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Atlanta rideshare drivers see earnings being eaten by rising fuel costs

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Atlanta rideshare drivers see earnings being eaten by rising fuel costs


Rising gas prices are hitting drivers hard, especially people who rely on their cars to make a living.

What we know:

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Rideshare drivers say fuel is one of their biggest expenses, and some say the recent spike is starting to cut into their profits.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in Atlanta is now $3.49. That’s up about 75 cents from a month ago. Prices have also jumped since the U.S. military launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran.

Analysts say if tensions in the Middle East ease, gas prices could fall back to what drivers saw just a few weeks ago.

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What they’re saying:

For rideshare driver Sam Lakhani, the workday starts the moment he hits the road. But lately there’s something else on his mind; the price of gas.

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“Before pulling up the gas station in the morning, we always are scared at what price will be today,” said Lakhani.

Lakhani is a rideshare driver and union organizer. He said he has been a driver for seven years and is on the road between 60 and 72 hours a week. Higher gas prices mean a bigger chunk of every ride goes straight into the tank.

“It is impacting on the driver because you have to work more hours, and it’s tiring for everyone,” Lakhani said.

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Lakhani said fuel is one of his largest expenses, and when prices go up, profits go down. He said he has to drive more hours to make the same money as before and fears that if the trend continues, the industry could struggle.

“There will be no more drivers working because if they are not making money, they won’t be and there won’t be any drivers out there on the streets,” Lakhani said.

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Lakhani drives several vehicles for work, including a Cadillac he uses for higher-end rides. He said when he drives it, about 50% of what he makes goes toward paying for gas, so he is always looking for the least expensive option.

“Every time you go to a different gas station, the price is not uniform. So you have to find out which is the cheapest pump in town or nearby town,” he said.

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Lakhani and other drivers say they hope prices stop climbing because their take-home pay depends on what they pay at the pump.

“All of the gig workers are getting scared of this gas prices. I hope this will come back to normal as soon,” Lakhani said.

The Source: The article cites data from AAA and firsthand account comes from Sam Lakhani, an Atlanta-based rideshare driver and union organizer. 

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Atlanta, GA

3-year-old dies after being shot in southwest Atlanta

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3-year-old dies after being shot in southwest Atlanta


Atlanta police officers investigate a shooting that killed a 3-year-old on April 5, 2026, on Washington Street SW. (FOX 5) 

A 3-year-old child died at the hospital after being shot in southwest Atlanta early Sunday morning, police said. 

What we know:

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Atlanta police officers responded to the reported shooting near the 900 block of Washington Street SW around 12:37 a.m. on Sunday.

When they arrived, police found that a 3-year-old had been shot. 

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The child was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital where medical staff pronounced them deceased. 

Investigators are still in the preliminary stages of the investigation. 

Atlanta police officers investigate a shooting that killed a 3-year-old on April 5, 2026, on Washington Street SW. (FOX 5) 

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What we don’t know:

Investigators are still working to determine what led to the gunfire and the exact circumstances of how the child was shot. 

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No suspect descriptions or information regarding potential arrests have been released by the Atlanta Police Department at this time.

The Source: The information in this story was gathered from official preliminary reports provided by the Atlanta Police Department.

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1 teenage girl killed, another injured in shooting at Piedmont Park, police say

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1 teenage girl killed, another injured in shooting at Piedmont Park, police say


Editor’s note: The video above is from an earlier report.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A teenage girl was killed and another was injured in a shooting at Piedmont Park on Saturday night, according to Atlanta police.

The shooting prompted a large police response to the Midtown Atlanta park around 9 p.m., soon after a festival there celebrating the city’s 404 Day, which drew thousands of people, wrapped up.

Upon arrival, officers located two girls with gunshot wounds.

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Paramedics pronounced one victim, a 16-year-old, dead at the scene. Her identity has not been released.

The second victim, a 15-year-old, was alert, conscious and breathing, and was taken to the hospital, police said.

Soon after the incident, a witness told Atlanta News First that hundreds of people took off running after dozens of shots were fired.

Police said the park’s permitted 404 Day festival concluded around 7:45 p.m.

“At this time, there is no information indicating that the shooting is connected to that event,” police said.

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Instead, the department’s “preliminary investigation indicates the incident stemmed from an unpermitted gathering that occurred near the far west end of the park,” the opposite side of the park from where the festival was being held, police said.

Earlier, a witness told Atlanta News First there was also a “teen takeover” event in the park Saturday night.

There is a large police presence at Piedmont Park on Saturday night.

Officers were seen gathered around Lake Clara Meer in the heart of the park.

Police shut down surrounding streets, and video captured an ambulance at 12th Street NE and Piedmont Avenue, at the southwest corner of the park.

Police have not announced suspects.

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This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.



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Driver dies after head-on crash with MARTA bus in NW Atlanta

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Driver dies after head-on crash with MARTA bus in NW Atlanta


A driver died on April 4, 2026, after colliding head-on with a MARTA bus in northwest Atlanta. (FOX 5) 

A Jeep driver died in the hospital Saturday morning after their SUV crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a MARTA bus in northwest Atlanta.

What we know:

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Atlanta police responded to the crash around 8:14 a.m. near 266 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive NW.

When they arrived, they discovered a MARTA bus, and a Jeep Patriot had collided head-on. 

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The driver of the Jeep Patriot was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and later died from their injuries. 

No one on the bus was reportedly injured, police said, 

Investigators said that the Jeep Patriot had crossed into the opposing travel lane when it crashed into the MARTA bus. 

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An investigation is ongoing. 

What we don’t know:

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Authorities have not yet released the name of the driver who died. 

It also remains unclear why the Jeep traveled into the opposing lane of traffic before the impact.

The Source: Information in this report comes from the Atlanta Police Department. 

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