Atlanta Faces Backlash for Refusing to Process 'Cop City' Petitions

The city of Atlanta has refused to count and verify petitions signed by registered voters to put the question of whether a controversial police and fire department training center known as "Cop City" should be built on the ballot. The move, backed by a legal memo citing an active court case, has sparked outrage among activists and residents. The training center, which has faced opposition for three years, would be the largest of its kind in the US. The city's actions, including delaying approval of the petition's format and appealing a court decision, have been criticized as undemocratic. The city has 50 days to review the signatures, and the court case could impact the outcome of the effort.