Tropical Storm, Kemp Talks COVID, Donated Backpacks: News Nearby

There was plenty of news across Georgia on Monday. If you missed any of it on your local Patch, here's a roundup of the top stories from the past 24 hours.

• 'Pedestrian Scramble' Opens Wednesday In Downtown Alpharetta
• Unattended Grill Sparks Blaze At Gwinnett Townhome Complex

Two GA Firefighters Die Of COVID-19 Complications

Two first responders — one in Carroll County, one in Barrow — died over the weekend from COVID-19, according to social-media posts.

Tropical Storm Fred Expected To Bring Flash Flooding To GA

Nearly all of Georgia is under a flash flood watch through Wednesday due to Tropical Storm Fred, which may bring up to 5 inches of rain.

North Fulton Charities Distributes 1,800+ Backpacks To Children

North Fulton Community Charities' annual back to school program gave backpacks filled with supplies to over 1,800 students this year.

Wellstar Douglas 'Severely Overcrowded,' Turning Away Patients

A website tracking Georgia hospital capacity for ambulance services reports Wellstar Douglas Hospital in a state of "total diversion."

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Also Worth A Look Today:

• Rain Cancels Lane Shift Plan On Windy Hill Road
• Enjoy Martinis, Music In Marietta Friday Night
• Bartow Area Food-Service Inspections: Cass High, Woodland High
• 3 Things To Know From Marietta City Council
• Over 1,000 People Get COVID Vaccinations In DeKalb County
• Livestreamed Threats Against Judge Puts Man Back Behind Bars
• Children's Haven Playground Built For Cherokee County Foster Kids
• European-Style Market Il Bottegone Coming To Halcyon
• Decatur Helps Online Businesses Become Brick-And-Mortar Stores
• Coffee With A Cop Set For Tuesday In Woodstock

Across America

• Biden 'Squarely Behind' Decision To Leave Afghanistan: Replay
• Closing Hard-To-Delete Online Accounts: Tips From Consumer Reports
• Family Cottage Saved From Fire With Help From Ring Alarm
• Like Bees To Honey: Helping Pollinators Form Healthier Colonies
• Food Stamp Increase From Biden The Largest In Program's History