Jonathan O'Brien
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Articles by Jonathan O'Brien
DHS emails raise new questions about possible ICE enforcement at the polls
Newly released internal emails show that top officials at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are taking note of non-English ballot rules in three Metro Atlanta counties. The emails, obtained through a lawsuit against DHS by the Democratic National Committee and reviewed by WSB, show officials have been collecting information on non-English ballot rules nationwide. In Georgia, the documents point to three counties: Gwinnett, Cobb and DeKalb. All three offer multilingual ballot options.
The Joy of Six: forgotten World Cup goals
Updated Fri, 26 June 2026 at 10:35 am UTC Whether you like solo runs, audacious lobs or intricate teamwork, this six has you covered.Composite: Guardian Design, Getty Images The first six or seven World Cups certainly are not without their charms, but they are noticeably light on the kind of viscerally spectacular goals that we take for granted in the modern game.
The budget’s most important housing story isn’t about tax
Forget the tax debate. The budget’s real housing reform is a $2 billion push to scrap rules that make it illegal to build homes. The budget’s real housing story is planning reform, argues Jonathan O’Brien. Shutterstock. It’s been a long time coming, but in 2026 the Albanese government is finally taking housing affordability seriously. Despite all the bluster about negative gearing and capital gains tax, those policies are the least important part of the budget’s housing reform story.
Atlanta DOT say they are ready for this year’s winter weather
ATLANTA — As the colder months of January and February approach, officials with the Atlanta Department of Transportation say they are working overtime to make sure the department is prepared. Standing in front of a mountain of blue salt crystals inside of one of ATLDOT’s four salt barns, Deputy Commissioner Alan Smith says they are ready. “Currently, we have 11 salt trucks on hand, and we actually have nine brine trucks. We also have some contractor support.
Georgia Tech celebrates opening of new laboratory for aircraft prototype research
ATLANTA — Georgia Tech is celebrating the opening of a new space dedicated to researching the future of autonomous flight. The 10,000 foot aircraft prototyping laboratory will provide students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the burgeoning autonomous flight industry.
Georgia Technology Authority sets sail for new horizons with AI lab
ATLANTA, GA — Georgia now has a new place to learn more about AI. Artificial Intelligence isn’t going anywhere which is why Shawnzia Thomas, Executive Director of the Georgia Technology Authority, came up with the Horizons Innovation Lab. It is a place for students, agencies, and others to bring in a problem and see if AI has a solution. “There is a fear around using AI. Why not create a space where you can come in and experiment before you put things in production?” suggested Thomas.
The Problem With Urban Planning
A t the first council meeting I ever attended, 39 new homes were blocked. I hadn't chosen the meeting because I'd expected this to happen; I'd chosen the meeting to speak in favour of converting a derelict heritage house into two townhouses, which was ultimately approved. But what I saw there that evening stunned me: the squeaky wheel of local opposition had moved the Council to make a real reduction in housing approvals.
ARSET and Earthdata Combine Forces
ARSET trainings are now available on Earthdata, streamlining user access to related data, tools, and resources. NASA’s Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET), the training arm for the NASA Earth Action program, has a new home on NASA Earthdata, a one-stop-shop for exactly that: Earth data.
Cobb County Schools choose to not invest in specialized storage for cell phones
COBB COUNTY, GA — Ahead of a new statewide ban on cell phone usage for K-8th grade students, one metro school district says they won’t be spending money to comply with the new law. Cobb County Schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale says the district will not purchase specialized pouches or lockers for students to put their phones into during the school day.
Atlanta gears up to host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
ATLANTA — The countdown is on as Atlanta prepares to welcome soccer fans from around the globe for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with six matches set to take place this summer at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mayor Andre Dickens says the city is ready to showcase its hospitality and culture on the world stage. “Showing fans all around the globe the hospitality, the flavor, the culture that Atlanta is known for,” he said.
