Samuel Sachs
Verified
(He/Him)
As seen in:
WSB-TV (Atlanta, GA),
MSN,
Yahoo News,
Yahoo Finance,
The Hill,
Changing America,
Flipboard,
Miami Herald,
Yahoo,
NewsNation,
The Charlotte Observer
and
Covers:
Government, Politics, Welfare systems, housing, education, legislation, economy and finance, history.
Articles by Samuel Sachs
Georgia school superintendent releases list of legislative priorities for 2025 Original
ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Education announced their list of 2025 legislative priorities on Monday, and the items they’re looking to prioritize are split into three categories: Safety, Success and Support.
Tariffs and trade: How proposed import taxes on goods from China, Canada and Mexico may impact you Original
ATLANTA — With the possibility of a multi-front trade war looming over the January inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, tariffs are the name of the game for economic forecasts. The president-elect has already said he plans to impose higher tariffs on three countries: 60% tariffs on China and 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, both of whom are part of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which replaced the NAFTA economic deal during the previous Trump administration.
Georgia Election results: Voters approve all 3 ballot measures, tax reforms Original
ATLANTA — On Election Day, a majority of Georgia voters chose more than just who they wanted for the next President of the United States. In addition to picking former President Donald Trump to return to the White House in January, more than 50% of Georgia voters also approved three ballot measures related to taxes and property values. As a result, homeowners and other Georgians will benefit from a broader homestead exemption and will also see the creation of a Georgia Tax Court.
Atlanta City Council approves nearly $18 million in funds for new fire trucks Original
ATLANTA — Months after an Atlanta City auditor’s report found one-third of the Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department’s trucks were past their nearly 20-year service life and another 20% of the fleet was out of service, the Atlanta City Council approved funding to buy 11 new fire trucks. In August, Channel 2 Action News reported on the audit, sharing the findings on the fire department fleet’s condition.
Nonprofit says Georgia Pathways to Coverage program enrollment levels hurt barriers to access Original
ATLANTA — A new analysis of the experimental Georgia Pathways to Coverage medical insurance program says that barriers to access, particularly among uninsured Georgians in rural communities and among Georgians of color, had a negative impact on how many residents were able to enroll in the program.
Laken Riley murder case: Jose Ibarra back in court for hearing on DNA evidence Original
ATHENS, Ga. — The man accused of murdering Laken Riley on the University of Georgia’s campus in February is expected back in court Friday morning for a hearing on the use of genetic evidence at trial. Attorneys representing Jose Antonio Ibarra are contesting the use of DNA evidence collected during the investigation into Riley’s death.
Biden to apologize to Tribal Nations for 150 years of boarding school abuses, 2 schools were in GA Original
BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. — On Friday, President Joe Biden traveled to Arizona to address members of the Gila River Indian community and issue an apology for what federal officials call historic wrongs. White House officials said Thursday that in addition to highlighting federal efforts during his presidency to help Tribal Nations in the United States advance their sovereignty, the president planned to apologize to Native communities on behalf of the federal government and the American people.
GOP hosts ‘Protect the Vote’ event with Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene
ROME, Ga. — While Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned in Atlanta on Saturday as the time before the presidential race ticks down, the Republican National Committee hosted a “Protect the Vote” tour stop in Rome. Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who represents Rome in U.S. Congress, attended the event at the Forum River Center on Tribune Street.
Lyft offering rideshare discounts to get voters to polls for 2024 election Original
ATLANTA — Rideshare company Lyft says it’s doing it’s part to help voters get to the polls for the November election. The company announced it would be offering rideshare discounts to voters hitting the ballot box as we head closer to the Nov. 5 presidential election. That means the company will discount rideshare, bikeshare and scooter costs for those heading to the polls during early voting and election day.
Georgians to decide fate of 3 tax reform questions during November election
ATLANTA — Come Nov. 5, Georgians will be deciding more than just who they want for president and who will serve on a variety of boards and commissions across the state. In addition to political officers, voters will also be deciding on three tax reform initiatives that passed in the legislature but would modify the state constitution. As a result, the three ballot items have to be put in the hands of voters to fully decide if they will become law, or if they will be canceled.
White House official says drug overdose deaths down nearly 13%, largest drop on record
ATLANTA — A new report from the Atlanta-based U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that, at least based on preliminary data, overdose deaths in the United States had dropped by the largest amount on record. According to a statement from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the CDC report represents a major milestone in the fight against the drug epidemic, with the number down 12.7% in the past year.
