Monique John
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📹🎤✍🏾 Reporter for @cbsnewsatl
📍Atlanta, GA
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Articles by Monique John
Atlanta baby born with rare heart defect thriving at 4 after heart transplant
Lindsey Davis and her family spend a lot of time at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Her now 4-year-old daughter, Macey, was born in 2022 with a congenital heart defect. "We were here for five months when she was first born at the Egleston location, and then we've come here [at the Arthur M. Blank campus] a few times for some surgeries," Davis said.
Organization leading effort to help support literacy in metro Atlanta and West Africa: "Not just a library"
When the Darkortey family visits their local library in Lilburn, they say they get a glimpse of what they're trying to accomplish in their home country of Liberia. Through their organization, the Liberia Economic Development Initiative (LEDI), the family is leading an effort to build a library in the West African country while giving out books and launching literacy programs in metro Atlanta. The Darkorteys launched the organization in 2007 and started construction on the library in 2018.
Coweta schools test weapons screening, clear bag policy at high school football game
Coweta County Schools piloted new security measures during Friday's football game between East Coweta and Northgate high schools. The school system required attendees to use clear bags for items brought into Garland Shoemake Memorial Stadium and walk through weapons detection systems at the entrances. The measures come after two incidents within the past two years in which firearms were found during athletic events in the district. Visitors said passing through the new checkpoints went smoothly.
In Republican-leaning Hall County, voters explain why they backed Democrats
Most major races from Tuesday's election have been called, but votes are still being counted in some key Georgia contests. Some Hall County voters say they think the pressure of President Donald Trump's policies has led people there to shift their support from Republicans to Democrats. Jim Robison, president of Indivisible Hall, a nonpartisan voter advocacy group, said he is an independent. He has voted for Republicans before but backed Democrats in this year's midterms.
Gwinnett County mom and children's book author uses connections to local families to fuel her writing
Katy Marshall says she always has to prepare and get herself into character before reading her books to children at schools in her community. That preparation includes practicing her lines and songs, boosting her energy, and preparing videos that match her books for the kids. "Even though they are cute, precious little beings, they are definitely going to judge you," Marshall said. "So, in order to keep your attention span, you want to make sure that you're giving off the vibe that one is genuine.
Keisha Lance Bottoms making Medicaid expansion a priority after historic Georgia win
Speaking to supporters at her Cascade Road campaign office Wednesday, Keisha Lance Bottoms basked in her victory as Georgia's governor-elect. "Y'all. It feels good to be a winner ... This win is for all of us. So thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you," Bottoms said. Bottoms said working with state lawmakers across the aisle will be crucial in her first 100 days, particularly on broadening access to health care. "I truly believe that this is an issue we can get bipartisan support with.
Claratel cancels DeKalb disability housing project, leaving neighbors asking what's next
Community members are asking what comes next after a behavioral health organization serving DeKalb County canceled plans for a housing development in their neighborhood. Residents had questions about what was planned for the site along Wesley Chapel Road near Southwest DeKalb High School. James Freeman told CBS News Atlanta he learned three weeks ago that Claratel Behavioral Health planned to build housing for vulnerable people there.
Nonprofit gives young Georgia author battling sickle cell disease her own book signing
Amiaya Brown realized she wanted to become an author when she started coming up with short stories while writing her book reports. "I just started writing it. And I would be like, 'Mom, look, read it.
Organizations gift Atlanta Army veteran in need a new roof: "I'm just filled with joy"
An Atlanta veteran in need has been gifted a new roof by a group of companies and a local nonprofit. It's part of a decade-long nationwide program focused on helping veterans make critical improvements to their homes. After almost 30 years living in her Southwest Atlanta home, the Army veteran recognized it was time for a major change. Her house needed a new roof. As a result, Owens Corning and Rooks Roofing & Exteriors and nonprofit Rebuilding Together Atlanta came together to install a new one.
With more corporate investors controlling metro Atlanta housing, researchers call for legal protections
Ethan Vuley began renting his Southeast Atlanta home in 2023, but since moving in, he says he's dealt with flooding issues in his basement. Incident reports from his landlord, Invitation Homes, one of the largest owners of single-family rental homes in the United States, reveal the problem as a structural issue. After dozens of calls, Vuley says the landlord sent multiple contractors to his home. "They've dug up the yard. They put this thing in," Vuley says, referring to a pipe in the wall.
