Matt's Latest Articles

Kerry McCormack, Flock Safety's public relations manager for the East Coast, presents to the Dunwoody City Council ahead of a vote on the city's contract for Flock's 911 dispatch software on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (Matt Scott - Atlanta Community Press Collective)
Dunwoody City Council votes to defer Flock contract over data use concerns

A viral video showing the ease of accessing live feeds from Flock cameras prompted deep questioning of the company’s data practices and contract changes. 

Jamie Marsicano speaks at a press conference, with her attorney Xavier T. de Janon standing behind her, outside the Fulton County Courthouse, following a motions hearing the 'Cop City' racketeering case on Sept. 8, 2025.
Georgia Court of Appeals will take up ‘Cop City’ RICO case

Attorney General Chris Carr appealed Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kevin A. Farmer’s dismissal of racketeering charges against 61 people. The Georgia Court of Appeals accepted the application on Wednesday, despite process challenges from the defense.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kevin M. Farmer, presiding over the Cop City RICO trial of Ayla King.
What’s happening with the Cop City domestic terrorism, RICO charges?

In Fulton County, a judge dismissed the 61-person Cop City racketeering charge while also ruling that domestic terrorism charges could move forward. On the same day, an activist filed a motion to dismiss her domestic terrorism charge in DeKalb County.

Former Atlanta Police Department Chief Rodney Bryant speaks at a press conference on Oct. 29, 2020, to discuss the joint task force, "Operation Phoenix." He was accused of defamation by Ricardo Haro for his comments during the press conference.
Defamation suit against former Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant will move forward

Ricardo Haro can now pursue his claim that ex-Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant knowingly defamed him as a gang-affiliated “repeat offender” during a high-profile 2020 press conference, despite records showing that was untrue.

Atlanta City Hall Tower, viewed from below. Vanessa Manley
Mayor promotes new Constituent Service chief who was subject of an inspector general investigation

The Office of Inspector General found that in 2022, Vanessa Manley used her position in the city for personal gain, failed to disclose outside employment and submitted a false invoice. 

Trans health care support signs at a Pride parade in London.
Federal judge permanently blocks enforcement of anti-trans healthcare bill in Georgia’s prisons

The Georgia Department of Corrections is prohibited from enforcing a state law that would deny gender-affirming care like hormone replacement therapy to incarcerated people suffering gender dysphoria.

Richard B. Russell Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse where Samuel Tunick had his first appearance hearing on the charge of destruction of evidence.
Federal agents arrest activist on evidence destruction charge
Cellphone with logo of American video surveillance company Flock Safety in front of business website. Focus on center-left of phone display. Atlanta police have used Flock cameras in immigration-related searches.
Atlanta police searched license plate reader network for immigrants, records show

The Atlanta Police Department said that it “has not assisted any federal law enforcement agencies with immigration enforcement activities this year,” but records reveal that on at least 15 occasions, investigators scoured thousands of cameras to track migrants. 

Matthew Cardinale sits beside the Savannah River.
Matthew Cardinale, 1981-2025, ¡PRESENTE!
Xavier de Janon, defense attorney for one of the Stop Cop City RICO and domestic terrorism defendants, speaks during a press conference following the May 14 status hearing.
Cop City RICO: Fulton County Judge intends to dismiss 61-person racketeering indictment

The Georgia Attorney General did not have the authority to indict 61 people on racketeering and arson charges in August 2023, judge says. Georgia law requires the state attorney general to obtain authorization from the governor for those charges.