Struggling Craft Brewers Challenge Distribution Laws

Many craft beer brewers in Georgia have closed in recent years. Among those still operating, some are calling for state lawmakers to intervene.

The brewers are seeking an end to a decades-old law that requires the use of outside distributors to sell their products on the open market, diluting their profits.

Distributors disagree. “We are sympathetic to craft brewers, but we cannot pass new legislation each time a brewery closes,” a lobbyist for the group said in a statement.

A measure introduced in the state Senate would allow small breweries to self-distribute a limited quantity of products, including to charity events, among other changes.

  Severe Storms Leave 1 Dead

One man died after a tree fell on his home as winds gusted to 69 mph and rain pounded North Georgia in the early morning hours of Sunday.

In Austell, firefighters used an inflatable raft to rescue a couple and their dog stranded on top of a camper due to rising floodwaters.

Georgia Power crews scrambled to restore power to more than 170,000 customers. By Sunday afternoon, power was back on for many.

The victim of the fallen tree was not identified. Others at the northwest Atlanta home were not hurt when winds toppled the tree at about 5 a.m.

Georgia’s Top Hotels Ranked

Georgians don’t need to leave the state to enjoy a top hotel this spring or summer. Five of the state’s hotels made U.S. News & World Report’s list of the “Best Hotels in the USA for 2025.”

Whether for a golf weekend at The Cloister at Sea Island (No. 11), a visit to the big city at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta (No. 35), or a romantic getaway at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds at Lake Oconee (No. 48), guests are assured of award-winning destinations with great reviews.

Looking to travel out of the state? Check the list of all 100 hotels here.

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➤ Covington: A local couple died Saturday night in a small plane crash near Covington airport’s runway. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. (More)

➤ Macon: Dominic Haines, a high school wrestler from Jefferson, underwent two surgeries and remained hospitalized after suffering a broken neck at the Class 3A state wrestling tournament. (More)

➤ Perry: This year’s Georgia National Rodeo & Stock Show runs Thursday through Saturday. (Details)

➤ Lake Oconee: A week after a missing couple took a boat out on the lake, one body has been found. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said unspecified “peculiarities” are under investigation. (More)

 ➤ Savannah: The city completed the $270 million renovation of its convention center, doubling the size of the exhibit space and adding a 900-space parking garage. (Watch Video)

➤ Union Springs: The local fire chief credited crews from neighboring communities for keeping an overnight fire that destroyed two businesses from spreading to other structures. (Watch Video)

➤ Georgia Tech’s Baye Ndongo hit an overtime buzzer-beater to lift the Yellow Jackets over Cal 90-88. (Watch Video)

➤ Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. said he’s “90-95%” recovered from ACL surgery that he underwent last May. (More)

➤ Atlanta Hawks rookie Zaccharie Risacher played in the NBA’s Rising Stars game as part of Tim Hardaway Sr’s team. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAASB | NASCAR | Soccer | Tennis | PGA 

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➤ Georgia exported a record $53.1 billion in goods last year, up 6.4% from the prior year and above the U.S. average export growth of 2.3%. (More)

➤ Aspen Aerogels, a maker of insulation for electric car batteries, has halted a $325 million project to open a 250-worker second plant in Bulloch County. (More)

➤ Three unidentified companies expected to move into Columbus this year are projected to generate $120 million in annual revenue, providing a needed boost to the local economy, an official said. (More)

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➤ Donald Trump’s mugshot, taken at the Fulton County Jail in August, now hangs in the White House. (See Photo)

➤ The family activity website Mommy Poppins released its “Ultimate Georgia Bucket List” of 50 places to visit and activities to do. (See List)

➤ Jackie Jones’ memories of her and her late husband’s longtime taxidermy shop in Tallapoosa are featured on the StoryCorps story-sharing website. (Watch Video)

Do you drink craft beer?

1. Yes
2. No

Friday’s Results:

Do you prefer chocolate or flowers for Valentine’s Day?

1. Chocolate: 29%
2. Flowers: 23%
3. Both: 22%
4. Neither: 26%

What high school mascot is a tribute to a U.S. Air Force fighter squadron?

Show me the answer