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Vandal targets pro-LGBTIQQ house of worship in Atlanta

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Vandal targets pro-LGBTIQQ house of worship in Atlanta


A vandal reportedly attacked a pro-LGBTIQQ house of worship. The pastor at Virginia-Highland Church says a man tore down a sign with a message of inclusion that read, “A just world for all.”

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It happened Tuesday afternoon at Virginia Avenue and Park Drive, NE in Atlanta.

Pastor Matt Laney says his church is very proud to be a house of worship for everyone, regardless of how they identify or who they love.

“We’re about 40-percent LGBTQ,” Rev. Laney said. “God is a god of love and inclusion, big tent and that everyone belongs. Those who are marginalized, those who have been pushed to the edges of our community, are especially seen and loved by God.”

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But someone disagreed with the church’s message of inclusion.

“That banner was torn down,” Rev. Laney said.

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Pastor Laney says a man intentionally ripped down the banner at around 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

“It was witnessed being torn down by a gentleman who tore it down very aggressively, clearly trying to make a statement unfortunately,” Rev. Laney said. 

He believes the vandal targeted the church because it welcomes and supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and questioning (LGBTIQQ) members in its congregation.

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“When you’re out loud and proud as we are as a community getting our message out there, there are those who don’t agree and sometimes disagree in ways that are disagreeable and hateful,” Rev. Laney said.

Last spring and summer, vandals hit another LGBTIQQ-friendly house of worship, The Church at Ponce and Highland about a mile away.

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Atlanta police are investigating. Pastor Laney says this act of bias just emboldens his congregation.

“When the hatred rises up, when the shadows gather, that’s an opportunity for us to shine more love and light in the world,” Rev. Laney said. 

Pastor Laney says this act of hate won’t deter the church from its mission of inclusion. He says they will just stand up taller and prouder. 

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Atlanta, GA

Braves News: NBP pieces falling into place, slow market, more

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Braves News: NBP pieces falling into place, slow market, more


Well the NBP posted players all seem to be settled now, with Imai and Okamoto having signed with an MLB club and Takahashi returning to the NBP. Those players do not seem to have sparked movement in the overall market, either in free agency or in trades, at least so far, as this offseason continues to be glacial. Hopefully things pick up a bit as we get more separation from the holidays. The Braves still seem to be motivated to make a big addition, but this front office has shown that the right deal has to be there for them to pull the trigger.



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Atlanta, GA

Police investigating stabbing on Moreland Avenue in SE Atlanta

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Police investigating stabbing on Moreland Avenue in SE Atlanta


A man was stabbed Saturday in southeast Atlanta, according to police.

What we know:

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According to Atlanta police, officers responded to the 400 block of Moreland Avenue SE to reports of a male who had been stabbed. Investigators believe a female and male were involved in a dispute that resulted in the stabbing.

What we don’t know:

Police did not identify the male or female.

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No word yet on charges.

The Source: Information provided by the Atlanta Police Department.

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Atlanta, GA

Business damaged as 500 teens swarm Atlantic Station

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Business damaged as 500 teens swarm Atlantic Station


A large police presence responded to Atlantic Station on Saturday

Atlanta police say nearly 500 teenagers caused a massive disturbance at Atlantic Station Saturday night, launching fireworks into crowds and eventually drawing real gunfire outside the district.

Atlantic Station chaos

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The backstory:

Atlanta police originally responded to the shopping center after 7 p.m. following reports of shots fired. While investigators quickly determined the sounds were actually fireworks being ignited by a large crowd of “unruly” juveniles, the situation turned more dangerous as the crowd was dispersed.

“It can escalate from firecrackers to now its guns to life being taken. That’s something we don’t want,” said John Williams, who was visiting the area.

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As officers cleared the mall, a group of teenagers allegedly began firing actual guns near Spring Street NW and 17th Street. 

Shooting outside Atlantic Station

What they’re saying:

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The gunfire sent patrons at Nan Thai Fine Dining ducking for cover.

“Definitely about 30 shots,” said Jedi Niyomkul, the restaurant’s general manager. “I’m making sure everyone is on the ground because we do have a lot of glass.”

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Niyomkul said the restaurant was hit by at least one bullet. He expressed frustration that the crowd was pushed out of the mall but not adequately monitored once they crossed into the surrounding city streets.

“Once they got them across the bridge, there was no patrol over on this side to make sure that they dispersed,” Niyomkul said. “Literally at 17th and Spring, right there, 100 to 150 kids just sitting all around the corner, doing absolutely nothing, just looking for trouble.”

Atlantic Station curfew

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Dig deeper:

The disturbance occurred despite Atlantic Station’s strict codes of conduct. The district enforces a 3 p.m. curfew for anyone under 18, requiring them to be with a parent or guardian. Additionally, no one under 21 is allowed on the property after 9 p.m.

Atlanta City Council member Michael Julian Bond said the city must find a more consistent way to manage large groups of youth.

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“We again manage this population policy-wise, more than any other segment than our society, so we all got to step up year-round in how we manage that population,” Bond said.

The Source: Information in this article came from Atlanta police and FOX 5’s Annie Mapp speaking with Jedi Niyomkul and Michael Julian Bond. 

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