State senator given $10K for beams he got from state contractor for free
Georgia state senator Frank Ginn said a metal recycling center recently paid him $10,000 for a collection of used steel beams that he earlier asked a state contractor to let him take from a construction site.
Georgia man sues Facebook over losing account access and wins
So many of our memories are captured on Facebook. Baby pictures. School awards. Old-friend connections. What if they were suddenly gone, and you couldn’t get them back? Well, a Georgia man sued the tech giant over just that. And he won.
Amazon to pay $30M for violating children's privacy with Ring and Alexa
One of the big concerns of technology is the ability for it to eavesdrop on our families. Rules are in place. But according to the FTC, Ring and Alexa have broken those rules.
Family of former Gwinnett County inmate files suit against medical contractor
The family of a second man who died after being an inmate at Gwinnett County Jail is also suing the contractor who once provided medical services for inmates.
New commissioners challenge power structure in Douglas County
On his 71st birthday, retired Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller took his place on the Board of Commissioners dais, looked out at a somewhat angry crowd, and wondered what he had just done.
I-Team: New commissioners challenge power structure in Douglas County
By Randy Travis Published June 5, 2023 DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. - On his 71st birthday, retired Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller took his place on the Board of Commissioners dais, looked out at a somewhat angry crowd, and wondered what he had just done. "I just couldn't say no," he told the FOX 5 I-Team. Gov. Brian Kemp asked Miller to take over the chair of the Douglas County Commission in the wake of an alleged bid rigging scandal that has cost—at least temporarily - two Democratic commissioners their jobs. Dr. Romona Jackson Jones, Commissioner Henry Mitchell and three others are accused of illegally steering a cleaning contract to a political supporter who lived in Mitchell’s district. All five deny the charges. FULL STORY: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/new-commissioners-challenge-power-structure-in-douglas-county
Netflix cracks down on password sharing
The streaming service Netflix warned us it would crack down on password sharing. And it has begun. But there are nuances to the rules that might make the shift easier to manage.
Embattled pool company owner arrested over co-mingling funds
A pool company owner who has angered clients from Decatur to North Fulton has been arrested. And, he’s now fending off lawsuits. All of this is connected to his failing pool business.
New report says child labor laws are under attack
A recent economics report is setting off an alarm about children in America in the workforce. It says that across the country, states are trying to weaken child labor laws.
Child labor law controversy
An recent U.S. economics report is setting off alarms about children in the workforce. According to the report, various states are attempting to weaken child labor laws. FOX 5 I-Team's Dana Fowle has the story.
Mental health courts: How much can they help jail crisis?
Her baby appeared to be only a few months old. But for at least one day, his mother was going back to jail.
I-Team: Mental Health court rehabilitates inmates
By Randy Travis Published May 30, 2023 LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - Her baby appeared to be only a few months old. But for at least one day, his mother was going back to jail. "This is all about tough love and this is a difficult piece of what I do," Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge Karen Beyers told the rest of audience sitting quietly waiting their turn. Welcome to reality. Welcome to Mental Health Court. FULL STORY: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/mental-health-courts-how-much-can-they-help-jail-crisis
Like so many GA mentally ill inmates, Winston Powell still waits in jail for help despite court order
A Haralson County man appeared in court for the first time in more than 400 days, much of that spent in an isolation cell waiting for trial on non-violent charges.
Winston Powell still waits in jail for help
Winston Powell appeared in court for the first time in more than 400 days, much of that spent in an isolation cell waiting for trial on non-violent charges. His story is not unique. Prosecutors and sheriffs say their jails are jammed with mentally ill offenders, stuck there because the state of Georgia doesn't have enough people to evaluate and treat them in a timely manner.
Former lawyer Richard Merritt, accused of killing mother, found guilty on all counts
A verdict has been reached in the Richard Merritt trial, the former attorney accused of killing his mother.
Vet school grad admits illegally taking horses across The Southeast
Fallon Blackwood wanted to be a veterinarian. But her decisions while in school has left her with a criminal record instead of a license to practice.
Vet school grad admits illegally taking horses across SE
A veterinary school student who promised to care for sick or aging horses instead illegally sold them to companies that provide horse meat to countries overseas. On Tuesday afternoon, Fallon Blackwood pleaded guilty in an Alabama courtroom.
After nearly 40 years, FOX 5 senior I-Team reporter Dale Russell retires
FOX 5 senior I-Team reporter Dale Russell is putting down his notepad, his microphone and yes, retiring. A look back on his storied career.
Dale Russell says goodbye
After nearly 40 years investigating with the FOX 5 I-Team, Dale Russell says he's trading in his notebook and pen for plane tickets and more time with his grandchildren. Since 1985, Dale has investigated around the world for this station. FOX 5 I-Team's Randy Travis takes a deep dive into the stories and work ethic that made Dale the incredible reporter he's retiring as today.
Jails grapple with mental health crisis
Most people who suffer from a mental illness in this country never encounter the criminal justice system. But those who break the law can find themselves trapped in a system that still can't figure out how best to deal with them. FOX 5 I-Team reporter Randy Travis examines the story of a current inmate: Lavender Gresham.