scanner in a two-story building.

Health

Northside Hospital Atlanta in Sandy Springs is expanding its emergency department footprint to respond to the steady increase in patients each year.Why it matters: As metro Atlanta <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/14/atlanta-population-growth-arc-region-fulton-henry-gwinnett-forsyth" data-vars-content-id="3382d792-2336-442d-8fa4-cacf95ef6aae" data-vars-headline="Northside Hospital expands emergency department to meet demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/14/atlanta-population-growth-arc-region-fulton-henry-gwinnett-forsyth" target="_self">grows</a>, area hospitals and medical facilities must meet the demand that comes with an expanding population.

What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill

Experts urge caution around cloudy water and sludge as authorities investigate the die-off.

Environment

An &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unprecedented" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/05/26/atlanta-rains-cause-unprecedented-fish-deaths-in-chattahoochee-river/90257898007/#" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/05/26/atlanta-rains-cause-unprecedented-fish-deaths-in-chattahoochee-river/90257898007/#" target="_blank">unprecedented</a>&quot; fish kill along the Chattahoochee River has sparked investigations and raised concerns about the precious waterway&#x27;s health.Catch up quick: City and state angencies are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investigating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/05/riverkeeper-warns-of-massive-fish-kill-on-the-chattahoochee-near-atlanta/" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/05/riverkeeper-warns-of-massive-fish-kill-on-the-chattahoochee-near-atlanta/" target="_blank">investigating</a> why a massive number of fish washed up dead along a 20-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee downstream of Peachtree Creek.The latest: Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Jason Ulseth <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/what-is-fish-kill-why-thousands-fish-suffocated-chattahoochee-river#" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/what-is-fish-kill-why-thousands-fish-suffocated-chattahoochee-river#" target="_blank">told</a> Fox 5 that warm and polluted stormwater runoff from recent heavy rains likely caused oxygen levels in the river to drop, suffocating the fish.<ul><li>Atlanta Department of Watershed Management commissioner Greg Eyerly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/27/atlanta-boil-water-advisory-notifyatl-emergency-alerts-council-hearing" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/27/atlanta-boil-water-advisory-notifyatl-emergency-alerts-council-hearing" target="_self">told</a> the Atlanta City Council Utilities Committee on Tuesday that his team was preparing an official report for state regulators.</li></ul>State of play: Ulseth <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://www.11alive.com/article/tech/science/environment/sludge-cited-as-source-of-chattahoochee-fish-kill/85-b81f5d47-35a5-4516-85ab-40ea489f4546#" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.11alive.com/article/tech/science/environment/sludge-cited-as-source-of-chattahoochee-fish-kill/85-b81f5d47-35a5-4516-85ab-40ea489f4546#" target="_blank">told</a> 11 Alive that recent rains have helped restore the river&#x27;s health.While the fish kill appears to have been concentrated south of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, the following tips will help keep you and your loved ones healthy:🐶 Pets: Watch where your pets are playing and what they&#x27;re drinking. Keep them away from any dead fish.<ul><li>Ulseth and Eyerly reported seeing a &quot;black sludge&quot; along the banks in some areas. Steer clear of that sludge.</li></ul>🧫 Bacteria levels: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Check bacteria levels" data-vars-click-url="https://ga.water.usgs.gov/bacteria/" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ga.water.usgs.gov/bacteria/" target="_blank">Check bacteria levels</a> along the river.<ul><li>A good rule of thumb: Avoid contact with cloudy water.</li></ul>🏊 Avoid swimming until authorities give the all-clear, especially if you have any open cuts or injuries.<ul><li>The Riverkeeper has a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chattahoochee swimming guide" data-vars-click-url="https://chattahoochee.org/swim-guide/" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chattahoochee.org/swim-guide/" target="_blank">Chattahoochee swimming guide</a> with good tips.</li></ul>The bottom line: The Chattahoochee&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/07/14/sally-bethea-chattahoochee-riverkeeper-book" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/07/14/sally-bethea-chattahoochee-riverkeeper-book" target="_self">history</a> is an inspiring story of how people can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="save a precious and resilient river" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/12/30/president-jimmy-carter-chattahoochee-river-national-park" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/12/30/president-jimmy-carter-chattahoochee-river-national-park" target="_self">save a precious and resilient river</a>.<ul><li>The past week&#x27;s fish kill was a reminder that the work, and the story, are not yet finished.</li></ul>

Atlanta weekend planner: Symphony, Fringe Fest, baseball

Richard Wagner, Tchaikovsky, farmers markets and live comedy.