Georgia schools, universities getting more than $9.66 million for mental health service programs
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The U.S. Department of Education is giving $70 million to schools and universities across the country to help pay for school-based mental health services. In Georgia, more than $9.66 million was awarded to help fund school-based mental health services and mental health service professional demonstration grants.
FAA to audit 45 busiest US airports for runway incursions, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Federal Aviation Administration announced they’d be auditing the country’s 45 busiest airports after a rash of near collisions, and some actual collisions, at airports in the United States sparked concern. The collisions, known as runway incursions, that have prompted federal review are in response to several incidents, including at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Joro spiders in GA found to have bacteria that makes them potentially sterile, new research shows
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — New research on Joro spiders by Georgia Gwinnett College found the invasive critters carry a bacteria that can cause them to go sterile. Wolbachia, a common bacteria found in about half of all insects on the planet, was detected as members of GGC’s biology department were studying the genetic makeup of Joro spiders found in the state. Joros have been in Georgia for about 10 years after traveling to the United States from east Asia.
‘Our nation was robbed:’ Former Pres. Trump mentions death of Laken Riley while at Cobb County rally
COBB COUNTY, Ga. — While speaking at a Tuesday night rally in Cobb County, former President Donald Trump focused on the economy, immigration and his plans for the White House if he wins reelection in November. During the portion on immigration, Trump mentioned the murder of Laken Riley, accusing his electoral opponent Vice President Kamala Harris of allowing criminals into the United States through what he said was an open border.
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.
Moving trend analysis shows which swing states could shift redder during 2024 election
GEORGIA — Just weeks away from a presidential election, Realtor.com put out a new analysis of moving trends to see which swing states might shift redder in 2024. According to the real estate company’s study, Georgia is one of three swing states that could shift more red as the election unfolds. However, the company’s analyst said the actual impact of movers on elections is not set in stone.
Union City kicks off neglected spaces revitalization program, moves to demolish blighted properties
UNION CITY, Ga. — Union City leaders announced the beginning of a new neighborhood revitalization initiative focused on what they call neglected spaces. On Monday, Mayor Vince Williams and members of the Union City City Council had a long-blighted property demolished, saying it had “been a symbol of blight and safety concerns,” for a while, mentioning its overgrown weeds and hazardous condition.
Family wins $3.5 million from Savannah after elderly woman killed during undercover narcotics chase
SAVANNAH, Ga. — The family of a 70-year-old woman who was killed in 2016 during a high-speed police chase in Savannah was awarded $3.5 million by a jury on Thursday. According to court records from a lawsuit filed by the family of Bernitha Vaughn, the family matriarch was heading home after church and shopping at the grocery store when she was hit in a high-speed collision and killed.
Hurricane Helene: Federal government activates prescription replacement program for victims in GA
GEORGIA — On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services activated an emergency program to help Georgians impacted by Hurricane Helene get access to any lost or damaged medications and medical equipment.
BioLab chemical fire: Conyers car dealership suing BioLab over impact on business
CONYERS, Ga. — After a chemical fire at the Conyers BioLab facility impacted county residents and disrupted life and business, multiple lawsuits have been filed against the company. Adding to the various court cases now pending, a Nissan dealership in Conyers is suing BioLab and parent company KIK Consumer Products.
Laken Riley murder case: Motions hearing for Jose Ibarra in Athens court Friday
ATHENS, Ga. — Attorneys representing Jose Antonio Ibarra, the man accused of murdering Laken Riley while on campus at the University of Georgia in Athens in February, have filed to have evidence suppressed and witnesses barred from testifying at trial. According to court records, the related motions in court are up for review and debate at the Friday morning hearing.
Georgia officials reissue about $3 million in SNAP replacements due to fraud claims
ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Human Services announced plans last October to help Georgia food stamp beneficiaries who were victims of fraud. In the time since, they’ve replaced about $3 million in benefits they say were stolen or skimmed. The announcement focused on how Georgians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assitance Program funding whose benefits were stolen. DHS told Channel 2 Action News that 7,040 claims for replacement benefits had been submitted since Oct.
DeKalb County Schools paid 51 staff twice, still no checks for more than 70 amid payroll issues
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News is learning more about the ongoing payroll issues for DeKalb County Schools teachers and staff. At the end of September, DeKalb County Schools still had more than 70 teachers and staff who had not been getting paychecks. In a presentation at a recent school board meeting, 72 employees had not been paid as of Sept. 30. The district also said that 51 employees had gotten duplicate checks, worth a total of $155,888.85.
USDA approves SNAP waiver for Georgia residents impacted by Hurricane Helene
ATLANTA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the approval of a temporary waiver for Georgia residents with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to get hot food until early November in response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. SNAP beneficiaries in 84 Georgia counties can now use their benefits to buy hot foods until Nov. 7.