New Georgia State Patrol post opens in Buckhead to boost public safety
BUCKHEAD, (ATLANTA) — Buckhead is now home to a new Georgia State Patrol facility aimed at enhancing security and strengthening law enforcement partnerships in the area. Officials unveiled Georgia State Patrol Post 83 this week a 1,700-square-foot facility located on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion. The new post will house 13 state troopers, with space to accommodate up to 35 personnel as needs grow.
Yes, our planning systems do more harm than good: They're anti-social, exclusionary and must be reformed
In this week’s Friday Fight, a debate series in which two writers make their case on a hotly contested topic, the question is: does the planning system do more harm than good? As rents rise, property prices soar and the housing crisis reaches a boiling point, the focus has turned to supply as governments mull over reforms to the planning system. In the negative corner, we have economist Cameron Murray. Arguing in the affirmative is lead organiser of YIMBY Melbourne Jonathan O’Brien.
GA senator pushes for federal legislation improving infrastructure in wake of Atlanta water crisis
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
Why YIMBYs aren't picking a fight with Guy Rundle
Guy Rundle actually has a lot in common with YIMBYs, despite his recent article. For starters, he wants to make it easier to build dense public housing near existing infrastructure. He wants the Maribyrnong defence site redeveloped in a way that mirrors a proposal we made as part of the Abundant Housing Network Australia established in February. He even wants new tall buildings to be built alongside their low-rise heritage counterparts — something current heritage controls will rarely permit.
Indocyanine green in minimally and maximally invasive genitourinary cancer surgery
AI artificial intelligence ICG indocyanine green Introduction Initially developed during World War II for colour imaging, indocyanine green (ICG) is an injectable, highly water soluble dye with fluorescent properties when examined under near-infrared light [1]. With low rates of complication, ICG was re-purposed for medical use in the 1960s [1]. ICG binds with β-lipoproteins, particularly albumin abundantly found in the lymphatic system.
Case of the Month from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia: an operative approach to large renal angiomyolipoma associated with lymphangioleiomyomatosis
AML angiomyolipoma LAM lymphangioleiomyomatosis TSC tuberosclerosis complex Case Summary A 25-year-old woman was referred to our quaternary cancer centre with a 30-cm left-sided angiomyolipoma (AML), complicated by a bleed into the lesion. CT of the chest revealed small lesions consistent with lymphangioleiomyomatosis. eGFR and haemoglobin on admission was 90 (normal >90 ml/min/1.73 m2) and 98 (normal 115-165 g/L), respectively.
Case of the Month from University of Melbourne, Australia: refractory chyle leak after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection with updated algorithm
CA chylous ascites RPLND retroperitoneal lymph node dissection Introduction Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is an important part of multimodal therapy for node-positive germ cell malignancy [1-4]. However, due to wide heterogeneity in patient status, disease biology and tumour locations, RPLND can be challenging and risky [1]. One such risk is iatrogenic chylous ascites (CA; 8% of cases) [1].
Saying
OPINION Late last year, almost 150,000 Victorian households were either homeless or experiencing rental stress. Meanwhile, Victoria’s social housing stock has grown by a meagre 74 dwellings over four years. Housing experts describe our nationwide shortage of social and affordable housing as a ticking “time bomb”, one that’s costing Australia upwards of $650m a year. In 2023, there is nothing particularly new about the housing crisis.
I Want to Marry Rich: Why Cash Makes You a Desirable Partner
REFERENCES (2000). ‘The duality of collaboration: inducements and opportunities in the formation of interfirm linkages’. Strategic Management Journal, 21, 317–43. , and (2005). ‘Managerial foresight and attempted rent appropriation: insider trading on knowledge of imminent breakthroughs’. Strategic Management Journal, 26, 791–808. and (1988). ‘The firm is dead; long live the firm: a review of Oliver E. Williamson's the economic institutions of capitalism’. Journal of Economic Literature, 26, 65–79.
Government funding of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in rare urological cancers: better data, better outcomes
No abstract is available for this article. References 1, , , . Social determinants of health: does socioeconomic status affect access to staging imaging for men with prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2022; 26: 429– 431 2. Statistics for penile cancer. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/penile-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed November 2022 3, , et al.
