Hear Georgia NOW

Author: Jenna Eason

  • Pregnant woman deported from Atlanta despite severe pain, advocates say

    Pregnant woman deported from Atlanta despite severe pain, advocates say

    Pregnant woman deported from Atlanta despite severe pain, advocates say

    A pregnant woman was deported last week despite having severe pain in her back and abdomen, according to the human rights group representing her.

    Zharick Daniela Buitrago Ortiz, a 21-year-old Colombian woman, was placed on a deportation flight out of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport and was allegedly denied medical care by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

    The Kennedy Human Rights Center, representing Ortiz, filed a petition with the federal court in Atlanta to stop the deportation, but the order from the judge came around three hours too late. The flight had already left.

    Ortiz crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in November seeking asylum, but Anthony Enriquez, vice president of U.S. advocacy and litigation at the Kennedy Human Rights Center, told the AJC that federal officials detained Ortiz over alleged affiliation with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

    “Using Tren de Aragua as a boogeyman to deport eight-month-pregnant women in medical distress is farcical,” Enriquez said. “Americans see through the government’s transparent attempts to deflect from its cruel and dangerous treatment of vulnerable people. Enough is enough.”

    Kennedy Center officials told the AJC that Ortiz sought medical care in Columbia Friday morning, but they had no update about the condition of Ortiz or her baby.

  • Georgia Democrats escalate criticism of ICE after second U.S. citizen killed in federal operations

    Georgia Democrats escalate criticism of ICE after second U.S. citizen killed in federal operations

    Georgia Democrats escalate criticism of ICE after second U.S. citizen killed in federal operations

    Georgia Democrats have increased criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations following the second killing of an American citizen in 17 days.

    U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock have stated they will oppose any government funding package that does not either remove funding for ICE or add protections for civil liberties.

    “Massively deployed and ill-trained federal forces are violating civil liberties with impunity and showing reckless disregard for life and property. Masked federal agents are detaining citizens without cause and raiding Americans’ homes without a judge’s warrant. A growing number of Americans have been assaulted or killed. This cannot be America. Democrats and Republicans alike must act to stop this spiraling chaos and protect our Constitutional rights,” Ossoff said in a statement Sunday.

    Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed Saturday during a protest against ICE and immigration enforcement. The slaying is the second incident involving the death of an American citizen to happen in Minneapolis in 17 days following the killing of Renee Good.

    If lawmakers fail to reach an agreement to fund the government by Jan. 30, another government shutdown could happen resulting in thousands of people going without pay.

    Before the second killing, Sen. Ossoff told WTOC that citizens of the U.S. deserve secure borders, but he does not believe U.S. citizens want ICE abusing power.

    “I think that these excesses and abuses are a threat to and are undermining Americans’ civil liberties, so Americans demand and deserve secure borders and public safety. Americans also demand and deserve for our civil liberties and our civil rights to be upheld and protected by federal law enforcement,” Ossoff said in the interview.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwg01uEYEUU

  • Georgia lawmakers weigh limits on data centers amid growing local backlash

    Georgia lawmakers weigh limits on data centers amid growing local backlash

    Georgia lawmakers weigh limits on data centers amid growing local backlash

    Georgia lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have turned their attention to data centers as the state becomes one of the country’s top markets for the industry.

    However, residents have turned a sharp eye towards data centers citing pollution and utility usage as a main deterrent.

    “That could easily be a decade worth of construction and noise and dust coming, you know, right through those windows into my home,” said Margo Kenirey, who successfully fought a 900-acre data center proposal in Bolingbroke last year, to 13 WMAZ.

    While lawmakers, like state Sen. Matt Brass, R-Newnan, are interested in limiting tax incentives, others, like state Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, want to focus on protecting consumers on utility costs. Still legislators across the aisle, like state Rep. Ruwa Romman, D-Duluth, want to put a pause on data centers altogether. 

    Here are some of the bills going through the General Assembly:

    • Senate Bill 410 would repeal future tax incentives while still honoring any exemptions before the law took effect.
    • Senate Bill 34 would allow Georgia Power to charge data centers for any costs that relate to serving the facility.
    • House Bill 1012 would place a statewide moratorium on data center development until March 1, 2027.
    • House Bill 528 would require public disclosure of utility use by data centers.

    “In reality, data centers are a new thing, and people are having to learn them,” said Eric Dial, a Monroe County resident who lives near a proposed Forsyth project, to 13 WMAZ. “So the moratorium may be a good thing for people to learn about them, learn what they are, what they do, and what they’re able to bring in.”

