5 things to know today: Obama declares state of emergency in Georgia

1. President declares state of emergency in Georgia. As Hurricane Matthew edged closer to the Florida coast early Friday, President Obama declared a state of emergency in Georgia. [But when will it hit Georgia?]

2. FEMA unofficially uses 'Waffle House Index' to gauge disasters. One lesser-known indicator emergency management officials use is whether or not Waffle Houses are open. [What are the three stages of Waffle House Index.]

3. Hawks open preseason with win behind Tavares' double-double. The Hawks won their exhibition opener with a 104-83 victory at the Grizzlies Thursday night. [Read more.]

4. Cobb County Schools Superintendent: Kneeling athletes would be benched. If student athletes took a knee during the national anthem, Cobb County Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said "their asses would be benched." [Read more.]

5. Exclusive: Tex McIver says he shot wife by accident. Atlanta attorney Claud "Tex" McIver told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today that he accidentally shot and killed his wife as they rode in their SUV near Piedmont Park last week. ["There's nothing I want to do but join her," he said.]

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Erica Hernandez

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Small-town Georgia DA brings almost as many RICO cases as Fulton’s Fani Willis

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