Latest news with #LoriWilson
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Atlanta nonprofit pivots after losing federal grant
One federal spending cut slashes funding for programs that fall under the diversity, equity, and inclusion umbrella and that has some groups reorganizing. Channel 2's Lori Wilson spoke with the founder of one nonprofit about how she's making an intentional shift. Ten years ago, Dr. Maxine Cain founded STEM Atlanta Women, an organization that for a decade has focused on getting more Black and brown girls into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Since the White House moved to cut federal funding for organizations that are specifically geared toward diversity, equity, and inclusion, Cain has been forced to reimagine, rebrand, and expand her sphere of influence. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'How do we take this change and come up with a new way to serve as many scholars as we can,' Cain said. 'Our focus now is going to be to ignite every mind and transform the future.' Through her STEM Atlanta work space in Summerhill, her board came together, dropped the word 'women' from their title, and added new programs to appeal to boys and men. The new programs include sports analysis, a drone program, and music and tech events. She's even gone as far as adding more neutral colors to what had been all pink branding. 'We said we have to scale, and this is an opportunity for us to really spread our wings. Scale and serve all innovative scholars,' Cain said. It's something the Georgia Center for Nonprofits CEO Karen Beavor said is the new reality with the White House's shift on funding DEI programs. TRENDING STORIES: 2 women critically injured after shooting on I-20 Driver pulls out knife on couple driving too slow in Kennesaw neighborhood, police say Georgia man drowns after caught in Gulf rip current For Cain, that meant a $300,000 federal grant was not renewed, and her organization is not alone. Cain, whose organization already had relationships with Nike, the Atlanta Dream, UGA, and more, says now she's looking at this 'new normal' as a fantastic opportunity. 'Now we get to embrace the amazing men and boys in this center and give them the opportunity to learn and grow as well,' Cain said. She said her website should be completely changed over to the new look and language soon. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Police investigate Memorial Day shooting at South Fulton house party
Police in South Fulton are working to unravel the series of events that led to a shooting on Memorial Day. Channel 2's Lori Wilson went to South Fulton, where a house party turned into a shooting. She spoke with the homeowner, who said security is always his priority. The shooting happened at a 10-acre property on Pittman Road in the City of South Fulton. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The homeowner lives there, but told Channel 2 Action News he also lists it as an Airbnb occasionally. That's what happened on Memorial Day, when the home was rented out for a private holiday party with about 150 guests. As things wrapped up, the homeowner said there was some type of scuffle. TRENDING STORIES: Georgia Tech student killing: Shooter snuck into apartment building, waited for victim, police say 'This is political punishment:' South Fulton mayor reacts to criminal trespassing charges LIVE UPDATES: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings issued across metro Atlanta 'The party was wrapping up, and I see a little chaos, and that's when I see the officers coming,' the homeowner, who asked not to be identified, said. The shooting itself happened off of the property, with police saying they were called to the house around 7:30 p.m. on Monday. 'It's unclear at this time what led up to the shooting,' Tori Cooper, City of South Fulton Police spokeswoman, said. 'We do know there was a large gathering that had taken place at that residence but at this time, it's s till very preliminary in nature and at this time we're still working to find more information.' People who spoke to Channel 2 Action News who live in a nearby neighborhood said the house is known for hosting large parties. 'We had police officers working the party, we had 18 security guards, everything was running smooth, and then chaos happened,' the homeowner said. 'Somehow, someway, I'm not sure what happened.' Police said they were working to determine whether the shooting had happened in the house or outside, but confirmed a woman in her 20s was shot in the arm and has non-life threatening injuries. A second person was grazed by a bullet, too. The homeowner said what he calls chaos happened outside of his sight, but he believes the shooting happened away from his property. 'Security was there and they had a checkpoint where everybody was getting searched so the guns, wasn't even on the property,' he said. South Fulton police said house parties that create a public nuisance aren't permitted in the city limits, so this is an ongoing criminal investigation. Police are still searching for the shooter and they want anyone who was at the party with information about what happened to come forward. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Clayton County superintendent pushing high school seniors to have a plan before graduation
