Behind the Investigation with Atlanta News First

The most comprehensive homeowners association oversight bill in Georgia history is on its way to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk, and lawmakers credit Atlanta News First Investigates’ series, HOA Nightmares, for uncovering the lack of oversight for HOAs across the state. 

But at the same time, controversies over HOAs remain, especially in this one community where a $5.1 million water bill remains unpaid, along with a $24,000 trash bill.

An Atlanta actress is asking to be removed from an upcoming film after claiming the production company filmed her nude without her permission, allegedly violating her contract that specified only implied nudity.

Across the country, fire departments are waiting years for new trucks. The trucks they already have are breaking down with no replacement parts available. Communities are losing fire protection entirely, and the price of a single fire engine has risen 64% in four years. The shortage is real. It is national. And it is getting worse.

Disabled passengers say transportation lifeline is broken while data shows success.

A metro Atlanta renter says her apartment has rats eating the floorboards, sewage spewing fecal matter in the backyard, and no heat as winter continues in Georgia.

As myopia rates surge in children, Georgia lawmakers are pushing a vision screening bill.

A metro Atlanta single mother said background check errors cost her a six-figure job and now she’s at risk of losing her home. Full investigation here: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/02/05/single-mom-loses-six-figure-job-after-alleged-background-check-errors/

A new study reveals Georgia is among the states hit hard by pediatric hospital care decline.

Full investigation here: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/01/15/nearly-40-georgia-counties-now-have-no-pediatrician/

One in four adults in the U.S. are caregiving for a loved one, according to data from the National Alliance for Caregiving.

Full investigation here: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/01/15/federal-budget-cuts-threaten-dementia-research-georgia-families-struggle-with-care-costs/

A metro Atlanta woman paid thousands of dollars to a debt relief company, only to discover most of her money went toward fees rather than paying down her debt. The woman, who asked not to be identified by name, paid $7,700 to Chicago-based Turnbull Law Group over several months. Of that amount, the firm collected around $6,600 as fees, according to invoices reviewed by Atlanta News First Investigates.

Harry Samler, better known as Better Call Harry, talks about his investigation with fellow investigative reporter Ciara Cummings.

Full investigation here: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/12/30/metro-atlanta-woman-pays-thousands-debt-relief-law-firm/

A metro Atlanta renter recently found out her heater has been blowing fecal matter into her home, after battling with her landlord over a sewage back-up for more than a year.

“We shouldn’t be living like this,” Tiarra Logan said. 

Full investigation here: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/12/12/metro-atlanta-renter-discovers-heater-blowing-fecal-matter-into-home/

Atlanta News First Chief Investigator Brendan Keefe takes you behind his investigation into a shocking case of alleged burglary and stalking on the campus of the University of Georgia.

Watch and read his full investigation here: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/02/05/uga-students-living-fear-after-maintenance-worker-arrested-burglary-stalking/

“Be governed accordingly!” is the haunting message Marietta homeowner Danielle Reyes received from the lawyer representing her community’s homeowner’s association.

A federal wrongful death lawsuit filed against DeKalb County jail personnel, the county’s former medical provider, and others allege an inmate died from hypothermia after jail staff repeatedly ignored his pleas for help.

Senior citizens thought they were buying their forever homes in a retirement community in Conyers, but now claim the builder broke promises and refused to let them take control of their HOA. 

 Three family members who tested positive for drugs in a Georgia child custody case allege the state’s drug screening process produced false results, and they have independent tests to prove their claims.

A Kennesaw homeowner discovered someone filed a fraudulent insurance claim for fire damage on her renovated home, sparking a months-long battle to clear her record and avoid higher premiums.

Full investigation here: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/12/04/is-there-fire-false-insurance-claim-sparks-battle-clear-homeowners-record/

Georgia education officials are studying Mississippi’s dramatic literacy transformation as 70 percent of the Peach State’s 4th graders cannot read proficiently, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Full investigation here: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/12/22/georgia-looks-mississippi-help-children-learn-read-yes-mississippi/

A metro Atlanta police officer resigned from the department after he arrested a wheelchair-bound man on accusations he kicked in someone else's door.

Award-winning consumer reporter Harry Samler talks with FBI Special Agent Dan Polk on how scammers are using AI to create fake ads that mimic popular brands and retailers.

'Stolen Sobriety’ shows how drug-free parents are failing drug screens in Georgia. The project began when a mom reached out to Atlanta News First Investigates, saying she'd been wrongfully accused of being on drugs while trying to gain custody of her children. Our investigation uncovered the two labs contracted to perform the drug screens on behalf of Georgia's child welfare system have their own credibility issues.

Watch and listen to our full investigation here:

https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/news/investigate/stolen-sobriety/