Georgia Southern, East Georgia State to Merge

The University System of Georgia plans to consolidate Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College, a move recommended by Chancellor Sonny Perdue.

East Georgia State would keep its name while operating under Georgia Southern’s governance.

The move comes as part of the college system’s efforts to consolidate schools to improve efficiency and cut costs. A final Board of Regents vote on the proposal is set for next week.

Perdue said money saved in such consolidation efforts is reinvested directly back into college campuses for student services and the hiring of strong faculty.

  Masters Tournament Tees Off 

Augusta National Golf Club’s Masters Tournament begins today, with the world’s best golfers competing to win the Green Jacket. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and mild temperatures with little chance for rain.

Georgia Tech’s Hiroshi Tai will tee it up as an amateur after winning the NCAA individual championship. Seven former Georgia Bulldogs are also in the field.

Hurricane Helene’s impact is being felt at Augusta National, with multiple players noting that missing trees have changed the landscape of the course.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is favored to win his third Green Jacket in four years, followed by Rory McIlroy, seeking to complete a Career Grand Slam.

Kemp Signs Religious Freedom Bill

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act on Friday, saying the state is “no place for hate” while fulfilling promises on a long-debated conservative priority.

The measure passed this legislative session and is based on a 1993 federal law that aims to protect religious expression and beliefs from government overreach.

Critics argue the law gives people a license to discriminate against people with lifestyles they dislike.

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Perry: Police think the person responsible for fatally stabbing three people and suffocating another had a prior relationship with one of the victims. (More)

Catoosa County: Parents voiced concerns to school board members about the content in some classroom books. (More)

Gainesville: Police caught up with shoplifting suspect Speedy Gonzalez (his real name), arresting the 40-year-old for allegedly stealing more than $20,000 from Walmarts across North Georgia using a concealment method at self-checkout. (More)

Hope Creek: Residents reported issues with dirty water, citing discolored tap water and ruined laundry with little help from the water company. (More)

Bibb County: The sheriff’s department isn’t issuing citations based on school zone speed cameras, citing too much confusion from the public about their use. (More)

South Georgia: The state Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge against the Bainbridge monkey facility project, allowing Safer Human Medicine to proceed with construction. (More)

➤ Justin Simmons, a four-time All-Pro safety who spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons, said he is open to re-signing with the team. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves acquired relief pitcher Rafael Montero from the Houston Astros in exchange for a player to be named later. Montero was a key part of Houston’s 2022 World Series run. (More)

➤ Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu tallied 30 points and 14 rebounds in a 119-112 loss to the Orlando Magic. (More)

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

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➤ BioLab in Conyers was fined $61,000 for violations related to a 2024 chemical fire that forced thousands of residents to evacuate. (More)

➤ Stretch Zone opened its 387th U.S. location in Columbus, offering assisted stretching services to improve mobility. (More)

➤ Benore Logistic Systems added 14 Hyundai hydrogen-powered trucks to its fleet in Savannah, marking a commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon footprints in logistics. (More)

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➤ Some of Georgia’s unusual laws include mandatory ownership of a rake in Acworth, not allowing your chicken to cross a road in Quitman, and eating fried chicken only by hand in Gainesville. (See List)

➤ A driver’s dashcam footage captured the moment an EF-1 tornado touched down in Henry County, causing some damage but no reported serious injuries. (Watch)

➤ Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts features a new exhibit that highlights some of the pioneering puppeteers in the Jim Henson Company, including Miss Piggy’s designer. (More)

Do you plan on watching the Masters Tournament? 

1. Yes
2. No
3. Unsure

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you prefer to fly with Delta Air Lines?

1. Yes: 49%
2. No: 24%
3. I don’t fly: 27%

Which U.S. President had a tree named after him on the 17th hole at Augusta National Golf Club?  

Show me the answer