Better YIMBYs already exist, despite what you might have heard
YIMBYs are reformists, not fundamentalists. The policy changes we call for will enable more public and private housing alike. In only his second-most controversial column of the week, Guy Rundle wrote on June 13 (“To build better cities, we need to build better YIMBYs“) that the YIMBY movement is “utterly misdirected”. The article, however, betrays fundamental misunderstandings of both YIMBYism and the contemporary housing crisis.
US Food and Drug Administration Warning Regarding Finasteride and Suicidal Ideation: What Should Urologists Know?
Finasteride competitively inhibits 5α-reductase (5-AR) isoenzymes, which blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production, thereby reducing DHT. Finasteride is used in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenic alopecia. Amid patient reports of suicidal ideation (SI), the Post Finasteride Syndrome advocacy group has petitioned for either a stop to selling of the drug or advertisement of stronger warnings.
Mask-wearing may have impacted children’s ability to detect emotions, GCSU study finds
A new study from Georgia College and State University (GCSU) suggests a negative impact on children’s emotions because of mask-wearing during the pandemic. “The emotional recognition is worse significantly worse than pre-pandemic,” said Dr. Tsu Ming Chiang, Psychology Professor at GCSU.
Sustainable Procurement
A Practical Guide to Corporate Social Responsibility in the Supply Chain Transform procurement practices with this step-by-step process to successfully drive sustainability in direct suppliers and up the supply chain.
Optimizing surgical outcomes in bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy
Introduction According to the SEER database, bladder cancer (BC) has the 6th highest incidence of all malignancies in the United States (US) with an estimated 81,180 new cases and 17,100 deaths in 2022 (1). BC is the tenth leading cause of death in the US. Of note, 20%–30% of newly diagnosed BC patients will present with muscle-invasive BC at the time of initial presentation.
AAA: Georgia gas prices drop 12 cents this week
Georgia gas prices continue to drop. According to the weekly AAA Fuel Report released Monday morning, Georgia drivers are now paying $3.51 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. The new average is 12 cents less than a week ago, 60 cents less than a month ago, and 55 cents more than this time last year. In Northeast Georgia, Dawson County has the cheapest gas at $3.26 per gallon.
Judge refuses to immediately block Georgia abortion ban
ATLANTA (AP) — A state judge refused Monday to immediately stop enforcement of Georgia's restrictive abortion law, which took effect last month and bans most abortions once fetal cardiac activity is present. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney ruled he did not have the authority to issue a preliminary injunction and block the law at this stage of the lawsuit. He stressed that his decision did not touch on the merits of the case, which will continue.
Two suspects in custody for shooting death of a Suwanee teen
Suwanee police have identified three teenagers that they believe are responsible for the shooting death of another teen last month. A 16-year-old, later identified as Abel Castellanos, was found lying dead in a parking lot on July 19, 2022 at an apartment complex in Suwanee. Now Suwanee Police say they have charged three teens for his murder. One of the suspects, Miguel Gabriel Flores, 16 of Lawrenceville, was arrested. He is charged with felony murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault.
Jackson EMC Foundation issues latest grant
The Jackson EMC Foundation Board issued its latest round of grants to organizations at its July meeting, totaling to $124,000. Childkind, Inc. was one of the recipients of the grant and received $5,000. Childkind, Inc. serves all Jackson EMC communities and has a foster family recruitment program for children with mental health challenges. Jackson EMC Foundation issues charitable grants through its Operation Round Up program.
NE Georgia schools not making significant changes despite new laws
As Georgia School districts prepare to welcome students back over the next week, many have spent the summer hammering out policies to comply with new laws passed by the general assembly last session. One of those bills, the so-called 'Parents Bill of Rights,' gives parents more of a say in their child's education, but it grants many things that Georgia law already guaranteed, like the right to examine school curriculum.
