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Most Talked About Atlanta Journal-Constitution Stories

Picking new leader, Egyptians search for superman

ajc.com — The Associated Press CAIRO - Egyptians say they want their next leader to be honorable, smart, a knight, a man with a heart, a military man, a religious man, one who goes down and meets with the people. What they are really looking for is a superman.
Cairo-based colleague @seldeeb on Egyptians' high expectations for prez. They want a superman. http://t.co/YS1Pdq63

Between Facebook and JPMorgan, Wall St. woes mount

ajc.com — NEW YORK - Almost four years after the financial crisis, Wall Street still can't get it right. Investor anger mounted Wednesday over the initial public offering of Facebook stock last week, which was fumbled by the banks that managed the deal and complicated by technical problems at the Nasdaq stock exchange.
That's called "Wednesday." RT @ajc: A whole lotta folks on Wall Street are ticked off at Facebook. http://t.co/T4AxIEkM

Braves quotes after Wednesday loss to Reds

blogs.ajc.com — On whether that walk-off homer would've been a lazy flyout at Turner Field "I don't know about lazy, but it's a flyball to deep right field [at Turner Field]. But the fences is there, they don't move them back when we come to hit. It's just one of those things.

Walk-off homer gives Reds 2-1 win over slumping Braves

blogs.ajc.com — CINCINNATI - After Tommy Hanson's strong start and Eric O'Flaherty's nifty escape in the eighth inning, the Reds ended the drama quickly in the ninth inning against Braves reliever Cristhian Martinez.
Walk-off homer gives #Braves to their first 3-game skid since opening week; Venters hurt in loss http://t.co/iX3qVqAZ

Who won ‘American Idol’ season 11?

blogs.ajc.com — He was a favorite to win early on. Favorites like that on this show typically lose. (Danny Gokey anyone?) But Leesburg's Phillip Phillips bucked strong competitors and painful kidney stones to take home the crown. He also became the first winner with Georgia ties after 11 seasons.
Who won "American Idol' this year? Take my poll if you're happy or outraged - or neither! http://t.co/HS5YvqUW

Maryland DT commits to Georgia Tech

blogs.ajc.com — One of Maryland's top college prospects committed to Georgia Tech on Wednesday. Darius Commissiong, a 6-foot-2, 295-pound defensive tackle from Forestville, Md., picked Georgia Tech over North Carolina and Maryland, among his 20 offers. Commissiong, a 3-star who is ranked as the nation's No.

Romney promotes education agenda, defends Bain

ajc.com — The Associated Press WASHINGTON - Originally planning to focus on education, Mitt Romney instead reignited the debate over his business credentials on Wednesday, welcoming scrutiny of the private equity firm he co-founded and declaring he's a far more qualified steward of the economy than President Barack Obama.

Chipper, McCann out of lineup; Reds’ Arroyo must be thankful

blogs.ajc.com — CINCINNATI - Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo probably breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday upon hearing Chipper Jones and Brian McCann were out of the Braves lineup again, Jones due to a leg contusion and McCann because of sickness.

The mystery of the Republican casino question

blogs.ajc.com — The mark of a successful political convention is an absence of surprises. By the time thousands of Republicans fled Columbus last weekend, the forces of Ron Paul had been routed with a heavy hand. Not a surprise. Delegates to the annual state convention had rebuked the GOP-controlled Legislature for refusing to get serious about ethics reform.

Here is the video urging private school parents to “scam” state for tuition money

blogs.ajc.com — Here is the video explanation of the state's private school state scholarship by state Rep. David Casas, R-Lilburn. Please look at this to fully understand how this Legislature-approved program - characterized as a way for poor children in persistently failing schools to afford private schools - has become a back door for middle class parents to use tax dollars to pay their private school tuition bills.
#edchat: Here is the video of Ga. lawmaker urging private school parents to scam state on tax credit. http://t.co/lOYNkilG

Openings: cookies and schnitzel

blogs.ajc.com — Ali's Cookies , which has had a store in East Cobb for 30 years, recently opened a second location in Dunwoody in the Perimeter Place shopping center. Both locations are certified kosher by the AKC (Atlanta Kosher Commission). Cookie shops in Atlanta have not experienced the same growth as those devoted to cupcakes.

House Speaker David Ralston endorses Doug Collins in 9th District race

blogs.ajc.com — Gov. Nathan Deal may have declared his neutrality in the GOP contest for the new 9th Congressional District, but House Speaker David Ralston has not. As noted by the north Georgia news site, fetchyournews.com, Ralston on Monday showed up at a fundraiser for state Rep.
Not really a surprise, but House Speaker David Ralston has endorsed Doug Collins in 9th CD race. #gagop #gapol http://t.co/Im2R11fa

Battle brewing over plans to shrink Fulton government

ajc.com — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution With north Fulton lawmakers expecting to gain a firm upper hand next year through redistricting, some are speaking of a plan to gut the county government. Resurrecting Milton County remains their mission, the legislators have told constituents at recent public meetings, and as early as next year they'll start reducing the powers of the Fulton County Commission.
http://t.co/Fx1hz5R9 Good read by my man Johnny Edwards at the AJC. Will lawmakers "end Fulton county?"