Things to Do

Knowing is half the battle when you&#x27;re fighting the war on boredom. Here are great events to get you out of the house.🎼 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra music director Nathalie Stutzmann conducts Tchaikovsky&#x27;s Pathétique. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thurs.-Sat." data-vars-click-url="https://www.aso.org/events/detail/stutzmann-conducts-tchaikovsky" data-vars-content-id="1d2e10e3-4fe2-417e-b12d-f8c03425ef96" data-vars-headline="Atlanta weekend planner: Symphony, Fringe Fest, baseball" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aso.org/events/detail/stutzmann-conducts-tchaikovsky" target="_blank">Thurs.-Sat.</a>)

Fulton sheriff will stop booking some misdemeanor cases

People arrested in cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence and "aggravated misdemeanor circumstances" will still go to jail.

Public Safety

Criminal justice reform advocates are applauding Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat&#x27;s move to limit the number of people booked into the Rice Street Jail. Why it matters: The agency has been in a long-running fight to address crowding and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crumbling infrastructure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/12/fulton-county-jail-conditions" data-vars-content-id="99222078-d76b-4289-b580-a33f774d59cb" data-vars-headline="Fulton sheriff will stop booking some misdemeanor cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/12/fulton-county-jail-conditions" target="_self">crumbling infrastructure</a> at Rice Street.<ul><li>The jail has been plagued with violent assaults, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/05/23/lashawn-thompson-independent-autopsy-fulton-county-jail" data-vars-content-id="99222078-d76b-4289-b580-a33f774d59cb" data-vars-headline="Fulton sheriff will stop booking some misdemeanor cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/05/23/lashawn-thompson-independent-autopsy-fulton-county-jail" target="_self">deaths</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deteriorating conditions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/11/14/doj-investigation-grave-safety-failures-unconstitutional-conditions-at-fulton-county-jail" data-vars-content-id="99222078-d76b-4289-b580-a33f774d59cb" data-vars-headline="Fulton sheriff will stop booking some misdemeanor cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/11/14/doj-investigation-grave-safety-failures-unconstitutional-conditions-at-fulton-county-jail" target="_self">deteriorating conditions</a> that prompted a federal investigation and a subsequent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="consent decree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/01/03/fulton-jail-consent-decree" data-vars-content-id="99222078-d76b-4289-b580-a33f774d59cb" data-vars-headline="Fulton sheriff will stop booking some misdemeanor cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/01/03/fulton-jail-consent-decree" target="_self">consent decree</a>.</li></ul>

GBI reviewing case of former Fulton jail detainee's amputation

Rashaad Muhammad's case is the latest jail incident sparking  concerns over conditions at the facility.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the medical care a former Fulton County Jail detainee received that his attorneys said resulted in him losing his feet and his fingers. Why it matters: Rashaad Muhammad&#x27;s case is the latest incident involving a serious injury or death reported at the Fulton County Jail that has sparked concerns over conditions at the facility.

After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement

The proposal to renew its contract with the Atlanta-based company had been delayed twice over concerns about security.

