Local & State

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  Most of midstate escapes substantial storm damage

  Bibb, Laurens and Johnson counties took the heaviest brunt of the storm fury that pummeled Middle Georgia on Sunday, but other counties across the midstate reported problems.

• A look at Middle Georgia's tornado history

  The deadliest tornado ever in Georgia hit Gainesville on April 6, 1936, killing 203 people.Here's a quick look at tornadoes that have hit Middle Georgia during the years:

• Little sympathy for 39-year-old wife of Georgia teen

  There were few friendly faces when Lisa Clark Gonzalez walked into the crowded courtroom, so the 39-year-old understandably lit up at the sight of a familiar one.

• 3 teens die in wreck

  Authorities are investigating a single-car accident that left three high school students dead in Henry County.
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  Man dies when storms slam midstate

  A man was killed, a handful of people were injured and dozens of homes and businesses were damaged this morning as strong storms – including at least one confirmed tornado – swept across Middle Georgia before dawn.
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  Mercer graduates, others across midstate receive diplomas

  The diploma was in the bag Saturday for thousands of Middle Georgia college students, who participated in commencement exercises at four area schools.

• Math, social studies scores down slightly for midstate juniors

  Middle Georgia's high school juniors performed well overall on the Georgia High School Graduation Tests, but many of them did worse in math and social studies this year than last, test results show.

• Whale of a find: Oaky Woods backers cite fossil discovery

  John Trussell has spent 31 years looking for a whale bone in the Oaky Woods wilderness in Houston County, but Amanda Rhonemus found one on her first visit.

• Severe thunderstorms hit Macon area

  The Macon area remained under a tornado watch from 2-9 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

• Thomas to UGA grads: Remain positive

  U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas told graduating seniors at the University of Georgia that he wanted to be a Bulldog. But the nation's second black high court justice said he couldn't attend the school in his native Georgia because of lingering racial tensions in the South when he graduated high school in the late 1960s.

• Georgia man dies during Florida triathlon

  Race officials say a Georgia man died after he was pulled from the water during the swimming portion of a Florida triathlon.

• New Carter book tells life of 'remarkable mother'

  In the moments following Jimmy Carter's 1977 inauguration as president, a reporter asked his mother if she was proud of her son.

• High school students who drowned identified

  Authorities have identified two North Cobb High School students who drowned at Lake Allatoona while skipping school with friends.

• Still no trial date set one year after charges in Ala. civil rights shooting

  A former state trooper has no trial date a year after being indicted for a fatal shooting in 1965 that became a catalyst for the historic voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery.

• 3 killed in one-car accident in Henry County

  Police say three young men were killed when their car skidded off Ga. 20 in Henry County, plunged over a hill and landed in a ravine at least 30 feet below the highway.

• Former teacher accused of having sex with students

  A former high school band director has been arrested after two teenagers said they had sexual relationships with him.

• Attorney prepares insanity defense for man in Auburn slaying

  An attorney is preparing an insanity defense for a man accused in the slaying of Auburn University freshman Lauren Burk.

• Still no trial date set one year after charges in Ala. civil rights shooting

  A former state trooper has no trial date a year after being indicted for a fatal shooting in 1965 that became a catalyst for the historic voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery.

• Bibb leaders to wrestle with cuts to $92.7M preliminary budget

  In the coming weeks, Bibb County commissioners will wrestle with a preliminary $92.7 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, nearly 10 percent above this year's spending plan.

• Higher gas prices forcing some midstate delivery businesses to increase prices

  The convenience of delivery is getting more costly. Soaring fuel prices - nationally, jumping past $3.67 a gallon on average Friday - are causing some local businesses that deliver food or goods to add on a fuel surcharge, increase delivery fees or increase the cost of their products.