State to get serious on crime reform

Todd Markle, executive counsel to Gov. Nathan Deal, state Rep. Jay Neal, R-Lafayette, Fulton County Chairman John Eaves and Clayton County Chairman Eldrin Bell all agree Georgia has to quit just locking up drug offenders and non-violent criminals.

It costs too much and released offenders can't find jobs. Deal has established a Criminal Justice Reform Council to tackle the issue.

They met at the Fernbank Science Center Wednesday to be part of a symposium put on by an organization that helps prisoners who finish sentences. Jobs, housing and drug counseling are three key factors in keeping ex-cons from becoming convicts again.

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Steve Visser

Voters to decide special elections to state House in Cherokee and Athens area

Those wishing to cast a ballot in the pair of special elections for Georgia state House seats have until polls close at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

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Voters to decide special elections to state House in Cherokee and Athens area

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Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

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School districts are dropping out of GNETS to serve students with emotional and behavioral disabilities.

Ex-Truett McConnell VP indicted in case tied to sex abuse probe

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Dickens asks top donors for $250K to help fund inauguration events

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is soliciting up to $250,000 from top donors to sponsor three days of events celebrating his second-term inauguration.