Gas prices continue to drop across the state and nationally
Gas prices keep dropping across Georgia. According to the weekly AAA fuel report released Monday morning, gas has fallen 14 cents in just a week, making the state average $3.76 per gallon. That’s 60 cents less than last month, but still 80 cents more than this time last year. In our area, Habersham County has the cheapest gas prices at $3.66 on average. “Low domestic demand for gasoline continues to trigger low prices at the pump,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman.
Meet the Georgia pilot who soars in 'Top Gun'
It's become clear that "Top Gun: Maverick" is now the blockbuster movie of the summer, with the Tom Cruise action film breaking records worldwide, and a Georgia pilot played a key role in making the movie so realistic. "They were looking for a couple of scenes that required altitudes far lower than normal fighter pilots would fly, and so someone had the good idea to contact the Blue Angels," said retired U.S. Navy Commander and Blue Angel Frank Weisser.
Clarkesville college evacuates building after threat
North Georgia Technical College had evacuated their Visual Tech Center on its Clarkesville campus due to a received bomb threat earlier today. After investigations, the North Georgia Technical College campus and the Visual Technology Center received the all-clear notification from law enforcement. Evening classes will be held as regularly scheduled.
Midland area still a hub of activity and development
The more than 250-acre area that is referred to as the "Midland" is booming with construction and economic development for housing, retail and green space. Construction of the new $35 million Midland Apartments is underway with a completion date of 2024, and Solis Phase two should be off the ground by early fall bringing 180 apartments and 5,000 square feet of retail.
Gas prices continue to drop in Georgia
Gas prices continue to drop in Georgia. According to the AAA weekly fuel price report released on Monday morning, gas has dropped another 16 cents this week. The average for a gallon of unleaded gas is now $4.03 across the state. That’s 46 cents less than last month. Georgia continues to remain one of the top three states in the country with the lowest average gas prices. South Carolina has the cheapest gas in the county with one cent less on average than Georgia at $4.02 per gallon.
Gwinnett Co. details new safety measures ahead of new school year
In the wake of recent mass shootings, Gwinnett County Public Schools officials have detailed new safety measures ahead of the upcoming school year. "Safety and security at every school is hard; you have to draw a fine line between keeping a school safe and making it look like a military installation," said Tony Lockard, chief of police for Gwinnett County Public Schools.
ICYMI: Weekend stories you may have missed
Gainesville man faces charges after SWAT standoff leads to shooting On Saturday, July 16th, a man was shot and wounded during a SWAT standoff in Hall County at around 4 a.m. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Hall County Sheriff's deputies were called for a welfare check at a home on Lakeview Lane in Gainesville at 12:30 a.m. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Randy Berry, 34, armed with an axe inside a shed on the property with a woman.
Monkeypox cases in Georgia cross 100
The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now reporting 110 cases of monkeypox in Georgia. Last Friday, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported 93 cases of the disease, all in men from Metro Atlanta. According to the CDC, case numbers across the nation have grown to 1,972. The news of the continued case growth comes as the Food and Drug Administration has given the green light for 1 million doses of the monkeypox vaccine to be shipped from Europe.
Take steps to keep 'skeeters' from spreading, health officials urge
Health officials are warning the public that the rain and warm afternoon temperatures are creating a perfect environment for the blood-sucking pests that invade the South in the summertime. "Warm, wet weather is a perfect breeding ground and habitat for mosquitoes to lay their eggs," District Two Public Health Spokeswoman Natasha Young said.
Hall Co. crews put out boat fire at Holiday Marina
UPDATE 2:30 p.m. First responders took two people to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for "minor injuries" after the boat they were on caught fire near Holiday Marina in Buford Sunday afternoon. Hall County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the area around 12:33 p.m., and the department's Marine 1 fire boat knocked out the flames in less than 30 minutes. "Upon arrival, there was a boat that was fully engulfed, and it was emitting black smoke," said Hall County Fire Rescue Spokeswoman Kimberlie Brady.
