(GEORGIA NEWS NETWORK)
*A petition to boycott Target is gaining traction after the retailer announced it would roll back its DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) practices following the Trump Administration’s actions. Target shareholders have filed a lawsuit claiming they were misled as stock prices fall, and Black clergy members in Atlanta are organizing a boycott. Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has initiated a 40-day “fast” of shopping at Target, with over 50,000 people committed to joining the movement. The boycott aims to hold Target and other retailers accountable for their commitment to DEI initiatives and support for Black-owned businesses. Target’s stock has dropped by $11-a-share since the announcement.
*A new bill introduced this week in the state legislature aims to protect the rights of Georgians looking to access in vitro fertilization (IVF) to start a family. Millions of Georgians are affected by infertility, and House Bill 428 aims to change that. House Speaker Jon Burns telling Atlanta News First that many lawmakers understand how important IVF has been to families facing challenges in becoming parents. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Lehman Franklin has bipartisan support. The CDC says nearly 19% of women face infertility in their lifetime.
*The University System of Georgia (USG) is launching a new Bachelor of Science degree in applied artificial intelligence at Middle Georgia State University’s Warner Robins campus. The program aims to prepare students for careers in industries such as health care, business, and cybersecurity. With Atlanta becoming a tech hub and industries like transportation relying on AI, the Macon Telegraph reports the program is expected to attract up to 168 students by its fourth year. Classes are set to begin in the fall.
*Sparks are flying between Democrats and Republicans as a proposal to create a sales tax holiday in Georgia for firearms moves to the House for a full vote. Democrats criticized the timing of the bill following the Apalachee High School shooting, while Republicans say Democrats are politicizing the tragedy because they don’t like the second amendment. The Gwinnett Daily Post reports the legislation, sponsored by Republican Senator Jason Anavitarte, would establish an 11-day sales tax holiday for guns, gun safes, and ammunition in October. The bill passed along party lines in the Senate and now moves to the House for consideration.