ATHENS — It will actually be Jeff Owens’ second shot at his final home game. A year ago, Owens participated in Georgia’s senior day festivities, strolling on to the field to the cheers of the crowd, knowing he may never play another game at Sanford Stadium.

The rocky economy has caused many retailers to pull back expansion plans or even close. But four stores are planning to open in north Bibb County next year, and two of them are new to Middle Georgia.

Macon City Council appears to have reverted to its old tricks earlier this week when it rejected Mayor Robert Reichert's choice for director of the city's Emergency Management Agency. This was an action that appears grounded in political payback, and it is one that deprived Macon of hiring someone who, from all appearances, was the best candidate for the job.

Invoking the memory of Edward M. Kennedy, Democrats united Saturday night to push historic health care legislation past a key Senate hurdle over the opposition of Republicans eager to inflict a punishing defeat on President Barack Obama. There was not a vote to spare.

Officials say a three-alarm fire has broken out on the boardwalk in Atlantic City.

Venezuelan authorities have captured a former Colombian official wanted for collaborating with outlawed right-wing paramilitary fighters.

Police say a bank robbery suspect in Ohio may have eaten evidence when he gobbled a piece of paper while handcuffed and lying across the hood of a police cruiser.