Latest news with #TheSourceFOX5
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Atlanta mural honors Mariam Abdulrab, celebrating her life and legacy
The Brief A mural in Atlanta honors Mariam Abdulrab, who was kidnapped and killed in 2021, serving as a tribute to her life and a memorial for women victims of sexual assault. The artist, who had previously painted murals for Abdulrab, emphasized the personal significance of the project and her positive impact on the community. The mural supports Mariam's Law, passed in Georgia in 2023, which strengthens protections against violent offenders, inspired by Abdulrab's legacy and community efforts. ATLANTA - A new mural in Atlanta is paying tribute to Mariam Abdulrab, who was kidnapped and killed in 2021 after leaving her job at a bar formerly located at the same site. The club, named Sunset, now stands where the bar Revery once operated. Abdulrab had worked at Revery up until her death. To honor her memory, a mural has been painted on the exterior of Sunset, serving both as a tribute to her life and a broader memorial to women who have been victims of sexual assault. What they're saying "Mariam was an important person in the Atlanta community and just an amazing woman," said the artist commissioned to create the mural. "Pretty much everyone that met her loved her. I thought it was awesome that the owners wanted to honor her memory." The artist, who had previously painted murals for Abdulrab at Atlanta's Krog Street Tunnel, said the project is deeply personal. "People thank me, but I always say that's the kind of person she was. If I was gone and she was a graffiti artist, she would be doing this for me." The mural also stands in symbolic support of Mariam's Law, passed in Georgia in 2023 to strengthen protections against violent offenders. Demarcus Brinkley, the man convicted of killing Abdulrab, was sentenced to life in prison. "I think she would be proud of the work her family and friends did to change the laws and make Atlanta a safer place," the artist said. "The law is a step in the right direction—not only for keeping a closer eye on repeat offenders, but also potentially helping with rehabilitation." Friends and family continue to mourn Abdulrab, remembering her as a loving, welcoming presence in Atlanta's nightlife community. "She made you feel like you were her best friend, even if you didn't know her well," the artist added. "She was quick to lift you up with a joke or a smile. Doing things like this mural honors that memory of her." SEE ALSO: Loved ones of recent metro Atlanta murder victims urged city officials to do more to protect women Police release 911 calls in deadly southwest Atlanta kidnapping Atlanta police secure warrants for suspect connected to kidnapping, killing woman Woman found dead after kidnapping near southeast Atlanta park, police say The Source FOX 5 was there as the mural was being painted and spoke with the artist.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
Ahmaud Arbery Foundation launches campaign to honor his legacy ahead of 31st birthday
The Brief The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation is launching a new campaign to honor Arbery's life, coinciding with what would have been his 31st birthday. Arbery's mother is encouraging donations of $31 to support scholarships, youth leadership camps, and mental health programs. The three men convicted of Arbery's murder have requested a new trial. ATLANTA - The foundation formed in memory of Ahmaud Arbery is launching a new campaign to honor his life, just weeks before what would have been his 31st birthday. Arbery's case captured national attention after he was shot and killed while running through a Brunswick neighborhood on Feb. 23, 2020. His mother later founded the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation, which works to raise money for causes that reflect his legacy and is dedicated to keeping Arbery's memory alive. The backstory Arbery was 25 years old when he was killed. Father and son Greg and Travis McMichael chased and shot Arbery, while their former neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, joined the pursuit and recorded the encounter. All three men were sentenced to life in prison. Dig deeper Ahead of May 8, the day Arbery would have turned 31, his mother is encouraging supporters to donate $31 to fund scholarships, youth leadership camps, and mental health programs focused on investing in young people's futures. She hopes for every board member to be able to give away up to $31,000 in $31 increments. What they're saying "I tell people all the time that Ahmaud was killed in the year 2020 during the COVID pandemic when we were all shut indoors, and people were paying attention. But now, it's five years later, and everything is almost back to normal. But we cannot forget what happened," said Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones. What's next The three men convicted in his death have since requested a new trial. What you can do You can learn more about the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation and its fundraisers on its website. SEE ALSO: Ahmaud Arbery murder 5 years later: Atlanta runners gather in his memory Trial over for former Georgia prosecutor in Ahmaud Arberry case Georgia men who killed Ahmaud Arbery asking court for new trial Runners preparing for 2nd annual Run with Maud in Atlanta Ahmaud Arbery's killers asking court to overturn hate crime convictions The Source FOX 5's Kim Leoffler spoke with Wanda Cooper-Jones, mother of Ahmaud Arbery, for this article. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Yahoo
Senior skip deadly shooting used as lesson in Newton County classroom sparking outrage
The Brief Newton County Schools halts a social studies assignment featuring the murder of Justin Etienne on March 19. The school system calls the current events lesson inappropriate. Newton County Schools says the teacher behind the assignment is not employed by the system but by a third party. NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. - A social studies lesson at Alcovy High School has alarmed students, parents, and loved ones of Justin Etienne, a child murdered just over a week ago at a senior skip day event in Newton County. The video of alarmed students has circulated across social media for days. It shows six questions about Etienne's murder posed to students. What we know Some of the questions in the assignment include: What event happened during the senior skip day event at Denny Dobbs Park? Who was involved in the event? Who was killed? Was Etienne a bystander? What are Jarvis Hinton Jr. and Tashawn Lyons facing? Any thoughts about this event?? What are people saying? Newton County Schools says the teacher was not an employee but a contractor through a third-party vendor due to a teacher shortage. What they're saying In a written statement, the district said: "An ill-advised warmup activity was given to students in a Current Events class at Alcovy High School. The task, which had not been reviewed or approved by administrative