$164 million verdict puts spotlight on child sex trafficking in Atlanta-area hotels
An interior photo of a hotel room. " /> TRIGGER WARNING: This story discusses child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. If you or someone you know may be e...
An interior photo of a hotel room. " /> TRIGGER WARNING: This story discusses child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. If you or someone you know may be e...
parks
COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — A federal jury has awarded $164 million to a child sex trafficking survivor, finding that the operator of a metro Atlanta motel turned a blind eye to the abuse while profiting from it. The verdict, handed down after a three-day trial in the U.S. District Court...
Local
An Atlanta-area woman says sophisticated scammers convinced her to mail a brand-new iPhone to criminals less than two hours after it was delivered. Emily Ames said the phone was supposed to be an anniversary gift from her husband. The unopened iPhone arrived at her home, but with...
government
More than 3,600 fewer students than planners expected enrolled in Gwinnett County schools this fall, and that drop is one reason staff is recommending a pause on plans to redraw attendance zones. Staff made the case at the school board’s Sept. 23 work session. The zones would hav...
business
Consumer advocates are raising new concerns about technology that could allow retailers to charge different shoppers different prices for the same product, a practice often called “personalized pricing” or “surveillance pricing.” The concerns come after new patent filings from Wa...
Local
Over $1.5 million was raised during the 35th annual AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival and 5k Run on Sept. 26, surpassing the $1 million goal. Saturday’s event attracted over 3,000 attendees who walked and ran to support Atlanta-based HIV/AIDS services organizations. Highlights of ...
safety
A Gwinnett County family is grieving the loss of one brother while praying for the recovery of another after a hit-and-run crash early Sunday morning. Police say Salvador Vargas-Pablo was killed and his brother, Bernardino Vargas-Pablo, was critically injured while the two men we...
government
With Election Day approaching, both political parties are focused on one thing: getting their supporters to the polls. Democrats gathered Monday to encourage Georgians to register before the Oct. 5 voter registration deadline, arguing voter turnout could play a major role in dete...
government
For nearly 24 years, William B. Hartsfield was the face of Atlanta. And being the face of a growing city apparently required a mayor who would do just about anything. Fortunately, photographers were there to capture it. This week, Stories of Atlanta steps away from the usual hist...
safety
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A multi-vehicle accident shut down I-85 northbound in Hogansville on Monday. The accident happened near SR 54. The accident was first reported around 4:15 p.m. This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates....
safety
(Gray News) - A Kentucky trooper was shot and killed in the line of duty, and law enforcement is searching for the suspect. The shooting happened Monday afternoon, Sept. 28, on Interstate 65 in Warren County, according to state police. The trooper was identified as Hayden Phillip...
Local
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Atlanta City FC was officially revealed Monday as the name of the city’s new National Women’s Soccer League franchise, alongside the team’s official colors and crest. Team officials said the new look captures the spirit of Atlanta’s resilience,...
safety
MARTA is asking a judge to force a former employee to return more than $620,000 that the transit agency says was mistakenly paid in overtime due to a clerical error. The agency has filed a civil lawsuit after spending the last five months trying to recover the money. According to...