Battle brewing over plans to shrink Fulton government

ajc.com — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution With north Fulton lawmakers expecting to gain a firm upper hand next year through redistricting, some are speaking of a plan to gut the county government. Resurrecting Milton County remains their mission, the legislators have told constituents at recent public meetings, and as early as next year they'll start reducing the powers of the Fulton County Commission.
Battle brewing over north Fulton lawmakers' plans to shrink the Fulton County government. http://t.co/sz0DS9XZ

Derrick Henry: Will Alabama flip UGA’s top recruit?

blogs.ajc.com — UGA's top football recruit is being courted by Alabama. And he's listening. The marquee recruit is Derrick Henry, the 5-star running back from Yulee, Fla., who committed to UGA last summer. He is ranked as one of the top three players out of Florida. Alabama dispatched assistant Burton Burns to Henry's high school on Monday.

Demolition nears for historic UGA dorm

ajc.com — For the AJC Construction crews have fenced off a historic dormitory at the University of Georgia to prepare for its demolition. University of Georgia Demolition of 159-bed Rutherford Hall will probably begin in the first full week of June, university spokesman Tom Jackson told The Athens Banner-Herald.
Wait wait wait. There are people who are SAD about this? Who are these crazy people? http://t.co/rvudm2c1

Who’s ‘the party of civil rights’? That’s the wrong question

blogs.ajc.com — Kevin Williamson, writing in National Review, expresses contempt and disgust for what he calls "the outright lie, the utter fabrication with malice aforethought" in modern politics. He then proceeds to indulge in something pretty close to the fabrication that he claims to despise.
Who's 'the party of civil rights'? That's really the wrong question; http://t.co/UZqfas0s

5 Western US states shielding part of executions

ajc.com — The Associated Press BOISE, Idaho - A U.S. appeals court ruled in 2002 that every aspect of an execution should be open to witnesses, from the moment the condemned enters the death chamber to his or her final heartbeat. The ruling established what was expected of the nine Western states within the court's jurisdiction.
RT @boiseboone: Some western states are shielding part of lethal injection executions despite appellate court ruling: http://t.co/AqjIhjRK

Beluga baby dies at Georgia Aquarium

ajc.com — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution The beluga whale calf born at Georgia Aquarium on Friday has died. The female baby, the first for 17-year-old mother Maris, had been in critical condition since birth. William Hurley, senior vice president and chief zoological officer at the aquarium, said while the calf was swimming Wednesday morning, "she just stopped and stalled.

Hanson’s turn to try taming homer-happy Reds at “Small Park”

blogs.ajc.com — CINCINNATI - Day 3 in the Queen City, and the Braves are still looking for their first win in this four-game series against the Reds, who've played ball the last two nights as if someone left the ballpark in a dryer too long and shrunk it. Oh, wait.
Hanson's turn to try taming homer-happy #Reds at "Small Park." #Braves Bourn binge. DOB blog. Waylon http://t.co/te7nUQSi
Hanson's turn to try taming homer-happy #Reds at their "Small Park." Bourn binge. DOB blog. Waylon. http://t.co/te7nUQSi

Raises coming for UGA football coaches Mark Richt, Todd Grantham

blogs.ajc.com — ATHENS - The Georgia Athletic Association end-of-the-year board meeting is scheduled to get started tomorrow morning at the Ritz Carlton Lodge on Lake Oconee. Actually, current and emeritus members will gather there to socialize tonight, then commence with business first thing in the morning. And I'm expecting a lot of business to be conducted.
Big raises expected to be on way for #UGA football coaches Mark Richt, Todd Grantham. http://t.co/oBlZVH0r

Betting windows open: Nevada says Falcons miss playoffs

blogs.ajc.com — When the betting windows opened Wednesday morning, it was clear the wise guys didn't think much of the Falcons. Cantor Gaming was the first Nevada bookmaker to release over/under win totals for the upcoming NFL season (via Covers.com ).
Starting your betting/investing: Nevada says #Falcons get 9 wins (miss playoffs). Blog: http://t.co/zrbUIcBx

NY bride who faked cancer sentenced to time served

ajc.com — The Associated Press GOSHEN, N.Y. - An upstate New York woman who faked having cancer so donors would pay for her wedding and Caribbean honeymoon is being released after less than two months in jail. Jessica Vega apologized Wednesday in Orange County Court for the scam.
http://t.co/5RKVKB1E The intense pressure to have an expensive wedding really made this sort of thing inevitable.

TMZ: Kim Zolciak’s garage fire engulfs an ATV

blogs.ajc.com — An ATV went up in smoke and flames at the home of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast member Kim Zolciak early this morning in Roswell, TMZ reported. Fortunately, the Roswell Fire Department got there in time to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the home.
The Roswell Fire Dept wasn't tardy to this fire: Kim Zolciak's ATV goes up in flames today but fire is contained. http://t.co/VfkvTaJt

Season four ‘Idol’ runner-up Bo Bice, now in Cumming, grapples with alcoholism. And who will be on the finale tonight?

blogs.ajc.com — Bo Bice, season four "Idol" runner up, last fall realized his life wasn't in order. Blame it on the alcohol. On September 25, he had his last drink and entered rehab. He said in an interview last week that he has remained sober ever since.
Cumming resident and former 'Idol' runner up Bo Bice entered alcohol treatment last fall. He talks about it with me: http://t.co/zg9kvNi5

Mexico catches suspect in death of a journalist

ajc.com — The Associated Press MEXICO CITY - Prosecutors in southern Mexico say they have captured a man suspected in the killing of a U.S. journalist during protests against the Oaxaca state government in 2006. A spokesman for the Oaxaca state prosecutors office says suspect Lenin Osorio was captured early Wednesday.

