🌱 Georgia To Ban TikTok Use + Sports Betting Bill Revived + Rainy Day

Hello, everybody! I'm back with your new copy of the Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally, including...

• Georgia lawmakers revive sports betting bill for 2023.
• Adopt a furry friend from Dallas-Hiram animal shelters today.
• Georgia House committee approves bill to ban TikTok.

But first, today's weather: Hey there, looks like we have a cloudy and rainy day ahead with a high of 61. Don't forget your umbrella because there's a 100 percent chance of rain and we might get up to an inch of it. Tonight, we'll still see some rain, but it'll clear out later with a low of 32. The chance of rain drops to 60 percent.

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Here are the top stories in Dallas-Hiram today:

1. A Georgia House committee has approved a bill that would ban the use of TikTok on state-owned devices. Sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas), the bill cites national security concerns over the popular video hosting service, which is owned by Chinese company Byte Dance. If passed, the law would apply to other social media platforms owned by foreign adversaries, with exceptions for law-enforcement investigations and other governmental purposes. The move follows similar bans enacted in at least 25 other U.S. states. (AOL)
2. Looking for a new furry companion to add to your family? Look no further than these Dallas-Hiram animal shelters, which are working hard to find homes for dozens of cats, dogs, and other adorable animals. Despite the fact that over 6 million pets are surrendered to animal pounds each year nationwide, only around half of all shelter pets are adopted, meaning that many animals are still waiting for their forever homes. Patch and Petfinder have teamed up to create a list of pets available for adoption near you. (Dallas-Hiram Patch)
3. Recent reports have highlighted concerns from Georgia lawmakers and families regarding the care of children under the state's Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Several Inspector General reports detail issues with the department, including concerns from the Child's Advocacy Centers of Georgia and instances of neglect and misconduct. Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff has initiated a bipartisan federal inquiry into the Department of Human Services in order to understand how these issues have persisted for so long. The investigation is ongoing, and several senate bills are being advanced to address inadequacies within the department. (WSB-TV)
4. Efforts to legalize sports betting in Georgia in 2023 have been revived, with the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee replacing language in a bill about soap box derby with language that would legalize sports betting in the state. The move comes after multiple bills failed to advance on crossover day. The bill passed out of committee by a vote of 8-1, reigniting hopes that legal sports betting could come to Georgia this year. (Sports Handle)

Today in Dallas-Hiram:

• Baby Social — New Georgia Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Advanced Line Dancing — Paulding Senior Center (2:00 PM)
• Luck of the Irish Movie Day — Maude P Ragsdale Hiram Library (3:00 PM)
• St. Patrick's Day Party with DJ James Reverse — 278 South (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Hiram High School: As the end of the school year approaches, it's time for senior students at HHS to start preparing for their final events. Despite being sad to see them go, the school is incredibly proud of their accomplishments. Seniors should keep a close eye on the calendar of events to ensure they don't miss out on any of the fun activities planned for the coming months. (Hiram High School via Facebook)
• Paulding Public Safety Appreciation, Inc.: Paulding Public Safety Appreciation, Inc. extends its thanks to Westside Bank in Hiram for their sponsorship of the 10th Annual Run with the Badges 5K Glow Run, which supports local first responders and public safety. The organization expressed gratitude and appreciation towards Westside Bank, acknowledging that the event would not have been possible without their contribution to the community. (Paulding Public Safety Appreciation, Inc. via Facebook)
• Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library: Exciting news for book lovers. Your local library has just announced a list of new adult fiction and non-fiction books that are now available. Simply follow the provided link to see what's in store and start adding to your reading list today. (Maude P. Ragsdale Hiram Library via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Linda Marlow

About me: Linda Marlow is an experienced writer and communications professional with a diverse background in industries such as healthcare, education, publishing, and performing arts. She is a Dallas resident who is passionate about sharing the latest news and events happening in Paulding County through her writing. Linda is currently serving as a contributing writer for the Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter, where she continues to use her storytelling skills to inform and engage the local community.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Dallas-Hiram Patch newsletter? Contact me at Dallas-Hiram@Patch.com