Congressman Proposed to Serve 12 Years Only

AUGUSTA, GA (PR) U.S. Rep. Rick Allen -Republican representing the 12 District- returned home to Augusta on Thursday for a ceremonial swearing-in, a platform he used to update his priorities for his first term in Congress, which include repealing the Affordable Care Act -over 50 times already voted in the pass- and growing the economy through energy independence and “fiscal responsibility.”

Augusta Aviation Commission Not Flying Alone

AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - Created by the legislature, governing authorities such as Augusta’s Downtown Development Authority or the Columbia County Airport Authority exist statewide and have greater powers than those granted the Augusta Aviation Commission by the city’s Consolidation Act and local ordinances. Richmond County Commissioners are not ready to vote to separate from the city control in spite of being discussed the idea for years. Roy Williams is the new Executive Director of the Augusta Regional Airport.

Sheriff Arpaio Running for 7th Term

PR - “America’s Toughest Sheriff” announced in an email sent to his friends he is running for reelection in 2016, seeking his 7th term. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio campaign message reads that “will probably be the toughest campaign I have ever run.” 

"One Augusta" Getting Some Heat

AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr. announced the launch of the My Brother’s Keeper initiative in Augusta and a summit took place today at the Richmond County Career Technical Magnet School. The White House initiative is intended to support children among minority communities to excel in life. The Hispanic community apparently was not well represented at the meeting but Davis responded that everybody was invited to participate.

Train Derailed Challenging Transparency and Cleanup

(PR) - The chemical spill -1/27, 2:20 a.m.- which resulted from a CSX train derailment in Allendale, South Carolina, is the latest in a long string of incidents where hazardous chemicals have ended up in local waterways due to lax industry standards and regulations.

Aprueban Mega Zona Escolar en Columbia

EVANS, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - En su reunión regular del 27 de enero de 2015, la Junta Directiva de Educación del condado de Columbia aprobó la rezonificación o cambios en las zonas escolares. Se estima que unos 2000 estudiantes serían afectados. Hubo oposición de varios padres pero el Board of Education decidió apoyar los cambios. El 17 marzo electores del condado deberán votar por el paquete de fondo para financiar nuevas escuelas y la ejecución del plan.

Ley Para Reconocer Estudiantes de DACA

ATLANTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - Un proyecto de ley, SB 44, con el fin de proporcionar a los estudiantes extranjeros el pago de la matrícula estadual -in-state tuition- en las universidades ha sido introducido en la legislatura de Georgia. Los beneficiarios de DACA, orden ejecutiva del Presidente Barack Obama que legaliza a personas indocumentadas temporalmente, hasta el momento han sido rechazados a inscribirse en varias universidades del estado y en otras deben pagar más, o sea, out-of-state tuition. 

I Was Arrested for Learning a Foreign Language

Today, I Have Some Closure

By Nick George - Five years ago, the Philadelphia police thought that carrying Arabic-language flashcards was enough to warrant the arrest of an innocent traveler. A settlement reached today in a lawsuit I brought against the police department makes it clear that it is not.

Travelling by plane can be a long and grueling process under the best of circumstances. This makes it a good time for monotonous tasks, like trying to iron out some vocab for a language you're learning at college.

Inmates Wearing Hot Pink Uniforms

AUGUSTA, GA (Ayman Fadel) - This is the first draft of a letter I’m submitting to my local paper, which reported that the City of Grovetown in Columbia County, Georgia has purchased hot pink uniforms for its inmates.

Círculo de Lectores Inicia Tertulia Literaria

AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - La primera reunión del Círculo de Lectores Hispanoamericanos tuvo lugar el martes 20 de enero. El nuevo grupo ha sido instalado y ha decidido analizar varias obras iniciales en un periodo de tres meses. Los interesados en formar parte de esta tertulia literaria tienen tiempo para hacerlo ya que es abierta y solo se requiere que cada uno adquiera los libros por su cuenta y la pasión por la lectura, según sus organizadores.

Second Execution of 2015 in Georgia

ATLANTA, GA (PR) - Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens offers the following information in the case against Warren Lee Hill, who is currently scheduled to be executed on Jan. 27, 2015 for the murder of Joseph Handspike.

