Tuesday, October 29, 2024

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1971, Duane Allman, founding member of The Allman Brothers, died in a motorcycle accident in Macon. (Mountain Jam Video)

We’re pleased to report below that, according to a recent survey, Georgia ranks among the Top 10 states most likely to survive an alien invasion. One less thing to worry about!

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DA Fani Willis Faces Rare Republican Challenge

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is facing a reelection challenge by Republican Courtney Kramer, marking the first time in over 20 years that a Republican has run for DA in Fulton County.

Kramer, an attorney with connections to the Trump administration, has criticized Willis’s handling of high-profile cases, alleging that the Trump election interference and YSL trials are politically motivated and mismanaged.

One of Kramer’s supporters is Jeffery Williams Sr., the father of rapper Young Thug, who has criticized Willis for her approach in the YSL trial.

Willis remains heavily favored in the Democratic stronghold.

New State-Run Healthcare Exchange Launches

Georgia is transitioning from the federal healthcare.gov exchange to a new state-based platform called Georgia Access, which will officially launch on Nov. 1.

This shift makes Georgia the 20th state to create its own health insurance exchange, a move that gives the state more control over health coverage offerings.

The new exchange aims to reduce Geogia’s uninsured population, with more than 15,000 certified agents available to assist with enrollment.

Georgia Access will offer a preview of 2025 insurance plans starting Oct. 28, to help residents browse coverage options ahead of the open enrollment period.

Chief Justice Establishes Committee on AI

Georgia Chief Justice Michael Boggs announced the formation of a special committee to assess the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence in the state’s court system.

Chaired by Justice Andrew Pinson, the committee will explore ways to ensure public trust and confidence as AI becomes more prevalent.

The committee will include representatives from state courts and partner agencies, with support from the Judicial Council of Georgia, which serves as the judicial branch’s policymaking body.

The exploration of AI’s effects extends beyond the judiciary, as both the Georgia House and Senate have established study committees to examine AI technology’s broader implications.

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➤ Fulton County: A waterline replacement project began last week in Alpharetta, upgrading cast iron pipes to more durable ductile iron pipes along Jere Drive and Hook Road. (More)

➤ Atlanta: The city council passed legislation eliminating a policy requiring businesses to pay multiple alcohol license fees for venues with more than one bar, potentially saving bar owners thousands annually. (More)

➤ Floyd County: Nearly 4,000 early voters in the county are voting in a presidential election for the first time, helping to bring the early turnout rate to 34% of its 68,641 registered voters. (More)

➤ Georgia: The state is providing internet hotspots to rural schools to improve students’ access to online resources as school districts face internet connectivity issues in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. (More)

➤ Coffee County: Authorities arrested Chris Johnson, the owner of a Georgia funeral home after deputies serving an eviction notice discovered 18 decomposing bodies at the facility. (More)

➤ Savannah: Competitors from around the world gathered in Daffin Park for the International Tree Climbing Championships on Friday, navigating the branches of live oaks and competing in aerial rescue and speed climbing events. (Photos)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons now hold sole possession of first place in the NFC South after Sunday’s win. (NFL Standings)

➤ Georgia remained at No. 2 in this week’s AP Top 25 poll, only behind 8-0 Oregon. (Rankings)

➤ Atlanta Hawks star Jalen Johnson prevented a layup with this powerful block in Sunday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. (Video)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | NBA | NHL | MLS

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➤ If you’ve failed to improve your golf game for years, try this one bit of advice that will finally open up the floodgates. The Birdie Mat Pro is the key to improving your golf swing. (See It Here)

➤ Boehringer Ingelheim has opened an expanded research and development facility in Athens, with a $66.1 million investment and 63 new jobs. The facility will serve as the company’s largest U.S. site, focusing on pet, poultry, and wildlife vaccines. (More)

➤ The Georgia Ports Authority handled 450,700 TEUs (standard 20-foot-long containers) in September, its second-busiest month on record, reflecting a 12% increase over last year. (More)

➤ Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Georgia fell to 6,115 for the week ending Oct. 19, down from 8,166 the previous week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. (Details)

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➤ TheraICE is the Headache Relief Hat, a patent-pending hot and cold therapy device that provides natural relief for all types of headaches – tension, sinus, cluster, migraines, and more. (See It Here)

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If snoring is robbing you or your loved ones of rest, ZQuiet can help you sleep more soundly and wake up feeling refreshed.

➤ A new study ranked Georgia among the top 10 U.S. states most likely to survive an alien invasion, placing it at No. 10. The ranking reflects Georgia’s ample forests, caves, strong military presence, healthcare infrastructure, and access to food resources. (List)

➤ The North Georgia Wildlife and Safari Park recently welcomed two unexpected baby otters, surprising keepers since neither female otter showed typical signs of pregnancy. (Photos)

➤ Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge was voted the No. 3 orchard in the U.S. by USA Today’s “10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.” The family-run orchard, founded in 1943, offers U-Pick apple events, a bakery, cafe, and cidery, with apple-picking running through November. (More)

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