    A December audit found that Georgia has lost at least $1.5 billion in tax revenue since the state’s sales and use tax exemption began.

    Kenirey told 13 WMAZ that these corporations can take advantage of counties and towns that do not have written procedures to handle data centers.

    “But when it actually spills over outside of your industrial park and then is disturbing established houses, neighborhoods, I don’t really understand how that’s right,” she said.

  • Former Georgia lawmaker pleads guilty to fraud over COVID unemployment benefits

    Former Georgia lawmaker pleads guilty to fraud over COVID unemployment benefits

    Former Georgia lawmaker pleads guilty to fraud over COVID unemployment benefits

    A former Georgia House member pleaded guilty last week in charges related to collecting federal unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    Former state Rep. Karen Bennett, D-Stone Mountain, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to collect $13,940 in federal unemployment benefits and supplements in 2020.

    “Bennett was elected to represent her fellow citizens and took a solemn oath to promote the best interests and prosperity of the state of Georgia,” U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said. “Instead, she violated that oath and, during an unprecedented emergency, lied to line her own pockets with taxpayer money intended to help community members in need.”

    Bennett, 70, resigned from her position in the House just days before she was charged.

    “Serving in this capacity has truly been a labor of love, and one I will deeply miss,” she wrote in her resignation letter.

    Prosecutors said that Bennett claimed the pandemic prevented her from working for Metro Therapy Providers, a company Bennett owned. However, prosecutors said Bennett worked from a home office in a mainly administrative role, and the company continued to generate income after a brief break.

    Bennet also failed to disclose that she received a weekly income of $905 from African Methodist Episcopal Church for being a minister, according to prosecutors.

    U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross set the sentencing for April 15, and Bennet’s attorneys said she will pay back the money she collected.

  • Democrat, Republican advance to runoff in Georgia Senate District 18 race

    Democrat, Republican advance to runoff in Georgia Senate District 18 race

    Democrat, Republican advance to runoff in Georgia Senate District 18 race

    A Democrat and a Republican will face off in a special runoff election Feb. 17 for Georgia Senate District 18.

    Democrat LeMario Brown received the most votes at nearly 37%, and Republican Steven McNeel finished second with 21%. 

    The special election was called shortly after the resignation of former state Sen. John Kennedy, who is running for lieutenant governor on the Republican ticket.

    Brown was the only Democrat in the election with five Republican candidates. The district covers a large portion of Middle Georgia, including parts of Macon-Bibb and Houston counties and all of Crawford, Monroe, Peach and Upson counties.

    Brown, a farmer and small business owner, lists his campaign priorities as affordability, protecting communities, expanding healthcare access and investing in public safety solutions.

    “I’m running because our communities deserve leadership that shows up, listens, and delivers,” Brown said. “This campaign is about people over politics, progress over promises, and building a future we can all be proud of.”

    McNeel, a farmer, said in a Facebook post that he would fight for safe neighborhoods, low taxes, farms, Second Amendment rights and conservative values.

    The Democratic Party of Georgia has touted Brown’s performance in the district that has long been held by Republicans and said it shows growing Democratic momentum in the state.

  • Raffensperger sets special elections for Georgia House Districts 94, 130

    Raffensperger sets special elections for Georgia House Districts 94, 130

    Raffensperger sets special elections for Georgia House Districts 94, 130

    Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced two special elections Wednesday for Georgia House Districts 94 and 130.

    The special elections for both districts will be held on March 10 with a special runoff election, if needed, on April 7. Early voting will begin Feb. 16.

    House District 94 covers portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties, and House District 130 is in a portion of Richmond County.

    The vacancy in District 94 was due to the resignation of state Rep. Karen Bennett, who has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of making a false statement.

    Authorities claimed that Bennett collected $13,940 in federal unemployment benefits and supplements in 2020, falsely stating that the pandemic prevented her from working, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

    For District 130, state Rep. Lynn Heffner resigned Jan. 5. She cited issues rebuilding her home after Hurricane Helene as the reason because it has caused a residency issue.

    Qualifying will end Jan. 28 for both elections, and Feb. 9 will be the last day to register to vote.

    To check your voter registration, visit mvp.sos.ga.gov. 

  • Students walk out across Georgia to protest immigration raids and ICE actions

    Students walk out across Georgia to protest immigration raids and ICE actions

    Students walk out across Georgia to protest immigration raids and ICE actions

    Students took part in a walkout Tuesday at several Georgia universities and two high schools.

    Around 100 students gathered at Georgia State University Library Plaza to protest federal immigration raids and actions by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting.

