Defense & Foreign Policy: The U.S. House narrowly passed a record $1.15 trillion 2027 defense bill, sending it to the Senate; it includes a pay raise and a Georgia-related requirement for a classified report on Russian and Chinese intelligence influence in the Caucasus. Elections & Voting Security: Georgia is in the spotlight again as President Trump pushes stricter voting rules nationwide during a Marietta rally, while Georgia election officials also face scrutiny over tools used to flag questionable voter registrations. Trump Accounts in Georgia: Trump promoted his “Trump Accounts” child savings program at a metro Atlanta high school, but some parents say the promised $1,000 deposit is delayed. AI Data Centers in Effingham: OpenAI announced a 3.2-gigawatt Georgia Power deal for Project Camellia, pledging community benefits and saying residents won’t pay extra electricity costs. Public Safety: A plea deal hearing is set for the accused suspect in the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting. Local Governance & Tech Oversight: Georgia’s election board is promoting a new voter-roll tool ahead of midterms, as concerns about accuracy and misuse continue to swirl. Business & Community: Aveanna set its Q2 earnings release for Aug. 13, and metro Atlanta dining news includes new openings like Summerland in Cartersville-farm-themed Upper West Market.