Many high school seniors are graduating this month, but nearly 30% of students will leave school without a plan for the future. Channel 2's Lori Wilson spoke with the superintendent of Clayton County Public Schools, who says he was determined to make sure all of his students knew their next step. Dr. Anthony Smith says he went to each school to call on every high school senior to be intentional about what happens after graduating and choose one of what he calls the four Es: enrollment, enlist, employment or entrepreneurship. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'It allows them to continue with their dreams far beyond once they walk across the stage with their degree and get that diploma,' Dr. Smith said. Wilson also got to meet students who chose each of Smith's four paths. Kennedy Williams decided to enroll at Kennesaw State University. 'They really pushed me to find new opportunities,' she said. 'I ended up getting a job at the district in the math department.' Michael is going the employment route and already has a job as a lineman with Georgia Power. 'If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have this opportunity,' he said. TRENDING STORIES: Risk of damaging winds, hail, possible tornadoes from severe storms tonight Fight outside McDonald's in DeKalb County ends in shootout, police say This metro Atlanta city is ranked No. 1 on new 'Best Places to Live in the U.S.' list Lizet Milano has decided to enlist in the U.S. Air Force. 'Once I got here and enrolled in the ROTC program, I realized that my passion was to serve people and to serve my community,' she said. Andrew says he already has two businesses and plans to keep running them. 'Making sure that 100% of the students graduating from Clayton County Public School has a clear plan that supports their aspirations and dreams,' Dr. Smith said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Clayton County police, loved ones unveil new memorial to fallen officers
Clayton County officers took part of the day to remember those who died in the line of duty. Channel 2's Lori Wilson was at a memorial ceremony in Jonesboro, where officials unveiled a new honor for their fallen heroes. Thursday was a somber day at the Clayton County Police Headquarters, where officers stood and family members remembered the law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. For Sheena Evans, it'll be 20 years on Oct. 18 since her brother, Sgt. Mike Davis, was killed while responding to a call in the fall of 2005. 'I don't care how many years go by, it still feels like yesterday that you got the call, you got the notification, life is never the same after that,' Evans told Channel 2 Action News. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: GA middle school teacher accused of holding scissors to student's throat Driver says 'great-grandmother was dying' after leading GA deputies on chase Shooting at GA graduation, prom after-party that injured 2 teens started over cellphone charger She said her brother was the kindest, most loving person, 'the best big brother that I could ever ask for,' saying she misses him terribly. Thursday, the space of loss was momentarily replaced by hugs and fellowship, of friends who have become forever family. Retired Clayton County officer and now chaplain Rebecca Brown is Evans' 'sister in blue.' 'Mike and I were friends, we never parted a conversation without ending with 'I love you,'' Brown said. As part of the memorial service in Jonesboro, two police helicopters did a flyover, with one separating off in honor of the fallen officers. A bell was run as well, eight times, in honor of each life lost. 'It's something we live with, a loss that we live with every day, but the fact that the county remembers, it's humbling and it's a point of gratitude, just to say thank you for remembering our officers,' Evans said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Smyrna residents push for more regulation after train derailment
A group in Smyrna is renewing its call for stronger train regulations after 17 CSX train cars derailed in Cobb County. Channel 2's Lori Wilson spoke with the group in Smyrna, who says it wants to prevent something more serious from happening. 'My wife was could tell that something serious happened,' Andy Slagle, a resident and member of the 'Quiet the Train' movement, said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Slagle and other group members gathered in Smyrna, where CSX Transportation was still working to clean up last week's train derailment, where 17 cars filled with dry goods went off the track. 'I think we're all very fortunate that nobody was hurt and that nothing hazardous was spilled, but it is a concern for me and my family that that could happen again,' Hillary Barber, Quiet the Train, said. Richard Shannon, who started the organization, told Channel 2 Action News that the movement began due to well-documented noise from trains in the area. TRENDING STORIES: Mom says son was graduating high school in a week when someone pretending to be Uber Eats killed him GA judge resigns while being investigated for using county funds for vacation ICE still plans to deport Georgia college student arrested after wrongful traffic stop Now, the group's concern is about speed, oiling, track maintenance and safety. Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton said he's working closely with the railroad company and government to address those issues. 'Probably more time on that one specific issue,' Norton said. 'I've sat in on numerous meetings with CSX representatives, with Sen. Ossoff's office, you can only do so much at the local level. You have to get the federal officials involved.' U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff's office has addressed trains blocking roads and other safety issues, but neighbors said last week's train derailment was proof more needs to be done. 'It wasn't 'if this was going to happen,'' Slagle said. 'We worried about when it was going to happen and how severe it would be.' State Rep. Gabriel Sanchez also lives near the tracks. 'This should be a warning sign for us that CSX have to, have to prioritize the safety of our communities,' Sanchez said. Channel 2 Action News reached out to CSX for comment. They sent a statement back reading in part: 'At CSX, safety is our highest priority. We are committed to being good neighbors and strive to limit the impact of our operations on communities we serve. Throughout our network, we have taken steps to minimize noise and vibrational impacts from our train operations.' CSX said the cause of the recent derailment is under investigation, but they did determine there were no issues with the tracks at the time of the accident. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
