Atlanta News First

Supporters of Attorney General Chris Carr launched an attack ad this week against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who has not announced a 2026 Georgia governor's campaign yet but is widely assumed to be the race's frontrunner when he does announce. Also: the U.S. Supreme Court has issued a ruling affecting transgender care for minors nationwide; U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene comes out in opposition of any American military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict; state Sen. Jason Esteves picks up more endorsements in his Georgia governor's campaign, while former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms own gubernatorial bid is getting off to a slow start.

Protests and demonstrations continue growing across the U.S. over President Donald Trump's efforts to arrest and deport alleged criminals who, the administration claims, are in the nation illegally. 

Georgians began receiving their state income tax rebates this week, a hallmark of Republican Brian Kemp's two terms as governor. The outgoing governor has set a roadmap for electoral success for Republicans to follow, and difficult for Democrats to challenge. Also: State Rep. Derrick Jackson announces his governor's campaign on Friday; State Sen. John F. Kennedy joins the lieutenant governor's race while the world waits on current Lt. Gov. Burt Jones' gubernatorial announcement; and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene comes out against President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill."

More than a dozen key Atlanta lawmakers endorsed state Sen. Jason Esteves in his Democratic bid for governor this week, choosing him over former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Also: U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter releases an ad attacking Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff for his support of transgender rights; and the Georgia Supreme Court reaffirms the age 21 handgun carry limit in the Peach State.

Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms is officially a candidate for Georgia governor in 2026. But from her one term as Atlanta mayor to any knowledge of then-President Joe Biden's cognitive decline as a member of his administration, the candidate who wants to become the nation's first Black female governor is facing a lot of questions.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have declined to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in his 2026 reelection bid. So far, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter and Georgia Insurance and Fire Commissioner John King have thrown their hats into the GOP Senate primary, with more candidates perhaps on the way. 

A man accused of trying to kidnap a toddler at an Acworth Walmart was released from jail after a month and a half behind bars.

Mahendra Patel, 57, from Kennesaw, was arrested in March after a mother said Patel grabbed her child in the store. But Patel’s attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, claims he was just trying to help the mother, who had her hands full and was riding on a handicapped shopping cart with two kids.

Cobb County Superior Court Judge A. Gregory Poole granted Patel a $10,000 bond, which was met by cheers and applause in the courtroom.

US Rep. Marjorie Taylor is facing calls for her censure after a social media post she made after the death of Pope Francis was announced. Also: Greene said she could win Georgia's GOP Senate nomination if Gov. Brian Kemp doesn't run; Democrat state Sen. Jason Esteves said he's running governor in 2026, while Jason Carter rules out - for now - another gubernatorial run.

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff, died Monday at the age of 88.

Emory University Professor of Catholic Studies Dr. Susan Reynolds weighs in on the life and lasting legacy of Pope Francis.