*Delta Airlines has settled a lawsuit for over $8 million related to accusations of misusing federal relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Justice Department claimed Delta violated executive compensation caps set by the CARES Act payroll support program, which provided financial aid to airlines.
*Nine people were injured in a stampede at the Vine City MARTA station following the Monday night Beyoncé concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. According to MARTA police, the incident was triggered by a person screaming and running, causing a stampede on an escalator that suddenly accelerated and then stopped. Eight people were taken to the hospital, seven with cuts and scrapes and one having a broken ankle.
*Austell City Council facing backlash from residents. The council recently voted to raise property tax rates by 154 percent. Officials say part of the increase is due to the addition of a new fire tax of 2 mills. Some estimate the increase would cost the average homeowner nearly $600 more annually. The AJC reports the city’s financial struggles stem from factors like workforce shortages and lower-than-expected revenue from the natural gas utility. Some residents criticized the council’s budget management and called for resignations, while others highlighted the challenges of living on outdated funding.