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:
- MARTA is on the hunt for new members to serve on its Riders’ Advisory Council. The council provides feedback on the overall travel experience for metro Atlanta customers. Anyone who lives in the city of Atlanta, Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton counties can apply. The offer does not extend to riders under 18, MARTA employees, or businesses contracted with the transit authority.
- Pastor Mitzi Bickers will soon be out of a job in Clayton County. The chief of staff to Clayton Sheriff Victor Hill was convicted on nine of 12 federal charges for her role in the Atlanta City Hall corruption scandal. Clayton County Commission Chairman Jeff Turner announced Thursday that Bickers will be terminated. Bickers started with the office in 2016 as a chaplain before being found guilty on charges of money laundering, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit bribery.
- Jobs are returning to Georgia as the state enters its 22nd month of consecutive growth. Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler announced Thursday that Georgia recorded an all-time high of more than 5 million employed residents in March, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%. In comparison, the national jobless rate is 3.8%. Georgia has the lowest unemployment rate among the top 10 most populous states in the U.S.
- The Georgia Senate passed a bill that will allow retired teachers to return to the classroom as a means of increasing teachers during a nationwide industry shortage. If passed, House Bill 385 would give educators who have 30 years of service the option to teach full time just 12 months after retirement, and allow them to earn both a salary and pension. The bill will now head to Gov. Brian Kemp for final approval.
ICYMI: Pepsi is expanding and will receive a $15.7 million tax break from Georgia to create 136 full-time jobs in DeKalb County. The development at the existing Tucker location will become one of the biggest facilities for the food and beverage giant.
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