I-Team: Who will Gov. Kemp choose to replace indicted Douglas County commissioners?
By Randy Travis Published April 10, 2023 8:38PM Douglas County FOX 5 Atlanta Douglas Co. commissioners meet for first time since Kemp suspends indicted commissioners As Gov. Kemp prepares to name temporary replacements for two indicted Douglas County Commissioners, the rest of the board met up for the first time since the two were suspended. DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. - With 40 percent of the Douglas County Commission currently suspended after indictment, the remaining members met Monday morning promising citizens won't notice any difference. "The business of this county will continue," said vice chair Tarenia Carthan from the chairman's seat. "We have three competent commissioners that the voters have voted into office." It's up to Gov. Brian Kemp to decide who else will join them. FULL STORY: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/who-will-governor-kemp-choose-to-replace-indicted-douglas-commissioners
Large debt collection group fined $24M for deceptive practices, called repeat offenders
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered a $24-million fine against the large debt collector after it was warned back in 2015 to clean up its act, but it didn’t.
U.S. group orders debt collector to pay millions for illegal tactics
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered a national debt collector to pay millions of dollars in fines after the company had been warned back in 2015 to clean up its act and didn’t. The FOX 5 I-Team's Dana Fowle digs into the ruling and how victims can get relief.
Kemp suspends two Douglas County commissioners without pay. Who will take their place?
Two members of the Douglas County Commission — including the chairman — have lost their jobs at least for now in the wake of a bid rigging scandal.
I-Team: Kemp suspends two Douglas County commissioners without pay
By Randy Travis Published April 6, 2023 DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. - Two members of the Douglas County Commission — including the chairman — have lost their jobs at least for now in the wake of a bid rigging scandal. Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Chairman Romona Jackson Jones and Commissioner Henry Mitchell following a recommendation from a review committee made up of commissioners across the state. FULL STORY: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/kemp-suspends-two-douglas-county-commissioners-without-pay-so-who-will-take-their-place
Tree cutter reaches deal to pay back customers after tirade outside courtroom
Some people bring out the best in others. That is, unless they’re a contractor who took your money and ran.
I-Team: Tree cutter reaches deal to pay back customers
By Randy Travis Published April 6, 2023 LITHONIA, Ga. - Some people bring out the best in others. That is, unless they’re a contractor who took your money and ran. "In the beginning, I just wanted to hunt her down, to find her, to get people around to yell," remembered Deidra Stephens, a pleasant, unassuming federal retiree who lives in Lithonia. In January, she would find herself doing something she once probably could never imagine: standing outside a Gwinnett County courtroom with other customers exchanging loud taunts with Don’s Tree Experts owner Angela Hodges. "I called her a thief," said Stephens. "Because that’s exactly what she was." FULL STORY: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/tree-cutter-reaches-deal-to-pay-back-customers-after-tirade-outside-courtroom
New study highlights importance of finance classes in high school; teacher giveaway
It's been a long time coming, but it will now be required that Georgia students take financial literacy classes in order to graduate.
'EarnIn' advance cash before payday; watchdogs say it preys on the poor
A new way to get a payday advance is emerging in the area of finance called 'fin-tech.' These financial apps aren't banks -- but they do move money around, and they're striking up controversy nationwide.
Bill that would have removed secrecy around Georgia Cannabis Commission fails
A medical marijuana bill that would have removed the secrecy surrounding the commission and given more companies a chance to grow and sell medical marijuana failed in the Senate last night.
Mayor 'acted like a fool' during drunken episodes while criminal case still unresolved
An outside investigation confirmed Buchanan Mayor A.J. Scott abused his authority by repeatedly demanding police give him rides because he was too drunk to drive.
Lawsuit claims Georgia medical cannabis bids were full of fraud and corruption
While the Georgia legislature battles it out over possible changes to the Georgia Medical Cannabis law, another lawsuit has been filed against the state
Bill to pull back secrecy surrounding Georgia Medical Cannabis Commission moves forward
A bill aimed at bolstering Georgia’s long-awaited medical cannabis program took one step closer to the finish line, but not before major changes were made to the original bill.
How the recent bank collapses can affect retirement accounts
Several banks have failed in recent weeks, but remedies were quickly put in place and clients were made whole. Industry experts say there is no reason to panic, but there are many reasons it should warrant your attention.
Review committees appointed after Douglas County commissioner, chair, tax commissioner indicted
The FOX 5 I-Team first revealed details of the investigation in September 2022.
Georgia Senate updates rules after taxpayer-funded Europe trip
Four months after a group of Georgia senators took a trip to Europe paid for with taxpayer dollars, members of the Senate voted to update the chamber's rules.
Knowing car insurance terms can save you money
Car insurance is something most of us have, but we tend to skim over the details of our policies. Knowing all the terms can actually help save you money.
It only takes seconds to steal a catalytic converter, how to protect your vehicle
Catalytic converter theft is not only on the rise, it’s spiking. It’s a lucrative theft that only takes seconds to steal. It’s such a problem that Carfax decided to try it out themselves.
Ford offers fast-track technician certification program at Gwinnett Tech
As Georgia positions itself to be a hub for the electric transportation industry, it is expanding its trade school programs to support it.
Georgia representative says she consulted with medical marijuana company trying to win recent bid
At a recent committee meeting, Georgia legislators heard testimony about a new medical marijuana bill that will vastly increase the number of companies authorized to grow and sell medical cannabis.