Saturday, May 24

Author: Michael Palan

Gov. Brian Kemp Appoints Angelique McClendon as Georgia’s New DDS Commissioner
25Apr By Michael PalanNo Comments
US News

Gov. Brian Kemp Appoints Angelique McClendon as Georgia’s New DDS Commissioner

Gov. Brian Kemp has announced the appointment of Angelique McClendon as the new commissioner for the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). The announcement was made on Wednesday, and McClendon is expected to officially take on her new role starting May 1. Governor Kemp, along with the DDS Board of Directors, approved McClendon's appointment. In his statement, he expressed his confidence in her ability to lead the agency, highlighting her experience and dedication to serving Georgia. "On behalf of hardworking Georgians, I want to congratulate Angelique McClendon on her promotion to Commissioner of the Department of Driver Services," Kemp said. "With an extensive career serving both DDS and the people of our state, I know she will be a great asset in ensuring that those who...
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Minnesota Man Faces Legal Trouble Over Tribal License Plates After Georgia Traffic Stop
25Apr By Michael PalanNo Comments
Local News

Minnesota Man Faces Legal Trouble Over Tribal License Plates After Georgia Traffic Stop

A Minnesota man’s traffic stop in Georgia has led to a legal dispute over the validity of his tribal license plates. The incident raises important questions about how tribal license plates are recognized in states outside of tribal jurisdictions. Johnathan Carlson, a father from Minnesota, was pulled over by Crisp County deputies in Georgia in March while driving through the state from Florida. Carlson said the traffic stop initially started as a speeding violation but quickly escalated when deputies questioned the legitimacy of his Red Lake Nation license plates. These plates are issued by a federally recognized tribe in Minnesota. “I’ve had the normal Red Lake brand of Triple Indian plates on my car before. Never had problems with them,” Carlson explained. According to Carls...
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Urgent Manhunt for Suspect Who Attempted to Kidnap 12-Year-Old at Hall County Bus Stop
25Apr By Michael PalanNo Comments
Crime News

Urgent Manhunt for Suspect Who Attempted to Kidnap 12-Year-Old at Hall County Bus Stop

A manhunt is underway in Hall County for a suspect who attempted to snatch a 12-year-old girl from a bus stop, according to deputies. The incident occurred near the intersection of Old Cornelia Highway. and East Main Street in Gainesville. Investigators reported that the man emerged from the woods and grabbed the girl's arm. When the child managed to free herself and ran away, the suspect chased her down the road. The situation was interrupted when a passing car drove by, causing the man to flee toward an old railroad overpass on Old Cornelia Highway. Fortunately, the 12-year-old girl is safe, as confirmed by law enforcement. Deputies added that the suspect, whose identity has not yet been revealed, is not believed to be carrying any weapons. Hall County deputies have ...
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‘RIP’ Bullets Kill Neighbor Who Confronted Man About Spreading Rumors
25Apr By Michael PalanNo Comments
Crime News

‘RIP’ Bullets Kill Neighbor Who Confronted Man About Spreading Rumors

Marquel Williams, a Georgia resident, has been convicted of the murder of his neighbor, Stanislas Alverna, after a violent confrontation outside an extended stay hotel. According to prosecutors, Williams used a gun loaded with “R.I.P” bullets—designed to fragment on impact and cause more severe damage—to kill Alverna in September 2020. The tragic event unfolded during a heated “meeting” between the two men, where Alverna had confronted Williams about spreading rumors about him and other residents of the hotel. Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson stated in a press release that Alverna was simply attempting to resolve the issue, but Williams responded with deadly violence. Williams, 33, was found guilty of murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault for the killing...
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Elon Musk’s Grip on the Government: How It All Unraveled?
25Apr By Michael PalanNo Comments
Politics

Elon Musk’s Grip on the Government: How It All Unraveled?