Brandon Kublanow: UGA lands OL for commitment No. 17

blogs.ajc.com — The offensive lineman nicknamed "The Finisher" committed to UGA on Wednesday. Brandon Kublanow, a 6-foot-3, 290-pounder from Walton High School, picked UGA over Vanderbilt, North Carolina and Clemson, among his 20 offers. Kublanow earned his nickname because of his punishing style of play. "Georgia is the best fit for me," Kublanow told the AJC.

Melissa McCarthy at the Georgia Aquarium

blogs.ajc.com — Melissa McCarthy, the Oscar-nominated star of "Bridesmaids," is now in Atlanta filming "ID Theft." The comedy also starring Jason Bateman and Amanda Peet involves a guy who has his identity stolen by a woman. Hilarious! Anyway, in her downtime Melissa has gotten to take in Atlanta's sights.

Some private schools refuse to follow lawmaker’s advice and cheat the state

blogs.ajc.com — The investigation in The New York Times about the abuses of the Georgia Private School Tax Credit program has riled up a lot of people. (See earlier blog on this.) The AJC has also written about this law, noting that the Georgia Legislature has enshrouded this questionable program in so much secrecy so it is almost impossible for taxpayers to see where the money is going.
#Edchat: Not all private schools following lawmaker's advice on how to scam state with school tax credit. http://t.co/sv3O8jaS

Is the ACC doomed? Not hardly, and here are reasons why

blogs.ajc.com — Let's be clear: The ACC has work to do. But that's not nearly the same as being doomed, which is how some have characterized the conference after the double hit of Florida State's (apparently overstated) flirtation with the Big 12 and the announcement of the SEC/Big 12 New Year's Day bowl.
Is the ACC, as some have speculated, doomed? Not hardly, I say. (And offer the reasons why.) #gatech http://t.co/8rw8sMgP

US sales of new homes rose 3.3 percent in April

ajc.com — The Associated Press WASHINGTON - Sales of new homes rose solidly last month, adding to evidence of gradual improvement in the housing market. The Commerce Department says sales increased 3.3 percent in April from March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 343,000. That followed a 7.3 percent decline in March.

Defendant says drum major wanted to be hazed

ajc.com — The Associated Press ORLANDO, Fla. - A defendant says a Florida A&M drum major who died after being hazed got on a bus where band members were ritually beaten because it was a sign of respect to have survived such an encounter.

Defendant says drum major wanted to be hazed

ajc.com — ORLANDO, Fla. - A Florida A&M drum major who died after being hazed on a bus asked to go through the ordeal because it was seen as an honor, a criminal defendant in the case said in a deposition released Wednesday Twenty-six-year-old Robert Champion had asked all season to go through the hazing ritual, defendant Jonathan Boyce said.
AP's @MikeSchneiderAP reports on the evidence released in FAMU drum major Robert Champion's hazing death. http://t.co/tY36rlie

Of gays, lesbians and an electric fence in North Carolina

blogs.ajc.com — Below is a clip of the anti-gay sermon by the Rev. Charles Worley of Providence Road Baptist Church in Maiden, N.C., that's whipping around the Internet via YouTube: Look, it doesn't matter what you think of gay marriage or Barack Obama.
When the Rev. Charles Morely's electric fence is built, only one side will be the right one. #gagop #gapol http://t.co/MK5Rbacp

Report: More support needed for kinship caregivers

ajc.com — The Associated Press NEW YORK - As more of America's children are raised by relatives other than their parents, state and local governments need to do better in helping these families cope with an array of financial and emotional challenges, a new report concludes.

Your morning jolt: Local races will create the climate for transportation sales tax vote

blogs.ajc.com — The qualifying period for candidates seeking a spot on the July 31 primary ballot began this morning. Secretary of State Brian Kemp has promised live updates here. My AJC colleague Aaron Gould Sheinin has a rolling blog going - plus an advance that focused on tea party ambitions: [Debbie Dooley of Atlanta Tea Party Patriots] said a tea party candidate has already announced a challenge to state Sen.
Your morning jolt: Qualifying begins creation of climate for July 31 vote on transportation sales tax. #gagop #gapol http://t.co/B1Uiafr1

Desperate in DeKalb: Should schools drop sports programs? How about band and drama?

blogs.ajc.com — A parent raised an issue at the DeKalb school board meeting that merits more discussion here: Rather than increase class sizes, the parent said the county should cut athletics. "There's no point in training student athletes when they can't read or write or get a job," she said.
#edchat: Should cash-strapped systems consider dropping sports programs to avoid raising class size, cutting teachers? http://t.co/9EhPnhWp

News flash! Obama most frugal president since Ike

blogs.ajc.com — From the Marketwatch column at the Wall Street Journal: "Almost everyone believes that Obama has presided over a massive increase in federal spending, an "inferno" of spending that threatens our jobs, our businesses and our children's future. Even Democrats seem to think it's true. But it didn't happen.
News flash! "Big-spending" Obama is actually most frugal president since Ike Eisenhower. Yup, it's true: http://t.co/7kz8bAto

Atlanta Hawks: The Larry Drew half measure

blogs.ajc.com — In Orlando, the Magic fired Stan Van Gundy and said they did so essentially because he's not a players' coach. Or as the Orlando Sentinel's Josh Robbins put it: "[Van Gundy] occasionally annoyed veteran players with his demanding expectations, his demonstrative sideline demeanor and his blunt assessments of their play during press conferences."

