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Articles by Jennifer Smith
Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team rescues injured hiker from Red River Gorge
The injured hiker was located at the Sky Bridge Trail. Wolfe County Search and Rescue team rescues injured hiker Photo by: Wolfe County Search and Rescue via Facebook STANTON, Ky. (ABC 36 News Now) — An injured hiker was rescued by the Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team on Saturday at the Sky Bridge Trail in the Red River Gorge district. According to the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team, the crew was contacted around 12:15 regarding a female hiker suffering a lower leg injury.
Dog taken to vet after eating Easter decorations at B.C. park
An Easter bunny's annual attempt to brighten up a dog park has been dashed. The spring holiday decorations were peeking from trees and shrubs and adorned tables and fences at Vernon's BX Ranch Dog Park two weeks ago. "Hundreds of Easter eggs and other Easter decorations hung from the trees and fences bringing awe and happiness to us dog walkers," said Barbara Laursen, a regular at the park with her four-legged friend Ozzy. But by Friday, they were all gone.
Family of 14-year-old boy killed by falling wall files lawsuit against U.S. government, Air Force Original
MACON, Ga. — The family of a teenage boy who was killed while at a pool house on a U.S. Air Force base last year has filed a lawsuit against the United States of America and the United States Air Force. In July 2024, Gabriel Stone was at a pool on Robins Air Force Base near Macon when a partition wall in the men’s locker room collapsed, injuring Stone and three other minors. Stone was rushed to the hospital where he later died.
DA drops charges against Coweta high school principal arrested for battery Original
COWETA COUNTY, Ga. — The Coweta County District Attorney’s Office says it has dismissed the charges against a high school principal who was arrested for battery. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Feb. 24, Coweta County dispatch received a call regarding a dispute at East Coweta High School Principal Stephen “Steve” Allen’s home on Rock Mill Court. Deputies began investigating the events leading up to the 911 call. The investigation led to the arrest of Allen.
Fulton judge accused of detaining woman during parents’ divorce hearing, calling in favor for uncle Original
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Fulton County Superior Court judge is facing charges accusing her of misconduct. Earlier this week, the Judicial Qualifications Commission brought 15 charges against Judge Shermela Williams. Several of the charges accuse the judge of taking too long to render a decision on child support and child custody cases, some taking as long as 30 months.
Ford ordered to pay $2.5B to Georgia family after couple killed in rollover crash
COLUMBUS, Ga. — A Georgia family is being awarded more than $2.5 billion after their loved ones were killed in a rollover crash in 2022. Herman and Debra Mills were killed when their 2015 Ford F250 “Super Duty” truck rolled over in Decatur County in August 2022. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A Columbus jury found that Ford was mostly at fault for the couple’s deaths.
Rep. Buddy Carter wants to rename Greenland Original
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican U.S. Representative from Georgia Buddy Carter has introduced a new bill to rename Greenland to “Red, White and Blueland.” The bill would “authorize the President to enter into negotiations to acquire Greenland” and subsequently rename it. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] This came after President Donald Trump signed a bill renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
Man who spent 25 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit files lawsuit against GA county Original
FLOYD COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia man who was wrongfully convicted of murdering his friend during a game of Russian Roulette in 1996 has now filed a lawsuit against the county and investigators. In the 50-page federal lawsuit filed last week, Josh Storey claims that he was coerced into telling detectives that he had accidentally shot and killed 15-year-old Brian Bowling.
Former NFL linebacker, Georgia Southern player arrested on Jan. 6 riot charges Original
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A former linebacker for the Detroit Lions who played at Georgia Southern University has been arrested on charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection. Leander Antwione Williams, 31, was arrested on Thursday in Savannah on felony charges of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Family of man who died in Fulton jail wants criminal charges after DOJ report on violated rights Original
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice released the results of its investigation into conditions at the Fulton County Jail. They say inmates inside the jail had their civil rights violated. One of the cases they cited in the report was that of LaShawn Thompson, who died in a bedbug-infested cell inside the jail. Channel 2′s Audrey Washington spoke to Thompson’s family after the report was released.
Fulton County judge orders Georgia election superintendents to certify results
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney ruled that county election boards are required by law to certify elections, rejecting an appeal by a sitting county co-superintendent of elections to delay or refuse finalizing results based on suspicion of fraud or a discount. The lawsuit that brought McBurney’s response was initially filed by Fulton County election board member Julie Adams, who voted against certifying the most recent primary election in Fulton County.
