(GA. NEWS NETWORK UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
*Four Columbus men admit to their parts in a multi-million-dollar COVID fraud scheme. The suspects all entered pleas within the last two-weeks, which could land them each up to 30-years in prison. Federal investigators say they falsified tax files and employment information to secure pandemic-related assistance. In all, they attempted to steal more than $17 million.
*A bill to require weapon detectors in all Georgia public schools is progressing at the State Capitol. WSB-TV reports the House Education Committee approved the proposal yesterday, which calls for schools to install a system at its main entrance by July of next year, regardless of grade level.
*Car insurance prices in the United States, according to an Insurify analysis, decreased by 6% in 2025, with Wyoming, Iowa, and Arkansas experiencing the largest price cuts. However, some states, such as New Jersey and Washington, D.C., saw prices rise by as much as 20%. Georgia saw an increase of around 5%. WSAV reports that factors influencing insurance costs include accident risk, theft rates, and regulatory requirements. The report also projects a 1% increase in average annual insurance costs by the end of 2026.