Braves quotes after Tuesday’s loss to Reds

blogs.ajc.com — On all the Reds homers "Two nights in a row. They're swinging it, and getting them over the fence. I thought Beachy was terrific. Again. Minor did a nice job yesterday getting us deep in the ballgame, and Beachy did a great job keeping it right there.

Goodell ‘would encourage' ATL to pursue Super Bowl in new stadium

ajc.com — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, in Atlanta for a meeting of the league's owners Tuesday, said he would advise the city to bid for another Super Bowl if a new stadium is built here. But he cautioned that the competition would be tough.
NFL commish "would encourage" Atlanta to bid for Super Bowl in new stadium, but cautions competition would be tough: http://t.co/7nbrMKlj

Man accused of hitting noisy kid at Wash. theater

ajc.com — The Associated Press SEATTLE - A Washington state man fed up with a group of noisy moviegoers behind him stepped over the seat and punched a 10-year-old boy in the face.
RT @ajc: Man accused of punching noisy kid sitting behind him at movies. http://t.co/eD5wqlsl

‘American Idol’ top 2 performance finale recap: a good… original song?

blogs.ajc.com — Could the original song make a difference this year? What was turning out to be a relatively unmemorable, rather sleepy night turned around the moment Phillip Phillips starting singing the original song "Home." I have to say Phillip has the winds going in his direction based on recent history.
Did the original song make the difference between Phil and Jessica tonight? Vote for real and then vote in my poll: http://t.co/2WPg7EXX

Reds hit three homers off Beachy in 4-3 win over Braves

blogs.ajc.com — CINCINNATI - If it wasn't too surprising when the Reds hit four home runs off the Braves' Mike Minor on Monday, it was another matter when they hit three off Brandon Beachy on Tuesday.

Despite Jurrjens’ bad Triple-A stats, Braves say they’re encouraged

blogs.ajc.com — CINCINNATI - Jair Jurrjens had his second statistically poor start in a row for Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, allowing 11 hits and seven runs (six earned) with one walk and four strikeouts in 4-1/3 innings. Still, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said the report from Gwinnett manager Dave Brundage was good.
From Tues: #Braves insist Jurrjens making progress, despite Triple-A stats; Chipper takes BP http://t.co/tlSnVxuT
#Braves notes: Jurrjens' terrible Triple-A numbers; McCann scratched; Chipper takes BP http://t.co/tlSnVxuT

Goodell not fazed by Vilma's lawsuit, Saints' blather

blogs.ajc.com — Troy Vincent heard it from coaches since his days in youth football. "Tough it out! Get up! Suck it up!' - but those days are over," the former NFL safety said Tuesday. "Was that the right thing to do? No. But that's the way we were taught."
Memo to Jonathan Vilma and #Saints: Roger Goodell not fazed by lawsuit, whining. Column: http://t.co/86OUuF2C
To Jonathan Vilma and #Saints: Roger Goodell hears your whines and he doesn't care. Column: http://t.co/86OUuF2C

Braves manager not pleased by Francisco’s actions after homer

blogs.ajc.com — CINCINNATI - Fredi Gonzalez didn't much appreciate Juan Francisco's bat-flip and slow trot after hitting a second-inning homer against his former Cincinnati team Tuesday, and the Braves manager let the backup third baseman know it. "I spoke to the young man about that the following inning and told him that we try not to do that here," Gonzalez said.

Video: On the SEC, the Big 12 and their confusing bowl game

blogs.ajc.com — Mark Bradley of the AJC discusses the SEC/Big 12 'Champions' Bowl and its ramifications for college football.
Another in our series of video chats with @njcoz, this one concerning the SEC, the Big 12 and that confusing bowl game. http://t.co/G2Q7N9h3

Robbery, standoff reported at Waffle House in DeKalb County

ajc.com — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution DeKalb County police were on the scene of a suspected robbery and standoff Tuesday afternoon that began at a Waffle House near I-20 and Evans Mill Road in Lithonia. Channel 2 Action News Channel 2 Action News, Channel 2 Action News A SWAT team was called in because of a possible armed gunman in the area, a police spokesman said.

One day later, pro-transportation tax forces say their side is winning

blogs.ajc.com — On Monday, Channel 2 Action News released an automated poll that put metro Atlanta support for a transportation sales tax at 42 percent - with the measure gaining a bare majority only in Fulton and DeKalb counties.
1 day after one poll puts transport tax support at 42%, pro-taxers release poll that says they're at 51%. #gagop #gapol http://t.co/hkxoVQnh

Clark Howard joins new HLN weekday show 5 to 7 p.m. with Ryan Smith, Isha Sesay

blogs.ajc.com — When Clark Howard cut back his hours last year on syndicated radio, he wasn't taking his first steps toward an early retirement. Rather, he's expanding his TV presence, joining an ensemble weekday newscast on HLN starting Monday, June 4, dubbed "Evening Express" from 5 to 7 p.m.
RT @condo29: Clark Howard joins new HLN weekday show 5 to 7 p.m. with Ryan Smith, Isha Sesay | Radio & TV Talk http://t.co/JLZNrP1u

