(GA. NEWS NETWORK)
*A third recent toddler drowning is under investigation in central Georgia. The coroner confirms that a two-year-old died after climbing into an above-ground pool behind a home in Pulaski County Monday night. WMAZ says the child’s family was in the front of the home at the time. Two other drownings involved toddlers have been reported in that part of the state in Warner Robins and Macon since May 22.
*Officials with the Columbia County Library System say the new children’s librarian manager has been placed on administrative leave after they learned she was hired while on administrative leave from the Augusta-Richmond County School System. Columbia County Observer reports Laura Grove is being after allegations surfaced in divorce and emergency custody proceedings that included an affidavit from a former student accusing her of inappropriate sexual acts with that student.
*Several Georgia midwives are suing the state over laws they say unfairly restrict their expertise and make it harder for families to access maternal health care. The three midwives who are part of the suit say they want Georgia to change laws that restrict certified professional midwives and direct-entry midwives from practicing in the state. Tamara Taitt is one of the plaintiffs and tells ANF Georgia’s approach to pregnancy-related care is inconsistent. She adds that even though she’s worked as a midwife for two decades in Florida, that means nothing in Georgia. The lawsuit also highlights Georgia’s high maternal mortality rate and disparities in maternal health outcomes. Georgia is expected to issue a response by the end of this month.
*The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta has now welcomed over 50 million visitors since opening in 2005. Fox5Atlanta reports that in celebration, the aquarium is offering a giveaway with a prize package worth over $2,000, including tickets, reserved seating for presentations, food credit, and a swag bag. You can enter the contest at 50 Million Guests – Georgia Aquarium