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Andrew Young's $100 million peace center pitched for Vine City

The project would bring galleries, archives and a theater to a historic civil rights area.

News

Former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young&#x27;s foundation wants to build a $100 million center in Vine City that would house a new global peace institute and carry on the former Atlanta mayor&#x27;s legacy.Why it matters: The Andrew Young International Institute for Peace and Reconciliation could become a cultural and educational attraction in a historic neighborhood <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strongly tied to the civil rights movement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/01/14/tour-martin-luther-king-jr-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="b6549fd1-2198-4eed-baac-8f0eaa39de7c" data-vars-headline="Andrew Young&#x27;s $100 million peace center pitched for Vine City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/01/14/tour-martin-luther-king-jr-atlanta" target="_self">strongly tied to the civil rights movement</a>.

Edibles.com opens first store near Atlanta Beltline

The store, which is located near the Atlanta Beltline, will feature a variety of CBD and hemp-derived products.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Edibles.com" data-vars-click-url="https://edibles.com/" data-vars-content-id="10a3f09a-9f17-4399-b056-a4b3c375ecbd" data-vars-headline="Edibles.com opens first store near Atlanta Beltline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://edibles.com/" target="_blank">Edibles.com</a> has opened its first retail store near the Atlanta Beltline&#x27;s Eastside Trail in Inman Park.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Edible Brands" data-vars-click-url="https://ediblebrands.com/" data-vars-content-id="10a3f09a-9f17-4399-b056-a4b3c375ecbd" data-vars-headline="Edibles.com opens first store near Atlanta Beltline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ediblebrands.com/" target="_blank">Edible Brands</a>, the parent company that established Edibles.com last year, said in a news release it&#x27;s ready to expand its operations to include brick-and-mortar stores.

Rick Jackson's $50 million ad blitz worked in GOP governor primary

A late entry and massive TV spending vaulted Jackson past better-known rivals before voters tuned in.

Politics

Republican Rick Jackson has spent an extraordinary $50 million of his own cash on a late-entry TV blitz that reshaped his party&#x27;s gubernatorial primary almost overnight.Why it matters: The billionaire&#x27;s self-funded TV advertising barrage quickly turned him from an unknown and untested candidate into a frontrunner, showing how money can reorder a race before voters fully engage.

Black maternal mortality gap still persists in U.S.

The maternal mortality rate for Black women was 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared with 14.2 for white women, 12.1 for Hispanic women and 18.1 for Asian women

Health

Black women remain three times more likely than white and Hispanic women to die from pregnancy-related complications, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest maternal mortality rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/hestat113.htm" data-vars-content-id="1d5fc442-0c27-466c-96c5-a065bd79abe6" data-vars-headline="Black maternal mortality gap still persists in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/hestat113.htm" target="_blank">latest maternal mortality rates</a> released last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why it matters: Advocates fear inconsistent abortion access across the U.S. and anti-DEI efforts by the Trump administration could fuel the continued racial disparities.

After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement

The proposal to renew its contract with the Atlanta-based company had been delayed twice over concerns about security.