After months of delays, security concerns and community angst, Dunwoody leaders approved a new contract with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock Safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/all-deals/2026/04/13/flock-safety-fundraising-surveillance-tech" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/all-deals/2026/04/13/flock-safety-fundraising-surveillance-tech" target="_self">Flock Safety</a> to continue operating license plate reader cameras in the city.Why it matters: While the Atlanta-based company remains generally popular among law enforcement agencies and governments, some cities are ending agreements over privacy issues and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/" target="_blank">concerns</a> about how federal immigration authorities can use collected information to track down and detain undocumented people.Driving the news: Dunwoody council members unanimously approved its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="master services agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/Flock%20Master%20Services%20Agreement.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31254&amp;publishId=39283&amp;isSection=false" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/Flock%20Master%20Services%20Agreement.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31254&amp;publishId=39283&amp;isSection=false" target="_blank">master services agreement</a> with Flock, a $15,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contract" data-vars-click-url="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/2026%200413%20(a)%20Flock%20OS911%20Contract.pdf.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31108&amp;publishId=39285&amp;isSection=false" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/2026%200413%20(a)%20Flock%20OS911%20Contract.pdf.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31108&amp;publishId=39285&amp;isSection=false" target="_blank">contract</a> to implement its OS 911 system for the police department, and an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/2026%200413%20(b)%20Flock-Dunwoody%20PD%2C%20DFR%20Expansion%20Agreement.pdf.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31109&amp;publishId=39288&amp;isSection=false" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/2026%200413%20(b)%20Flock-Dunwoody%20PD%2C%20DFR%20Expansion%20Agreement.pdf.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31109&amp;publishId=39288&amp;isSection=false" target="_blank">agreement</a> to use its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Drone as First Responder program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/25/fulton-sheriffs-office-drone-jail-contraband-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/25/fulton-sheriffs-office-drone-jail-contraband-atlanta" target="_self">Drone as First Responder program</a> for $200,000. Catch up quick: The vote to approve the 12-month agreement with Flock had been delayed in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="February" data-vars-click-url="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/02/25/dunwoody-flock-contract-911/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/02/25/dunwoody-flock-contract-911/" target="_blank">February</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="March" data-vars-click-url="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/03/26/dunwoody-flock-safety-contract-march-update/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/03/26/dunwoody-flock-safety-contract-march-update/" target="_blank">March</a> after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="YouTuber" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/@BennJordan/videos" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BennJordan/videos" target="_blank">YouTuber</a> Benn Jordan showed Dunwoody leaders how he was able to hack into the camera system.What they&#x27;re saying: Jordan, who lives in Mableton, told Axios cities like Dunwoody should &quot;make sure that you have an independent security audit before having a surveillance vendor.&quot; <ul><li>During Monday&#x27;s Council meeting, resident Jason Hunyar alleged, based on public records he requested, that a Flock employee &quot;initiated&quot; viewing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a live camera feed" data-vars-click-url="https://jasonhunyar.substack.com/p/why-are-flock-employees-watching-720" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jasonhunyar.substack.com/p/why-are-flock-employees-watching-720" target="_blank">a live camera feed</a> at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantajcc.org/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantajcc.org/" target="_blank">Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta</a>.</li><li>Flock employees <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accessed cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/04/14/dunwoody-flock-safety-contract-passed/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/04/14/dunwoody-flock-safety-contract-passed/" target="_blank">accessed cameras</a> in the fitness center, pool area and gymnastics room, Hunyar said.</li><li>Fellow Dunwoody resident Jessica Burbank told Council members Flock is &quot;building a national network of surveillance cameras.&quot; </li><li>&quot;I think it&#x27;s time to carefully consider if this is really how we want to live in America,&quot; she said.</li></ul>The other side: Mayor Lynn Deutsch said she was &quot;concerned and perplexed&quot; when the camera at MJCCA was accessed by a Flock employee. <ul><li>Deutsch said Flock&#x27;s previous agreement with Dunwoody allowed the company to use the city&#x27;s network of cameras for demonstrations.</li><li>The agreement approved Monday no longer contains that provision, and Flock spokesperson Holly Beilin told Axios the company sent a letter of apology to MJCCA.</li><li>Chris Castaldo, Flock&#x27;s chief information security officer, addressed in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blog published last month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-cybersecurity-how-we-protect-customer-community-data" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-cybersecurity-how-we-protect-customer-community-data" target="_blank">blog published last month</a> security concerns and how it protects data collected by license plate readers.</li></ul>The big picture: Beilin said concerns over license plate reader technology are part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="larger national conversation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/doorbell-cams-and-surveillance-tech-face-growing-public-backlash" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/doorbell-cams-and-surveillance-tech-face-growing-public-backlash" target="_self">larger national conversation</a> over surveillance, data, privacy and security.<ul><li>&quot;That being said, we have to build trust with communities so that they understand that this data is secure and that it&#x27;s being used in a way that aligns with their values,&quot; Beilin told Axios.</li><li>Flock now <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has new compliance tools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flocksafety.com/trust/compliance-tools" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flocksafety.com/trust/compliance-tools" target="_blank">has new compliance tools</a> that allow clients to tweak settings to prohibit immigration-related searches or get flags when unusual search patterns are made by users, for example.</li></ul>Zoom out: Cities across the country are cutting ties with Flock.<ul><li>Denver Mayor Mike Johnston <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said in February" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/24/denver-replace-flock-surveillance-axon-license-plate-readers" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/24/denver-replace-flock-surveillance-axon-license-plate-readers" target="_self">said in February</a> the city would not renew its contract with the Atlanta-based company, and instead <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approved" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/01/axon-license-plate-reader-contract-approved" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/01/axon-license-plate-reader-contract-approved" target="_self">approved</a> a contract with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/18/new-proposed-license-plate-reader-company-dhs-ties" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/18/new-proposed-license-plate-reader-company-dhs-ties" target="_self">Axon</a> to provide license plate reader technology.</li><li>City Council members in San Diego late last year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urged" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/12/city-council-flock-alternatives-license-plate-reader-police-surveillance" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/12/city-council-flock-alternatives-license-plate-reader-police-surveillance" target="_self">urged</a> the police department to seek alternatives to Flock for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="citywide license plate reader program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" target="_self">citywide license plate reader program</a> but ended up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="maintaining" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" target="_self">maintaining</a> its contract with the company.</li><li>Several cities in California, including Santa Cruz and Mountain View, have ended agreements with Flock, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the Guardian" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/apr/06/flock-cameras-privacy-concerns" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/apr/06/flock-cameras-privacy-concerns" target="_blank">according to the Guardian</a>.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Whether cities that have agreements with Flock will begin to feel pressure from residents who have concerns about the technology.

