Metro news for Thursday

By Bob Howard

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The U.S. Senate Wednesday confirmed -- by a 94-5 vote -- Adalberto Jose Jordan to fill one of two vacancies on the federal appeals court in Atlanta.

Jordan, who was born in Cuba and came to the U.S. with his parents when he was 6 years old, clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. In 1999, he was put on the U.S. District Court bench in Miami by President Bill Clinton. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is allotted 12 judges; President Barack Obama has yet to submit a nominee for an opening to be filled by a Georgia lawyer or judge. BILL RANKIN

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Peach State Health Plan, a company that manages care for Georgians covered by Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids, has been approved to provide services throughout Georgia, the company announced Wednesday. Peach State has previously served recipients only in the Atlanta, Central and Southwest regions of the state. The company currently manages the care of about 300,000 members in those regions. The expansion was authorized by the Department of Community Health, which oversees the Medicaid and PeachCare programs. Peach State is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation. CARRIE TEEGARDIN

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The Atlanta Regional Commission has awarded ten local communities a total of $796,000 in planning grants through its Livable Centers Initiative. LCI grants are intended to help local governments and communities create new growth plans. Atlanta, DeKalb County and Marietta received $120,000, $100,000 and $80,000 respectively. Five other communities received funding for various supplemental studies. In addition, $80,000 grants for two innovation studies will be awarded to Atlanta and the Stone Mountain Community Improvement District. JEREMIAH MCWILLIAMS

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County by county

Three of a Kind

A look at African-American museums in the metro area. B5

Restaurant Inspections

How did your neighborhood nosh rate with the county health inspector? B4