Georgia News Digest

Associated Press

The state at 1:30 p.m.

TOP STORIES:

HPV-VACCINE

ATLANTA — Researchers say a vaccine for a sexually spread virus has cut infections in teen girls by half. This is the first evidence of how well the HPV vaccine works since it came on the market seven years ago. For girls ages 14 to 19, the study found a 56 percent reduction in the types of HPV virus targeted by the shots. Vaccination campaigns focus on girls ages 11 and 12. By Mike Stobbe.

DEKALB CEO INDICTED

DECATUR, Ga. — The chief executive officer of one of Georgia's largest counties, who is facing several corruption charges made public Tuesday, says that he's done nothing wrong. DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis made a brief statement Tuesday night, hours after a 15-count indictment alleged that he threatened to withhold county business from companies that didn't contribute to his campaign.

ATLANTA SCHOOLS-CHEATING

ATLANTA — A judge overseeing the case against dozens of Atlanta educators accused of a conspiracy to cheat on standardized tests is expressing concerns about whether their statements to investigators were coerced by investigators. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter addressed prosecutors at a hearing this week, telling them "I am seriously concerned about your case."

CHATTAHOOCHEE WHITEWATER

COLUMBUS, Ga. — A rapid that has gained a notorious reputation as part of a new whitewater course on the Chattahoochee River has been reopened after dozens of rafters were dumped into the rushing water during its first week. The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reports that at least 10 of 17 large rafts flipped on the Cut Bait rapid shortly after the course opened in May. More than 70 of the first rafters who traversed the rapid were dumped into the river that separates Georgia and Alabama in the Columbus area.

AROUND THE SOUTH:

NRC-TVA VIOLATIONS

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing a $70,000 fine against the Tennessee Valley Authority for violations related to one of its East Tennessee nuclear plants.

According to a NRC news release on Wednesday, the violations have to do with the commercial grade dedication program during the construction of Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 2, about 60 miles southwest of Knoxville.

ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ

COLUMBIA, Ala. — Standing in the vault her brothers robbed 55 years ago, Marie Anglin Widner gasped."They really went in here," she said, turning to fully take in the surroundings at the old Bank of Columbia. "Wow." The south Georgia woman remembers her brothers - John William (J.W.), Clarence and Alfred Anglin - as rambunctious but nonviolent kids trying desperately to escape poverty in Donalsonville, Ga. An AP member exchange. By Greg Phillips. The Dothan Eagle.

— ARMY RECRUITING BATTALION — Lt. Col. Michael Standish takes over Army Recruiting Battalion that works in SC, NC, and Ga..

ALSO:

— SOLDIERS RETURN — About 100 soldiers expected to return to Georgia Army base after Afghanistan deployment.

— LAW GRAD SLAYING — Trial date postponed in slaying of Mercer University law school graduate.

— DEPUTY ATTACKED — Chatham County sheriff's deputy recovering after authorities say he was attacked by prisoner.

— CAREER PATHWAYS — State education officials crafting framework for career-oriented education model.

— HISTORIC HOMES RESCUED — Middle Ga. couple buys 3rd historic home needing restoration in city of Forsyth.

— NATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE — National Education Association to hold annual conference in Atlanta.

SPORTS:

FBN--FALCONS-JACKSON'S IMPACT

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Steven Jackson is making a positive first impression on his new teammates with the Atlanta Falcons — reporting to work early, advising young players and trying to execute each play to perfection in mini-camp. Quarterback Matt Ryan and receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White believe that Jackson, the NFL's active leader with 10,135 career yards rushing, will help make Atlanta's offense lethal this season. By George Henry.

With AP Photos

The AP.