NASCAR's Denny Hamlin surprises Georgia teacher by making a pit stop at her classroom
Ansley Smallwood thought it was just another school day with her fifth graders at Lanier Elementary. But she and her class were shocked when Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin made a left turn into her classroom with two carts full of classroom supplies and a $10,000 check. Hamlin and Progressive Insurance teamed up with the school to recognize Smallwood for using stock car racing to teach students about STEM. "I had no clue that they were going to do all that for us," Smallwood said.
Georgia TikTok star trades health care career for auto repair and helps train new mechanics
Click here for updates on this story CONYERS, Georgia (WUPA) -- Desiree White says she never thought she would become a mechanic. But when she left her health care career in 2019, she had been exploring the trade for a few months, buying, selling and gradually learning to repair cars on the side with her children. "We started doing big, big jobs just to test ourselves and learn and really found that it was just so much drive and completing something and starting it back up.
Conyers TikTok star trades health care career for auto repair and helps train new mechanics
Desiree White says she never thought she would become a mechanic. But when she left her health care career in 2019, she had been exploring the trade for a few months, buying, selling and gradually learning to repair cars on the side with her children. "We started doing big, big jobs just to test ourselves and learn and really found that it was just so much drive and completing something and starting it back up. And it's not explainable," White said.
From Dunwoody to Mongolia, Atlanta Archery Club members take aim at new challenges
Georgia's archery deer season is underway, but there's a group of people who practice their archery skills year-round thanks to the Atlanta Archery Club. Yale Nogin, the club's founder, says much of archery comes down to mindset and feeling aligned in your body. "First, we're going to begin with grounding ourselves. There's so much happening in our upper body through archery," Nogin said as he stretched and meditated.
Guests return to Six Flags Over Georgia with mixed feelings after deadly Goliath incident
Six Flags Over Georgia reopened Friday after a man died while riding Goliath on Monday. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, worked at Wesley International Academy, an Atlanta Public Schools charter school. Visitors who spoke to CBS News Atlanta shared mixed feelings about returning. Some expressed reservations, while others said Monday's incident would not keep them from enjoying the park's attractions. Christian Andrews, of Auburn, said the death made him more cautious.
Georgia midterms bring debates, record early voting and visits from Trump and Vance
With early voting underway, candidates are stepping up efforts to connect with voters across Georgia. Candidates in some of the state's biggest races took the Atlanta Press Club's debate stage this week. Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff debated his Republican challenger, U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, on Tuesday. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms appeared alone Monday after her Republican opponent in the governor's race, Rick Jackson, declined the club's invitation.
Brookhaven says new fire station will improve response times; residents raise concerns
Brookhaven's City Council voted 3-1 Monday to approve a contract with DeKalb County to build a new fire station in Blackburn Park. It's part of a larger, yearslong county effort to build and renovate fire stations. But some Brookhaven residents say they feel blindsided by the project and didn't learn about the plans until the contract came before the council last month. They also worry about the effects on traffic, green space and children's ability to walk safely in the area.
Marietta superintendent uses bonus to help students pay college application fees
Ellen Gbolade has watched others in her family go to college. Still, the amount of work and money it takes to apply took her by surprise. "My plan is to apply to like 10, so that's quite a lot of money with paying for each application but also sending scores is something you have to do to every single school, and it's $15 per school," Gbolade said.
Army veteran's organization Helmets to Boots helps veterans launch and grow businesses
Jeremy Walker says his more than 20 years in the U.S. Army taught him to be flexible and proactive. Those skills, he says, are crucial as a business owner. "I'm a project manager and a program manager," Walker said. "That's really the baseline of what we do. And micro-macroeconomics, which is what the military is, it's all business. Now you just changed the uniform to a suit, and it's the same concepts." After retiring from the army in 2016, Walker launched Helmets to Boots.
Former baseball player given surprise of a lifetime by family, Atlanta community
Marvin Wiggins is a man of many passions. His friends and family say they love to hear him sing. But the pastime he's most crazy about? Baseball. "This is what I grew up loving," Wiggins said, staring at a baseball he held up in the air. Wiggins was sitting in his wheelchair in the A.G. Rhodes nursing home while speaking to CBS News Atlanta. Wiggins fell in love with baseball as a child growing up in New York City when his father took him and his brothers to games at Yankee Stadium.
