Marc Washington

A Florida insurance broker has entered a guilty plea to bank fraud charges after perpetrating a $6 million scam targeting Peach State Federal Credit Union. Heleonel Gonzalez, connected with Miami Lakes' Sharp Insurance Agency, Inc., used deceit to siphon off loan proceeds intended for insurance premiums, repurposing the money for his own debt and expenses, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Residents in DeKalb County can mark their calendars for CEO Michael Thurmond's final food distribution event. Taking place this Saturday, Nov. 23, the event will see the conclusion of a substantial community effort that has been ongoing since May 2020. Amidst the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative has been a lifeline for many, distributing over 170,000 boxes of food through more than 40 events. The upcoming distribution aims to continue aiding residents grappling with food insecurity.

Authorities in Gwinnett County have apprehended a man on multiple charges, including aggravated cruelty to animals, after a violent incident involving a trapped dog. On Wednesday, police responded to a distress call from an animal trapper who discovered a deceased dog at a residence on Citrus Drive in Duluth, as reported by Gwinnett County's official news release.

In a move to tackle the ongoing concerns regarding player safety in youth sports, the North Atlanta Football League (NAFL) has upped their game by equipping young athletes with state-of-the-art VICIS helmets – a brand celebrated for their top-tier safety ratings. The NAFL, serving kids in the areas of Milton and Alpharetta, has issued 253 of these helmets to its football players to better safeguard them against head injuries common in the sport.

Athens-Clarke County residents should be aware of adjusted office hours for vehicle registrations and property taxes in the coming weeks. According to a public notice issued by the Tax Commissioner's Office, both the Tag Office and the Property Tax Office have announced early closures on December 3 and December 10, as per the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government.

Addressing the pressing issue of housing affordability in Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens recently announced a new wave of financial support aiming to bring forth hundreds of affordable housing units. The Invest Atlanta Board of Directors, with Mayor Dickens at the helm, gave the green light for financing that will create or preserve 218 units, as part of a broader strategy to foster inclusive communities in the city. Making good on the promise to provide a diversity of housing options, the board's most recent move will benefit seniors, families, and single residents alike.

Irving Tissue, the Canadian paper product manufacturer, confirmed plans yesterday to invest $600 million into its existing facility located in Macon, Georgia. The expansion is to accommodate an additional paper machine, aimed at boosting the plant's output by 50%. Fox 5 Atlanta reports that this strategic move is in response to the current demand, which has the facility's full production capacity already spoken for.

Chairman Robb Pitts of Fulton County recently held his signature Chairman's Consular Corps Event, an annual gathering that seeks to strengthen ties with foreign representatives based in the region. The event not only serves as a platform to show appreciation for the international community but also signals Fulton County's eagerness to engage in global business transactions. According to the official

It's not every day you get to peek behind the curtain and see the inner workings of your county government, but for the recent graduates of Fulton County Citizens' University (FCCU), it's just part of the curriculum. The FCCU celebrated the commencement of its 2024 class, a group now well-versed in the nuances of local governance. As reported by Fulton County Government

The digital landscape continues to rapidly evolve, and with this shift comes a growing need for cybersecurity savviness among the youth. To that end, the 4-H Clayton County UGA Extension Office is stepping in to help prepare the next generation of tech professionals. They're offering a session titled "Tech Careers: Cybersecurity & IT Solutions" aimed squarely at students in the 7th through 12th grades, as reported by Clayton County Government News.