(GA. NEWS NETWORK)
*As holiday shopping ramps up, Columbus police are reminding residents about porch pirates. Georgia ranks eighth in the nation for the value of packages stolen from porches, according to research by Amazon. Detective Kertaivous Coppins says you should have deliveries sent to a location where someone can receive them and avoiding leaving packages outside overnight. He tells WTVM officers are also working with retailers to be alert for increased shoplifting activity.
*A legislative committee created after a projected $85 million dollar budget shortfall in Georgia’s child welfare system has concluded its public meetings and is expected to release recommendations by December. Members spent months examining rising foster care costs, shortages of foster homes, children being placed farther from their families, and long waits for services. The Savannah Morning News reports lawmakers also raised concerns about access to transportation for foster children and parents. Advocates told the committee that a lack of foster homes is keeping children in care longer and driving up costs across the system.
*The GBI says two former jailers in Dodge County have been arrested on conspiracy and trading with inmates’ charges. And the inmates are facing additional charges for conspiracy, but investigators didn’t identify the contraband items.
*Georgia voters sending in a mail ballot are being encouraged to return their ballots as soon as possible. The Postal Service says completed ballots should be mailed at least one week before they’re supposed to be received by local election offices. Afraid to mail yours? Take to the office in person if possible.