More signs - still preliminary - that Iran’s ready to deal

blogs.ajc.com — For the moment, I'll file this under "Believe it when I see it," but it's nonetheless encouraging: From The Washington Post: "Iran and the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency are near agreement on a plan that could lift the veil on some of the Islamic Republic's past nuclear research, U.N.
More hopeful signs that Iran may be willing to deal on nuke program, avoid war; http://t.co/DTljERZZ

From worst to first: After Minor rocked, Beachy (1.33 ERA) tonight

blogs.ajc.com — CINCINNATI - Welcome to the abbreviated blog, wherein we'll discuss the worst-to-first nature of the Braves' first two pitchers in this series - Mike Minor last night, Brandon Beachy tonight - and the ridiculous odds defied by a fan catching home runs hit by consecutive batters three pitches apart.
Worst to first: After MInor rocked, #Braves turn to Beachy (1.33 ERA) tonight. DOB blog. Chrissie/Pretenders http://t.co/VHlBuAZa

Latest in John Travolta case: lawyer vs. lawyer

blogs.ajc.com — Sorry for the delay in John Travolta updates. I went on vacation for a few days and returned to discover the case has taken yet more twists and turns. The latest chapter: Lawyer vs. Lawyer.

3rd person treated for flesh-decaying infection

ajc.com — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution A Cartersville man is facing his sixth surgery Tuesday after contracting the same flesh-decaying bacterial infection as Aimee Copeland. Bobby Vaughn, 33, is the third person whose infection has come to light in recent weeks in the region.
Message from nature: Living in Ga. will eat your skin. Literally. http://t.co/tBXMqPLm

Reagan’s blood listed at auction

blogs.ajc.com — Officials with the Ronald Reagan library have vowed to "use every legal means to stop" the sale of blood taken by a hospital where the president was treated after a 1981 assassination attempt. Sky News reports the online auction has already attracted bids of more than $10,000.
RT @ajc: Sample of Ronald Reagan's blood offered at auction. Hope a mad cloning scientist doesn't win. http://t.co/Nk4b9wIV

Merck CEO: Generics, economy to make 2012-13 tough

ajc.com — The Associated Press TRENTON, N.J. - Merck & Co. CEO Kenneth Frazier told company shareholders on Tuesday that 2012 and 2013 will be difficult years, but he's confident the company can weather them. Speaking at the company's annual meeting, Frazier noted the drugmaker's top seller, asthma and allergy drug Singulair, gets U.S.
CEO: Merck will get thru tough 2012-13, as Singulair patent ends, with new drugs, Januvia growth _ AP http://t.co/cmUPD6XZ

Uriah LeMay: UGA QB’s younger brother ready to commit

blogs.ajc.com — The younger brother of UGA quarterback Christian LeMay has set a date for his college decision. Uriah LeMay, a 4-star wide receiver from Matthews, N.C., will announce on June 1. Due to the family connection, UGA is considered one of the schools to beat for LeMay, who has been poker-faced about his leaders and the recruiting process.

Even magnet school transport and pre-k on chopping block as DeKalb addresses $70 million shortfall

blogs.ajc.com — More depressing school news today in the AJC about DeKalb's efforts to address its $70 million deficit: The DeKalb County School District is facing its worst budget in recent memory, so officials are weighing wholesale elimination of programs, including pre-kindergarten, magnet school transportation and Montessori schools.
#edchat: Desperate times: DeKalb Schools considers dumping pre-k and magnet school buses to cope with $70 mil deficit. http://t.co/qRb6fT8m

State rep: Did DeKalb school board ever vote on redistricting?

blogs.ajc.com — From state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver today: I have filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the DeKalb Board of Education asking for documents showing the Board held a public meeting and took a public vote on a proposed redistricting map for DeKalb School Board seats.

U.S. in talks to deport deeper inside Mexico

ajc.com — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution The United States and Mexico are negotiating plans to start deporting criminal illegal immigrants deep into Mexico rather than releasing them at the border, hoping to stop adding to the criminal chaos south of the border. Some possible outcomes are fewer repeat illegal border crossings and fewer deportations flights originating from the states, U.S.
U.S. wants to deport illegal immigrants deep into Mexico, rather than just dropping them at the border. AJC: http://t.co/VsurzRTN

Georgia’s private school scholarships: “Neovouchers”

blogs.ajc.com — Many people contend that the private school scholarships approved by the Georgia General Assembly were a back-door voucher and subsidy, that the money would not go to poor students in public schools to move to private schools as promised, but to students already in the private schools.
#edchat: Georgia's private school scholarships are the Legislature's back door version of vouchers. http://t.co/xrfahW9g

Numbers suggest Mike Minor hasn't been as bad as all that

blogs.ajc.com — In the light of Mike Minor's latest strange outing - he yielded five hits in six innings, but four were home runs - I thought I'd pass along some data presented by Red Reporter in its preview of the Reds-Braves series . (Warning: If your eyes glaze over at the mention of sabermetrics, cease and desist reading.)
Sabermetrics suggest that Mike Minor hasn't been all that bad -- or Brandon Beachy quite so good. #braves http://t.co/3GgPNdvc

Is expansion really going to benefit UGA and other SEC members?

