(GEORGIA NEWS NETWORK)
*Georgia lawmakers are tackling gun violence legislation, months after four people were killed in a school shooting in Barrow County. House Speaker Jon Burns spoke in favor of a proposal Monday that aims at developing a student database of mental history. The legislation also calls for the development of an app, where anonymous tips can be sent over, but it doesn’t address gun control. And the father of one of two teachers killed at the school says what the legislation doesn’t go far enough.
*The Georgia NAACP is raising concerns over a reported directive at Georgia Tech to delete references to DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) from the school website. The school did not confirm the authenticity of an emailed directive but mentioned discontinuing DEI programs in as far back as 2023. Tech officials say efforts to update the website were ongoing to comply with federal and state rules. The NAACP urged the school to maintain DEI programs and ensure content accessibility on the website amid changes following a Trump administration order banning DEI policies in federally funded programs.
*Several businesses in Savannah are crying “foul” over a new haunted tour curfew taking effect across the city. The curfew bans nighttime haunted tours in certain areas past 10 p.m. The 90-day trial program is being tested to determine its effectiveness in reducing noise and foot traffic for residents. But haunted tour businesses say this ban affects their livelihood. Mayor Van Johnson says it’s part of a more extensive look at revising the city’s approach to tourism.
*Georgia-based Waffle House has announced an egg surcharge due to the increasing costs of eggs. The restaurant chain said there will be a temporary 50-cent-per egg charge on all menus instead of increasing prices to compensate for the cost of eggs. Waffle House added that the surcharge is temporary until egg prices cool.