APD offers $15K reward for info in teen's fatal shooting at Piedmont Park

16-year-old Tianah Robinson was shot and killed Saturday night at the park.

The city of Atlanta is offering a $15,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the fatal shooting of a teenager Saturday night at Piedmont Park.The latest: Atlanta police are reviewing license plate readers, cameras and cellphone videos to identify suspects in the shooting that killed 16-year-old Tianah Robinson and injured 15-year-old Italia Wilson, said assistant chief Carven Tyus.

Fulton sheriff's office deploys drone to patrol for contraband

The sheriff's office is using Flock Safety's Drone-as-First-Responder program.

The Fulton County Sheriff&#x27;s Office is partnering with Atlanta-based Flock Safety to roll out a Drone-as-First-Responder system.Why it matters: The program, which the sheriff&#x27;s office said is the first to launch at a local jail, is the latest example of law enforcement agencies turning to technology to perform tasks traditionally done by officers.

Fulton County approves massive Rice Street jail renovation plan

County commissioners approved a proposal that calls for building a new facility and making major improvements to Rice Street.

News

Fulton County&#x27;s commissioners are embarking on a long-range plan to improve its troubled jail and build a new facility to house vulnerable detainees.Why it matters: Wednesday&#x27;s decision by the county, which is under a federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="consent decree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/01/03/fulton-jail-consent-decree" data-vars-content-id="ba6285ff-aacb-43c7-b349-888bb1f83c61" data-vars-headline="Fulton County approves massive Rice Street jail renovation plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/01/03/fulton-jail-consent-decree" target="_self">consent decree</a> to improve poor conditions at the main jail known as Rice Street, is the latest in a series of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="initiatives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/06/17/fulton-county-billion-dollar-jail" data-vars-content-id="ba6285ff-aacb-43c7-b349-888bb1f83c61" data-vars-headline="Fulton County approves massive Rice Street jail renovation plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/06/17/fulton-county-billion-dollar-jail" target="_self">initiatives</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/12/fulton-county-jail-conditions" data-vars-content-id="ba6285ff-aacb-43c7-b349-888bb1f83c61" data-vars-headline="Fulton County approves massive Rice Street jail renovation plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/12/fulton-county-jail-conditions" target="_self">plans</a> put forth over the years to solve its myriad problems.

