SUMMARY: Allegations of pay-to-play corruption have resurfaced in Atlanta, with the Inspector General’s office identifying two former city employees and their supervisor accused of accepting bribes. A report details a year-and-a-half investigation into the city’s commercial division, where employees allegedly solicited payments from contractors for expedited permitting processes, with amounts ranging from $50 to $1,200. This echoes a prior scandal from 2017 that resulted in prison sentences for several individuals involved in bribery. The findings have been forwarded to the Fulton District Attorney’s office, and the involved employees deny any wrongdoing.

Allegations of “pay to play” are rearing their ugly heads in the city of Atlanta again.

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SUMMARY: Governor Brian Kemp held a briefing today acknowledging the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helen in Georgia, where the death toll has risen to 33, including three from carbon monoxide poisoning. He expressed gratitude to President Biden for federal assistance and highlighted ongoing recovery efforts, with the disaster declaration expanded to 41 counties. Electricity has been restored for 85% of customers, and approximately 2,000 National Guard members are assisting with relief. The gas tax has been suspended as economic relief for affected communities. Kemp urged residents to remain patient and limit travel to ensure recovery efforts proceed smoothly.

Gov. Brian Kemp and other state officials gave an update on the relief efforts from Hurricane Helene.

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SUMMARY: During a visit to Georgia affected by Hurricane Helene, President Joe Biden pledged federal support, stating the government would remain “until you’re restored.” Joined by Sen. Raphael Warnock and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Biden emphasized that the federal government would cover 100% of debris removal costs for the next three months. Twelve U.S. senators urged Congress to act, highlighting damage estimates in the tens of billions. Governor Brian Kemp noted the pre-storm challenges to the agricultural economy have worsened, and he thanked Biden for the visit while advocating for additional support. The storm resulted in 33 fatalities.

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