🌱 Dickens Is Elected Mayor + $2M Fraud Case + July Death Arrest

Atlanta GA

30 November, 2021

5:47 PM

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Happy Wednesday, people of Atlanta! Let's get this day started off right. These are the most important things going on around town today. First, today's weather: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 69 Low: 48. Here are the top stories today in Atlanta: In an upset, Andre Dickens, a veteran City Council member, was elected mayor of Atlanta in Tuesday's runoff election, defeating Felicia Moore, the City Council president. Dickens won on the promise that he would help guide the city in a more equitable direction. On Nov. 2, Moore led Dickens by more than 17 percentage points. On Tuesday, however, Dickens had about 62 percent of the vote when The Associated Press declared him the winner at about 10:30 p.m. (The New York Times)An Atlanta couple has pleaded guilty to millions in COVID-19 and tax-related fraud. Husband and wife Tiyari Collins and Farah Collins pleaded guilty to defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Northern District of Georgia. The pair reportedly obtained nearly $2 million in fraudulent loans from both the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Impact Disaster Loan program. Tiyari Collins also pleaded guilty to filing thousands of fraudulent tax returns. The couple spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulently obtained funds on items ranging from luxury goods and personal credit card bills to office furnishings, the U.S. attorney's office said. While sentencing is scheduled for March 15, 2022, the case is continuing to be inspected by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation. (11Alive.com WXIA) A second arrest has been made in a triple shooting that killed a 14-year-old in downtown Atlanta in July. Kentavius Dayquan Jeffries, 19, has been charged with murder, criminal attempt to commit murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony in connection with the July 3 death, according to police. Jeffries is being held in the Fulton County Jail without bond. The shooting occurred on McAfee Street, killing Kaiden Barlow-Gardener, 14, and injuring two other teens. A 15-year-old was arrested shortly after the incident, police said. (Atlanta Patch) Omicron, a new variant of COVID-19 identified in South Africa last week, has yet to reach the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but Georgia health officials are preparing to respond if cases are reported. CDC officials are encouraging the public to continue practices that prevent the spread of COVID, including wearing masks in public spaces, social distancing and handwashing. The agency also recommends vaccinations and boosters for everyone eligible. The State Department has closed travel from eight countries in the southernmost part of the African continent. (Atlanta Patch) The Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a holiday concert Saturday at 1 p.m. at The Cathedral of St. Philip. An Atlanta holiday tradition for four decades, this year's event promises to be even more special as the chorus will be performing beloved favorites as well as premiering two new arrangements. Masks will be required, as well as proof of either full vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. (Free: Eventbrite; Subscription: Atlanta Journal Constitution) Today's Atlanta Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com. Today in Atlanta: CO-OP ART Atl presents "If I Were Not Here" (9:00 AM) Girls Of Every Generation (In Café) - Little Five Points Center for Arts and Community (9:00 AM) Free HIV Testing at Metro Atlanta Locations on World AIDS Day (10:00 AM) Pop-up Christmas Cocktail Bar Sippin' Santa (5:00 PM)IllumiNights At The Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival Has Arrived (5:30 PM) From my notebook: Atlanta Falcons: "Career highs in rushing yards and rushing TDs for CP ⚡️" (Instagram) City of Atlanta Police Department: "The Atlanta Police Homicide Investigators are putting in work! Arrest made in November 1st murder at 520 Fulton Street SW. UPDATE: The Atlanta Police Department (APD) Homicide Investigators were able to identify 26-year-old Diante Barnhill as a suspect in this case. On November 3, 2021, investigators secured warrants charging Barnhill with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. On November 26, 2021, investigators located Barnhill in Lilburn and took him into custody without incident. He was transported to the Fulton County Jail." (Facebook) Atlanta Humane Society: Urgent! Old Man Will needs your help right now. When he arrived at our shelter a few days ago, we were shocked. He's extremely emaciated and heartworm positive, and his lungs are in poor condition. Our Shelter Medicine Team is providing him all they can to help him beat the odds. And while we don't know if Will is going to survive, we know this loving boy deserves a chance. Please, give today to support Will and help animals who have the odds stacked against them. (Facebook) MARTA: "MARTA is working to address a nationwide labor shortage that has resulted in missed trips on many bus routes. On December 18th, we'll change most of our bus routes to operate Saturday schedules on weekdays. This will provide more reliable scheduled service to allow customers to plan their trips, despite the reduction in service frequency. Learn more here: https://itsmarta.com/servicechanges.aspx" (Facebook) Atlanta Botanical Garden: They don't call Atlanta the "city in the forest" for nothin'! Come FALL for the Garden with a peaceful stroll on the canopy walk. ☀️ (Facebook) From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Featured businesses: Add your business here Events: IllumiNights At The Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival Has Arrived (December 1) 2021 Defense of Drinking Drivers Seminar (December 2) Festival of Trees is Back & a NEW Art Exhibit/Sale Opens at the Cumming Arts Center! (December 2) Parish Administrator (December 4) Thomas Arvid Annual Holiday Show (December 4) Taxes In Retirement Webinar (December 6) Taxes In Retirement Seminar (December 8) Atlanta New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance Party (Latin dance & Top 40s room) (December 31) Add your event For sale: An opportunity of a life-time! (Details) Add your item That's it for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another update. If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe. — Kathy Cioffi Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Atlanta Daily? You can contact me at [email protected].