Hall GOP responds after reporter 'asked to leave' during event
On Saturday, the Hall County Republican Party hosted an event that invitations said was "open to everyone," but for one longtime Georgia radio reporter––this was not the case. "I love talking to voters; I love going to campaign events," 90.1 WABE Politics Reporter Rahul Bali told WDUN's Martha Zoller Show. Bali, a veteran political journalist in the Peach State, had come to the event on Saturday morning after seeing a post about the event on Facebook.
ICYMI: Weekend stories you may have missed
1. Macon men charged with robbery as Maysville man recovers from robbery The Commerce Police Department has charged 20-year-old Jaiquan Chase and 21-year-old Dailan Alston, of Macon, with two counts of aggravated assault and armed robbery and one count of possession of a firearm, following a robbery of a Maysville couple on Saturday afternoon. The two men were waiting in the parking lot of a business on U.S. 441 in Commerce in a silver Honda.
AAA: stay alert as students return to school
Over the next few weeks, 1.6 million Georgia children will head back to school, and AAA is reminding drivers that road safety needs to be top of mind. "We are aware of the risk to children in and around school zones which is why we developed the AAA's School's Open – Drive Carefully awareness campaign to help curb unsafe driving behavior near schools," Garrett Townsend, Georgia Public Affairs Director, said in a press release.
Biden, Cardona showcase ARPA successes in Georgia stop
Posted 3:54PM on Thursday 21st July 2022 ( 7 hours ago ) By Jonathan O'Brien Anchor/Reporter ATHENS –– First Lady Jill Biden and U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona toured the site of a summer learning program at the University of Georgia that is helping local first and second-grade students.
Fulton DA won't be allowed to question Jones
A Fulton County Judge on Monday disqualified District Attorney Fani Willis from questioning State Sen. Burt Jones in her office's ongoing probe into efforts by former President Donald Trump to overturn Georgia's election results. Jones, the Republican nominee for Lt. Governor, argued in court that Willis should be barred from questioning him because she recently hosted a fundraiser for his Democratic opponent Charlie Bailey.
Congresswoman Bourdeaux: 'Feeling pretty hopeful' about dead malls bill
A bill backed by Georgia Democratic Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux to revitalize dead malls and shopping centers across the country is moving to the House floor, which Bordeaux said is a big step forward. Bourdeaux spoke Tuesday afternoon on WDUN's Newsroom. Click the SoundCloud player above to listen to the full interview with WDUN's Mitch Clarke. The Greater Revitalization of Shopping Centers Act would create a grant subsidy program that would encourage investment in mall redevelopment.
Quality Foods vice president offers insight on food inflation
Putting food on the table is more challenging now than it has ever been before. The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s economic research service found the consumer price index for food in June increased by 12.2 percent in comparison to June 2021. Warren Brown, vice president of operations for independent grocery store chain Quality Foods, spoke on WDUN’s Newsroom to give a local perspective on these rising prices.
One dead following a motorcycle crash on Canton Highway
The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said a Thursday night crash between a pickup truck and motorcycle killed one person. Authorities say that 31-year-old Andrew Perillo of Cumming was driving east on Canton Highway after being stopped at a red light on Bethelview Road. Perillo was operating a 2021 Harley Davidson Softtail, according to a press release.
Monkeypox vaccine access top of mind for health officia...
As monkeypox cases in Georgia, approach 100 state health officials are considering ways to make vaccinations more accessible despite low supply levels. In a Friday afternoon press release, the Georgia Department of Public Health said they are working on setting up an online scheduling tool for monkeypox vaccinations. It comes amid a growing number of cases in the Peach State. As of Friday, DPH has confirmed 93 cases in Georgia among men from Metro Atlanta.
Work continues on the National development in Gainesvil...
Construction is well underway on the National development in Gainesville, which will soon feature a Courtyard by Marriott hotel and an apartment tower just off the Gainesville square. The hotel will feature 130 rooms and will share the site with 157 apartment units. The site will also feature an underground parking deck with an outdoor plaza that connects the two buildings. It's located at the corner of E E Butler and Spring Street, and will sit on the lot where the First National Bank was located.
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