Augusta, Ga. — The rising cost of rent in Georgia has left many residents struggling to make ends meet, especially those working in cities like Atlanta. Advocacy groups rallied at the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday, calling on lawmakers to pass rent control legislation and limit the amount landlords can raise rents each year.

As it stands, rent prices in Georgia are largely influenced by market forces, allowing landlords to increase rents significantly year over year. In the last five years, rent prices in Atlanta have surged by at least 20%, according to data from Zillow. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city now stands at $2,000. Although this figure has decreased slightly from last year, it remains out of reach for many Georgians.

The situation is especially tough for city workers. According to Zip Recruiter, the average salary for a worker in Atlanta is approximately $47,000 a year. With rent prices climbing, many residents are being forced to make tough decisions, including commuting long distances or even relocating to more affordable areas further from their jobs.

“We have reached a tipping point,” said one rally participant. “Many of us work in the cities, but we can’t afford to live here anymore. Something has to be done.”

Currently, Georgia law does not place restrictions on how much rent can increase annually, leaving tenants vulnerable to sharp price hikes. Advocacy groups argue that rent control is a necessary step to ensure that people can continue to live in the cities where they work without being priced out.

Violence and Crime Concerns in Atlanta

Meanwhile, a deadly shooting in Atlanta’s Oakland City neighborhood has raised concerns about public safety. The Atlanta Police Department reported that seven people were arrested in connection to a triple shooting on July 2, 2024, which left two teenagers dead and a child injured. Police responded to reports of gunshots along Sparks Street SW, where they discovered three juveniles suffering from gunshot wounds.

The arrests have sparked ongoing investigations as authorities work to piece together the details surrounding the tragic incident.

Mystery Surrounds Cremains Found in Burned Funeral Home

In another unsettling development, the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified 57 sets of cremains found at an abandoned and burned funeral home in Marietta. The discovery was made public in November 2024 after a British photographer posted photos of the scene online. The remains were found among scattered urns, bags of human ashes, and sensitive paperwork inside the charred remains of the Norman Medford Peden Funeral Home.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into how the remains were left behind and abandoned in such conditions. The case has drawn significant public attention, prompting local officials to assure the community that they are committed to resolving the matter.

Law Enforcement Incidents: Officer and Suspect Hospitalized After Standoff

Law enforcement in Clayton County is also dealing with a recent standoff that left both a police officer and a suspect hospitalized. The Clayton County Police Department confirmed that 21-year-old Daniel Neal was critically injured after an altercation with police late Tuesday night. Officer Kenyon Ford was also injured in the incident but is expected to recover. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is handling the case, which remains under investigation.

Teacher Shortage Sparks Legislative Debate

Education remains a pressing issue for Georgia lawmakers, who are currently considering a bill aimed at addressing the state’s ongoing teacher shortage. The bill, which has passed a Senate committee, would allow retired teachers to return to the classroom, easing the strain on schools struggling to find qualified staff. However, it remains uncertain whether the bill will pass during the current legislative session.

Pickleball Expands Across Georgia

In brighter news, the sport of pickleball is growing in popularity in Georgia. Pickleball Kingdom, the world’s largest indoor pickleball company, announced plans to open 20 new clubs across the state, including locations in Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, and Athens. Each club will offer climate-controlled indoor courts, comfortable lounges, and training programs designed to attract players of all skill levels.

As Georgia faces a range of challenges, from housing affordability to public safety, many are looking to lawmakers for solutions that can help ensure a better quality of life for residents across the state. With ongoing debates over issues like rent control, teacher shortages, and public safety, the decisions made in the coming months will likely shape the future of Georgia for years to come.