News briefs for April 27: Hollywood sign gets Hollywood ending

National

The U.S. Department of Transportation will institute a new rule on Thursday that will prevent domestic flights from sitting on the tarmac for more than three hours when passengers are on board. Airlines that violate the rule can face up to a $27,500 fine per customer. Passenger advocates remain divided on this new rule, some applauding the DOT for its action while others expressing concern that the rule will lead to an increase in canceled flights.

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner saved the fabled Hollywood sign yesterday, when he came through with the final $900,000 donation needed to purchase the 138 acres around the “H” to permanently protect it from development.

The national nonprofit conservation organization, the Trust for Public Land, led a year-long “Save the Peak” campaign to raise $12.5 million for the purchase. The iconic landscape will be donated to Los Angeles County for inclusion in an adjacent wildlife area that is home to endangered species and a beloved hiking spot because of its 360-degree view of the valley.

State

The Georgia Department of Labor awarded $250,000 to the Association County Commissioners of Georgia to fund the eight-week summer college internship program, which places interns in all 159 counties in the state. The program is open to both graduate and undergraduate students from a variety of majors. The Georgia County Internship Program is recruiting now.

Local

Catnip ‘n’ Biscuits, a dog and cat day care and luxury pet hotel, will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting at its location on 2615 Skidaway Road. The new facility will offer theme rooms and toddler beds for overnight stays. The day care features both indoor rubber agility floors and outdoor yards will artificial turf specifically designed for pets.

The Humane Society of Savannah/Chatham County will host its 10th annual Doggie Carnival May 2, from noon – 4 p.m. at the Forsyth Park fountain. Admission is free. The events features the pooch smooch, doggie derby races and the best dog trick and pet/owner look alike contests.

SCAD

Today’s SCAD Style must-see events:

Fashion publicist, reality television star and author Kelly Cutrone will discuss strategic branding and marketing in fashion at 3:30 p.m., Student Center.

Fashion journalist Derek Blasberg and visionary stylist and clothier Cameron Silver will give an insider’s view of style history at 5:30 p.m. at the Student Center.

Book signings will follow both events.

Playgirl magazine will be in Savannah over the weekend looking for candidates for the Campus Hunks issue, which will hit stands in September. The magazine will be touring other east coast universities, such as Princeton and Georgetown, before heading to the Midwest. If interested, potential hunks should send their photos to Daniel Nardicio, the magazine’s director of marketing.

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