Metro news for Tuesday

Senate Democrats on Monday elected Sen. Steve Henson of Tucker as their new leader.

Henson replaces Sen. Robert Brown, who resigned his seat to run for mayor of Macon.

Henson previously was the Democratic whip in the Senate; Sen. Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta, was named to that post Monday.

Both were elected unanimously. AARON GOULD SHEININ

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Georgia residents can still receive a registration discount at the national charter schools convention this week, officials said.

The 2011 National Charter Schools Conference, which is expected to attract more than 4,000 people, is being held at the World Congress Center through Thursday.

The convention features workshops that explain the charter school concept and how to start them.

The Georgia discount code is "Georgiahost" and should be mentioned at registration. Registration prices range from $225 to $725.

For information: www.nationalcharterconference.org

D. AILEEN DODD

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The White House Drug Czar, Gil Kerlikowske, and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) on Monday  announced the designation of two new counties to the Atlanta High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

The additions will further the development of drug-control efforts among federal, state, local law enforcement agencies. The newly added counties are Lexington and Richland Counties in South Carolina. The HIDTA program provides federal resources to reduce drug trafficking.

There are 28 HIDTAs across the nation. ANDRIA SIMMONS

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County by county

Actual Factual Georgia

Just exactly what route did Sherman take on his march through Georgia to the sea? B4

Doing Good

Daddy-daughter luncheon fosters much needed quality for both. B5