Georgia

15 March 2008 -- A tornado ripped through the U.S. city of Atlanta, in the southeastern state of Georgia late Friday, injuring at least 30 people and causing extensive damage.

Officials told reporters Saturday the twister was 200 yards wide and traveled for six miles, cutting into the city's core.

The storm struck a major hotel, the headquarters of the Cable News Network and the Georgia Dome sports arena as thousands inside watched a college basketball game.

High wind tore holes in the dome's cloth roof, loosened bolts from the rafters and caused catwalks to sway.    » read more »

State Operations Center Activated in Response to Friday’s Severe Weather

March 15, 2008 -- ATLANTA – Today Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in the affected Atlanta area damaged by a tornado that struck last night.    » read more »

March 15, 2008 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue released the following statement today concerning the severe weather that impacted downtown Atlanta last night:    » read more »

March 4, 2008 -- Tim Madison, the former District Attorney of the Piedmont Judicial Circuit, pled guilty today in Banks County Superior Court. Madison had served as District Attorney for twenty-four years until he became the focus of a state investigation by Attorney General Thurbert Baker and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation into payroll schemes by a former Assistant District Attorney as well as Madison’s current wife, who served as a victim/witness coordinator in Jackson and Banks counties.    » read more »

February 14, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Corey E. Spates, 21, of LaGrange, Georgia, died Feb. 10 in Diyala Province, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas.

Source: DoD

Rep. Brooks Coleman to Carry Legislation to Increase Student Achievement

February 13, 2008 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the filing of legislation creating the Investing in Educational Excellence (IE2) Partnership that will increase student achievement and promote opportunities for an excellent education for all Georgia’s students. The legislation will be sponsored by Representative Brooks Coleman (R-Duluth), Chairman of the House Education Committee.    » read more »

February 12, 2008 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that legislation has been filed that will limit liability for landowners who open their property to hunters and agri-tourists. Senate Bill 449, known as the Landowners Protection Act of 2008, is being carried by Senator Bill Heath, one of the Governor’s Floor Leaders in the Senate.    » read more »

February 07, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

They died Feb. 5 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered in Al Muqdadiyah when they encountered an improvised explosive device during combat operations.

Killed were:

Spc. Miguel A. Baez, 32, of Bonaire, Georgia, who was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.    » read more »

February 7, 2008 -- Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker today announced that Georgia will receive $17.4 million as part of two separate global settlements totaling $649 million with Merck & Co., Inc.. The settlements involve 49 states, the District of Columbia and the federal government, and concern the Merck drugs Zocor, Vioxx, and Pepcid. The agreements with Merck resolve allegations that the company failed to pay rebates due state Medicaid Programs under the Federal Medicaid Drug Rebate statute.    » read more »

February 06, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Donald T. Tabb, 29, of Norcross, Georgia, died Feb. 5 in Sangin, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 6th Military Police Detachment, 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, Fort Rucker, Ala.

Source: DoD

State will Provide Exemptions to Level Four Drought Response; Exemptions Balanced with Renewed Conservation Efforts

February 6, 2008 -- ATLANTA—Today at the Georgia Agribusiness Council’s legislative breakfast Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced the state will ease outdoor watering limitations through exemptions to the Level Four Drought Response implemented in September 2007. Taking this action strikes a balance between sound management of our water resources and support of Georgia’s industries that depend on water use.    » read more »

Governor Perdue Announces Modifications to Restrictions on the Filling of Swimming Pools

February 6, 2008 -- ATLANTA— Today Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed HR 1022, the Statewide Water Management Plan, that will guide Georgia in managing its water resources. The newly enacted plan will utilize the state’s water resources in a sustainable manner; will support the state’s economy, will protect public health and natural systems, and will enhance the quality of life for all citizens. The resolution was sponsored by Rep.    » read more »

February 05, 2008 -- MONTGOMERY - Alabama Governor Bob Riley hailed a major victory today for Alabama in its long-running water war with Georgia.    » read more »

February 3, 2008 -- Editorial
The Marietta Daily Journal
February 3, 2008

Who says Americans are cynical and "burned out" about politics and politicians? Voter turnout has been at very high levels during this year's presidential contest and isn't likely to diminish between now and November.

That's due at least in part to a field of candidates that has invigorated the public's interest.

On the Democratic side, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama has demonstrated a Kennedyesque appeal and represents a potential break from another four or eight years of Clintonism.    » read more »

February 2, 2008 -- ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Senator Saxby Chambliss and Senator Johnny Isakson have endorsed John McCain for president.    » read more »