Near session's end, focus on paper ballots, abuse lawsuits
ATLANTA (AP) - Thursday will mark the last day of Georgia's 40-day legislative session and several bills await action by either the House or Senate.
Mental health commissioner calls to tackle issues in schools
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama's Department of Mental Health Commissioner Lynn Beshear called for mental health prevention and intervention to ensure school safety in an op-ed Saturday.
Delta helps hundreds of students fly to DC for gun protest
(AP) - Delta Air Lines has donated three round-trip charter flights that allowed hundreds of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students to participate in the "March for Our Lives" protest against gun violence in Washington.
The Latest: Tributes for Georgia's Zell Miller
Remembered for an "independent streak that was governed by what he thought was right."
Student accused of leaving loaded gun at university bus stop
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - A University of Georgia student is accused of leaving a loaded handgun at a campus bus stop. The Athens Banner-Herald reports that university police say 21-year-old Jasmine Aris Starnes was arrested Tuesday on a misdemeanor charge…
Alabama 3rd state to allow execution by nitrogen gas
By KIM CHANDLER Associated Press MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama will become the third state to authorize the untested use of nitrogen gas to execute prisoners under legislation signed by Gov. Kay Ivey. Ivey signed the bill Thursday, two days…
Government spending bill would fully fund Chickamauga Lock
WASHINGTON D.C. (WDEF) - Sen. Lamar Alexander says the government funding bill will fully fund construction of the Chickamauga Lock for the fourth year in a row. The $78 million in this year's budget is double the amount of last…
Tennessee lawmakers pass 'In God We Trust' school bill
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee lawmakers have passed a bill to require public schools to prominently display the national motto, "In God We Trust." It would take effect immediately if Republican Gov. Bill Haslam signs it. The measure requires schools…
9 people injured in crash involving bus
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A city bus in Nashville has been involved in a crash that injured nine people. A statement from the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority says the crash happened Thursday morning and involved a bus and a passenger…
Tennessee AG challenging local opioid lawsuits
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - The Attorney General of Tennessee is going to court to stop opioid lawsuits across the state. District Attorney Generals in several regions near us have filed lawsuits against drug companies, doctors and pill mill operators. But AG…
New Alabama senator says Congress must act on gun violence
By MATTHEW DALY Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - Alabama Sen. Doug Jones says Congress must address gun violence, even as lawmakers protect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. In his maiden speech to the Senate, Jones says the nation…
Fake Facebook post prompts fear, complaints in Georgia town
CALHOUN, Ga. (AP) - A fake Facebook post is spreading fears that venomous snakes are lurking in the sewers of a Georgia town, and the city attorney has expressed concerns to the social media network that it's creating confusion and…
Weather service finds at least 9 tornado tracks in Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - The National Weather Service says there's evidence that multiple tornadoes struck Alabama earlier this week, and it's still counting. The weather service says survey teams have found tracks showing nine twisters touched down in the northern…
Storms strike college, leave trail of damage across South
By BRYNN ANDERSON and JAY REEVES Associated Press JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (AP) - With violent weather plowing through the Southeast, the kitchen windows exploded at Richard Brasher's home in eastern Alabama. Using couch cushions for protection, Brasher hid in the bathtub…
6th person charged in deaths of 13-year old boy, father
TOONE, Tenn. (AP) - A sixth person has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a father and son in Tennessee.
Three things you need to know to prepare for severe weather
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- When severe weather strikes, you need to keep three things in mind. First, have multiple ways to get up-to-the-minute alerts on where the storm is and if you are in danger. Hamilton County Emergency Management will…
Georgia House backs push to keep lottery winners anonymous
ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia lottery players who win big can stay anonymous under a proposal approved by the state House. The House voted 173-1 on Monday in favor of the bill, which legislators say will help public safety. The legislation…
Dallas woman held for bringing boy, 14, into US illegally
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) - A 27-year-old Dallas woman is in federal custody on charges she tried to smuggle a 14-year-old boy into the U.S. from Mexico by using an illegal Georgia birth certificate.
Florida driver strikes 4 motorcycles, killing 1 rider
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say a Florida man crashed into four motorcycles stopped along a highway, killing one rider and injuring two others.
Georgia lawmakers mull paper ballot voting system
ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia lawmakers are considering a proposal that would move the state from its 16-year-old electronic voting system to one that uses paper ballots.
Sheriff: Alabama man accused of raping 14-year-old girl
GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) - An Alabama man has been accused of raping a 14-year-old girl.
Alabama Gov. signs first tax break in more than a decade
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Gov. Kay Ivey has signed into law a tax break bill that raises the threshold for claiming state income tax exemption.
Alabama Senate wants to permanently stay in daylight savings
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama lawmakers are advocating to keep daylight savings time and stop changing clocks.
Child Porn roundup includes two north Georgia suspects
DECATUR, Georgia (WDEF) - An eight state round up of child porn makers and users nets suspects from Trion and Resaca. Operation Southern Impact II resulted in the arrest of 76 people and the rescue of 13 children. The operation…