Elon Musk, once seen as a powerful force within the Trump administration, has experienced a rapid unraveling of his influence. Known for his bold maneuvers and unconventional approach, the billionaire head of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) tried to push his way around established government structures. Recently, he clashed with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent when Musk helped install Gary Shapley, a mid-level IRS official, as the IRS acting commissioner. The only problem was, the IRS falls under Bessent's purview, and tensions soon boiled over. The confrontation reached a boiling point in the West Wing, where Musk and Bessent reportedly had a heated argument. The situation was so intense that it was heard by President Donald Trump, who was nearby. Ultimately, Bessen...
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Trump’s Justice Department Admits Major Mistake, Reveals Privileged Information
25Apr By Michael PalanNo Comments
US News

Trump’s Justice Department Admits Major Mistake, Reveals Privileged Information

On Thursday morning, the U.S. Justice Department admitted to a mistake in a court filing, revealing that it had unintentionally uploaded a confidential letter containing legal advice meant for the Department of Transportation. The department had been trying to file a different letter related to a court case involving the government's decision to cancel New York City's congestion charge plan. Data engineer Émília Decaudin shared screenshots of the letter after it went live on Wednesday. Lawfare's Anna Bower highlighted the error, explaining that the Justice Department had likely intended to submit a letter to Judge Liman in the case of MTA v. Duffy. However, instead, the department accidentally filed a document with legal advice intended for the Department of Transportation. T...
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2026 Social Security COLA Increase: Why It Might Not Be Enough for Retirees?
25Apr By Michael PalanNo Comments
Social Security

2026 Social Security COLA Increase: Why It Might Not Be Enough for Retirees?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) plays a critical role in supporting millions of Americans by providing financial assistance through retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each year, the SSA makes Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) to these payments to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation. COLAs are vital because they help beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power in the face of rising living costs. The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), an organization dedicated to monitoring Social Security benefits, has recently projected that the COLA for 2026 will be 2.3%. This is a slight increase from the previous estimate of 2.2%. While this increase is a positive development for recipients, many are concerned...
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The Surprising Reasons You Could Lose Your Social Security Benefits
25Apr By Michael PalanNo Comments
Social Security

The Surprising Reasons You Could Lose Your Social Security Benefits

Social Security benefits are a crucial financial lifeline for many Americans, particularly retirees, individuals with disabilities, and others who depend on them for everyday living. However, losing these benefits, whether temporarily or permanently, can have serious consequences. There are several common reasons why people may lose their Social Security benefits, and understanding these reasons can help you avoid such disruptions. In this article, we will discuss the primary causes of losing Social Security benefits and how to resolve them quickly. 1. Changes in Immigration Status One of the most common reasons for a loss of Social Security benefits is a change in immigration status. Social Security benefits are closely tied to legal residency and citizenship status in the U...
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More Years to Work? Social Security Considers Raising Retirement Age to Protect Benefits
25Apr By Michael PalanNo Comments
Social Security

More Years to Work? Social Security Considers Raising Retirement Age to Protect Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States is thinking about a major change — increasing the full retirement age. This proposal is a part of their broader plan to ensure that Social Security benefits continue to be available for future generations. As people are now living longer than before, the SSA wants to adjust the system to match this new reality. Currently, the full retirement age for most Americans is between 66 and 67 years, depending on their birth year. But now, the SSA is studying whether this age should be raised gradually to 68 or even 70 in the coming years. This potential change is being discussed seriously in 2025, as the SSA looks at ways to make Social Security financially strong for the long term. Why Is the Retirement Age Being Reconside...
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New Social Security Legislation: Does It Mean My Wife, 66, Will Receive Benefits?
24Apr By Michael PalanNo Comments
Social Security

New Social Security Legislation: Does It Mean My Wife, 66, Will Receive Benefits?

The question you have raised about your wife, who is receiving a pension but has never paid into Social Security, is an important one and worth exploring, especially in light of the new Social Security Fairness Act. You’re wondering whether this new legislation would make her eligible for Social Security spousal benefits now that the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) have been repealed. Here’s the key point to remember: for your wife to claim spousal benefits, she must wait until you begin claiming your Social Security benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, she cannot claim them independently. The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by former President Joe Biden, repeals provisions that previously limited o...
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