    Logan Castillo, a freshman at GSU, told GPB that having a walkout was a great way to engage with the issues and show solidarity.

    “I believe that without sufficient pushback from the people organized together that what will happen is they will utilize these forces to go after political enemies, go after anybody that the state deems as an enemy of the state, whether it’s just a political opposition or whatever,” Castillo said.

    Walkouts also happened at GSU Perimeter College, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State University, Towers High School and Lakeside High School.

    The walkouts were part of a planned event called Free America Walkout, which concluded with a city-wide rally in Hurt Park.

    Between 1,500 to 2,000 Lakeside students participated in the event, according to Decaturish.

    Lakeside student Sinnit Siye told Decaturish that some of her friends were scared to participate out of fear that ICE might, but with the number of students participating, they felt safer.

    “It just shows how much power there is in numbers because together, we can really do anything,” Siye said. “It just goes to show, together, we have the power to change because we are the future of this country, and when we continue to fight for that change, change will happen.”

  • Georgia emergency officials urge residents to prepare as winter storm nears

    Georgia emergency officials urge residents to prepare as winter storm nears

    Georgia emergency officials urge residents to prepare as winter storm nears

    After Gov. Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency, Josh Lamb, the director of Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, provided tips for Georgians to prepare for the worst.

    “By being ready for the storm, Georgians can do their part in minimizing risk, reducing the time it takes to recover and most importantly, prevent the loss of life,” Lamb said.

    Here are some tips Lamb gave at the news conference.

    • Prepare your family: People should make emergency communication plans to get in touch with family and neighbors if they get separated or the power goes out. People need to prepare enough non-perishable food, water and medications for at least three days. Also, ensure you have enough warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, batteries and an up-to-date first aid kit.
    • Prepare your home: Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, cover outdoor pipes, seal doors and windows and clean your gutters. Do not bring portable generators inside because of the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning, but make sure you have some way to heat your home if the power goes out.
    • Prepare your car: Make sure you have a full tank of gas and prepare an emergency car kit that includes a first aid kit, phone charger, jumper cables, blankets, water, snacks and an ice scraper.

    “Once the storm hits, stay off the roads as much as possible. If travel is necessary, slow down and allow extra time and be especially careful on bridges and overpasses which freeze first,” Lamb said. “Not only does staying off the roads ensure resident safety, but it also gives Georgia (Department of Transportation) crews the time they need to maintain the condition of the roads.”

  • Kemp declares statewide emergency as winter storm threatens Georgia

    Kemp declares statewide emergency as winter storm threatens Georgia

    Kemp declares statewide emergency as winter storm threatens Georgia

    Gov. Brian Kemp declared a State of Emergency Thursday morning for all Georgia counties due to the winter storm that is expected this weekend.

    “We think we’ll experience significant snow, sleet, and or freezing rain possible in these counties throughout the weekend, and that’ll start early Saturday morning,” Kemp said about North Georgia counties.

    The state of emergency will last for seven days, and Kemp also said he has authorized the call-up of 500 National Guardsmen.

    “Now, obviously, we do not have a need for those folks right now. Hopefully, we won’t, but we just wanna be prepared in case we do that we can move and get General Wilson and his team responding as quick as possible,” Kemp said.

    Kemp said the State Operations Center will be activated starting at 7 a.m. Saturday and running until the weather has passed.

    “As I just mentioned, literally a degree or two in temperature can affect whether we have rain or snow, slash ice or freezing rain,” Kemp said. “We’re asking everyone to be prepared in case we have significant ice accumulation. Obviously, that’s treacherous on the roads, but also creates a lot of problems with our utilities and especially our electric power lines and other things.”

    As of Thursday morning, Kemp said they expect the impacted areas to be north of I-20, but the weather could shift. Kemp said those living in Middle Georgia should prepare for severe cold weather as well.

    “It looks like this storm’s gonna come in a little later on Saturday than we originally thought, so folks need to start getting off the roads on Saturday night,” he said. “That would be a big favor to us and help keep everybody safe.”

  • Crowded field emerges to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia’s 14th

    Crowded field emerges to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia’s 14th

    Crowded field emerges to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia’s 14th

    A crowded field of candidates put their hat in the ring to replace former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in District 14 with more than 20 candidates qualifying for the election.

    A total of 22 candidates filed to run for the seat with 17 Republicans, three Democrats, an Independent and a Libertarian.

    All candidates will be seen on the ballot on March 10, and if no one succeeds in getting the majority of the vote, a runoff election will be held April 7.

    Here are the candidates with their campaign websites, if listed, political party and listed occupation: