(GA. NEWS NETWORK)
*Georgia lawmakers are pushing for the passage of the “Georgia Early Literacy Act” to address the state’s low literacy ranking. The bill aims to ensure students are reading on grade level by third grade by requiring kindergarten attendance and providing literacy coaches. Supporters tell WJBF they believe improving literacy will make Georgia more competitive and lead to long-term academic success.
*A 14-year-old boy is facing Involuntary manslaughter charges in Upson County. Spokesperson Sheriff Dan Kilgore says the teen used an AR-15 style rifle to fatally shoot victim Conner Walker Thursday. The teen was handling the firearm when it went off.
*A Georgia man appeared in court last week to face charges of murder and cruelty to children after his 2-year-old son fatally shot himself. The incident happened in the family’s home in Sandy Springs when the child found the loaded handgun in the master bedroom while his parents were napping. Fox 5 Atlanta reports the judge ruled Richard Willis will remain in custody without bond until his next hearing scheduled in March.
*Legislation is being discussed under the Gold Dome to name lemon pepper as the official state chicken wing flavor. Rep. Eric Bell, the bill’s author, believes it will highlight the state’s culinary culture. J.R. Crickets, a popular Atlanta-based restaurant chain, has made lemon pepper widely known since the 1980s.