blogs.ajc.com — So, I'm back from vacation and taking note of what's been going on over the past week while my family was celebrating a high school graduation. ...
Splitting the pie: Is expansion really going to benefit UGA and other SEC members?... http://t.co/AXCejEl8

Star 94 drops Ray Mariner from Cindy & Ray show

blogs.ajc.com — Star 94 Monday let go Ray Mariner of the Cindy & Ray show. He has been taken off the Star 94 website. On his personal Facebook page, Mariner has not commented about this departure but has placed his job at Star 94 in the past tense.
Received a text from Ray Mariner but he revealed nothing about his boot from Star 94. No comment, he wrote. http://t.co/P76hMaxx
Still have no clue why Star let go Ray Mariner but here's what I wrote about it on the blog: http://t.co/P76hMaxx

The bait-and-switch tactic in Georgia education debate

blogs.ajc.com — The school-choice and voucher movement has long tried to sell itself to the public as a public-spirited crusade to allow low-income, often minority and inner-city students to escape bad public schools. However, critics of the movement have long suspected that it was something else entirely.
The hidden bait-and-switch tactic that's driving Georgia education debate; http://t.co/eBNu3ap4

Your morning jolt: About those tax credits for donors to private scholarships

blogs.ajc.com — From down in south Georgia, Sid Cottingham pointed us to this New York Times article, likely to become a topic of discussion during the upcoming charter school debate: When the Georgia legislature passed a private school scholarship program in 2008, lawmakers promoted it as a way to give poor children the same education choices as the wealthy.
Also, state GOP this weekend gave a quiet round of applause to Karen Handel. #gagop #gapol http://t.co/BTUo9hJQ
Your morning jolt: About those Georgia tax credits for donors to private school scholarship funds. #gagop #gapol http://t.co/BTUo9hJQ

Atlanta weather | "Better chance" for severe weather on Tuesday

ajc.com — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Another wave of storms rolled across the metro area Monday evening, sparking lightning fires and leading to a rescue from a creek, and forecasters are warning of an even greater risk for storms Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Morning y'all it's finna raaaaaain on our heads RT @ajc Weather will be nice today ... until the storms hit. http://t.co/wNNReQjS

Reality show seeks brides with breast cancer stories

blogs.ajc.com — A major cable network is casting for a new reality show and seeking brides with a breast cancer story. Casting folks are looking for brides who are fighting breast cancer themselves or who are survivors, or who have a close friend or family member who has been affected by breast cancer.

Indian passenger train rams freight train; 24 dead

ajc.com — The Associated Press HYDERABAD, India - A passenger train rammed into a parked freight train and caught fire before dawn Tuesday in southern India, killing at least 24 people and injuring dozens more. Rescuers worked for about six hours to pull some 70 survivors from the twisted and smoldering wreckage near the southwestern border of Andhra Pradesh state.

UN says Suu Kyi to give first int'l talk in Geneva

ajc.com — The Associated Press GENEVA - Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will deliver her first speech outside the country before a U.N. labor conference in Geneva on June 14, the head of the U.N. labor office said Tuesday.
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to make her first international speech June 14 at labor conference in Geneva http://t.co/se1WIEri

REWIND: DT was lifelong Tech fan, almost picked UGA

blogs.ajc.com — Jordan Watkins had an interesting recruiting journey: He grew up a Georgia Tech fan, listed UGA as a co-finalist, and ended up signing with Stanford. The 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive tackle from Woodward Academy will report to Stanford on June 21.
DT says it was tough to say "no" to #UGA Mark Richt, interesting reaction to Cam Newton allegations: http://t.co/Lnz3q7Iz

Mich. police: Grandmother shot grandson 8 times

ajc.com — The Associated Press BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Jonathan Hoffman frantically told a 911 dispatcher he had been shot in the chest by his grandmother and was going to die, a police detective testified Monday. By the time officers arrived at the family's upscale condo in a Detroit suburb, at least four more shots from a .40-caliber handgun had been pumped into the 17-year-old high school senior.

Minor blasted for four homers in Braves’ 4-1 loss to Reds

blogs.ajc.com — CINCINNATI - It had the potential for a combustible mix. The Braves sent recently homer-plagued Mike Minor to start Monday's series opener against the Reds at Great American Ball Park, sometimes referred to as Great American Small Park. The potential was fully realized.
Minor gives up 4 HR's, #Braves get 2 hits in 4-1 loss to #Reds as Monday blues (0-7) continue http://t.co/IzBdV3XP
#Braves Minor after giving up 4 HRs in 4-1 loss at Cincy: "I don't think it was the ballpark." GAME STORY http://t.co/IzBisDYJ

Braves quotes after Monday’s loss to Reds

blogs.ajc.com — On leaving Minor in after giving up two and then three consecutive homers "It's a teaching moment, a good moment for him to go back out there. He only gave up four solo home runs. I thought the kid pitched OK. It was a good chance for him to go back out there and hang around.

Minor blasted for four homers in Braves’ 4-1 loss to Reds

blogs.ajc.com — CINCINNATI - It had the potential for a combustible mix, the Braves sending recently homer-plagued Mike Minor to start Monday's series opener against the Reds at Great American Ball Park, sometimes referred to as Great American Small Park. The potential was fully realized.