Atlanta organization helps formerly-incarcerated Georgians have a voice on election day
Bridgette Simpson says life was difficult and lonely when she got out of prison in 2018. Fast forward to today, and she is surrounded by her team of voting rights advocates at her organization, Barred Business. Based in Atlanta's Mechanicsville neighborhood, the organization helps people who have been incarcerated or otherwise impacted by the criminal justice system get to the polls. "We've served our time, and we want to leave that time behind and move forward," Simpson said.
The Book Bird credits DeKalb County resources with helping its business grow
It's Small Business Opportunity Week in DeKalb County, and local business owners say the support they have found is helping them grow. The county, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and the Decide DeKalb Development Authority are encouraging small business owners to use the resources available to help their companies succeed.
Atlanta food bank absorbs record-high diesel costs to keep feeding Georgia families
With diesel prices having reached a record high in Georgia, agencies serving vulnerable communities are feeling the pinch. The Atlanta Community Food Bank says it relies on a fleet of 30 tractor-trailers and box trucks to get food to community partners for vulnerable families. The bank says it is fighting to keep families fed despite rising diesel prices, but admits it's an uphill battle.
Atlanta Public Schools parents demand answers as district moves forward with closing 16 schools
Atlanta Public Schools is engaging parents and community members about its plans to consolidate schools and reassign students as part of APS Forward 2040. However, some people say those efforts are not enough. The district still plans to close 16 schools as part of the broader consolidation plan.
After devastating car crash, Rome teen finds passion volunteering to help other children
A Rome high school student is using a life-changing experience to fuel his volunteer work for other children. Will Bowerman says he's lucky to be alive after he got seriously hurt in a car crash when he was 9. He detailed his injuries while speaking to CBS Atlanta: "Cardiac arrest, spinal fracture. Rib fractures. Broke my clavicle. Biggest thing was my spleen. Ruptured my spleen and that had to be taken out." He says it was a slow, intense recovery process, learning to walk again.
Georgia mom with cerebral palsy defying odds to become CrossFit athlete
A Forsyth County mom has persevered through her neurological condition to become a respected athlete in her CrossFit community. Angela Brejcha has been taking CrossFit for six years at Lanier Strength and Conditioning in Cumming, but she's not the average athlete. Brejcha has cerebral palsy. It's a neurological disorder that affects people's ability to move, control their muscles, and maintain their balance and posture.
Long inaccessible 26-acre forest could become southwest Atlanta's newest park
For years, Renette Scott warned her students at Therrell High School in southwest Atlanta not to venture into the woods outside the school. She didn't know then that the land was owned by the city of Atlanta. "This is a jewel that we don't know exists," Scott said. The land is known as Falling Water Park. The city bought the 26-acre forest in 2004 and classified it as a park-in-holding, meaning the greenspace was protected and closed to the public.
Alpharetta art exhibit brings 10 new sculptures to parks, trails and public spaces
The city of Alpharetta is turning its parks, trails and public spaces into an outdoor gallery featuring work by artists from across the country. One of those artists, Gregory Johnson, said he spent 300 hours working with a team to create one of the sculptures now on display. "A good sculpture is interesting from just about every angle," Johnson said after the piece was installed in a park near City Hall.
Atlanta family honors aspiring lawyer killed by falling tree through student scholarships
A community is keeping the memory of an aspiring lawyer alive by supporting students across metro Atlanta. Gerald Crawford died in 2020 when a tree fell on his southwest Atlanta home. While speaking with CBS News Atlanta, Cynthia Crawford returned to Midtown High School's football field for the first time since 2009. The school was then known as Grady High School, and it was where her only son, Gerald, graduated that year.
Annual 5K honors memory of metro Atlanta Green Beret who enlisted after best friend's death on 9/11
On Saturday, hundreds of runners will gather for an annual 5K to remember a Green Beret who served in memory of his best friend. Staff Sgt. Ryan Means enlisted in the Army after his childhood friend died in the Sept. 11 attacks. Michael Means says his older brother was fixated on joining the military since they were children. "In the backyard, we would dig foxholes. We watched every single military movie multiple times," Means said.
