Monday, February 3, 2025

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Article Icon 1Coal Back in State’s Future

In a reversal, Georgia Power announced in its long-term energy plan, released Friday, that it wants to keep its coal-fired power plants running to meet the state’s growing electricity needs.

The utility said the plants in Bartow County and Juliette “have served Georgia Power customers reliably for decades” and have significantly reduced emissions.

Even with the ongoing power from the plants, the utility sees a need to develop 8,200 megawatts of additional electricity over the next six years.

Much of that “extraordinary” growth is tied to the state’s success in recruiting power-intensive data centers, including those needed to process artificial intelligence technology.

  Article Icon 1’80s Concert Hotspot Torn Down

Moonshadow Saloon, an Atlanta nightspot that hosted top artists in the 1980s, has disappeared. The building was torn down to make room for an electric bus depot.

Fans posted photos of the demolished building along with scenes from its glory days. “So many great shows at The Moonshadow. Miss those days,” one fan said.

The bar and concert hall operated from 1980 to 1986 and was known for offering cheap tickets to see Johnny Cash, college favorites R.E.M. and The Indigo Girls, and other stars. See a list here.

“I think we charged $6 to see Whitney Houston. $10 was the highest ticket we ever had for, like, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, and Stevie Ray Vaughan,” owner Bruce Piefke said.

Article Icon 1Beau Knows

They agree we’re in for a longer winter, but groundhog prognosticators General Beauregard “Beau” Lee of Georgia and Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania don’t always see the same future.

Beau’s predictive power exceeds Phil’s, especially for their home regions. Beau has been right 70% of the time for the Southeast, while Phil has been right just 50% of the time for the Northeast, a 2022 study found.

In the same study, Beau also fared better than the seven other rodents, including Buckeye Chuck in Ohio, Lander Lil in Wyoming, and Prairie Dog Pete in Texas.

Beau’s average of 63 percent accuracy across all nine regions was “the best overall rate.” As for Phil, the study’s authors labeled him a “charlatan,” accurate only about a third of the time.

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Around Georgia

➤ Statewide: Sheriff’s offices in Monroe, Montgomery, Murray, Spalding, and Walker counties have signed up to assist ICE with illegal immigration arrests. (More)

➤ Avondale Estates: This metro Atlanta suburb was named the “most livable city in Georgia” by a group that compared incomes and cost of living. (See List)

➤ Atlanta: A state Senate committee passed a proposed ban on biological males competing on female sports teams after female athletes testified in support. (More)

➤ Paulding County: A judge ordered a man convicted of dog fighting abuses to a 475-year prison term, stating, “Let this be a clear message” to others. (More)

➤ Fort Stewart: Two soldiers killed in a single-vehicle crash last week were identified as Staff Sgt. Shelbe Butner of Missouri and Spc. Jacob Mullen of Maryland. (More)

➤ Statewide: A state House panel advanced a bill to expand access to a grant program that helps students complete their degree programs. (More)

Georgia Sports

➤ A group of former Georgia Bulldogs helps power Philadelphia’s elite defense, set to battle Kansas City’s potent offense in the Super Bowl this Sunday. (More)

➤ Georgia Tech men’s basketball posted a stunning 77-70 win at home against No. 21 Louisville, ending the Cardinals’ 10-game winning streak. (Highlights)

➤ Two hundred barrel racers competed this weekend at the Good Times Barrel Racing Association’s “Frost Bite” event in Perry. (Watch)

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Georgia Business

➤ Home Depot announced an expanded partnership with U.S. Soccer national teams and support for the national soccer training center under construction in its home city of Atlanta. (More)

➤ Metro Atlanta’s MARTA public train system unveiled new rail cars set for testing later this year, featuring wider doors, real-time digital route updates, and enhanced safety features. (Watch)

➤ Businesses are preparing for the impacts of new tariffs ordered by President Trump on imports from Canada and Mexico. (More)

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Et Cetera

➤ The Jimmy Carter National Historical Park has released photos of the late president’s final resting place in Plains. Public access to the site remains restricted for now. (See Photos)

➤ A Kennesaw woman celebrated her 106th birthday by enjoying a dance with local first responders, continuing a tradition that began years ago. (Watch)

➤ The Savannah Bananas offered free tickets to more than 40,000 fans affected by the exhibition baseball team’s recent ticket lottery snafu. (More)

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The Poll

Do you support the continued use of coal?

  1. Yes
  2. No

Friday’s Results:

Do you golf?

  1. Never: 41%
  2. Seldom: 22%
  3. Often: 19%
  4. Occasionally: 18%
Georgia Trivia

When did Bartow County’s coal-fired power plant come online?

Show me the answer

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