NTSB releases preliminary report on taxiway crash between 2 Delta planes Original
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Two Delta Air Lines planes clipped each other while on the taxiway at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Sept. 10. A new report on the incident from the National Transportation Safety Board details how the two planes managed to clip each other, leading to one plane’s tale coming off the main body.
Atlanta investigators find 3 former City Planning staff took bribes to speed up permitting process
ATLANTA — A recent report from Atlanta’s Office of Inspector General found that three staff members working for the Department of City Planning had accepted bribes in order to speed up permitting processes. According to the OIG, the two no-former permit technicians, as well as their supervisor, worked for the Light Commercial Division of the Department of City Planning Office of Buildings. The first technician to fall under the investigation of OIG was Sheaner Magee, the office said in a report.
Group announces plan to sue Gov. Kemp over lack of investigation into State Election Board actions
ATLANTA — The tense back and forth over recent actions of the State Election Board in Georgia is intensifying with another lawsuit, this time aimed at the governor’s office. State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes joined former Fulton County Board of Elections Chair Cathy Woolard and former state Representative Randal Mangham at the Georgia State Capitol to announce plans for a lawsuit against Gov. Brian Kemp for what they say is a lack of action to rein in the state board.
Cobb County School District removes 6 more ‘explicit’ books from school libraries, total now 26
COBB COUNTY, Ga. — At Thursday’s Cobb County School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Chris Ragsdale announced six more books would be removed the school district’s library system.
Georgia AG says new rules from State Election Board may ‘conflict’ with state election laws Original
ATLANTA — The office of Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr sent a letter to the members of Georgia’s State Election Board Friday morning telling them some of the planned rule changes to election policies ahead of the presidential race may conflict with state law as well as the board’s authority. A copy of the letter was obtained by Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Justin Gray on Friday morning.
Cobb County polling places will be more accessible for disabled voters after federal investigation Original
COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday that they’d reached a settlement with the Cobb County Board of Elections over a multi-year compliance issue surrounding accessibility at polling sites for the disabled. According to the Justice Department, the court fight had sprung from an issue with physical barriers at polling sites that prevented people with disabilities from having voting access.
Georgia site of dueling vice presidential candidate visits as Election Day inches closer Original
ATLANTA — Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz is making two campaign stops in Georgia on Tuesday. Walz’ stops in Georgia come less than a full day after his Republican counterpart, Sen. J.D. Vance, was in Cobb County speaking at the Faith & Freedom Coalition dinner at the Cobb Galleria.
Georgians to decide 2 tax reform questions during November election Original
ATLANTA — Come Nov. 5, Georgians will be deciding more than just who they want for president and who will serve on a variety of boards and commissions across the state. In addition to political officers, voters will also be deciding on two tax reform initiatives that passed in the legislature but would modify the state constitution. As a result, the two ballot items have to be put in the hands of voters to fully decide if they will become law, or if they will be canceled.
Fulton County Board of Education considering closures for 2 elementary schools due to low enrollment Original
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — At a Tuesday Fulton County Board of Education meeting, members of the board discussed closing two elementary schools in the district due to lower enrollment levels. The two schools highlighted for potential closure were Parklane Elementary School and Spalding Drive Elementary School, in East Point and Sandy Springs, respectively.
Legendary director Francis Ford Coppola facing allegations of sexual harassment in Atlanta lawsuit Original
ATLANTA — An extra from the set and production of “Megalopolis,” the soon-to-be-released feature from legendary director Francis Ford Coppola filed a lawsuit with allegations of sexual harassment against the film icon in Fulton County Superior Court.
Cobb Commission seat ‘deemed vacant’ after electoral map changes ousts current commissioner Original
COBB COUNTY, Ga. — In a follow-up to a late August court decision, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners announced a commission seat was “deemed vacant” as a result of changes to the county’s electoral map. Channel 2 Action News reported previously that on Aug. 27, the county commission moved to use a district map drawn by the Georgia General Assembly after losing their court battle to use a “home rule” drawn map instead.
Decatur Commission to vote on new noise ordinance Sept. 16, limiting lawn equipment use times Original
DECATUR, Ga. — After surveying city residents on noise complaints in Decatur, the City Commission is exploring ways to limit the buzz. According to a presentation from Decatur officials on Sept. 4, the number one nuisance noise maker in the city is lawn equipment. Now, city leaders are considering changes to the city code to dampen the sound problem.