Scenic adventure and remembering "Deliverance" in Oconee County, S.C.

ajc.com — For the AJC By Blake Guthrie This summer marks the 40th anniversary of the landmark film "Deliverance," and Oconee County in South Carolina and Rabun County in Georgia -- which border the Chattoga River where key scenes were filmed -- are throwing a festival to celebrate.
random fact: i've rafted in that river. RT @ajc: I hear banjos: North GA fest marks 40th anniversary of ‘Deliverance’ http://t.co/x6RbJw4s

Chipper misses third start in row, probably “a day or two away”

blogs.ajc.com — CINCINNATI - In this week's series against the Braves, the Reds will pay tribute to Atlanta's retiring third baseman by using special bases adorned with side panels that bear the message, "Celebrating the career of No. 10 Chipper Jones."

Braves’ Francisco homers in first at-bat against former team

blogs.ajc.com — CINCINNATI - Welcome home, Juan. Boooooo. Filling in for Chipper Jones on Monday, Braves third baseman Juan Francisco homered in his first at-bat back at his old home ballpark in Cincinnati. The second-inning solo shot tied the score at 1-all against his former team, and plenty of Reds fans booed as Francisco took a rather leisurely trot around the bases.
#Braves notes: Francisco homers in first at-bat against at old home ballpark; Beachy at "Small Park" http://t.co/hVei6NJO

Wis. recall leaders struggle to gain momentum

ajc.com — The Associated Press MADISON, Wis. - Amid signs that the effort to oust Republican Gov. Scott Walker is losing ground, Wisconsin Democrats and union leaders are preparing a fundraising and get-out-the-vote push to regain momentum in the final weeks before the June recall election.
The #WIrecall spending gulf. DNC has sent $1.4M to #WIGOV, @The_RGA has spent upwards of $6M already: http://t.co/U77YNJzu

96 Yemeni soldiers killed in suicide bombing

ajc.com — The Associated Press SANAA, Yemen - A Yemeni soldier detonated a bomb hidden in his military uniform during a rehearsal for a military parade, killing 96 fellow soldiers and wounding at least 200 on Monday in one of the deadliest attacks in the capital in years.

Does Dwight Howard's baggage outweigh his talent?

blogs.ajc.com — Last November, I proposed a trade for the Hawks: Deal any two players on their roster for Dwight Howard . Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. Josh Smith and Al Horford. Johnson and Al Horford. Marvin Williams, several Mediterranean islands and the undying gratitude of every Atlanta resident.
From last night: Does Dwight Howard's baggage suddenly outweigh Dwight Howard's talent? http://t.co/vLnqpNJw
Question: Does baggage that comes with Dwight Howard suddenly outweigh his talent? Blog: http://t.co/vLnuXnSG

New poll doesn’t bode well for metro Atlanta’s transportation sales tax

blogs.ajc.com — Channel 2 Action News is touting a Rosetta Stone poll that shows strong opposition outside Fulton and DeKalb counties to the July 31 transportation sales tax initiative: The poll found 42 percent support the referendum, while 45 percent oppose it. Thirteen percent remain undecided.
New Rosetta Stone poll touted by Channel 2 Action News doesn't bode well for transit vote in metro ATL. #gagop #gapol http://t.co/9YMFiFx2

The political suicide of Harold Ford Jr.

blogs.ajc.com — I used to be a fan of Harold Ford Jr. When he was a Congressman from Tennessee, I respected his work ethic, his smarts, his ambition. And I admired his audacity in seeking the Senate from Tennessee - a high hurdle for any Democrat, but especially one who is black.

In Cuba, mystery shrouds fate of Internet cable

ajc.com — The Associated Press HAVANA - It was all sunshine, smiles and celebratory speeches as officials marked the arrival of an undersea fiber-optic cable they promised would end Cuba's Internet isolation and boost web capacity 3,000-fold. Even a retired Fidel Castro had hailed the dawn of a new cyber-age on the island.
First hype, then silence: @ARodriguezAP on the Internet cable that was supposed to link #Cuba to the world, and didn't http://t.co/ch9akLSY

Roommate in Rutgers spying/suicide case gets 30 days in jail. Is that fair?

blogs.ajc.com — Too little time or too much? A judge today sentenced former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi to 30 days in jail and 300 hours of community service for using a video camera to spy on his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi, during a romantic encounter in the dorm.
#Edchat: Light sentence in Rutgers gay bullying/suicide case. 30 days in jail and community service. Too little time? http://t.co/UArBdZSG

Check out the NBC ‘Revolution’ extended trailer

blogs.ajc.com — NBC's most anticipated fall show "Revolution," shot last month in Atlanta, has already been seen by 7.2 million people on YouTube in less than a week. That's miles ahead of any of its other new shows, including Ryan Murphy's "New Normal" (120,000 views), which features NeNe Leakes in a recurring role.
Tell me what you think of the extended trailer for the new J.J. Abrams NBC show "Revolution," shot in Atlanta. http://t.co/nEsliVHI

UPS shows how a hot stock can cool over years

ajc.com — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Before Facebook's wildly sought-after initial public offering on Friday made it the nation's most valuable U.S. company to go public, at $104 billion, UPS held that historic spot. UPS' 1999 public offering effectively valued the Sandy Springs company at $80 billion by the end of the day - the nation's loftiest valuation of a newly public company until Facebook came along.