Man shot while filming Lil Baby music video files lawsuit saying security company didn’t do enough
ATLANTA — A man who was shot on the set of a Lil Baby music video earlier this year has filed a lawsuit against the security company tasked with keeping them safe. In a lawsuit filed in Fulton County on Friday, Kevin Mares says he was invited to the set of a music video for superstar rapper Lil Baby, whose real name is Dominique Jones, that was being filmed on Verbena Street in Atlanta back in May.
Georgia mayor suspended from office after being arrested for giving alcohol to inmates
THOMSON, Ga. — A Georgia mayor has been suspended from office after being arrested for giving alcohol to inmates. Back in June, Thomson police asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to investigate the City of Thomson Mayor Benjamin “Benji” Cary Cranford. The 52-year-old Cranford was accused of giving alcohol to an inmate work detail who was working in the City of Thomson on June 4. In August, Cranford was arrested and booked into the McDuffie County Jail.
GA mayor suspended from office after being arrested for giving alcohol to inmates
THOMSON, Ga. — A Georgia mayor has been suspended from office after being arrested for giving alcohol to inmates. Back in June, Thomson police asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to investigate the City of Thomson Mayor Benjamin “Benji” Cary Cranford. The 52-year-old Cranford was accused of giving alcohol to an inmate work detail who was working in the City of Thomson on June 4.
Hurricane Helene: Gov. Kemp extends state of emergency as recovery efforts continue
ATLANTA — Governor Brian Kemp issued an executive order to extend his state of emergency on Tuesday afternoon. The governor’s initial declaration issued a state of emergency through Oct. 2. It has now been extended until Oct. 9. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The order essentially frees up emergency funds for areas that could be impacted and mobilizes agencies to help with preparation, response and recovery before and after a storm.
Tropical Storm Helene: Atlanta mayor declares state of emergency
ATLANTA — Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has declared a State of Emergency after Tropical Storm Helene. After Helene moved through metro Atlanta and north Georgia on Friday morning, the City of Atlanta and many others are dealing with major flooding. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] “Due to the devastating impacts of Tropical Storm Helene, including significant flooding and power outages, I am declaring a State of Emergency for the City of Atlanta, effective immediately.
Complaint demands Fulton County Schools takes action against repeated anti-Semitic attacks
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Some Jewish parents are saying enough is enough. They are calling on the Fulton County School District to take action against repeated anti-Semitic attacks against some students. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Channel 2′s Michael Seiden was at school district headquarters with a copy of the federal complaint, which was filed against the district. The 20-page complaint was just filed with the U.S. Department of Education this afternoon.
Employees suing General Mills over ‘white supremacists’ commissioning Stone Mountain mural Original
COVINGTON, Ga. — Several Black employees are filing a lawsuit against General Mills Operations, LLC saying they have had to endure a “hostile work environment” for years.
BANG | Kirkus Reviews
A work brimming with natural marvels, sure to entrance burgeoning geologists. Earthly phenomena in all their glory shine from the pages of this oversized celebration. Smith’s first title in this series, Glow (2023), shone a spotlight on luminescent animals; in this vibrant introduction to earth science, she explores everything from the planet’s structure to geology-related myths and legends.
Metro Atlanta transgender woman, ‘star’ employee sues AT&T claiming she was fired after coming out
CUMMING, Ga. — A Forsyth County woman is suing her former employer of nearly 20 years after she says she was fired after coming out as transgender. According to the lawsuit, Robyn Casias spent 16 years working for AT&T as Robert Lott, a married father of three. In 2017, Casias came out as transgender during a public meeting. In the lawsuit, Casias claims that after that, her workload was significantly decreased, she was bounced around from team to team before eventually being fired in July 2020.
Former Pres. Donald Trump says he won’t try moving Fulton County trial to federal court Original
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Former President Donald Trump will stand trial in Fulton County. He previously advised the Fulton County Superior Court that he may file a motion seeking to move the trial to federal court. His attorneys have now filed a document saying he will not seek to move the trial. The new court filing says the former president has confidence he will receive a fair trial in Fulton County.
Former Noah’s Ark veterinarian, animal rights group file lawsuit against animal sanctuary Original
HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — An Ohio-based animal rights group and a veterinarian who used to work at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary are taking the facility to court. Channel 2 Action News obtained a copy of the lawsuit filed in federal court earlier this week. It alleges that Noah’s Ark is an “unaccredited roadside menagerie” that does not properly care for the animals housed at the Henry County facility.
