FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025

Good morning! On this day in 1998, the Atlanta Falcons advanced to the Super Bowl with a 30-27 overtime win against Minnesota, considered one of the NFL's Greatest 100 Games.

Atlanta will be the center of the sports and entertainment world through Monday night's college football title game. Get the latest details below.

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Abrams-Warnock Groups Hit with Record Fine

The state's ethics commission acknowledges wanting to deliver a strong message with the $300,000 fine imposed this week on political advocacy groups tied to Stacey Abrams and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock.

A record for Georgia, the fine also is believed to be the largest fine imposed by any state ethics commission related to election and campaign finance misconduct, the panel said.

Abrams didn't respond to the disciplinary action, while a spokesman for Warnock said the senator didn't know anything about the violations.

Georgia Airports Flying High

Hartsfield-Jackson Airport remains the world's busiest, but Georgia's second and third busiest airports also are gaining attention for recent successes.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Savannah (1.9 million travelers in 2023) was voted the No. 1 airport in the world for 2024 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler.

"Not a particularly busy airport, but it's that smallness, not to mention its town square-inspired layout, that makes it feel intimate and inviting," the magazine said.

Meanwhile, Augusta Regional Airport (277,000 travelers in 2023) hosted U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in May for a "new gates" ceremony after making upgrades to handle more passenger jetliners.

Football Fan Frenzy Set to Kick Off

The Ohio State and Notre Dame football teams arrive in Atlanta today, just in time for a three-day Fan Fest at the convention center, concerts by top artists, and gameday tailgate events.

The game pits Ohio State against Notre Dame and their huge fan bases are ready to join the party, with Ohio State fans labeled as the most rabid in the nation by veteran college coach Urban Meyer. Game tickets are selling for as much as $1,800.

Starting Saturday, Fan Fest gets underway. Lil Wayne and Camila Cabello lead a weekend concert series with Kane Brown on deck for a tailgate event on Monday. Area restaurants and bars are gearing up for watch parties.

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➤ Rural Georgia: Gov. Brian Kemp praised bipartisan support for hurricane aid in his State of the State address in Atlanta. (Read Speech)

➤ Atlanta: A state lawmaker banned from the State of the State address was arrested after trying to attend, triggering an intra-GOP fight. (More)

➤ Macon: A data breach could impact students at six central Georgia school districts, alumni, and ex-staff. (More)

➤ State: A glitch in the state's new Obamacare marketplace affected 20,000 people, including a woman denied coverage for medicine. (More)

➤ Atlanta: The CEO of Atlanta-based Coca-Cola delivered a special bottle of Diet Coke and a smile to President-elect Donald Trump. (See Photos)

➤ North Georgia: A short burst of snow could come starting Tuesday or Wednesday, based on the latest forecasts. (See Latest Forecast)

➤ A poll found 63% of voters support a proposal to legalize sports betting in Georgia, with most wanting the state's share of proceeds to go to schools. (See Poll Results)

➤ No. 23 Georgia men's basketball squandered a strong first half in a 74-56 loss to No. 6 Tennessee. (More)

➤ A leading oddsmaker put Ohio State as an 8.5-point favorite over Notre Dame in Monday's college football title game, down one point from a day earlier. (More)

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➤ A Fayetteville homeowner says her family has been staying in a motel for two years while the developer, power company, and an insurance company fight over a sewer backup. (More)

➤ Georgia taxpayers who were given a filing extension last year due to severe weather have until May 1 to complete their 2023 returns. (More)

➤ Businesses in high-crime areas of Atlanta want relief from legal liability, citing lawsuits and higher insurance rates. (More)

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➤ Bernice King, the Spelman College Glee Club, and Clark Atlanta University's drumline will be among the special guests and performers at Monday's college football title game in Atlanta. (Details)

➤ Feeling the winter doldrums? Here's a guide to start planning for this spring's Peaches to Beaches, with 220 miles of garage sales along Highway 341. (See Guide)

➤ A Yellow Lab named Norman gained notice for a video showing him sledding during Georgia's recent snow day. (Watch Video)

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