Vietnam Veterans as Condemned Properties

(PR) - Written from the heart and experiences of “Dusty” Earl Trimmer, ‘Condemned Property? Our Most Unpopular War Continues for Americans Who Fought in Vietnam...Why?’ takes a raw and blunt look at the Vietnam War, its Veterans and how the nation has let them down. Garnering critical acclaim from coast to coast, readers and reviewers are shocked to learn that the war’s biggest battle wasn’t fought in South-Eastern Asia, but is currently being waged against the Department of Veterans Affairs on home soil. This is a book the VA wishes it could ban, but one that embodies the story of thousands who have previously had no voice.

GRU-Augusta Seeking Partnership with University Hospital

ATLANTA, GA (PR) - We have said we must constantly assess ourselves to ensure we have a 21st century structure that provides the most effective system of institutions. Our commitment to always look for ways to improve our University System includes Georgia Regents Health System.

Culinary Arts Students Graduating

AUGUSTA, GA (PR) - The Helms College, Augusta Campus, will celebrate the success of its culinary arts students with a graduation ceremony at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26.

No Gas!

AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - The Transit Citizens Advisory Committee at its first meeting of 2015 was abruptly ended for lack of quorum.

The Battle for Gas Tax Increase

By Gregg Laskoski - With WTI crude oil dipping below $50 per barrel and retail gasoline prices slipping lower and lower... it would be easy to enjoy the euphoria of pump prices more than $1 lower than last year if only politicians weren't so determined to take more money out of our pockets. 

8th Annual Cesar Chavez Essay Contest

ATLANTA, GA (PR) - On behalf of the GALEO Leadership Council, which is comprised of alumni of the GALEO Institute for Leadership and GALEO Members statewide, GALEO continues to solicit entries from Georgia adults and Georgia high school students for the 2015 Cesar Chavez Essay Contest. The deadline is quickly approaching: February 13, 2015.  

The goal of this contest is to increase awareness of the continual plight of farm workers and their contributions to America while honoring civil rights legend Cesar Chavez.  Chavez's leadership was critical to organizing farm workers and founding what is today known as the United Farm Workers union.  He remains one of the foremost Latino leaders in American history.  His birthday is recognized as a state holiday in California, Colorado and Texas, and GALEO supports the movement to create a national holiday in honor of Chavez.

Roe v. Wade Anniversary and No/Yes Vote

ROME, GA (PR) - Today marks the 42nd anniversary of the regrettable decision in Roe v. Wade.  Since that haunting opinion was handed down by our Supreme Court in 1973, over 56,000,000 unborn babies have been legally aborted.  This is a tragedy of enormous gravity.  It has impacted everything in our culture, from the psychological and spiritual well-being of our women to the cultural value of human life to the declining birthrate and economic consequences.

Augusta Mayor is Offering Discount for Uber

AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis tweeted about Uber, the app-based alternative to regular taxi service, offering a discount to anyone needing transportation. The networked company is not in operation in Augusta, yet. The Augusta Public Transit has being embattled for decades and there was hope that with the new leadership in local government the service could be empowered. 

Provisión de Actas de Nacimiento a Mexicanos

ATLANTA, GA (PR) - A partir del pasado 15 de enero, las embajadas y los consulados de México podrán emitir copias certificadas de actas de nacimiento generadas en territorio nacional, en beneficio de todos los mexicanos en el exterior. En este sentido, el Consulado General de México en Atlanta realizó un evento de lanzamiento de la emisión de copias certificadas “Actúa y ven por tu acta”.

Policy on Assets Seized by State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies

WASHINGTON, D.C. (PR) - Attorney General Eric Holder issued an order setting forth a new policy prohibiting federal agency forfeiture, or “adoptions,” of assets seized by state and local law enforcement agencies, with a limited public safety exception.  

Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge Convicted of Conspiracy

WASHINGTON, D.C. (PR) - A current Puerto Rico Superior Court Judge was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in Puerto Rico of accepting bribes to acquit a businessman of vehicular homicide charges.

Georgia Republicans Have Much to Celebrate

ATLANTA, GA (Leo Smith) - Last year's midterm elections solidified the Grand Old Party's dominance in the Peach State.  From re-electing Governor Nathan Deal to sending businessman David Perdue to the U.S. Senate, ousting longtime congressman John Barrow from his perch in Augusta, to holding majorities in the State House and Senate, the "clean sweep" quashed the national narrative that Georgia was going purple and gave conservatives the mandate to lead.

Remembering America's "Favorite Son" and "Founding Father"

ATLANTA, GA (PR) - "Today, we reflect on the life of one of America's greatest leaders and re-commit to advancing Dr. King's legacy of service and sacrifice in our community, state, and country," said Georgia Republican Party Chairman John Padgett.

