WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1884, construction began on the Georgia State Capitol building, chosen for its classic Renaissance Revival style.

Today's life lesson: Never get caught celebrating with a member of the opposing team after a loss—especially if your coach is Kirby Smart, as detailed in today's Sports section.

We're flying today with The Chill Pill, a natural, medication-free way to improve sleep and reduce stress.

SCOTUS Blocks Meadows' Bid for Federal Trial

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to let former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows move his Georgia election interference case to federal court, a decision that limits his ability to argue for federal immunity from prosecution.

The justices offered no explanation for the decision, and no dissenting opinions were noted. Meadows, along with 18 other defendants, including Donald Trump, was indicted in Georgia for alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Meadows argued that his case should be tried in federal court because it pertains to his role as a federal official, specifically his actions for then-President Trump. Prosecutors maintained that Meadows was not acting in an official capacity when he participated in a call about "finding" votes in Georgia.

The Supreme Court's decision could affect other defendants in the Georgia case, which remains largely on hold due to related legal issues.

Accused Killer of Laken Riley Waives Trial by Jury

Jose Ibarra, accused in the February killing of Georgia nursing student Laken Hope Riley, has waived his right to a jury trial.

Ibarra, a Venezuelan citizen, faces a 10-count indictment, including charges of malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault, related to what prosecutors allege was a violent, random attack on Riley during a morning run.

The bench trial will proceed with Judge H. Patrick Haggard, following Ibarra's signed waiver and confirmation that he understood his decision.

The case has drawn national attention and has become part of the broader immigration debate in the U.S., with officials confirming that Ibarra entered the country illegally in 2022.

List: Georgia's Wealthiest Counties

A recent study ranked Georgia's wealthiest counties based on median income, property values, and investment income, with Forsyth County leading the list, followed by Oconee and Fulton counties.

Forsyth boasts a median household income of $131,660 and a median home value of $624,273.

Oconee County follows with a median income of $116,221, an investment income of $86,498, and a median home value of $530,293.

Take a look at the full list as well as an interactive map here.

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➤ Savannah: A Georgia judge has blocked McIntosh County from issuing new building permits for larger homes in Hogg Hummock, a historic community on Sapelo Island, until the Georgia Supreme Court decides if residents can challenge zoning changes by referendum. (More)

➤ Atlanta: The Home Depot Foundation has pledged $10 million to help aging veterans access affordable, stable housing, aiming to reduce veteran homelessness and provide essential home repairs and accessibility modifications. (More)

➤ Athens: The University of Georgia (UGA) has once again ranked No. 1 in the nation for bringing research-based commercial products to market. It has ranked either first or second in this category for nine consecutive years. (More)

➤ Sandy Springs: Local leaders from both political parties are united in opposing the proposed closure of Spalding Drive Elementary School, which is part of a Fulton County Schools redistricting plan, affecting thousands of students. (More)

➤ Jonesboro: The Jonesboro High School band will perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, thanks to a generous $20,000 donation from local entrepreneur and philanthropist Ebony Austin. (More)

➤ Atlanta: The city honored Vernell Varnado, Snoop Dogg's father and a decorated Vietnam War veteran known as "Poppa Snoop," with a proclamation recognizing his military service and ongoing advocacy for veterans nationwide. (More)

➤ Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale has been named an NL Cy Young Award finalist. Sale is currently the favorite to win the award and would be the first Brave to win it since Tom Glavine in 1998. (More)

➤ Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris gave a discouraging update on defensive linemen James Smith-Williams and Ta'Quon Graham this week, saying both injuries are "not great." (More)

➤ Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart called one of the team's players "an idiot" after videos of him celebrating on the field after a Georgia loss went viral online. (More)

➤ Yesterday's Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAF | NCAAM | NCAAW

➤ Love college athletics? Want to stay up to date on everything related to name, image, and likeness in sports? NIL Wire is just the place for you. Sign up here with one click!

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➤ Home Depot's fiscal third-quarter performance beat Wall Street expectations, with a 6.6% increase in revenue, reaching $40.22 billion, despite a slight decline in sales at stores open for at least a year. (More)

➤ Advantage Capital has secured $53M in tax credits to fund three Georgia housing projects, adding 623 affordable units for families and seniors in Atlanta and Lawrenceville. (More)

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➤ Local Three Kitchen & Bar in Atlanta has been named Georgia's best all-you-can-eat restaurant by LoveFood. The publication highlighted its weekend brunch buffet, which features creatively updated takes on classic dishes. (More)

➤ The Chattahoochee River in Muscogee County is seeing more alligator sightings, prompting officials to warn residents about potential safety risks, despite no reported attacks. (More)

➤ Pecan pie is Georgia's top Thanksgiving dessert, according to a recent report. Although pumpkin pie is the most popular choice in 37 states, pecan pie leads in Southern states, including Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas. (More)

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