For the first time in decades, Black Georgia voters won’t be able to rely on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act to protect them from redistricting efforts to dilute their political power. On June 17, Republicans could start redrawing voting maps at a special session called by Gov. Brian Kemp. In April, the U.S. […]
Madeline Thigpen
Madeline Thigpen is Capital B Atlanta's criminal justice reporter.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Mental Health, Policing, Politics & Policy, Public Safety
After Beltline Killing, Atlanta’s Diversion Center Faces Scrutiny
Less than two weeks before Jahmare Brown was arrested in the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Alyssa Paige on the Beltline Trail, he had been accused of waving a knife and threatening to kill a man in downtown Atlanta. According to records uncovered by WSB-TV, Brown, 21, was not arrested in connection with the alleged threats […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Public Safety, Transportation
After MARTA Stabbings, Trump Administration Opens Safety Probe
Atlanta’s public transportation authority is under investigation by the Trump administration a week after two separate stabbings within days of each other made headlines. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Thursday that he directed the Federal Transit Administration to launch an investigation into MARTA. Duffy cited the two “horrific crimes” that he said should disturb […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Public Safety, Sports
Ahead of World Cup, Fulton County Will Stop Jailing People Accused of Low-Level Crimes
With just over two weeks until Atlanta hosts its first FIFA World Cup match, Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat has announced a new policy that could drastically decrease the number of people incarcerated at the city jail. On Tuesday, Labat issued an official order that people arrested for most misdemeanor offenses can no longer be […]
Posted inCity Politics, Policing, Politics & Policy
Atlanta Police Budget Set to Hit Record High Under New Plan
With a proposed $16.5 million budget increase, the Atlanta Police Department is on track to receive its largest general fund budget. State and local spending on police has been on the rise for decades across the country, and Atlanta is no different. Under the plan, the department would receive $324.4 million, up 5.37% from the […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Incarceration
Alleged Medical Neglect at Fulton Jail Cost a Man His Legs and Fingers
Even though the charges against him have been dropped, Rashaad Muhammad’s life has been permanently altered after spending 11 days incarcerated in Fulton County’s Rice Street Jail. Muhammad had his lower legs amputated and a full or partial amputation on all 10 fingers due to what he and his lawyers described as medical neglect while […]
Posted inCourts, Politics & Policy, State Politics
What to Know Before You Vote for Georgia Supreme Court Justices
Voters may already be focused on the race for governor and Fulton County Board of Commissioners chair ahead of the May 19 primary election, but picking which candidates for the Supreme Court of Georgia to support should also be a priority. As members of the state’s highest court, these nine justices get the final word […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Politics & Policy
After Over a Year in ICE Detention, Double Amputee Rodney Taylor Speaks Out
Double amputee Rodney Taylor on Monday revealed the horrific conditions he endured during his 15 months in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention. “When I was in detention, the day I got there they told me I was going to be deported in three months. No going to court, no seeing a judge,” Taylor said. […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Public Safety
Atlanta Youth Want the City to Fund Anti-Violence Programs Before Trouble Starts
In Jacario Wilson’s opinion, if Atlanta really wants reduce violence among teens and young adults, it must take a proactive approach to the problem. “The youth is crashing,” the 23-year-old said. “A lot of people not really worried about the youth [until] they’re in their face ready to call the cops on them, and then […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Atlanta Teens Want a Voice in the Fight to Stop Gun Violence
As summer approaches, the need to get a handle on the gun violence that is being perpetrated in recent weeks by and against Atlanta’s teens and young adults has taken center stage. After two deadly weekends in a row claimed the lives of 16-year-old Tianah Robinson and 12-year-old Cameron Coney and left other kids wounded, […]