Report shares details on investigation into accused Barrow Co. school shooter threat made last year Original
BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — In the aftermath of a deadly school shooting in Barrow County on Wednesday, details are being revealed about the shooting suspect’s past brushes with law enforcement. As Channel 2 Action News reported Wednesday, officers spoke to then-13-year-old shooting suspect Colt Gray last year after receiving information from federal agents that he may be tied to threats made against a school.
Tenants to gather in protest outside of Atlanta HUD office, ‘demand intervention’ on housing issues Original
ATLANTA — A group of Georgia tenants receiving housing assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are planning to protest poor conditions outside of the regional HUD office in Atlanta. According to a release by the tenants, who come from all across Georgia, they’ll be demanding “urgent intervention and accountability” to what they call “ongoing civil rights and fair housing violations” that residents are facing across the region.
Atlanta City Council approves ban on data center construction near Belt Line Original
ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council voted Tuesday to codify what they consider to be a data center and where they can be built. The vote came in the form of two ordinances, the first of which defined data centers and the second which set limits on what areas are banned from having data centers.
Effort to reduce criminal court backlog in Georgia moves forward in US Congress Original
ATLANTA — Legislation supported by U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff to help clear federal court backlogs and wait times has passed in the U.S. Senate and heads to the U.S. house of Representatives. The Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved, or JUDGES, Act aims to reduce the wait times and backlogs in criminal court by adding new judgeships to judicial circuits across the United States.
Atlanta City Council proposes buying blighted properties that ‘hinder’ development, revitalization Original
ATLANTA — At Monday’s Atlanta City Council meeting, the council members proposed a resolution to use city funds to buy up blighted and condemned properties in the city as part of a bid to boost development and solve community issues. The proposal comes less than a month after the council passed their plan to levy additional taxes on the owners of blighted properties.
Dunwoody officials release $37 million 2025 budget proposal for review
Continue reading More for You
Dunwoody officials release $37 million 2025 budget proposal for review Original
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The City of Dunwoody has released its 2025 proposed budget for review by the public and City Council. According to officials, the proposed city budget is $37 million, with a focus on public safety and slowing growth while avoiding tax increases for residents and businesses.
Cannibal snake found in Georgia that ate 3 snakes, vomited them back up. 1 was still alive Original
GEORGIA — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division says one of their wildlife technicians found more than what they were looking for during a survey in southeast Georgia. According to DNR, back in November, a technician searching for eastern indigo snakes found a four-foot-long slithery specimen that had vomited out not one, not two, but three other snakes, including a live rattlesnake.
Fulton County government says locally trapped mosquitoes found carrying West Nile virus Original
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Days after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Georgia’s number of West Nile virus cases had tripled in a week, the Fulton County government reported locally trapped mosquitoes had tested positive as carrying the virus in multiple locations across the county, including near a middle school. The Fulton County Board of Health has been trapping mosquitoes in areas near Big Trees Forest Preserve, Hermann J.
Fulton Co. commissioners quadruples funding level for county’s veterans services Original
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — At an Aug. 21 Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting, the commission approved a significantly expanded budget for local veterans’ services programs. Earlier this year, the commission had approved $250,000 to go to funding for veteran health, wellness, housing and homelessness initiatives. On Monday, commissioners approved quadrupling the budget, adding $750,000 and increasing the overall total to $1 million.
Couple suing Emory University Hospital over death of unborn child Original
ATLANTA — A Fulton County couple is suing Emory University Hospital Midtown and Emory University Healthcare claiming that a lack of treatment at the hospital led to the death of their unborn son. Crystal Bealing and Joshua McCreary filed the lawsuit in Fulton County court on Aug. 22, accusing Emory Healthcare staff failed to provide medical treatment to Bealing, who at the time was 38 weeks pregnant. On Aug.
NTSB report says pilot reported ‘emergency’ before crash that killed members of Nelons gospel group Original
ATLANTA — Just over a month after a fatal plane crash killed seven people, including three members of Georgia-based gospel group The Nelons, a report from the National Transportation Safety Board is sharing details about what happened. According to the NTSB report, the fatal crash in Wyoming killed pilot Larry Haynie, a Georgia Department of Corrections official, and his wife Melissa, as well as Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler and their assistant, Melodi Hodges.
Atlanta VA Medical Center OR reopens after mid-August closure due to ‘intermittent’ bug sightings
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — After temporarily closing its operating rooms for nearly two weeks, the Atlanta VA Medical Center has reopened its operating rooms after several weeks of intermittent flying insect sightings. A Veterans Affairs spokeswoman told Channel 2 Action News that the flying bugs were first seen in mid-August, but after work to disinfect the operating rooms, the surgical suites reopened Monday.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Samuel
Contact Samuel, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack