State Troopers to Assist with Immigration Enforcement

Gov. Brian Kemp directed state troopers and other state Department of Public Safety officers to receive training and assist federal authorities on immigration enforcement.

Kemp’s action falls under the 287(g) program that allows ICE to delegate arrest, interrogation, and other enforcement powers to state and local law enforcement.

The governor’s directive applies to officers with the Georgia State Patrol, Motor Carrier Compliance, Capitol Police Divisions, and Department of Public Safety.

Protesters with the Party for Socialism and Liberation rallied against the directive on Monday in Clayton County.

  Emory Investigated for Diversity Program  

Emory University is among the dozens of universities nationwide under federal investigation for alleged discrimination related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

The probe focuses in part on many of the schools’ partnerships with the PhD Project, a nonprofit that helps minority students get business degrees.

Last month, federal education officials warned colleges they “must cease using race-based preferences and stereotypes in education programs, hiring, and student services.”

Snake Bites Becoming More Common 

As temperatures rise, venomous snakes are becoming more active in Georgia. There have already been 10 snake bites this year, which comes after a record-tying 580 bites in 2024.

Georgia is home to more than 45 native species of snakes, including six that are venomous. Bites continue to rise, with only two states reporting more than Georgia last year.

Experts warn that receiving immediate professional care for a bite is imperative. One Marietta man spent three days in an ICU last July after a copperhead bit him on the foot.

Buckhead: A Range Rover crashed into the front of a post office, injuring the driver and sending one bystander to the hospital. (See Images)

Bibb County: A review found school-zone speed cameras have generated nearly $9 million since 2022. Some state lawmakers want to ban their use. (More)

North Georgia: A physician must pay $700,000 to the U.S. Attorney’s Office after allegedly submitting false claims to Medicare for drugs prescribed for lead poisoning. (More)

Forsyth: A daycare center has been ordered to immediately stop operations amid new allegations following an employee’s arrest for allegedly giving Benadryl to toddlers. (More)

Towns County: A volunteer firefighter was arrested for obstruction after allegedly sharing photos of the bodies of twin brothers found dead on top of Bell Mountain. (More)

Gwinnett County: A teenager missing since February 2024 was found safe, living in the custody of Tennessee child services under an alias. (More)

➤ Georgia Tech men’s basketball lost 81-64 to Jacksonville State in the first round of the NIT tournament on Tuesday. (Game Summary)

➤ The MLB season began Tuesday in Japan, but opening day for the Atlanta Braves and most other teams isn’t until March 27. (Braves Schedule)

➤ Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins reportedly will not participate in the team’s offseason program. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves signed veteran catcher James McCann to help fill in while starting catcher Sean Murphy recovers from a cracked rib. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | MLB | NCAAM | NCAABB | NCAASB | Soccer 

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➤ HR services provider TriNet on Tuesday announced plans to create 750 new jobs over the next five years at a new corporate center in Dunwoody. (More) 

➤ Winn-Dixie plans to close its Macon Road store in Columbus, citing long-term business sustainability. Eligible employees can transfer to open positions at nearby stores. (More)

➤ Core Scientific plans to rezone 170 acres of agricultural and rural land in Dalton for a data center. (More)

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➤ Covenant House Georgia, a metro Atlanta nonprofit that helps homeless youth through music, is partnering with Gas South to open a music studio. (More)

➤ Legislators are debating a proposal to change the state flower from the invasive Cherokee rose to the native sweetbay magnolia. (More)

➤ An existing law could help speed the adoption of animals seized in dog fighting, animal cruelty, and other criminal cases. (More)

Do you plan to watch any March Madness basketball games?  

1. Yes
2. No
3. Unsure

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever gone on vacation to a Georgia beach?

1. Yes: 65%
2. No: 35%

What is the state butterfly of Georgia?  

Show me the answer