New Georgia state tax credit could save you thousands and help foster children, officials say
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — It’s millions of dollars that are being allocated for teens transitioning out of the foster care system through the State’s Qualified Foster Care Donation Credit. This tax credit program allows Georgia taxpayers to redirect their tax dollars to assist youth transitioning from foster care. “It really says our state legislatures are paying attention to what’s happening to young people in care,” said Allison Ashe.
Ga. Rep. blocked people she didn’t agree with on Facebook; federal judge says she has to stop
COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Georgia Representative Ginny Ehrhart has to stop blocking people from her official government Facebook page. Ehrhart, a Powder Springs Republican who represents part of Cobb County, allegedly removed comments and blocked people she did not agree with from her Facebook page, according to the judge’s ruling.
Lawsuit claims Fulton County Schools didn’t do enough to stop former teacher from raping student
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A new lawsuit being filed on behalf of a teenage girl who was raped by her teacher claims Fulton County Schools didn’t do enough to stop it from happening. Robert Vandel, who was a teacher at Lyndon Academy, pleaded guilty to raping a student at Fulton Academy of Science and Technology in Roswell. Vandel taught science at the Fulton Academy in 2020 and the victim was allegedly a student in one of his classes.
Ga. elementary school principal, PE teacher fired for having sex at school, investigation finds
BANKS COUNTY, Ga. — An elementary school principal and PE teacher are no longer teaching children in Banks County after an investigation found allegations they had sex on campus are true. A third-party investigation, requested by Banks County Superintendent Dr. Ann Hopkins, began after Banks County Elementary School Principal Dr. Dana Simmons raised concerns that PE teacher Dylan Charles had bugged her office.
Cobb cheerleading gym being sued after teen boy says coach raped him
MARIETTA, Ga. — Stingray Allstars cheerleading gym in Marietta is the subject of a federal lawsuit after a teenager claims he was raped by a coach. According to the lawsuit, the then-15-year-old boy, referred to as John Doe, was recruited by the gym and moved Cobb County from Ohio in 2020. He was living with one of the gym’s coaches. At one point, the victim and the coach he was living with went to the apartment of an 18-year-old coach at the gym where he was raped, the lawsuit alleges.
State senator wants Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary president removed after federal inspection
HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — A federal inspection into Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary has led to one official being accused of abusing her power. “Unfortunately, this is a nonprofit in Georgia, and there are protections from nonprofits and, unfortunately, it seems like they’ve been abused,” former Noah’s Ark Sanctuary veterinarian consultant Dr. Jack Kottwitz said.
Mayor says Atlanta Medical Center can’t be repurposed after closure
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has signed an executive order stopping Atlanta Medical Center from being repurposed after it closes in November. The announcement of the hospital’s anticipated closure has been met with much controversy. Mayor Dickens himself said he had “extreme concerns” about the hospital’s closure after they made the announcement without consulting his office. Regardless, Wellstar Health System plans to have the hospital shut down completely by November 1.
Mayor says Atlanta Medical Center can’t be repurposed after closure
ATLANTA — Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has signed an executive order stopping Atlanta Medical Center from being repurposed after it closes in November. The announcement of the hospital’s anticipated closure has been met with much controversy. Mayor Dickens himself said he had “extreme concerns” about the hospital’s closure after they made the announcement without consulting his office. Regardless, Wellstar Health System plans to have the hospital shut down completely by November 1.
Atlanta Medical Center Downtown to shut down by November, officials confirm
ATLANTA — One of two level one trauma centers in metro Atlanta is closing, hospital officials confirmed on Wednesday night. Wellstar Health System announced their intention to close Atlanta Medical Center in Downtown Atlanta on November 1. In the meantime, they say they will gradually “wind down” services offered at the hospital. Channel 2 Action News has a team of reporters breaking down the impact on the entire metro area starting on Channel 2 Action News at 4:00.
Cannabis resource for health care providers, researchers launches Jan. 10
By Jennifer Smith January 10, 2022 A new web-based tool will help clinicians and researchers evaluate the latest evidence around the health effects of cannabis. (Getty Images) In light of the widespread availability of legal cannabis, Oregon Health & Science University today launched a new web-based tool designed to help clinicians and researchers evaluate the latest evidence around the health effects of cannabis.
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