Laken Riley’s father sues Georgia’s university system
Candidates have been campaigning for the midterm elections for months. But next week is when they have to get serious. Monday is the start of the candidate qualifying window for the November general election. Candidates have until Friday to file to appear on the ballot.
Now, here are today’s top three political stories from the AJC.
1. Laken Riley’s father has sued Georgia’s university system.
Much of the reaction to Laken Riley’s tragic murder has been focused on the country’s immigration system. Now, Rosie Manins reports Riley’s father says the University System of Georgia is liable for her death.
- Background. Riley died in 2024 after going for a jog on the University of Georgia’s campus in Athens. Jose Ibarra, who was living in the country illegally, was convicted of her murder.
- The lawsuit. Jason Riley says the Board of Regents at the University System of Georgia failed to monitor criminal activity on campus or warn students about Ibarra. Riley is also suing the owners and operators of the apartment complex where Ibarra lived.
- What’s next? The university system did not comment on the lawsuit. Jason Riley is seeking damages of at least $1 million.
2. Meet the Atlantan helping Donald Trump remake the White House.
As chair of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, Rodney Mims Cook Jr. had to help oversee and approve President Donald Trump’s plans for a massive addition to the White House. Cook told political columnist Patricia Murphy the addition isn’t what you think.
- Give and take. Cook said the commission convinced Trump to make the project smaller. “We asked him to compromise on the ballroom wing and he did,” Cook said, adding: “it looks absolutely proportionate and beautiful.”
- The why. “We should not be entertaining the world in tents,” Cook said, noting the White House often must erect canopies on the South Lawn for state dinners with more than 250 guests. He argued these tents pose security risks for the president and world leaders.
- Background. Cook is the son of Rodney Mims Cook Sr., who was a Republican state lawmaker and an instrumental white leader in Atlanta’s Civil Rights movement. An architect, Cook Jr. has worked on multiple monuments and parks in Atlanta, including a new park named after his father in Vine City.
3. Georgia lawmakers take aim at the insurance industry.
Georgia lawmakers spent the offseason studying how to make Georgia’s insurance rates more affordable. Michelle Baruchman reports their discussions resulted in a new bill that easily passed the House this week.
- What does it do? The bill would increase lots of fines for insurance companies if they break the law. It would also close a loophole that exists for people without insurance who are driving a vehicle that is covered by someone else’s policy.
- Why are they doing this? Last year lawmakers approved Gov. Brian Kemp’s overhaul to the civil litigation system. A special House study committee met last year to review the insurance industry’s system for setting rates and processing claims.
- What’s next? The bill now heads to the state Senate. If it passes there without any changes, it would be up to Gov. Brian Kemp to decide whether to sign it into law.
Looking ahead
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