Stay informed about government news and updates in Atlanta, GA.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs was denied bail for the second time following a sex trafficking indictment, with a judge stating that there is a significant risk of witness tampering. Combs, who pleaded not guilty, faces serious accusations involving the exploitation of victims in drug-induced sexual performances.
Vice President Kamala Harris has condemned Georgia's abortion law following reports that two women, including Amber Thurman, died as a result of the legislation. The report claims the deaths may have been preventable and has sparked national attention on the implications of the law.
Julie Chrisley's attorney is requesting permission for her to wear civilian clothing during her upcoming resentencing hearing in Atlanta. This request comes as Chrisley, who has already served 21 months of a seven-year sentence for bank fraud, prepares for the court date set for September 25. An appeals court recently ruled in her favor, citing insufficient evidence of her involvement in the fraud scheme.
Sanjay Patel, a former attorney from Georgia, has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining nearly $300,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) during the COVID-19 pandemic and laundering over $250,000 from unrelated investor fraud schemes. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who misuse government relief programs. Patel's actions reflect ongoing efforts to combat pandemic-related fraud.
A man named Ryan Wesley Routh was apprehended after allegedly attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump while he was golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida. U.S. Secret Service agents fired upon Routh after spotting him with a firearm, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. This incident marks a significant security breach during the ongoing 2024 presidential campaign.
College Park's mayor, Bianca Motley Broom, has filed a second lawsuit against the city council, alleging that they violated the Georgia Open Meetings Act by censuring her in a closed-door session. The lawsuit follows the council's recent discussions on hiring a new city manager after the abrupt removal of the previous manager.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has refused to comply with a subpoena from a Georgia state Senate committee investigating her conduct, claiming the request is "unlawful." The committee has since hired an attorney to enforce the subpoena, intensifying the legal conflict.
DeKalb County Schools employees are facing significant financial strain due to ongoing payroll issues that have resulted in delayed and incomplete paychecks. Many workers report falling behind on bills, with some struggling to pay for essential services like childcare. The district is working with its payroll provider to resolve these issues, but employees remain anxious about their financial stability.
The jury in the Young Thug and YSL trial was unexpectedly sent home due to an unspecified issue with a jury member. The trial is notable for being the longest in Georgia's history, and testimony had been provided regarding past criminal incidents linked to the case.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens addressed the ongoing issue of gun violence in America following a tragic incident in Winder, Georgia, which resulted in multiple fatalities. He emphasized the need for commonsense gun legislation to prevent similar tragedies and highlighted the city's investments in community resources to combat violent crime.