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:
- The city of Atlanta has lost one of its most iconic voices in the media. Legendary radio DJ, Silas “SiMan Baby” Alexander III, died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, according to a statement released by his family via Twitter. The host, who is best known for his trademark call “SiMannnnnn Bayyyybayyy,” was inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame in 2018 after working at V-103, KISS 104.1 and Majic 107.5/97.5.
- Georgians can now see how their county is affected by climate change, thanks to a new data tracker. The online tool follows greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, agriculture, homes, and businesses, and how much carbon trees absorb.
- A Fulton County development board member has resigned amid an internal investigation into whether she was involved in a pay-to-play scheme. JoAnna Potts, who left her position with the Development Authority of Fulton County, is accused of accepting gifts, money, and trips in exchange for a business plan and financing from DAFC for Waterford Logistics, a start-up company.
- Republican gubernatorial candidate David Perdue, is calling out Gov. Brian Kemp. Purdue criticized the governor’s efforts to bring a $5 billion Rivian facility to Newton County. Kemp says the electric automaker’s plant will create 7,500 jobs for Georgians.
- The Health and Human Services Committee in the Georgia State House of Representatives just voted in favor of legislation that provides the same level of benefits for patients living with mental health disorders as they do for other medical problems. The Mental Health Parity (HB 1013), backed by House Speaker David Ralston, would also give police the authority to to bring people in for mental health treatment.
ICYMI: Atlanta food power couple Pinky Cole and Derrick Hayes just purchased an entire block of homes in Atlanta to help neighborhoods in need. The restaurateurs behind Slutty Vegan and Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks confirmed the announcement via Instagram.