Public Safety

After months of delays, security concerns and community angst, Dunwoody leaders approved a new contract with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock Safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/all-deals/2026/04/13/flock-safety-fundraising-surveillance-tech" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/all-deals/2026/04/13/flock-safety-fundraising-surveillance-tech" target="_self">Flock Safety</a> to continue operating license plate reader cameras in the city.Why it matters: While the Atlanta-based company remains generally popular among law enforcement agencies and governments, some cities are ending agreements over privacy issues and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/" target="_blank">concerns</a> about how federal immigration authorities can use collected information to track down and detain undocumented people.Driving the news: Dunwoody council members unanimously approved its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="master services agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/Flock%20Master%20Services%20Agreement.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31254&amp;publishId=39283&amp;isSection=false" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/Flock%20Master%20Services%20Agreement.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31254&amp;publishId=39283&amp;isSection=false" target="_blank">master services agreement</a> with Flock, a $15,000 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contract" data-vars-click-url="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/2026%200413%20(a)%20Flock%20OS911%20Contract.pdf.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31108&amp;publishId=39285&amp;isSection=false" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/2026%200413%20(a)%20Flock%20OS911%20Contract.pdf.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31108&amp;publishId=39285&amp;isSection=false" target="_blank">contract</a> to implement its OS 911 system for the police department, and an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/2026%200413%20(b)%20Flock-Dunwoody%20PD%2C%20DFR%20Expansion%20Agreement.pdf.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31109&amp;publishId=39288&amp;isSection=false" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dunwoodyga.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonline/Documents/ViewDocument/2026%200413%20(b)%20Flock-Dunwoody%20PD%2C%20DFR%20Expansion%20Agreement.pdf.pdf?meetingId=2913&amp;documentType=Agenda&amp;itemId=31109&amp;publishId=39288&amp;isSection=false" target="_blank">agreement</a> to use its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Drone as First Responder program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/25/fulton-sheriffs-office-drone-jail-contraband-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/03/25/fulton-sheriffs-office-drone-jail-contraband-atlanta" target="_self">Drone as First Responder program</a> for $200,000. Catch up quick: The vote to approve the 12-month agreement with Flock had been delayed in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="February" data-vars-click-url="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/02/25/dunwoody-flock-contract-911/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/02/25/dunwoody-flock-contract-911/" target="_blank">February</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="March" data-vars-click-url="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/03/26/dunwoody-flock-safety-contract-march-update/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/03/26/dunwoody-flock-safety-contract-march-update/" target="_blank">March</a> after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="YouTuber" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/@BennJordan/videos" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BennJordan/videos" target="_blank">YouTuber</a> Benn Jordan showed Dunwoody leaders how he was able to hack into the camera system.What they&#x27;re saying: Jordan, who lives in Mableton, told Axios cities like Dunwoody should &quot;make sure that you have an independent security audit before having a surveillance vendor.&quot; <ul><li>During Monday&#x27;s Council meeting, resident Jason Hunyar alleged, based on public records he requested, that a Flock employee &quot;initiated&quot; viewing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a live camera feed" data-vars-click-url="https://jasonhunyar.substack.com/p/why-are-flock-employees-watching-720" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jasonhunyar.substack.com/p/why-are-flock-employees-watching-720" target="_blank">a live camera feed</a> at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantajcc.org/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantajcc.org/" target="_blank">Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta</a>.</li><li>Flock employees <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accessed cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/04/14/dunwoody-flock-safety-contract-passed/" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlpresscollective.com/2026/04/14/dunwoody-flock-safety-contract-passed/" target="_blank">accessed cameras</a> in the fitness center, pool area and gymnastics room, Hunyar said.</li><li>Fellow Dunwoody resident Jessica Burbank told Council members Flock is &quot;building a national network of surveillance cameras.&quot; </li><li>&quot;I think it&#x27;s time to carefully consider if this is really how we want to live in America,&quot; she said.</li></ul>The other side: Mayor Lynn Deutsch said she was &quot;concerned and perplexed&quot; when the camera at MJCCA was accessed by a Flock employee. <ul><li>Deutsch said Flock&#x27;s previous agreement with Dunwoody allowed the company to use the city&#x27;s network of cameras for demonstrations.</li><li>The agreement approved Monday no longer contains that provision, and Flock spokesperson Holly Beilin told Axios the company sent a letter of apology to MJCCA.</li><li>Chris Castaldo, Flock&#x27;s chief information security officer, addressed in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blog published last month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-cybersecurity-how-we-protect-customer-community-data" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-cybersecurity-how-we-protect-customer-community-data" target="_blank">blog published last month</a> security concerns and how it protects data collected by license plate readers.</li></ul>The big picture: Beilin said concerns over license plate reader technology are part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="larger national conversation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/doorbell-cams-and-surveillance-tech-face-growing-public-backlash" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/17/doorbell-cams-and-surveillance-tech-face-growing-public-backlash" target="_self">larger national conversation</a> over surveillance, data, privacy and security.<ul><li>&quot;That being said, we have to build trust with communities so that they understand that this data is secure and that it&#x27;s being used in a way that aligns with their values,&quot; Beilin told Axios.</li><li>Flock now <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has new compliance tools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flocksafety.com/trust/compliance-tools" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flocksafety.com/trust/compliance-tools" target="_blank">has new compliance tools</a> that allow clients to tweak settings to prohibit immigration-related searches or get flags when unusual search patterns are made by users, for example.</li></ul>Zoom out: Cities across the country are cutting ties with Flock.<ul><li>Denver Mayor Mike Johnston <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said in February" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/24/denver-replace-flock-surveillance-axon-license-plate-readers" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/24/denver-replace-flock-surveillance-axon-license-plate-readers" target="_self">said in February</a> the city would not renew its contract with the Atlanta-based company, and instead <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approved" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/01/axon-license-plate-reader-contract-approved" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/01/axon-license-plate-reader-contract-approved" target="_self">approved</a> a contract with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/18/new-proposed-license-plate-reader-company-dhs-ties" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/18/new-proposed-license-plate-reader-company-dhs-ties" target="_self">Axon</a> to provide license plate reader technology.</li><li>City Council members in San Diego late last year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urged" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/12/city-council-flock-alternatives-license-plate-reader-police-surveillance" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/12/city-council-flock-alternatives-license-plate-reader-police-surveillance" target="_self">urged</a> the police department to seek alternatives to Flock for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="citywide license plate reader program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" target="_self">citywide license plate reader program</a> but ended up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="maintaining" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/12/10/san-diego-police-flock-license-plate-surveillance-cameras" target="_self">maintaining</a> its contract with the company.</li><li>Several cities in California, including Santa Cruz and Mountain View, have ended agreements with Flock, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the Guardian" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/apr/06/flock-cameras-privacy-concerns" data-vars-content-id="70f9a713-cacc-46a1-9d30-ae5cef34bbf6" data-vars-headline="After delays and security concerns, Dunwoody approves Flock agreement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/apr/06/flock-cameras-privacy-concerns" target="_blank">according to the Guardian</a>.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Whether cities that have agreements with Flock will begin to feel pressure from residents who have concerns about the technology.

