Bartow can expect another round of excessive heat, thunderstorms today. Plus: latest political updates

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Another round of excessive heat followed by storms

-Expect another round of extreme heat today and more thunderstorms.

-Tuesday: High of 93, low of 71. Rain chance: 60%. Heat index: 102.

-Wednesday: High of 93, low of 72. Rain chance: 50%. Heat index of 99.

-Monday evening's storm dumped 1.24 inches of rain at the Rome airport. Winds clocked at 21 mph, gusts to 35 mph. Nearly 900 homes in Floyd, Polk counties lost power in the storm.

-In Cartersville: Just a trace of rain, gusts to 21 mph.

-Forecast: Click  / Regional animated radar

Dining & Drink

-The Greener Burger -- definitely worth the wait: A tasty burger and a much broader menu than most expected is on the table at downtown Rome's newest restaurant. A First Bites review. Click Dining

-Free pizza day is Aug. 19: Stevi B's Second Annual Free Pizza Day is Aug. 19 and while we don't have that rumored store in Rome just yet, the Cartersville shop at the Wal-Mart/Lowe's plaza is taking part. If you're one of the first 100 customers beginning at 6 p.m. New this year: The giveaway will one of Stevi B's surprise specialty pizzas. Click

-Winter wine wonderland: Nine North Georgia wineries will have specials Dec. 3-5 as the second Winter Wine Highway Weekend gets under way. Click

Tuesday's Buzz:

-Aug. 2/Tea Party runoff candidate forum: The Rome/Floyd GA TEA Party 2010 will host a run-off candidate forum and debate state featuring House District 14 Republicans Christian Coomer and Shep Helton, as well as candidates for Georgia Insurance Commissioner, Republicans Phil Hudgens and Maria Sheffield. The runoff is Aug. 10. The forum begins at 6:30 p.m. at In Focus Worship Center, 710 E. First St., and is open to all.

-22% jump in the number of students attending the state's technical colleges has set an annual enrollment record. Click

Latest reports from the Bartow County Jail. Click

-Latest fire hydrant test updates. Click list

Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable. Arey 

-Is the ACC trying too hard with its super-ambitious early season match-ups?

Rome Braves. Click Sports

-Braves-Drive postponed by storms; double header tonight beginning at 6 p.m. Teams will play two seven-inning games. 

-The Braves are off Wednesday; play in Asheville Thursday.

-Mills Fitzner's latest home game photos. (Click)