Latest Georgia news, sports, business and entertainment

BROUN-FDIC

Ga. Rep. Broun suggests FDIC targets GOP states

ATLANTA (AP) Georgia Rep. Paul Broun is suggesting that federal regulators are targeting banks in Georgia and Texas for closure because they are in Republican-leaning states.

The Republican Congressman told reporters Monday that bankers in his district have reported that officials from Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation are saying they will close down all but 75 banks in Georgia. He did not identify those bankers or offer further details.

He also said the FDIC is targeting banks in Georgia and Texas and suggested it was because both states lean Republican.

Broun was an investor at McIntosh Commercial Bank, which regulators closed in 2010. State authorities or the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency close banks, not the FDIC.

FDIC officials did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

DEAD DOGS-ARREST

Savannah man with 10 dead dogs reaches plea deal

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) A Savannah man has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty after authorities say they found 10 dead dogs in his abandoned home and nine more that were starving but still alive.

Kirby Campbell had initially faced felony charges after the dead dogs were found in late April, but prosecutors told a judge Wednesday that evidence in the case did not support a felony conviction.

Animal control officers said last month that the dogs had been abandoned for at least three weeks without food or water and had resorted to feeding on each other to survive.

The Savannah Morning News reports Kirby's plea deal includes a 12-month jail sentence and a $500 fine. Prosecutor Sneh Patel told the judge Kirby will no longer be allowed to own pets.

TV-AMERICAN IDOL

Phillip Phillips is the new 'American Idol'

LOS ANGELES (AP) Bluesy guitar man Phillip Phillips is the new "American Idol," defeating teenage songbird Jessica Sanchez.

Phillips, a 21-year-old pawn shop worker from Leesburg, Ga., received more viewer votes than 16-year-old Sanchez of Chula Vista, Calif.

Phillips' victory Wednesday extended the "American Idol" winning streak for males to five consecutive seasons. The last female to win was 17-year-old Jordin Sparks in 2007.

During the three-song showdown Tuesday between Phillips and Sanchez, the show's judges praised his performance across the board. Sanchez was faulted for a lackluster rendition of her final song, "Change Nothing."

Phillips, who was a top vote-getter throughout the season, gets a recording contract along with bragging rights.

GEORGIA TECH-GRANT

Ga. Tech gets $5M grant aimed at Hispanic youth

ATLANTA (AP) Georgia Tech has received a $5 million private grant to promote science, technology, engineering and math among Hispanic students.

The Goizueta Foundation is providing the grant for Georgia Tech to encourage Hispanic K-12 students to get involved in those fields.

Georgia Tech President G. P. "Bud" Peterson says the school has a longstanding commitment to attracting young people to those fields. He says the school looks forward to expanding opportunities for K-12 Hispanic students through new programs.

The five-year grant will support and enhance the GoSTEM research-based model and will demonstrate how technological universities and school systems can partner to promote academic achievement.

ARMED FORCES FESTIVAL

Savannah riverfront to host Armed Forces Festival

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) Savannah is planning a celebration in honor of Georgia's military service members throughout the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

The Armed Forces Festival opens Friday on the city's historic downtown riverfront and will continue through Sunday with live music, vendors selling arts and crafts as well as plenty of concessions from funnel cakes to frosty beers.

Performers will include the 530th Air Force Band from Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta and the Georgia National Guard's 116th Army Band based in Ellenwood.

The Georgia Guard is hosting the festival to raise money for its Family Support Foundation, a charity that provides emergency relief assistance to the state's citizen-soldiers and airmen.

FISHING LICENSES

Ga. fishermen get chance to comment SC rules

ATLANTA (AP) Georgia fishermen are getting a chance to discuss new South Carolina rules that could affect their fishing in border waters.

The meeting Thursday will give the public a chance to comment on the upcoming expiration of an agreement between Georgia and South Carolina. It allows anglers to fish on border waters and shorelines with a fishing license from either state.

New fishing laws in South Carolina end that agreement July 1. Wildlife officials said the new rules include changes on size limits for trout, crappie and striped bass.

Officials in both states have said they are interested in a negotiating a new agreement, though it will have to be different.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Currahee campus of North Georgia Technical College.

ATLANTA SYMPHONY

Falcons lineman partners with Atlanta Symphony

ATLANTA (AP) Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Justin Blalock has rung a lot of bells in his career. Now he's partnering with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to make a different sort of music.

Blalock is serving as a spokesman for the orchestra's "When I Play Music" campaign for music education. He grew up playing the tuba and he says he recognizes the positive impact of music education on children.

The partnership aims to raise awareness of the benefits of music and sports in the lives of kids. Blalock will also host and guest conduct with the orchestra during its annual "side-by-side" concert on June 14.

He said music helps kids achieve higher test scores, become community leaders, gain more confidence and experience teamwork.