APD offers $15K reward for info in teen's fatal shooting at Piedmont Park

16-year-old Tianah Robinson was shot and killed Saturday night at the park.

The city of Atlanta is offering a $15,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the fatal shooting of a teenager Saturday night at Piedmont Park.The latest: Atlanta police are reviewing license plate readers, cameras and cellphone videos to identify suspects in the shooting that killed 16-year-old Tianah Robinson and injured 15-year-old Italia Wilson, said assistant chief Carven Tyus.

Fulton sheriff's office deploys drone to patrol for contraband

The sheriff's office is using Flock Safety's Drone-as-First-Responder program.

The Fulton County Sheriff&#x27;s Office is partnering with Atlanta-based Flock Safety to roll out a Drone-as-First-Responder system.Why it matters: The program, which the sheriff&#x27;s office said is the first to launch at a local jail, is the latest example of law enforcement agencies turning to technology to perform tasks traditionally done by officers.

Fulton County approves massive Rice Street jail renovation plan

County commissioners approved a proposal that calls for building a new facility and making major improvements to Rice Street.

Fulton County&#x27;s commissioners are embarking on a long-range plan to improve its troubled jail and build a new facility to house vulnerable detainees.Why it matters: Wednesday&#x27;s decision by the county, which is under a federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="consent decree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/01/03/fulton-jail-consent-decree" data-vars-content-id="ba6285ff-aacb-43c7-b349-888bb1f83c61" data-vars-headline="Fulton County approves massive Rice Street jail renovation plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/01/03/fulton-jail-consent-decree" target="_self">consent decree</a> to improve poor conditions at the main jail known as Rice Street, is the latest in a series of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="initiatives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/06/17/fulton-county-billion-dollar-jail" data-vars-content-id="ba6285ff-aacb-43c7-b349-888bb1f83c61" data-vars-headline="Fulton County approves massive Rice Street jail renovation plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/06/17/fulton-county-billion-dollar-jail" target="_self">initiatives</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/12/fulton-county-jail-conditions" data-vars-content-id="ba6285ff-aacb-43c7-b349-888bb1f83c61" data-vars-headline="Fulton County approves massive Rice Street jail renovation plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/07/12/fulton-county-jail-conditions" target="_self">plans</a> put forth over the years to solve its myriad problems.

Fulton proposes to renovate Rice Street jail, build mental health facility

Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts said it would take about five years to build the mental health facility for detainees.

Fulton County leaders are expected to consider a plan Wednesday that would build a &quot;special purpose facility&quot; to house detainees with mental health issues and renovate its long-troubled Rice Street jail.Why it matters: The Fulton County Jail is under a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal consent decree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/01/03/fulton-jail-consent-decree" data-vars-content-id="ba728677-c62d-4f62-b198-8b297ffd37f4" data-vars-headline="Fulton proposes to renovate Rice Street jail, build mental health facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/01/03/fulton-jail-consent-decree" target="_self">federal consent decree</a>, a legally binding document that requires the county to improve the facility&#x27;s poor conditions, which were identified by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Department of Justice investigators" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/11/14/doj-investigation-grave-safety-failures-unconstitutional-conditions-at-fulton-county-jail" data-vars-content-id="ba728677-c62d-4f62-b198-8b297ffd37f4" data-vars-headline="Fulton proposes to renovate Rice Street jail, build mental health facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/11/14/doj-investigation-grave-safety-failures-unconstitutional-conditions-at-fulton-county-jail" target="_self">U.S. Department of Justice investigators</a> following a civil rights <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/13/doj-georgia-fulton-county-jail-investigation" data-vars-content-id="ba728677-c62d-4f62-b198-8b297ffd37f4" data-vars-headline="Fulton proposes to renovate Rice Street jail, build mental health facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/13/doj-georgia-fulton-county-jail-investigation" target="_self">investigation</a>.

