(GA. NEWS NETWORK)
*Georgia’s early voting surge is showing sharp divide between Democratic and Republican strongholds. A recent AJC analysis finds turnout is up nine percent in counties former Vice President Kamala Harris won in 2024, but virtually flat in counties President Donald Trump carried. In Augusta’s Richmond County, early turnout has jumped 65 percent compared with the same point in 2022, and several rural counties are seeing double-digit declines. The numbers show who is voting early, but not which candidates they’re supporting.
* A recent report details bad conditions at Valdosta State Prison. A new report is warning the Georgia Department of Corrections about alleged inhumane conditions at the place. The Southern Center for Human Rights sent a review to the corrections department earlier this month that outlines mold, vermin, hot temperatures and dysfunctional living spaces in the center. A Southern Center staff attorney called the conditions immoral and unconstitutional. The corrections department claims they’ve made improvements at the prison.
*A man is heading to prison for scamming an elderly person in Sandy Springs out of half-a-million dollars. A judge sentenced Javed Ashid to 14 years for taking part in the scheme. Sandy Springs police say Ashid convinced the victim he worked for the FDIC when the scam began in 2024. The victim reportedly gave him $500,000 after he warned their identity and financial accounts were at risk.
*A Clayton County police officer who was dragged by a car is out of the hospital. The police chief says the officer was pulled away when the suspect fled from a traffic stop Wednesday afternoon. The officer reportedly suffered minor injuries. A search is still underway for the suspect.