Panda Express opens in Calhoun. Heat index of 98 due today. Drier, warmer spring for Cartersville. Russell Airport earns Purple Heart designation. Later today: Bartow County Jail reports, Cartersville Police updates.

The local news you need throughout your busy day from www.bartowheadlines.com:

 

Ware Mechanical forecast:

• Mid 90s with a heat index of 98 due. No relief in sight.
• Spring 2016 was warmer, considerably drier in Rome, Cartersville vs. normal, according to the National Weather Service.
• 'Code Orange' smog alert Wednesday for Bartow, metro Atlanta. Smog

Today's headlines:

• Panda Express opens in Calhoun as Asian fast-food giant continues growth. Quick look inside potential pizza restaurant. Dining
• Big day for Richard B. Russell Regional Airport/Towers Field as it becomes the nation's second Purple Heart Airport. With photos.
• Georgia Health News: Task force aims to reshape Georgia stance on health coverage. Health
• Outdoors: Paddle Georgia arrives in Calhoun for street party tonight; trek ends Friday in Rome. Paddle
• As we head to the water, some key river safety tips from Floyd County E-911. Outdoors
• Changing of the guard at Seven Hills Rotary on Tuesday. Facebook
• Remembering Mr. Wayman Marian Holder, Mr. Billy Presley. Obituaries
• Public Health restaurant inspection scores. Dining
• Area arrest reports brought to you by Dr. Miniyar's Pediatrics. CrimeWatch

Recommended reads:

• Floyd Schools, first responders produce chilling video that will change the way you drive, let alone your teenagers. Video
• 2016 Guide to Summer Camps in Northwest Georgia. Camps
• Vacation Bible Schools plan a busy summer. What's ahead. VBS
• Northwest Georgia traffic conditions via Google Maps or Waze.
• Today's business headlines from  Georgia Trend
• Northwest Georgia's best source for job leads. Click Career Builder
  

Chick-fil-A Dwarf House Sports Report

• Five Rome Braves in Tuesday's All-Star game, playing for the southern division.
• Next: All-Star break through today; home Thursday-Sunday vs. Charleston.
• Mills Fitzner's Rome Braves' home game photo gallery.
• Atlanta Braves: Marlins today; home Thursday-Sunday vs. Mets.
• Links to high school football schedules this fall.
• Links to sports summer camps. Football, baseball and more.

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, WRGA 98.7 FM (streaming)

Please join our guests from 7-9 a.m. including:

• At 7:20 a.m.: Joe Cook, who's on the river with Paddle Georgia, updates us on the trip winding its way to Rome this week.
• At 7:40 a.m.: Patrick Eidson, Rome's assistant city manager, on the annual Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge on Aug. 20.
• At 8:10 a.m.: Daniel Morris, a recent Darlington graduate, on assembling his dream, the Cedartown Coca-Cola Museum opening this weekend.