The AJC's Aaron Gould Sheinin broke the news first, but Dale Russell of WAGA snagged the only interview with Holly LaBerge, who last night went public with her accusations that, in 2012, she was threatened and cajoled by top aides to Gov. Nathan Deal to reduce or dismiss ethics complaints arising from Deal's 2010 campaign for governor.

LaBerge said her public production of a memo recounting the contact at the time was a matter of self-protection. "My reputation has been destroyed," she said. "I am toxic." Watch below:

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com