Child-Rearing Costs Spike

The cost of raising a child in Georgia has soared to nearly $20,000 a year, driven mostly by daycare expenses, according to a report by LendingTree.

The increase is in line with the trend nationally, where the cost has jumped nearly 36% since 2023, fueled by rising grocery prices, health care, and a more than 50% spike in child care prices.

With costs rising in all states, Georgia remains one of the cheapest states in the country to raise a child, trailing South Carolina and Mississippi.

  Rifle Prompts College Lockdown

A 19-year-old man was arrested after allegedly carrying an AR-15 rifle on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus on Wednesday, triggering a shelter-in-place alert at the campus.

The suspect, Khamani Clayton of De Soto, was apprehended by law enforcement agencies after he was seen leaving campus with the firearm. The university said Clayton is not enrolled at the school.

No shots were fired, and no one was hurt.

Clayton faces charges that include carrying a weapon in a school safety zone.

Cybercrime Losses Surge 40%

The FBI reported that cybercriminals swindled more than $420 million from Georgians last year, a 40% jump from the year before.

The state saw a big surge in phishing, extortion, and personal data breaches. Cryptocurrency-related crimes also jumped, with more than 3,500 cases and $197 million in losses reported.

Seniors continue to be hit the hardest by the scams, with their losses jumping 89% to $174 million.

Georgia ranked 11th in the nation in reported internet crimes in 2024. Nationally, the FBI warned the public to verify online contacts, avoid risky links, and refrain from making online payments to unknown people.

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➤ DeKalb County: A woman and a toddler suffered moderate injuries after a train hit their vehicle near Stone Mountain Lithonia Road. (More)

➤ Fayette County: Peachtree City neighbors rescued two teenagers trapped by a fire Sunday night, using ladders to save one of the teens from a second-story window. (More)

➤ Fulton County: South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau announced he won’t seek re-election, citing low pay that forced him to sell his mother’s house and go on food stamps. (Watch)

➤ Hall County: Sheriff’s deputies searched for a man who tried to abduct a 12-year-old girl at a Gainesville bus stop before fleeing when a car drove by. (More)

➤ Gwinnett County: Authorities charged six people after a 17-year-old Little Caesars worker was ambushed and beaten unconscious in an alleged targeted assault related to workplace tensions. (More)

➤ Butts County: A jailer, Lexi Thompson, was arrested and fired after allegedly providing contraband to an inmate, drawing sharp criticism from Sheriff Gary Long. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons selected Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker with the 15th overall pick of the NFL Draft. He’s expected to bring elite burst, versatility, and leadership to the NFL. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves completed a successful homestand with a win against St. Louis on Wednesday, logging their fifth win against one loss and highlighted by Eli White’s go-ahead three-run homer. (More)

➤ The Mitsubishi Classic tees off today at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth. Seven Hall of Fame seniors are in the field, including Bernhard Langer, Davis Love III, and Ernie Els. (Preview)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Gov. Brian Kemp faces pressure to veto a bill that limits lawsuits against pesticide makers, with opponents claiming the measure protects foreign corporations over Georgia farmers. (More)

➤ Aldi will open stores in St. Marys, Thomaston, and Americus as part of the grocer’s $9 billion expansion plan. (More)

➤ Data centers like Georgia for its low electricity rates—11% lower than the U.S. average—and their arrival will lead to lower residential and small business rates, a state Public Service Commission member said. (More)

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➤ Duluth police continued searching for a runaway sheep, dubbed Hoofed Houdini, seen trotting on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard after escaping officers during a chase. (See Photo)

➤ White County resident Payton Chambers’ marriage proposal went viral after his distracted girlfriend missed the moment twice before saying yes. (Watch)

➤ Residents may spot Amazon’s Project Kuiper rocket launch Monday, with the liftoff in Florida expected to be visible across much of Georgia. (More)

Have you ever watched a spaceship launch? 

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever used a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft?

1. Yes: 56%
2. No: 44%

What is the cattle-to-people ratio in Georgia? 

Show me the answer