Grand jury declines to indict ex-cop in tasing death of Atlanta deacon

Johnny Hollman Sr. died Aug. 10, 2023, after he was tased by former Atlanta officer Kiran Kimbrough during an accident investigation.

The family of an Atlanta man who died after he was tased by an officer during a crash investigation said they will continue to seek justice after a Fulton County grand jury decided not to indict the former cop.Why it matters: Sunday marks two years since Johnny Hollman Sr. died after he was fatally tased by Kiran Kimbrough, who was later <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fired" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/10/10/police-officer-fired-johnny-hollman-death" data-vars-content-id="b6a6ec7f-a75b-437c-a602-2fe372e5646d" data-vars-headline="Grand jury declines to indict ex-cop in tasing death of Atlanta deacon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/10/10/police-officer-fired-johnny-hollman-death" target="_self">fired</a> by the Atlanta Police Department for not following the agency&#x27;s protocols.

1 year after shooting, mother of man killed by APD cop still seeks justice

Valerie Anderson is calling on the Atlanta Police Department to fire Melvin Potter, who shot and killed her son outside a bar in South Fulton.

Tuesday marks one year since an off-duty Atlanta police officer shot and killed Devon Anderson outside a bar in South Fulton.Why it matters: Since Anderson&#x27;s death, his mother, Valerie, has repeatedly called for the Atlanta Police Department to fire Melvin Potter, the officer who pulled the trigger.

Despite violent weekend, Atlanta touts drop in homicides

Police Chief Schierbaum said detectives are investigating 12 shootings that killed two people and injured 29 since Friday.

Despite Atlanta&#x27;s weekend of a dozen shootings that left two people dead and more than two dozen injured, officials say the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homicide rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/02/20/homicides-in-atlanta-other-large-cities-fell-in-2024" data-vars-content-id="a42ded08-3242-4b7f-8f35-3a4c1650fb85" data-vars-headline="Despite violent weekend, Atlanta touts drop in homicides" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/02/20/homicides-in-atlanta-other-large-cities-fell-in-2024" target="_self">homicide rate</a> is moving in the right direction.Driving the news: Chief Darin Schierbaum and Mayor Andre Dickens addressed the weekend shootings during a news conference Monday at Atlanta Police Department&#x27;s public safety headquarters.<ul><li>&quot;We haven&#x27;t had a weekend like this in a long time, maybe two years or more,&quot; Dickens said, adding the summer months are often the most challenging when it comes to gun violence in Atlanta communities.</li></ul>

Family, advocacy groups call on ICE to free detained Atlanta reporter

Guevara is the only journalist in the U.S. currently detained after an arrest in connection with his work as a reporter.

