Here is Your AM Rundown, with news updates in 400 words or less. Get caught up on headlines and other developments you might’ve missed. Here’s what to know for today:
- The Georgia House of Representatives approved legislation that would limit what can be said about race in classroom discussions. House Bill 1084 passed 92-63 in a party-line vote. Republicans nationwide have pushed bans on “critical race theory” – which is not taught in K-12 schools – as a political tactic to galvanize their base.
- Georgia is joining a national investigation into TikTok’s effect on the physical and mental health of young adults and children. Georgia State Attorney Chris Carr announced the investigation alongside California and several other states. Carr said that the effects of social media on Georgia’s youth are “serious” and “must be addressed with safety as the only priority.”
- Atlanta Public Schools is weighing options to address overcrowding at its east-side campuses. Consultants offered two plans to repurpose the former Inman Middle School, both requiring the city to redraw attendance lines around Midtown: reopen the building as a new K-5 school or make it an annex for grade 3-5 students from nearby Springdale Park Elementary.
- Spirit Airlines plans to create bases for pilots and flight attendants in Atlanta in an effort to compete with Hartsfield-Jackson stronghold Delta Air Lines. The Florida-based discount airline said the new base will begin this summer, with more than 100 pilots and more than 200 flight attendants beginning and ending their shifts in Atlanta.
ICYMI: The city of Stonecrest begins its search for a new mayor after its founding mayor, Jason Lary, resigned to plead guilty to federal fraud charges earlier this year. A special election will be held on May 24 to fill the rest of Lary’s term, which expires at the end of 2023. The qualifying period for candidates will begin today and end March 11 at 1 p.m.
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