For families forced from their homes by Washington’s wildfires, help can come in the form of something as basic as diapers, hygiene supplies or infant care items. CARE, the Atlanta-based humanitarian organization behind the CARE PACKAGE, is supporting local organizations in the Spokane area as Washington faces one of its most severe fire seasons in […]
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Resident scrutinizes $1M in College Park contracts awarded to company owned by appointed official
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 […]
Posted inGabi Hart
Westside Stride Block Party returns to transform Howell Mill Road into a community gathering space
The Upper Westside will once again become a car-free gathering space this fall as the fourth annual Westside Stride Block Party returns Sunday, Nov. 8 from noon to 6 p.m. The free event will take place along Howell Mill Road between Eighth Street and 17th Street, transforming the corridor into a space for walking, biking […]
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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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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 […]
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As Dunwoody Toastmasters turns 40, members share stories of growth
Just over a year ago, Osayuki Uwumarogie walked away from a presentation at work feeling defeated. Determined to improve her public speaking skills, Uwumarogie joined the Dunwoody Toastmasters Club. In May, she won first place in the Toastmasters District Table Topics Contest, a competition that challenges participants to deliver impromptu speeches in response to a […]
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Retiring ACLU leader Andrea Young says democracy is at stake in November
On a day dedicated to celebrating her retirement as executive director of ACLU Georgia, part of Andrea Young’s attention remained fixed on the work. After nearly a decade leading the organization, Young said she is stepping away from her role, but not from her commitment to the issues that have defined much of her career: […]
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Robb Pitts, Mo Ivory face off for Fulton chair
Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts will face former Commissioner Mo Ivory in a June 16 runoff election. Pitts and Ivory emerged from a three-person primary race Tuesday that also included Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. According to Fulton election results, Ivory received the most votes with 40% (64,188), followed by Pitts with 35% […]
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College Park police officer shortage ‘unsustainable,’ residents say
The number of College Park police officers on patrol at night is “frighteningly” low, a resident told city leaders who are hearing ongoing concerns about officer retention. During a public hearing Monday on the city’s 2027 fiscal year budget, resident Sherry Godfrey urged city council to increase the starting salary for police officers from $55,000 […]
Posted inStories of Atlanta
An Audacious Move
In 1976, Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner found himself in trouble with Major League Baseball and fearing the worst from Commissioner Bowie Kuhn. Most owners would have laid low, apologized, and tried to smooth things over. Ted Turner had another idea entirely. What followed at a Los Angeles hotel during baseball’s winter meetings became one […]
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‘He went into custody with his legs and fingers’: Attorneys question jail care
Images showing extreme discoloration on Rashaad Muhammad’s limbs illustrate a disturbing story of what the former Fulton County inmate says he endured before his legs and fingers were amputated due to sepsis in his body. Muhammad says pleas for antibiotics in his vehicle were ignored by an arresting officer when he was taken into custody […]
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Fulton school board race highlights fallout over school closure, leadership changes
A Fulton County school board election comes as the district navigates leadership changes and lingering community frustration over an elementary school closure. Some Sandy Springs parents are now working to open a charter school in response. Fulton County School Board member Michelle Morancie, who voted against the permanent closure of Spalding Drive Elementary School last […]
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H.J. Russell & Company to be honored with Georgia Historical Society Marker
The Georgia Historical Society unveiled a new historical marker honoring H. J. Russell & Company on April 29. The recognition is part of the Georgia Business History Initiative, which highlights companies that have helped shape the state’s economy and history. The marker was unveiled at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs at 504 Fair Street […]
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Black Effect Podcast Festival delivered live shows and creator strategy to diverse crowd
The fourth annual Black Effect Podcast Festival brought a mix of entertainment, live podcast tapings and industry insight to Pullman Yards, drawing content creators and fans from across the Southeast. The event took place on April 25. Throughout the day, speakers shared similar themes: be yourself, stay consistent, create with purpose, and explore the growing […]
Posted inStories of Atlanta
First Impressions
It was not long after 3-railroad lines were connected to a central point in north Georgia that people began beating a path to Atlanta. Word had spread of the abundant opportunities and cheap land and those seeking better lives were arriving to the young city every day. There were, of course, those looking for work […]
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College Park council approves new constraint on mayor not outlined in charter
College Park City Council has approved another measure that constrains the mayor’s authority. During a Monday meeting, council unanimously approved a measure permanently preventing Mayor Bianca Motley Broom from placing any item on a regular meeting agenda seeking approval to spend her community enhancement funds. The move follows several actions by council since 2024 when […]
Posted inGabi Hart
Outside Atlanta’s ICE office, protesters call attention to detention, deportation and dissent
On the evening of Jan. 23, protesters gathered outside the ICE Field Office downtown as part of a coordinated national action calling for an end to Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] practices and drawing attention to recent detentions and deportations. Among those in attendance was Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman, who said showing up alongside […]
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College Park mayor says ‘the math ain’t mathing’ on council’s questionable spending
How public money is spent — and how it’s requested — is raising new questions in College Park, where city officials are offering no answers. “There is a problem with the money,” Mayor Bianca Motley Broom said. During the Oct. 6 city council meeting, Mayor Bianca Motley Broom received no response when she raised concerns […]
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Crime theme and tax issue surround candidate’s exit from Sandy Springs race
Lauren Locke, who was running for the Sandy Springs City Council District 2 seat against incumbent Dr. Melody Kelley, has withdrawn from the race. She campaigned on a message of crime and safety that echoed strategies used by some north Fulton candidates four years ago. The former candidate said she left the race under “extreme […]
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24-hour live podcast shines light on Georgia Appleseed’s fight for children
Just before noon last Friday, I hit record on my podcast mixer and kicked off a 24-hour live broadcast of Let’s Start Healing, with guests joining me for nearly the entire journey. I’ve always been drawn to endurance challenges, but this one carried a deeper purpose. I chose to hold the podcast marathon on Sept. […]
