Latest on Reece investigation. Mall in foreclosure? Broad St. Station seeks Peach Palace permits. Mid-90s, 30% rain chance.

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Campaign Watch: (click)

-Natalie Simms interviews the two Republican candidates seeking the Senate District 52 seat, representing Floyd and parts of Bartow and Gordon counties. Barry Loudermilk and Jeff Knight are on the July 20 primary ballot. The winner faces Democrat Mike Burton on Nov. 3.

-Attorney general to review complaints Reece, others offered 'unauthorized assistance' with absentee ballots: The State Election Board has referred a Chattooga County case to the Attorney's General office, a complaint that alleges veteran state Rep. Barbara Massey Reece, D-Menlo, and several others offered "unauthorized assistance" with absentee ballots in the Nov. 7, 2006, general election. Reece represents District 11, which includes Chattooga and part of Floyd counties. She does not face a primary or Republican opponent this election season. The allegation is Reese and others assisted elderly and/or infirm absentee voters that year.  There are concerns about 2008 votes as well. List as potential violations: Whether Reece and others failed to fill out the oath on the absentee ballots of those she assisted as required by the state. Also: Whether Reese possessed another elector's ballots. Among those also name: Reece's mother, Eva. We placed calls to Reece at home and her Atlanta office, and to her attorney, Chris Corbin. on Thursday. Review the document. clicking SEB

-Latest local politics: Surprisingly quiet weekend. Politics

Mount Berry Square in foreclosure, to be sold?

-So reports today's Rome News (click). We're awaiting contact from local and regional officials with caretaker Jones Lang LaSalle. Mount Berry has  been among part of the "eastern U.S. mall portfolio," or four retail centers, listed on the commercial real estate site LoopNet (click). Under JLL's watch, the mall has added several retailers including The Children's Place and The Nest/Connect Rome but also has seen The Gap exit. Expanded promotions also have been used, including the second Saturday Kids World which meets at 1 p.m. this Saturday (fire safety). The mall area has been hit hard by the recession, with the loss of Circuit City last year and the former Treasure Island remains vacant.

Dining & Drink

-Broad Street Station seeks new beer, wine permit at former Peach Palace: As expected, Donny Canada is asking the Alcohol Control Commission for a license to pour beer and wine at 425 Broad St., until recently the home of Peach Palace. Canada and partners wanted to open at the former McCrobie's/Alley location on Broad until the Peach Palace site was shopped. The ACC meets Monday at 5 p.m. in City Hall. The food/drink sales ratio also will be discussed. Click ACC

-July 5, 12 projected opening day for Broad Street's Greener Burger. Click

-Rome Restaurant Deals launches: Our latest Facebook page is designed to share local restaurant deals in Rome and Floyd County. We were writing about a similar page in Cartersville and decided to try it here. Enjoy. Click Facebook

Dining & Drink (click)

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores for Northwest Georgia.

-New this week: Links to specific reports of restaurants scoring 69 or less.

-North Georgia wineries offer song, swinging vines, Father's Day brunch.

Friday's Buzz:

-Samantha Hiner, a spring 2010 graduate of Berry College, has been awarded a research grant by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Click

-Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce offering seminars on Healthcare Reform June 29. Details

-What's ahead this weekend. Click

Your latest forecast:

-Friday: 30% rain chance, high of 91; low of 70, 30% rain chance.

-Saturday: 30% rain chance, 93 again. 20% chance of rain, low of 70.

-Sunday:  A sizzling 94 with a 30% rain chance; low of 70.       

-Extended forecast: Click  / Regional radar

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-College football has now officially shifted off its axis, so hold tight.

Rome Braves. Sports

-Rome Braves open series with 5-0 shutout of Greenville.

-Tonight, Saturday: Braves host Greenville. 

-Latest roster moves--and there are a bunch of them.

-Mills Fitzner's home game photos. Click

Dining & Drink> Click

-Latest public health restaurant inspection scores

-What's new at local restaurants and what's on the way.

Downtown Headlines> Downtown
-What's ahead in downtown Rome: Classic Car Cruise-In returns.

-Bryan Mullins' MullinsMania: Downtown entertainment report.

Wine News Vine> Click

-North Georgia wineries plan busy summer.