Across Georgia

Grady Hospital's fight appears nearly won

ATLANTA --- The race to save Grady Memorial Hospital --- Metro Atlanta's public health safety net --- appears to be approaching its final hurdle after more than six months of politicking, pondering and persuasion.

On Wednesday, the Fulton County Commission approved a plan transferring power over Grady to a nonprofit governing board. Next week, Dekalb County could follow suit, clearing the way for the new board to be seated. The management overhaul comes with the promise of $300 million in new support -- enough to keep Grady afloat and pay for much-needed improvements in the hospital's crumbling infrastructure.

Small-town store sells Mega Millions winner

PORTAL --- A small Georgia town was buzzing with activity after Georgia Lottery officials said Saturday that the winning ticket to the $270 million Mega Millions drawing was purchased at a convenience store there.

The winning ticket from Friday night's drawing was bought at Clyde's Foods 70, Georgia Lottery spokeswoman Tandi Reddick said. Portal is about 200 miles southeast of Atlanta.

Billy Hodges, the general manager of the store, said a regular customer who he described as a middle-aged housewife bought the ticket Friday before the evening drawing.

Under the cash option, the winner would receive a lump sum of $164 million. Under the lottery's annuity option, the winner would receive about $10.3 million a year for 26 years

'Crown Royal Bandit' suspected in holdup

ATHENS --- Federal Bureau of Investigation agents believe the "Crown Royal Bandit" has struck again in Georgia.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Emmett says the man who robbed an Athens bank Thursday morning fits the description of the person who's responsible for as many as 30 bank robberies across Georgia and Tennessee since 1997.

The agent said the robber got his name because he would order tellers to put money in one of the iconic purple cloth bags sold with Crown Royal whiskey. Authorities say he used a simple canvas bag Thursday.