Athens businessman becomes Republican chairman

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - The new chairman of the Georgia Republican Party says the party won't twiddle its thumbs under his leadership.

Jekyll breaking ground on overdue convention hotel

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. (AP) - Developers are set to start construction on a new convention hotel for Jekyll Island after long delays that largely resulted from difficulties getting a bank loan for the $41 million project.

Fog blankets much of Georgia in wake of storms

ATLANTA (AP) - Fog blanketed much of Georgia in the wake of storms that washed out roads in the northeast part of the state and led to rising streams and rivers.

Atlanta council considers 20-story Ferris wheel

ATLANTA (AP) - The Atlanta City Council is expected to consider a request to construct a Ferris wheel once used in Paris that would soar 20 stories over downtown Atlanta.

US gas prices up 11 cents over past 2 weeks

CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) - The average U.S. price of a gallon of gasoline has jumped 11 cents over the past two weeks.

Ga. man pleads guilty to possession of child porn

ATLANTA (AP) - U.S. Attorney's officials say a 52-year-old man has pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography.

Braves bring Jason Heyward off disabled list

ATLANTA (AP) - Braves right fielder Jason Heyward has been activated from the disabled list and is starting against the Dodgers.

Ga. Republicans gather in Athens for convention

A year after IPO, Facebook aims to be ad colossus

Stocks rise on hopeful signs for the US economy

Handel jumps into crowded US Senate race in Ga.

IRS refuses to turn over documents

30 catalytic converters stolen in past 2 weeks

ATLANTA (AP) - Authorities say more than 30 catalytic converters have been stolen from vehicles during the past two weeks in Atlanta and nearby Decatur.

Brady Campaign sues Ga town over mandatory gun law

NELSON, Ga. (AP) - A group that supports gun control is suing a north Georgia town that passed a law requiring gun ownership.

Ga. Rep. Brooks of Atlanta indicted for wire fraud

ATLANTA (AP) - A federal grand jury has indicted state Rep. Tyrone Brooks over allegations claiming he misappropriated more than $1 million in charitable funds.

Abortion opponents to march in Washington

WASHINGTON (AP) - Thousands of anti-abortion demonstrators are marching through Washington to the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court to protest the landmark decision that legalized abortion.

Schools must provide sports for disabled

WASHINGTON (AP) - Students with disabilities must be given a fair shot to play on a traditional sports team or have their own leagues, the Education Department says.

White House: Ruling won't affect other Obama picks

WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House says a court ruling that President Barack Obama violated the Constitution by making recess appointments to a labor panel won't affect the president's other personnel actions.

Flu seems to level off except in the West

New government figures show that flu cases seem to be leveling off nationwide. Flu activity is declining in most regions although still rising in the West.

Stocks gain, boosted by P&G, Starbucks earnings

NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks rose on Wall Street in midday trading Friday after Procter & Gamble and Starbucks posted strong earnings reports.

Too many crocodiles, S.Africa police say

JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Calling all crocodile experts - South African police say you're needed to help capture thousands of crocs out on the lam.

Court: Obama appointments are unconstitutional

WASHINGTON (AP) - In an embarrassing setback for President Barack Obama, a federal appeals court panel ruled that he violated the Constitution in making recess appointments last year, a decision that would effectively curtail a president's ability to bypass the Senate to fill administration vacancies.

Wells Fargo plans to hire 200 in Georgia

ATLANTA (AP) - Wells Fargo has announced plans to hire 200 new employees in the metro Atlanta region.

Jindal: GOP should change 'just about everything'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is calling on the Republican Party to "recalibrate the compass of conservatism" as party leaders on Thursday promised fundamental changes to help stave off future losses.

Apple's sales slowdown tugs Nasdaq index lower

NEW YORK (AP) - A sharp drop in Apple's stock pulled the Nasdaq down with it after the tech giant warned of weaker sales. Other stock-market indexes eked out slight gains.

Gov't probes possible USAID bid rigs

WASHINGTON (AP) - Documents obtained by The Associated Press show the Justice Department is conducting a criminal investigation into possible contract rigging by the general counsel at the government agency that distributes foreign aid.

White House says Obama supports women in combat

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says allowing women to serve in combat marks another step toward the country's founding ideals of fairness and equality.

US hit by new stomach bug spreading around globe

NEW YORK (AP) - A new strain of stomach bug sweeping the globe is taking over in the U.S., health officials say.

Arizona sends Upton to Braves in 7-player deal

PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona has traded outfielder Justin Upton to the Atlanta Braves in a seven-player deal that sends former All-Star infielder Martin Prado to the Diamondbacks.

Apple's sales slowdown tugs Nasdaq index lower

NEW YORK (AP) - A sharp drop in Apple's stock is pulling the Nasdaq down with it after the tech giant predicted weaker sales. Other market indexes were mixed.