THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 1788, Georgia ratified the Constitution, becoming the fourth state in the modern United States after Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Georgians awoke on New Year's Day to news of the terror attack on New Orleans. Get information about the impacts for Georgians and reactions below.

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Georgia Student Hurt in Attack, Game Postponed

The New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans shook Georgia, with a University of Georgia student injured and the school's Sugar Bowl game postponed until this afternoon.

The unidentified student sustained critical injuries, according to the university's president, who called the attack an "unspeakable event" and praised first responders.

Georgians in New Orleans for the game against Notre Dame reacted with dismay and grief after the pickup truck attack killed at least 15 and injured dozens.

Gov. Brian Kemp and other Georgia officials joined leaders in extending their condolences to the victims, their families, and the city of New Orleans.

New State Laws Take Effect

Several new state laws take effect in 2025, including one launching the state's private school voucher program. The program allocates funding for 22,000 slots as budgeted by the state Legislature.

Another new law requires economic impact studies of the state's business tax incentives.

More adjustments to Georgia's election system will take effect, building on changes made before last year's elections.

New tax laws adopted last year, including the lowering of the personal income and corporate income tax rates to 5.39%, are already in effect.

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➤ Macon: The city celebrated the new year by imploding an old 16-story hotel to make room for future development, drawing cheers from onlookers. (Watch)

➤ The Peach Bowl: More than 70,000 attended a double-overtime thriller as Texas edged Arizona State 39-31 to advance in the College Football Playoffs. (Game Recap)

➤ Atlanta: Delta Airlines will celebrate its 100^th year with a kickoff event at next week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, hosting a Lenny Kravitz concert at Sphere. (More)

➤ Columbus: A planned crackdown on gang activity is set to intensify in the coming months as a task force of local and state police ramps up efforts begun in late 2024. (More)

➤ Region: The Atlanta Braves are searching for distinctly Southeast foods and drinks to showcase at Truist Stadium, with the deadline for submissions coming up fast. (Details)

➤ The Battery: Speaking of the Braves, the team is hosting this summer’s Major League Baseball All-Star game. Click here to check out the promotional video.

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