More Schools Add Metal Detectors

Effingham County School District became the latest to implement metal detectors at its high schools after a student was discovered wearing body armor and carrying a handgun in his backpack on Friday. The student claimed he was protecting himself after being threatened.

Metal detectors are expected to be operational today at South Effingham High School, Effingham County High School, and Effingham College & Career Academy.

“The immediate implementation of metal detectors at our high schools is a proactive step to enhance security and ensure a safe learning environment for everyone,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Yancy Ford.

Effingham County joins a growing number of school districts using metal detectors. In January, Barrow County School District installed metal detectors at Apalachee High School, the site of a deadly school shooting in September.

  Tornado Season Begins

This week marks the unofficial start of the state’s severe weather season, bringing a greater chance of tornadoes and damaging thunderstorms.

In Georgia, tornadoes are most likely to occur from March to May, peaking in April. Get tips on protecting yourself from twisters.

Meteorologists predict a storm could arrive Tuesday night this week, potentially producing tornadoes and hail. The storm is part of a larger system expected to impact two dozen states.

Ahead of the storm, wildfire danger was high, with Red Flag Warnings issued over the weekend due to high winds, low humidity, and an outbreak of small wildfires.

Abrams-Founded Project Faces Probe

State Sen. Bill Cowsert, R-Athens, introduced a measure to investigate the New Georgia Project, founded by Stacey Abrams, regarding its political activities.

The state Senate panel currently investigating Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’s political activities, would lead the inquiry. Cowsert chairs the panel.

The probe would also examine a $2 billion grant given to another Abrams-linked group in 2024 and look into whether additional state laws and policing tools are needed.

Last month, the New Georgia Project and an affiliate group agreed to pay a record $300,000 fine under a settlement with the state ethics commission.

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➤ Statewide: Social Security offices in Brunswick, Columbus, Gainesville, Thomasville, and Vidalia will close as part of the federal government’s spending cuts, officials said. (More)

➤ Metro Atlanta: Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, a longtime Metro Atlanta resident, died in a weekend car crash in Alabama. She was 63. (More)

➤ Jefferson: Dominic Haines, a partially paralyzed Jefferson High School wrestler, was transferred from a Macon hospital to an Atlanta rehabilitation center to continue treatments. (More)

➤ State: The state House voted 102-54 in favor of the Riley Gaines Act, which prohibits male athletes from competing against females. The measure now goes to the state Senate. (More)

➤ Lee County: A home on Lake Harding was destroyed last week after a controlled burn spread out of control. Firefighters saved an adjacent home. (Watch Video)

➤ Thomson: McDuffie County sheriff’s deputies praised the county’s new Flock license plate reader cameras, stating they have generated leads on theft, hit-and-run, and homicide suspects. (More)

➤ Georgia men’s basketball took another step toward making the NCAA tournament, winning an away game against fellow bubble team Texas 83-67.

➤ Trae Young scored 19 points and had 12 assists in the Atlanta Hawks’ 135-119 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. (More)

➤ No. 6 Georgia baseball beat Florida Gulf Coast University in an extra-inning game on an RBI single from Slate Alford. (Watch Video)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | PGA | NASCAR | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer 

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➤ Atlanta-based Home Depot broke a two-year slump in same-store sales despite continued weakness in home sales and large remodeling projects. (More)

➤ Augusta is set to host its first Video Game Exposition on March 22, offering gamers a chance to buy and swap games, play in tournaments, and meet famed game collector Michael Thomasson. (Details)

➤ USAID terminated a $12 million contract with Mana Nutrition, a nonprofit in Fitzgerald that makes peanut butter-based products for malnourished children, as part of the federal government’s foreign aid cuts. (More)

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➤ Bryan County students competed in the first Georgia Hydrogen Grand Prix, a model hydrogen car contest co-sponsored by Hyundai. (See Photos)

➤ Over 200 people took part in the third annual Nun Run 5K to raise money for the preservation of the 180-year-old St. Vincent convent in Savannah. (Watch Video)

➤ Augusta hosted its first Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, featuring bands, dancers, a mobile petting zoo, and beads tossed from floats. (Watch Video)

Have you ever witnessed a tornado in person?

1. Yes
2. No

Friday’s Results:

Do you think Georgia will be selected for the NCAA men’s basketball tourney?

1. Yes: 49%
2. No: 51%

What newer city began as a summer home and golf course destination around 1900?

Show me the answer