Georgia Tech graduate, cancer survivor gets chance to test robotic surgery system that saved his life
Click here for updates on this story ATLANTA (WUPA) -- Jonathan Sculley was blown away when he got to get up close and personal with the robotic surgery system that saved his life. "I've never even seen anything like this before," Sculley said. "It's quite easy to use, actually. It's quite intuitive." It's called the Intuitive da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system, technology that helps doctors perform surgeries with precision in a less invasive way using cameras and robot arms.
Georgia Tech graduate, cancer survivor gets chance to test robotic surgery system that saved his life
ATLANTA (WUPA) -- Jonathan Sculley was blown away when he got to get up close and personal with the robotic surgery system that saved his life. "I've never even seen anything like this before," Sculley said. "It's quite easy to use, actually. It's quite intuitive." It's called the Intuitive da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system, technology that helps doctors perform surgeries with precision in a less invasive way using cameras and robot arms.
Georgia Tech graduate, cancer survivor gets chance to test robotic surgery system that saved his life
Jonathan Sculley was blown away when he got to get up close and personal with the robotic surgery system that saved his life. "I've never even seen anything like this before," Sculley said. "It's quite easy to use, actually. It's quite intuitive." It's called the Intuitive da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system, technology that helps doctors perform surgeries with precision in a less invasive way using cameras and robot arms.
Fulton County revives $1.2 million rental assistance program with Urban League for families in need
Fulton County is reviving a program that provides rental assistance to families in need. The county is partnering with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to reach residents facing housing instability. The program, called Hope to Home, will use $1.2 million in federal funding to help eligible residents pay a portion of their rent. Officials said the goal is to provide greater housing stability and help participants become more independent.
Winder-Barrow High School students fight to keep graduation on school's football field
Students at Winder-Barrow High School are pushing back against a plan to move graduation from the school's football field to an arena in another county, ending a decades-old tradition. The principal sent a letter to the incoming senior class in June announcing that graduation would move from W. Clair Harris Stadium to Akins Ford Arena in Ring in Athens, more than 30 minutes away. Several students spoke against the decision Tuesday before the Barrow County school board.
Fast scooters, crowded paths and recent violence fuel concerns on the Beltline
After several recent acts of violence along the Atlanta Beltline, visitors are discussing how to make the trail safer for the community. People who spoke with CBS News Atlanta said they were disheartened by the violence, including a deadly stabbing two weekends ago and a shooting this past weekend. Although the incidents are not stopping them from enjoying the green space, some visitors said better trail etiquette could make the Beltline safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Atlanta Habitat Women's Build helps families lay a foundation for homeownership
Women are coming together to give the gift of homeownership to community members in need. Each year, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity's Women's Build raises money and brings women volunteers together to construct a home from the ground up. The goal is to expand access to affordable homeownership. Kia Lewis is one of the homeowners whose house was built through the program. She said she was in a difficult position when she applied to become a Habitat homeowner about 20 years ago.
DeKalb County police share successes and areas of improvement at town hall
DeKalb County police held a town hall Tuesday to share its success over the past year and areas for improvement. The department noted gains in reducing violent and property crime. However, it's still dealing with understaffing and response time challenges. DeKalb County Police say crimes against people are down 13 percent, with a three percent decrease in homicides. Property crimes are down 23 percent. The department also highlighted its use of drones while responding to 911 calls.
DeKalb County police share successes and areas of improvement at town hall
DeKalb County police held a town hall Tuesday to share its success over the past year and areas for improvement. The department noted gains in reducing violent and property crime. However, it's still dealing with understaffing and response time challenges. DeKalb County Police say crimes against people are down 13 percent, with a three percent decrease in homicides. Property crimes are down 23 percent. The department also highlighted its use of drones while responding to 911 calls.
Dunwoody bans vape shops near schools and daycares with new ordinance: "The packaging and presentation are so cleverly designed to attract our children"
The City of Dunwoody is barring vape shops from opening in parts of the city. It's a step already taken by other nearby cities. The Dunwoody City Council unanimously passed an ordinance restricting vape shops on Monday. Currently, there are no vape shops in Dunwoody. If one opens, it must be located in commercial districts, at least 600 feet from daycare facilities, schools, and places of worship, and 1,500 feet from another vape shop or gas station.
