(FROM GA. NEWS NETWORK UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
*(AUGUSTA CHRONICLE) – McDuffie County Commissioners have okayed a zoning change that clears the way for a billion-dollar data center planned near the Columbia County line. Meanwhile, the COLUMBUS ENQUIRER reports several environmental groups have filed suit against the state Public Service Commission, appealing a ruling last year’s approving a large expansion of power infrastructure for Georgia Power. The utility has said it is needed to meet the requirements of energy demands largely driven by power-hungry data centers.
*The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to register their home doorbell cameras to help them fight crime. Capt. Jean Lebeuf tells 41NBC getting access to home cameras can help officers find suspects accused of crimes. Lebeuf says authorities only have a list of who has cameras and will not access them without consent.
*A Rome teacher is accused of vaping THC in the school’s restroom. Administrators reportedly caught the 45-year-old exiting a bathroom at Rome Middle School after a vape sensor triggered on Tuesday. She claims she was vaping to reduce her anxiety during testing week. The teacher was charged with possession of a controlled substance.
*Hundreds of speeding tickets in Chatham County no longer exist due to a foul-up with two deputies. WTOC reports a judge tossed out 400 citations issued by the deputies between July and November because they weren’t certified to use a speed radar. Some residents questioned why certification isn’t already part of the training and hiring process. They’ve since completed certification.