Fulton proposes to renovate Rice Street jail, build mental health facility

Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts said it would take about five years to build the mental health facility for detainees.

Fulton County leaders are expected to consider a plan Wednesday that would build a &quot;special purpose facility&quot; to house detainees with mental health issues and renovate its long-troubled Rice Street jail.Why it matters: The Fulton County Jail is under a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal consent decree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/01/03/fulton-jail-consent-decree" data-vars-content-id="ba728677-c62d-4f62-b198-8b297ffd37f4" data-vars-headline="Fulton proposes to renovate Rice Street jail, build mental health facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/01/03/fulton-jail-consent-decree" target="_self">federal consent decree</a>, a legally binding document that requires the county to improve the facility&#x27;s poor conditions, which were identified by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Department of Justice investigators" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/11/14/doj-investigation-grave-safety-failures-unconstitutional-conditions-at-fulton-county-jail" data-vars-content-id="ba728677-c62d-4f62-b198-8b297ffd37f4" data-vars-headline="Fulton proposes to renovate Rice Street jail, build mental health facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/11/14/doj-investigation-grave-safety-failures-unconstitutional-conditions-at-fulton-county-jail" target="_self">U.S. Department of Justice investigators</a> following a civil rights <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/13/doj-georgia-fulton-county-jail-investigation" data-vars-content-id="ba728677-c62d-4f62-b198-8b297ffd37f4" data-vars-headline="Fulton proposes to renovate Rice Street jail, build mental health facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/13/doj-georgia-fulton-county-jail-investigation" target="_self">investigation</a>.

Grand jury declines to indict ex-cop in tasing death of Atlanta deacon

Johnny Hollman Sr. died Aug. 10, 2023, after he was tased by former Atlanta officer Kiran Kimbrough during an accident investigation.

The family of an Atlanta man who died after he was tased by an officer during a crash investigation said they will continue to seek justice after a Fulton County grand jury decided not to indict the former cop.Why it matters: Sunday marks two years since Johnny Hollman Sr. died after he was fatally tased by Kiran Kimbrough, who was later <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fired" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/10/10/police-officer-fired-johnny-hollman-death" data-vars-content-id="b6a6ec7f-a75b-437c-a602-2fe372e5646d" data-vars-headline="Grand jury declines to indict ex-cop in tasing death of Atlanta deacon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/10/10/police-officer-fired-johnny-hollman-death" target="_self">fired</a> by the Atlanta Police Department for not following the agency&#x27;s protocols.

1 year after shooting, mother of man killed by APD cop still seeks justice

Valerie Anderson is calling on the Atlanta Police Department to fire Melvin Potter, who shot and killed her son outside a bar in South Fulton.

Tuesday marks one year since an off-duty Atlanta police officer shot and killed Devon Anderson outside a bar in South Fulton.Why it matters: Since Anderson&#x27;s death, his mother, Valerie, has repeatedly called for the Atlanta Police Department to fire Melvin Potter, the officer who pulled the trigger.

Despite violent weekend, Atlanta touts drop in homicides

Police Chief Schierbaum said detectives are investigating 12 shootings that killed two people and injured 29 since Friday.

Despite Atlanta&#x27;s weekend of a dozen shootings that left two people dead and more than two dozen injured, officials say the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homicide rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/02/20/homicides-in-atlanta-other-large-cities-fell-in-2024" data-vars-content-id="a42ded08-3242-4b7f-8f35-3a4c1650fb85" data-vars-headline="Despite violent weekend, Atlanta touts drop in homicides" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/02/20/homicides-in-atlanta-other-large-cities-fell-in-2024" target="_self">homicide rate</a> is moving in the right direction.Driving the news: Chief Darin Schierbaum and Mayor Andre Dickens addressed the weekend shootings during a news conference Monday at Atlanta Police Department&#x27;s public safety headquarters.<ul><li>&quot;We haven&#x27;t had a weekend like this in a long time, maybe two years or more,&quot; Dickens said, adding the summer months are often the most challenging when it comes to gun violence in Atlanta communities.</li></ul>