Dozens of new electric school buses ready to roll through DeKalb County's neighborhoods
Bernando Brown spent most of his childhood riding DeKalb County buses. Now as an adult and the district's director of student transportation, he's helping the district roll out a new generation of electric buses. "Coming off the tail of the bird, there is a charge like a plug with the cord that lets you know this is one of our buses that must be plugged in," Brown told CBS Atlanta as he pointed out features on one of the Bluebird models.
Georgia nonprofit helps nursing home residents feel less lonely and more connected
Ulmaria Williams has had a passion for caring for older adults since she was a child in her home country of Liberia. That passion grew even stronger in 2008 when her father battled dementia. Through that experience, she realized that many older adults struggle with social isolation and cognitive decline. "I realized over the years that a lot of them are lonely, regardless of their status," Williams said.
Club helps metro Atlanta women connect while challenging male-dominated golf world
Women in metro Atlanta have formed a club to connect through a sport long dominated by men. Called Ladies Who Golf, the group was started by LaShonda Miles and Keyeriah Miles, a mother-daughter duo who wanted to share their passion with others. Jessica Hare joined Ladies Who Golf about a year ago. The sport has become one of her favorite pastimes. "I ran across Ladies Who Golf on Instagram about a year ago and did not think that I would like golf.
Club helps metro Atlanta women connect while challenging male-dominated golf world
Women in metro Atlanta have formed a club to connect through a sport long dominated by men. Called Ladies Who Golf, the group was started by LaShonda Miles and Keyeriah Miles, a mother-daughter duo who wanted to share their passion with others. Jessica Hare joined Ladies Who Golf about a year ago. The sport has become one of her favorite pastimes. "I ran across Ladies Who Golf on Instagram about a year ago and did not think that I would like golf.
Gwinnett County holds public hearings on proposed millage rate: "We want to make sure that we're protecting our residents' assets"
Gwinnett County is letting the community share their thoughts on whether the county should keep its current millage rate. The county's tax rate pays for public services like libraries, first responders, and the upkeep of parks. Gwinnett County's millage rate has been the same since 20-20, 6.95. The county says that if it keeps the rate, most homeowners wouldn't see an increase in their county property taxes. But others who don't qualify a tax exemption would.
Can Atlanta's Beltline Mortgage Assistance Program help residents avoid being priced out?
The city of Atlanta is launching a new homeownership assistance program for people living along the Beltline. The initiative is targeting communities in the south and west parts of Atlanta. The initiative is called the Beltline Mortgage Assistance Program, a program launched by Mayor Andre Dickens, Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Beltline Inc. with $1.5 million in funding, the program is giving away $20,000 to $30,000 in down payment assistance to people buying homes in the city's south and west sides.
City intervenes as Atlanta airport parking workers complain of payroll, benefit issues
The city of Atlanta is stepping in as transportation workers at the airport are speaking out about ongoing payment issues with their employer, the Vectour Group. Union members who provide parking services in lots and garages, drive shuttle buses and manage fleets say a third-party contractor hired by the city has been making late and inaccurate payments, and failing to pay their insurance among several other issues. But that employer is refuting those claims.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport plane train technicians ratify first-ever union contract
A group of workers at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are celebrating a major milestone: ratifying the first-ever union contract for technicians operating the airport's plane train across terminals. Ninety airport workers are covered in this agreement.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport plane train technicians ratify first-ever union contract
A group of workers at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are celebrating a major milestone: ratifying the first-ever union contract for technicians operating the airport's plane train across terminals. Ninety airport workers are covered in this agreement.
Gwinnett County nonprofit Lettum Eat! opens farm to feed metro Atlanta's hungry
After years of working as a chef in the restaurant industry, Gwinnett County resident Hank Reid became determined to fight food waste and help those struggling to put food on the table. In 2019, he launched a food truck to start food giveaways. As his nonprofit, Lettum Eat! Inc., grew, he thought opening a farm would be the perfect home for the operation. "That gets emotional for people, you know, and they struggle to feed their family and feed their kids," Reid said.
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