personnel, referenced the recent tragedy at Denny Dobbs Park. "Without reservation, we acknowledge that the teacher's actions were inappropriate and insensitive. While it may have been intended to facilitate a classroom discussion under the guise of current events, the topic should never have been used. As soon as school administrators were made aware of the situation, the activity was suspended, and an internal review was conducted. "We are currently addressing this issue directly with the staff member involved and will use this incident to ensure that greater care and discernment are applied when discussing sensitive topics in the classroom. Newton County Schools remains committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students. "We extend sincere apologies to our students and to all who have been affected or hurt by this." SEE ALSO: Senior Skip Day shooting: 2nd teen arrested for murder of Rockdale County high school student Senior Skip Day shooting in Newton County: 16-year-old arrested 18-year-old killed at Denny Dobbs Park in Newton County identified The Source FOX 5's Kevyn Stewart spoke with those who knew Justin Etienne, a child murdered just over a week ago at a senior skip day event in Newton County, and the Newton County School District for this article.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North Carolina cafe's story mirrors many hit by Hurricane Helene
The Brief It has been six months since Hurricane Helene devastated parts of North Carolina, and many are still picking up the pieces. Hurricane Helene hit on September 27, 2024, and floodwaters turned streets into raging rivers, washing away entire buildings in western North Carolina on September 28, 2024. A business owned by a former Georgia resident was destroyed but is now back in business. It has been six months since Hurricane Helene devastated parts of North Carolina. Many are still picking up the pieces. What they're saying On Your Bike is a café and bike rental shop in Marshall, North Carolina is owned by Alex Webber, her husband, Adam Schmitt, and daughter Madeleine. Their business, along with all the others in Marshall, North Carolina, was destroyed by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene last September. "The water came up 12 feet inside the shop. It was almost up to our ceiling. Most of the front of our shop is glass and all the glass blew out. Most everything in the shop was swept away and it left about three feet of mud," said Webber. Six months later, signs of destruction are easily visible throughout Marshall. "The south end of town, where we are, a lot of the buildings are just gone. They were completely swept away, so it still looks a bit like a war zone," said Webber. Webber knows all about the power of Mother Nature. The former Cobb County resident lived in New Orleans in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit and destroyed her home. That's when she decided to move to the mountains, never imagining a hurricane would take away her livelihood. This time she was determined to stay and rebuild, but it wasn't easy. "It was a lot of digging out. We were there all day, all evening, on the weekends. We were just working around the clock," said Webber. On Your Bike was the first food service business to re-open in its original location in the entire county. Webber says she believes it brought a little happiness and optimism to those around her. "People were walking into the shop and bursting into tears. It's just a little bit of a visual respite from all the destruction," said Webber. SEE ALSO: Georgia Senate wants further boost to spending on Hurricane Helene relief Chimney Rock, North Carolina, recovery shows progress post-Helene Art exhibit in Atlanta aids North Carolina artists hit by Hurricane Helene Kemp making hurricane relief, lawsuit limits his top 2025 priorities Couple helps hard-hit North Carolina farmers one Christmas tree at a time The Source FOX 5's Denise Dillon spoke with Alex Webber, one of the owners of On Your Bike café, about the changes they have seen over the six months since Hurricane Helene hit the area.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Georgia's tort reform battle: Parents rally against proposed legal changes
The Brief Sponsors of tort reform bills in Georgia argue that an overhaul of the legal system is overdue, while opponents fear it could harm victims of abuse. Concerned parents and survivors are lobbying against SB68, sharing personal stories of abuse to urge lawmakers to reject the proposed tort reform. Opponents claim the legislation would limit the ability of abuse victims to sue responsible parties, including businesses and employees. ATLANTA - The fight continues over proposed changes to how civil lawsuits are filed in Georgia. Sponsors of tort reform bills making their way through the state legislature insist an overhaul of Georgia's legal system is long overdue. What they're saying Some groups fear children who are abused at childcare facilities, victims of elder abuse, and others would be harmed if a law is passed. Parents lobbied lawmakers at the State Capitol in opposition to SB68. "We are here today as mothers, and we are here today as survivors, and we are here to tell all of our stories," a woman told reporters during a news conference. Concerned parents shared heart-wrenching stories of abuse they said their children suffered at the hands of childcare providers. They converged on the state capitol to lobby lawmakers and attend a series of committee meetings Tuesday afternoon. What action do parents want lawmakers to take with regard to the legislation? The group is calling on lawmakers to reject tort reform legislation making its way through the legislature. They said if the legislation passes in its current form, it will severely limit the ability of children who are abused at daycare facilities, victims of elder abuse and violent crime victims to sue businesses where the act occurred or employees who committed the crime. The other side Gov. Brian Kemp has said tort reform is one of his top priorities this session. Kemp spokesperson Garrison Douglas issued a written statement this afternoon stating: "The governor has been and is committed to a balanced and commonsense tort reform package that doesn't prevent any Georgian who has been wronged from getting the justice they deserve. This issue has been studied extensively, in addition to the robust conversations with stakeholders on all sides. Upholding the status quo is not an option and we look forward to continuing our work with legislators to get meaningful tort reform done for hardworking Georgians and job creators alike." - Garrison Douglas, Kemp Spokesperson SEE ALSO: Gov. Kemp pushes for tort reform to combat rising insurance costs in Georgia Georgia Senate passes tort reform bill after heated debate Second part of Georgia governor's bill to limit lawsuits passes unanimously The Source FOX 5's Deidra Dukes attended a rally of those who oppose tort reform in Georgia. Gov. Brian Kemp's office offered a statement in reaction to the rally.