Katherine Guevara spent years watching her father, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mario Guevara" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/17/mario-guevara-journalist-arrested-ice-deportation-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="0064786b-0252-48cc-a847-e8810a809fd0" data-vars-headline="Family, advocacy groups call on ICE to free detained Atlanta reporter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/17/mario-guevara-journalist-arrested-ice-deportation-atlanta" target="_self">Mario Guevara</a>, help others through his work as a reporter.Zoom in: Her father chased stories that mattered to Atlanta&#x27;s Hispanic residents, not for recognition, but because journalism was a form of service, she said.<ul><li>&quot;For more than 20 years, I have witnessed his unwavering dedication and selfless commitment to serving the community,&quot; she said. </li><li>But for the last 41 days, Mario Guevara has been unable to pursue leads since his June 14 arrest while covering a protest against immigration enforcement tactics in DeKalb County. </li></ul>Why it matters: Guevara, a native of El Salvador who faces deportation from the country, is the only journalist in the U.S. currently detained after an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="arrest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/15/ice-protest-arrests-dekalb-atlanta-georgia" data-vars-content-id="0064786b-0252-48cc-a847-e8810a809fd0" data-vars-headline="Family, advocacy groups call on ICE to free detained Atlanta reporter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/15/ice-protest-arrests-dekalb-atlanta-georgia" target="_self">arrest</a> in connection with his work as a reporter, said Katherine Jacobsen, a program coordinator for Committee to Protect Journalists. <ul><li>&quot;This case ... sends a clear, chilling message to reporters, especially those in this country who are not U.S. citizens, that they too could very well find themselves at risk in the same way Mario has,&quot; Jacobsen said during a press conference Tuesday. </li></ul>The latest: Guevara&#x27;s daughter and son, Oscar, were joined by their father&#x27;s attorney, Democratic state lawmakers and other advocacy organizations calling for the reporter&#x27;s release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention.<ul><li>State Sen. Josh McLaurin (D-Sandy Springs) said Tuesday the constitutional right to freedom of speech and the press isn&#x27;t about whether &quot;you agree with someone&#x27;s opinions [or] the substance of their reporting.&quot;</li><li>&quot;It&#x27;s about their right to collect information and disseminate that information to communities who rely on it to make deliberative, informed decisions about their democracy,&quot; he said.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: Nora Benavidez, a member of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation, said Guevara&#x27;s case is &quot;emblematic of the disturbing path that the United States is on.&quot; <ul><li>&quot;If the exercise of those rights is now penalized like it is with Mario Guevara simply because those in power dislike the message or the messenger, that means that our basic freedoms are not free.&quot; </li></ul>Catch up quick: Guevara, a prominent Spanish-speaking journalist who runs the independent media outlet <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MG News" data-vars-click-url="https://noticiasmg.com/" data-vars-content-id="0064786b-0252-48cc-a847-e8810a809fd0" data-vars-headline="Family, advocacy groups call on ICE to free detained Atlanta reporter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://noticiasmg.com/" target="_blank">MG News</a>, was charged with obstruction, pedestrian walking in or along a roadway and unlawful assembly while covering a protest on Chamblee Tucker Road.<ul><li>Federal immigration officials placed a hold on his detention at the DeKalb County Jail, meaning they would take him into custody once he was released from the facility.</li><li>He was released from the DeKalb County Jail on June 18, but the Gwinnett County Sheriff&#x27;s Office charged him with misdemeanor traffic offenses stemming from an incident that happened about a month before his arrest.</li><li>Both <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DeKalb" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1128461455981854&amp;set=a.220964253398250" data-vars-content-id="0064786b-0252-48cc-a847-e8810a809fd0" data-vars-headline="Family, advocacy groups call on ICE to free detained Atlanta reporter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1128461455981854&amp;set=a.220964253398250" target="_blank">DeKalb</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gwinnett" data-vars-click-url="https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/journalist-mario-guevara-charges-dropped-gwinnett-county-arrested-no-kings-protest/85-eb72aee8-270d-4f8c-995b-057cc69767b5" data-vars-content-id="0064786b-0252-48cc-a847-e8810a809fd0" data-vars-headline="Family, advocacy groups call on ICE to free detained Atlanta reporter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/journalist-mario-guevara-charges-dropped-gwinnett-county-arrested-no-kings-protest/85-eb72aee8-270d-4f8c-995b-057cc69767b5" target="_blank">Gwinnett</a> counties dropped charges against Guevara, but his attorney Giovanni Diaz said his client&#x27;s phone was seized by the Gwinnett sheriff&#x27;s office when they executed a search warrant.</li><li>An immigration judge has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ordered" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/07/01/journalist-mario-guevara-ice-custody-released-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="0064786b-0252-48cc-a847-e8810a809fd0" data-vars-headline="Family, advocacy groups call on ICE to free detained Atlanta reporter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/07/01/journalist-mario-guevara-ice-custody-released-atlanta" target="_self">ordered</a> Guevara released on a $7,500 bond, but the federal government has appealed that ruling, meaning he remains at the immigration detention facility in Folkston.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Diaz said the firm will continue working to get Guevara released from ICE&#x27;s custody. <ul><li>He also said his office will file a motion to recover his client&#x27;s cellphone.</li></ul>

Atlanta councilman, daughter hit by vehicle during bike ride

Dozier said he and his daughter were pedaling home from an Atlanta United game last week when they were hit.

Atlanta City Council member Jason Dozier and his daughter were both hit by a vehicle while riding their bikes last week.The latest: Dozier said Tuesday in a statement that he and his daughter were hit by a car as they pedaled home from an Atlanta United game. The pair suffered injuries from the collision. <ul><li>Axios reached out to the Atlanta Police Department for details about the incident, but has not heard back from the agency.</li></ul>

Public Safety

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Fulton County approves massive Rice Street jail renovation plan