Can’t we get paddling out of all schools once and for all?

blogs.ajc.com — Given that there are far better and more effective ways to discipline students, why would schools risk lawsuits and criminal charges by striking children? I still don't understand how we teach kids not to hit people by hitting them.
#Edchat: Another parent complaint about paddling. Can't we get corporal punishment out of all schools? http://t.co/7e7mFRCp

Perez Hilton joining Q100 and 50 other stations

blogs.ajc.com — Entertainment blogger Perez Hilton is joining the radio game on 50 Cumulus Media radio stations starting May 21, including Q100. He will be on from 7 to 10 p.m. weeknights. He will be joined by Adam Bomb, who is based out of Dallas and used to be the night jock on Q100.
Tonight, welcome Perez Hilton to the Atlanta airwaves 7 to 10 p.m. with Adam Bomb on Q100. http://t.co/C2eh9oG8

Braves stressing patience with young pitchers

blogs.ajc.com — CINCINNATI - Mike Minor enters his start tonight in Cincinnati with a 7.09 ERA that's soared in the past couple of weeks, and a lot of folks are asking how long the Braves can wait before they ship him to the minor leagues.
#Braves say they'll be patient w/ young pitchers including struggling Minor. DOB blog. Jerry Lee Lewis. http://t.co/Zni8Gp6Z

Plaintiff may get $3 million settlement after tripping and falling on Atlanta sidewalk

ajc.com — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution A committee of Atlanta's City Council voted May 15 to authorize a $3 million settlement in a lawsuit filed by a blind man who tripped and fell on a city sidewalk.
RT @ajc: Blind man trips on ATL sidewalk, city may pay $3 million. http://t.co/zuq19Kbw

Ex-Peachtree Ridge running back removed from Air Force Academy amid drug investigation

ajc.com — COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Asher Clark, the second-leading rusher in Air Force football history, has been removed from the academy less than a week before he was scheduled to graduate, and sources indicated he was removed as part of the academy's investigation into illegal drug use.
Air Force Academy expels team's second-leading all-time rusher a week before he was to graduate. http://t.co/hE77wKlc Drugs implicated.

Facebook, patriotism, taxes and fair play

blogs.ajc.com — Eduardo Saverin, who became a billionaire as a co-founder of Facebook, has renounced his American citizenship and instead become a citizen of low-tax Singapore. The decision means that Saverin will save at least $67 million in federal taxes; by some accounts, his long-term tax savings may be several times that much.

To cope with budget, Cobb shortens school year, raises class size and cuts teachers. Welcome to the new normal

blogs.ajc.com — I can't help but be depressed at the continual AJC news stories about larger classes, fewer teachers and shorter calendars. This story is about Cobb, a school system that has been an academic pace setter and a major factor in the county's appeal to middle-class families.
#edchat: Cobb cuts teachers, raises class size and shortens school year. Is this the new normal for even top systems? http://t.co/LVY50klB

Monica Pearson, Jenn Hobby, Cynthia Bailey at Doggies on the Catwalk fundraiser

blogs.ajc.com — This year's Doggies on the Catwalk fundraiser was moved from Grady High School to a high-end furniture store Room & Board in West Midtown this past Friday night. Local celebrities paraded dogs around for PALS Atlanta, which provides ongoing care and support to pets of Atlanta area persons living with HIV symptomatic/AIDS, and other critical illnesses or disabilities.
Check out pics of Vikki Locke, Monica Pearson, @JennHobby at Doggies on the Catwalk fundraiser.@MonicaWSB http://t.co/P0mJQoRk

Interim president of Mali injured, witness

ajc.com — The Associated Press BAMAKO, Mali - A witness says that the interim president of Mali has been taken unconscious with a head wound to a hospital amid a day of protests. An Associated Press reporter saw protesters break into the palace compound Monday but it is not clear whether interim President Dioncounda Traore was there, or how he was injured.
Witness: Interim leader of Mali injured during day of protests as post-coup chaos rocks nation - AP via AJC @ http://t.co/C6KqRgG5

Father of webcam victim: Defendant has no remorse

ajc.com — The Associated Press NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - The father of Tyler Clementi says the former Rutgers student who was convicted earlier this year of bias intimidation for using a webcam to spy on his son deserves punishment. The statements come during sentencing of Dharun Ravi (dah-ROON' RAH'-vee).

Maria Sheffield endorses $100 cap of gifts to state lawmakers

blogs.ajc.com — You may or may not agree with him, but House Speaker David Ralston was right about one thing - the argument over ethics in the state Capitol will certainly cause some fissures in the GOP. Here's a message that Maria Sheffield, one of four Republicans in the fight to oust U.S.
Maria Sheffield, GOPer running against John Barrow, says she'll vote for gift cap for state lawmakers. #gagop #gapol http://t.co/yKs2VBcW

The SEC's new bowl with the Big 12? It mightn't be so big

blogs.ajc.com — Beginning in 2014, the champions of the SEC and the Big 12 will meet annually in a New Year's Day. That's provided both champions are available, which neither figures to be. Which is why I'm a little confused about just how big this Big Game really is.
The SEC's big new bowl with the Big 12? I'm thinking it might not be so big. #UGA http://t.co/r0v3g5vc

| Radio & TV Talk

Check out an extended trailer for NBC's J.J. Abrams sci-fi thriller "Revolution." The pilot was shot in Atlanta. http://t.co/cWRpdLXf