Local Business
The Trump administration eliminated 40% of jobs at the CDC Injury Center in Atlanta last year, leading to resignations and broader community economic concerns. In North Carolina's Research Triangle, universities lost millions in federal grants, causing delays and uncertainty for researchers despite continued funding flows. Local leaders in both regions report that these changes have energized political activism and highlighted the need for better communication about research missions.
Community News · Atlanta, GA
Scammers are using AI-generated images and videos of athletes to run fake social media pages impersonating the Atlanta Braves, with one fan reporting a $2,000 loss after being contacted by someone posing as third baseman Austin Riley. The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report shows Georgia residents reported $420 million in potential losses, a 40% year-over-year increase, while national complaints reached 859,532 with $16.6 billion in losses. Emory University AI expert David Schweidel said publicly available generative AI tools have made convincing deepfakes accessible to anyone with minimal source material. Experts advise fans to verify page creation dates, locations, and follower counts before engaging, and to be skeptical of any celebrity reaching out directly via social media.
