A College Park resident has obtained a wealth of public records that she says point to a conflict of interest involving the city, a public official and a vendor paid more than $1 million by College Park over two fiscal years. The vendor is RSW Services, which is owned by Subrenia Willis, chairwoman of College […]
Author Archives: Adrianne Murchison
Posted inAdrianne Murchison, Columns
Nonprofit builds confidence, workforce skills for young adults with disabilities
In a matter of months, Jordan Rowland’s confidence has soared. Last September, the 24-year-old, who lives with autism, joined a cohort in Bobby Dodd Institute’s Elevate Academy. He says he doubted his ability to succeed in the workplace and wasn’t sure what career path might be right for him. Over the program’s eight months, Rowland […]
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Restaurant owner’s back-to-school bash kicks off larger community mission
A back-to-school bash in College Park this weekend represents more than festivities and giveaways for organizers Shawn Perkins and LaKresha Williams. The women see the event as the first step in building Ask For a Better Life, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding personal development, wellness, workforce training and other supportive services in an underserved College […]
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College Park transparency questions rile city attorney
College Park government is providing no shortage of material for local news coverage during these hazy summer days. But one word seems to dog the city year-round: transparency. That question has resurfaced in College Park following city attorney Winston Denmark’s response to the Georgia Attorney General’s Office concerning residents’ complaints alleging violation of the Open […]
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Savannah meeting prompts citizen activist to sue College Park officials
College Park maintains there was nothing improper or illegal about city council’s decision to select a new destination marketing organization during a special-called meeting in Savannah in June. But, now a government-transparency advocate has filed a lawsuit against the four council members, the city manager, city clerk and city attorney, alleging violations of Georgia’s Open […]
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AileyCamp Atlanta performers shine amid downtown FIFA festivities
The Atlanta Cultural Exchange overflowed with dance, African rhythms, music and spoken word Tuesday as dozens of young performers from AileyCamp Atlanta took the stage for an end-of-summer performance. The show often extended offstage with performers dancing just steps from the audience, exuding the self-confidence and creativity cultivated during the four-week camp. “…Spirit enlightens the […]
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New Ronald McDonald House intentionally designed for healing, comfort and connection
Ronald McDonald House Atlanta is already seeing the demand that prompted leaders to accelerate construction of its new facility on the campus of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Arthur M. Blank Hospital. Originally planned as a two-phase project, the $81 million facility was completed last year to meet growing demand from families of children receiving medical […]
Posted inAdrianne Murchison, Columns
Dress for Success Georgia rebrands and expands workforce training statewide
The Atlanta nonprofit Dress for Success is expanding its workforce development services statewide under a new name, Dress for Success Georgia. The organization, which helps women enter and re-enter the workforce through professional attire, job-readiness training and more, is marking the expansion with the debut of a bright pink Mercedes-Benz Sprinter mobile career center donated […]
Posted inAdrianne Murchison, Columns
College Park councilman ordered to repay public funds, pay penalties for ethics violations
A College Park councilman has been ordered to repay public funds and pay penalties for state ethics violations that residents say center on accountability and the misuse of taxpayer money. Councilman Roderick Gay agreed to a consent order with the Georgia State Ethics Commission requiring him to refund $3,262 to the city and pay $2,000 […]
Posted inAdrianne Murchison, Columns
Metro tourism officials say College Park’s marketing pick falsely claimed them as clients
Documents suggest that either due diligence was not done on the firm College Park selected as its new destination marketing organization, or city officials were aware of alleged false information included in the winning bidder’s proposal. Chris Hardman President and CEO of the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association has filed a complaint with the Georgia […]
Posted inAdrianne Murchison, Columns
College Park mayor inducted into Georgia Municipal Government Hall of Fame
While College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom has seen her authority constrained by city council, her leadership has been recognized by the Georgia Municipal Association. Motley Broom was inducted into the Georgia Municipal Government Hall of Fame during the organization’s annual convention in Savannah last weekend. She received the honor while remaining at odds with […]
Posted inAdrianne Murchison, Columns
Attorney General seeks answers on latest allegations against College Park
After more than two years of residents filing complaints with the Attorney General’s Office alleging a lack of transparency and violations of the Open Meetings Act by College Park officials, recent city council actions are drawing increased scrutiny from state officials. Senior Assistant Attorney General Kristen Settlemire sent a June 30 letter to city attorney […]
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Concerned about city transparency, 15 residents drive to Savannah for unusual College Park council meeting
A College Park City Council meeting held in Savannah on Sunday to select a new destination marketing organization is drawing criticism from residents, the mayor, and the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association over transparency and whether the city followed state law. Residents said they believe the meeting was held 240 miles away from College Park […]
Posted inAdrianne Murchison, Columns
Former Atlantan talks ‘Toy Story 5’ role, ‘Eat Happy’ culinary brand
Former Atlantan and Whole World Improv Theatre co-founder Anna Vocino has achieved a longtime dream shared by many voice actors: landing a role in a Pixar film. Vocino is the voice of Mrs. Potato Head in “Toy Story 5,” which opened June 19. “Every voice actor wants to be in a Pixar movie,” Vocino said. […]
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Children’s Healthcare opens new pediatric clinic in Southwest Atlanta
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is expanding pediatric care into Southwest Atlanta with the opening of a new primary care clinic on Monday. Children’s Adamsville Pediatrics, located at 3571 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive S.W., will provide care for patients from birth through age 21. The practice will offer routine checkups, treatment for chronic illnesses and […]
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Shared focus on mental health connect Atlanta Women’s Foundation, Goldie Hawn
As the Atlanta Women’s Foundation works to support organizations serving women and girls, its leaders are gaining a deeper understanding of how financial hardship and mental health are intertwined. For a single mother struggling to pay rent, keep the lights on and put food on the table, concerns about mental and emotional well-being often take […]
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Photo Gallery: Sandy Springs Juneteenth draws over 1,000 for the festivities
More than 1,000 people gathered in Sandy Springs for the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration. The evening featured music, dance, spoken word, food and community both inside the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center and outside on the City Green. Slide photos above to see images. Now in its third year, the indoor celebration was spearheaded by […]
Posted inAdrianne Murchison, Columns
Parents sue Grady over teen’s death, alleged failure to respond to 911 call
The parents of Amanda Sylvester are suing Grady Hospital and Grady EMS for failing to provide ambulance transport and emergency medical care to their daughter on Dec. 5, 2024. Barbara and Anthony Sylvester have assembled a legal team that includes Malone Law, The Moore Law Firm and attorney Ben Crump. The attorneys filed the lawsuit […]
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Metro Atlanta communities celebrate Juneteenth
Communities across metro Atlanta are hosting Juneteenth festivals, performances, markets and family-friendly events over the next several days. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when Texas learned that slavery had ended and the last of the enslaved people were to be freed. Historian Henry Louis Gates […]
Posted inAdrianne Murchison, Columns
Boys & Girls Clubs honors Youth of the Year winners at Georgia Aquarium
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America presented its Youth of the Year awards June 11 during a ceremony at the Georgia Aquarium. Enrique R.L. of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County in Florida was named the 2026 Southeast Youth of the Year, and Kate P. of the Boys & Girls Clubs […]
