Thursday, February 13, 2025

On this day in 2000, one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks to ever hit southwest Georgia resulted in 18 deaths, including 11 in Camilla.

Planning a spring or summer getaway? Check out a list of the state’s best resorts in today’s Et Cetera section.

Today’s sponsor is Masterworks, offering an investment opportunity for high-net-worth investors.

State’s First AI Degree Program Approved

Georgia’s college governing system has approved the state’s first undergraduate program in artificial intelligence, scheduled to start in the fall at the Warner Robins campus of Middle Georgia State University.

The school is planning an initial enrollment of 65 students for a program “strategically designed to address Georgia’s key economic sectors … as they use AI more,” Dean Alex Koohang said.

Graduates will earn a Bachelor of Science in applied artificial intelligence. The curriculum includes courses in data science, advanced AI, and project leadership.

According to the school, potential career paths for graduates include research analysis, agri-tech data science, logistics, transportation planning, AI development, and information systems management.

Focus Shifting to 2026 Election

A research group released a poll showing Gov. Brian Kemp is in a strong position if he chooses to challenge U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff for his Senate seat, the latest sign that the 2026 election is already heating up.

The race is one of two statewide matchups generating early buzz. The contest for governor is also gaining more attention, especially among Republicans seeking to succeed the term-limited Kemp.

This week, state Attorney General Chris Carr’s campaign touted his $2.2 million fundraising haul since announcing his bid for governor and questioned if Lt. Gov. Burt Jones could legally tap into a $1.7 million “leadership committee” fund if he enters the race.

Elliott’s Hometown Hopes to Hear ‘Si-reen’

Dawsonville Pool Room is set for another “Si-Reen Celebration” if hometown racing hero Chase Elliott wins the Daytona 500 on Sunday.

The iconic burger bar activates its neighborhood-jarring “si-reen” after every Elliott victory, a tradition the bar started decades ago to celebrate NASCAR wins by Elliott’s father, Bill Elliott.

Chase Elliott comes into this year’s Great American Race as NASCAR’s most popular driver for the seventh straight year, as voted on by fans.

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➤ Roswell: Law enforcement officers from across the region joined with community members to pay final respects to fallen Roswell police officer Jeremy Labonte. (Watch Memorial Service)

➤ Statewide: A state House panel advanced the proposed End Local Taxation by Citation Act that would discourage towns from setting speed traps to raise funding. (More)

➤ Southeast Georgia: Bulloch County and the city of Metter have opted into the Homestead Exemption Act, providing voter-approved tax relief, breaking with some local governments that are opting out. (More)

➤ Pooler: U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler, jumped into the ongoing debate over Greenland’s fate by introducing a bill to rename the island Red, White and Blueland. (More)

➤ Savannah: The city’s crime rate plunged last year, with local leaders crediting community policing and the introduction of a Top 10 Most Wanted list. (More)

➤ Winder: A judge rejected calls to keep the father of the suspected Apalachee High School shooter in jail without a chance for bail. (More)

➤ Georgia men’s basketball blew a 32-23 halftime lead against No. 8 Texas A&M, losing 69-53. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Braves signed veteran set-up man Jake Diekman ahead of spring training. (More)

➤ Four-star edge rusher Shaun Scott wants to get an offer from Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs. (More)

Yesterday’s results: NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ Coca-Cola Co. announced it may return to using more plastic bottles if aluminum tariffs take effect, impacting the Atlanta-based company’s recycling goals more than its bottom line. (More)

➤ Advanced Drainage Systems, a leading provider of water management solutions, broke ground on a $30 million expansion in Cordele that could lead to nearly 50 more jobs. (More)

➤ A bill in the state House aims to help local shrimpers better compete with giant importers by requiring restaurants to disclose the origin of the shrimp they serve. (More)

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➤ An unidentified donor pulled major funding from the first-ever Savannah Performing Arts Festival, citing the inclusion of programs featuring drag performers, the show said. (More)

➤ Bea “Busy Bea” Kensey, the longest-living resident of Warren County, celebrated her 107th birthday this week. (Watch Video)

➤ Four of the state’s resorts made U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Resorts of the U.S. for 2025” list. (See List)

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