🌱 West Nile Virus Found In BeltLine Mosquito + PeachFest Returns

Morning, everybody! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Atlanta Daily — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town.

First, today's weather:

A heavy t-storm in the p.m.. High: 84 Low: 69.

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Here are the top five stories in Atlanta today:

1. A mosquito found near the Atlanta BeltLine has tested positive for the West Nile Virus, according to the Fulton County Board of Health. Though the virus was only found in a single mosquito, officials remind the community that the warm weather and recent rain create an ideal breeding ground for the insects. Residents are encouraged to mitigate the spread by removing any containers with standing water from their property, using mosquito repellant, and covering exposed skin when possible. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
2. For the first time since July 2019, PeachFest will return to the Peachtree Center downtown. Between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jul. 26, attendees can head to The Plaza to enjoy Atlanta's best eats and drinks while celebrating the peach season. Visit peachfest.org for more details on the event. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
3. So far in 2022, the Atlanta Police Department has reported at least seven incidents where guns have been recovered inside gas stations and convenience stores. Officers have reportedly found guns hidden behind candy bars and in coolers — "areas where [the guns have] been stashed to protect a drug trade that is operating out of there," according to Interim Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. Local leaders have recently proposed legislation to improve safety and reduce the likelihood of violent crime at Atlanta gas stations. (CBS 46 News)
4. If you're looking for a new house, don't miss these upcoming open houses in and around Atlanta. There's an open house in nearby Decatur this Saturday, Jul. 16 at 1:00 p.m., as well as four additional open houses on Sunday (take your pick!). Visit Patch to view all five upcoming open houses, including pictures, specs, and scheduling. (Atlanta Patch)
5. A new wave of COVID cases is hitting Georgia, according to the state's Department of Public Health. The BA.5 variant, even more transmissible than the older BA.2 subvariant, currently makes up over 65 percent of presently-circulating cases. Health officials recommend continuing the use of mitigation strategies, including wearing masks and getting vaccinated. (GBP News)

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Today in Atlanta:

• Take And Make Craft: Fish At Brookhaven Branch Library (All Day)
• Music On The Patio Series At Seven Lamps (6:00 PM)
• Pianist Oli Silk: South City Jazz, Hosted By West Byrd At St. James Live (7:30 PM)
• Auroras: Lights Of Wonder At Fernbank Science Center (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Atlanta Police Foundation is hosting Summerfest at APD Mounted Patrol Barn on Tuesday, Jul. 26. Come enjoy a meet and greet with the horses of the Atlanta Police Department, as well as food, games, and more. (City of Atlanta Police Department via Facebook)
• Atlanta City Council member Keshia Waites will host a mental health symposium Thursday, Jul. 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Waites is partnering with mental health service providers and subject matter experts to address the issue of mental illness. (Atlanta City Council via Facebook)
• On Friday, Sep. 30, the Atlanta Botanical Garden hosts An Evening with Melissa Etheridge: One Way Out Tour. Member tickets, which include a $5 per-ticket discount, are available now; non-member tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday, Jul. 15). (Atlanta Botanical Garden via Facebook)

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Events:

• Salsa ATL's Dinner & Latin Night @ Tony's John's Creek (July 16)
• The City Of East Point Wednesday Wind In the Point (July 27)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.