Top of the morning!
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:
- After 20 years, Georgia’s first educational institution owned and operated by Black Americans regained its accreditation. Morris Brown College received accreditation by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools after losing their licensure in 2002. “Many thought that this feat was impossible,” said MBC President Dr. Kevin James in a statement. “Due to our strong faith in God, our hardworking and wonderful faculty and staff, the support of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, our dedicated alumni, and our resilient spirit, we were able to achieve full accreditation.”
- DeKalb County Schools’ superintendent is out of a job. A turn of events at a virtual meeting held Tuesday by the DeKalb County Board of Education led to the termination of Cheryl Watson-Harris. Watson-Harris, who says she was “blindsided” by the news, was voted out 4-1 by board members and replaced immediately with Dr. Vassane Tinsley. The news came hours after the district responded to demands from state Superintendent Richard Woods for the district to take immediate action to rectify dilapidated conditions at Druid Hills High School.
- Stonecrest’s embattled former mayor is asking a federal court to delay his sentencing set for May 2. Jason Lary is facing up to 35 years for masterminding a scheme to use shell businesses as a means of embezzling more than $650,000 in federal pandemic relief funds. Lary pleaded guilty to the charges, and is currently working with the prosecution to provide information that could be used against his co-conspirators.
- One of Atlanta’s busiest employment centers may soon have four new bus routes as MARTA advances its plans to address transportation needs in its Clifton Transit Corridor. The agency says it’s well on its way to receiving federal funding for bus rapid transit in the area and plans to hold an extensive series of public hearings — both virtual and in-person — throughout June and July to receive feedback.
ICYMI: Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens entered office making a promise to resolve the years-long threat of eminent domain against the Black residents of Peoplestown in his first 100 days. Two weeks after the deadline, Capital B ATL’s state and local politics reporter Chauncey Alcorn caught up with affected families who say that promise has yet to be fulfilled.
Got tips, pitches, or other updates to include in Your AM Rundown? Hit us up at atltips@capitalbatl.org.
