THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1932, Paul Anderson, the "world's strongest man," was born in Toccoa. At a competition in Moscow, he became the first to press more than 400 pounds and won an Olympic gold medal at the Melbourne Games in 1956. His strength earned him the nickname "the Dixie Derrick."

As we report in Top Stories, citizens flooded polling stations in record numbers on the first day of early voting. Beyond the barrage of political ads, campaign rhetoric, and legal challenges, the people will decide—just as it should be.

We're sponsored today by NativePath. If you have tingling hands and feet, be sure to check out their health advice.

Record Turnout on First Day of Early Voting

Georgia reported a record-breaking turnout, with more than 306,000 people casting ballots on the first day of early voting for the 2024 election.

Local officials noted long lines at polling locations statewide, with consistent participation throughout the day.

Some voters expressed frustration with the times, but many stayed to cast their ballots despite the delays. One voter remarked, "It’s worth the wait to make sure my voice is heard."

The turnout surpassed the previous record of 136,000 voters, driven by interest in the presidential primary contest between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Georgia election officials prepared for the high turnout by adding more voting locations and extending hours.

Judge Blocks Hand Counting of Ballots

A Georgia judge blocked a new rule requiring Election Day ballots to be counted by hand after the polls close. The ruling came after the same judge's order that county election officials must certify results by the legal deadline.

The rulings are seen as victories for groups concerned that Donald Trump's allies might refuse to certify results if he loses to Kamala Harris in next month's election.

The State Election Board argued that the hand count rule would not delay results, as memory cards from ballot scanners could still be sent for tabulation while the hand count occurred.

Judge Robert McBurney wrote that the hand count rule was passed too late to allow for proper training or budget adjustments, making it unworkable for this election cycle.

Veteran Arrested in Dubai for Prescribed CBD

Charles Wimberly, a Navy veteran from Covington with chronic back pain and PTSD, was detained in Dubai last month after airport security found CBD pills in his pocket.

Despite showing a prescription for the pills, which included ibuprofen and CBD, police accused him of drug trafficking and arrested him, triggering a diabetic shock while in custody.

Wimberly was released without bond and sent to a hotel, where he remained for two weeks without a court date or a clear resolution.

His passport has been flagged, preventing him from leaving the country, and the U.S. Embassy told him they couldn't intervene. The group "Detained in Dubai" is working through diplomatic channels to resolve the case.

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Tingling Hands? What Your Nerves Are Trying To Tell You

Do you ever suffer from occasional tingling, numbness, or pins and needles…

Particularly in your legs, hands, and feet?

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> Find Out What Your Pins & Needles Are Trying To Tell You Here

➤ Bulloch County: Parks and Recreation announced new leadership appointments, naming Brandy Lanier as interim recreation manager and Matthew Green as athletic coordinator. (More)

➤ Fulton County: Squatters occupying a 15,000-square-foot mansion were evicted by county marshals. (More)

➤ Bryan County: Residents are urging officials to remove animals from a hoarder's property, citing concerns over their welfare. (More)

➤ Union City: Officials launched a revitalization program by demolishing blighted properties. (More)

➤ Georgia: Hurricane Helene has caused a shortage of dialysis fluid in the state, presenting challenges for patients reliant on the treatments. Healthcare providers are coordinating efforts to mitigate the supply shortfall. (More)

➤ LaGrange: A police officer was arrested for allegedly stealing over $7,000 from a senior citizen, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Hawks will have rapper Gucci Mane perform the halftime show at their season opener on Oct. 23 against the Brooklyn Net. (More)

➤ Georgia head coach Kirby Smart told reporters that key contributors Jordan Hall, Jared Wilson, and Chauncey Bowens have all returned to practice and could play on Saturday against No. 1 Texas. (More)

➤ The Atlanta Falcons made four changes to their roster on Tuesday. (See Changes)

➤ Yesterday's Results: MLB | NBA | NHL | WNBA

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➤ Amazon is preparing for the holiday season, announcing 12,000 job openings across Georgia, including 8,000 in Atlanta, 2,000 in Savannah, and 1,000 in Jefferson. (More)

➤ The U.S. government has offered $671 million to the battery parts company, Aspen Aerogels, Inc., to build a new plant in Georgia, aiming to boost domestic electric vehicle production. (More)

➤ Delta Air Lines has announced a new cabin design featuring improved seats and lighting to enhance passenger comfort on future flights. (More)

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Studies show men & women over 60 are 3X as likely to have low levels of this vitamin.

If you experience tingling in hands and feet, muscle twitches, or dull aches and pains…

You could be lacking in this crucial nutrient.

It's essential to the health of your nervous system, meaning it's not something you're going to want to ignore.

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➤ The Georgia National Fair celebrated its second-highest attendance in history, drawing over 545,000 visitors this year. (More)

➤ An epic hiking adventure awaits on the Coosa Backcountry Trail that starts in Blairsville's Vogel State Park. It offers breathtaking views and challenging terrain across Georgia’s mountains. (Details & Photos)

➤ An owl was discovered who had taken up residence atop a stored Christmas tree inside the historic Hay House mansion. (Photos)

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