Arizona Seeking to Boost Civic Education

PHOENIX, AR (PR) - Governor Doug Ducey signed his first bill into law – the American Civics Bill, which will help ensure all Arizona students understand basic American civics.

Quoting what Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has called "the quiet crisis in education," the governor emphasized the need for children to be properly educated about the history and founding principles of our nation. 

Promesas Fallidas a Propietarios de Casas

WASHINGTON, DC (PR) - Hace casi un año, que la Oficina de Protección Financiera del Consumidor (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau o CFPB, por sus siglas en inglés) introdujo normas diseñadas para los proveedores de servicios hipotecarios con la meta de poner fin a las prácticas depredadoras que han costado la pérdida de viviendas a innumerables familias. 

Is Already Dead the Medical Marijuana Bill?

UPDATE 1/23/2015: By Allen Peake - Since last Friday, I have read headlines and social media posts that HB 1, the bill attempting to legalize medical cannabis in Georgia, had been gutted, or was dead. Let me assure you, that is the furthest thing from the truth.

Dr. Azziz Leaving Augusta

ATLANTA, GA (PR) - Dr. Ricardo Azziz announced he will step down as president effective June 30, 2015. He was named president of the Medical College of Georgia in 2010 and was inaugurated just before the Board of Regents moved to consolidate the institution with Augusta State University. Azziz was selected by the Board to lead the newly consolidated institution that became Georgia Regents University (GRU).

Education: Top Priority for House Democrats

ATLANTA, GA (PR) - Members of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus rolled out their legislative agenda today. Democrats are dedicated to ensuring the next generation has access to a first-rate education and the tools to drive the economy forward. They “understand that a strong educational foundation is the greatest predictor of economic success.”

Terminated Atlanta Fire Chief in Augusta

ATLANTA, GA (PR) – The City of Atlanta Law Department performed a thirty-day investigation into the publication of the book Who Told You That You Were Naked by former Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran. The Law Department issued its findings in an Investigative Report released on January 9, 2015.

SELMA Contributes Over $10.3 Million to Georgia’s Economy

WASHINGTON, DC (PR) – On the heels of the film receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture this morning, new economic figures released today reveal that the production of Pathé’s SELMA spent a total of 95 days in Georgia, contributing more than $10.3 million dollars to the local economy and hiring close to 1,900 Georgia cast, crew and extras. The production paid over $5 million in wages to more than 400 Georgia crew members.

Embattled Undocumented Students at All Levels

Georgia State University and Georgia Perimeter College will consolidate to form a new institution to be named Georgia State University. The Board of Regents approved a proposal from Chancellor Hank Huckaby recommending the consolidation of these two institutions to improve student success.

Reducing Fatalities Involving Young People

AUGUSTA, GA (PR) – As the recipient of an $8,700 grant the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Georgia Regents University (GRU) will partner with colleges and universities across the state to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities among young adults as part of The Young Adult Program.

The program promotes peer education, provides educational speakers to schools, and encourages school administrators to develop creative and innovative techniques to reduce the number of motor vehicle fatalities involving young people in their communities.

SentiMIENTOS

De Adicto a ADICTO. Por Ernesto Salayandia García. En este artículo el autor navega el resbaladizo camino del relacionaMIENTO humano, especialmente de las parejas. Además hace mención de las causales de divorcio en México y los patrones de conducta que son asimilados o contraídos por generaciones.

Reject Keystone XL Vigil

ATLANTA, GA (PR) - A vigil to ask President Obama to Reject the Keystone XL Pipeline now will take place January 13, 2015 at 6:00 PM, at the Corner of Marietta St. NW & Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NWAtlanta, GA, 30309.

Execution Set for Andrew Brannan in Georgia

ATLANTA, GA (PR) - Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens offers the following information in the case against Andrew Howard Brannan, who is currently scheduled to be executed on Jan. 13, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. for the 1998 murder of 22 year old Laurens County Deputy Sheriff Kyle Dinkheller. UPDATE: The execution took place and is the first in the nation in 2015.

Should Hybrid and Electric Car Owners be Punished?

AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - Charge usage fees to those who own alternative fuel vehicles such as hybrids and electric vehicles -item 8- or “wean the state and local governments from use of sales taxes on gasoline for non-transportation purposes,” are among a dozen of proposals made by the The Joint Study Committee on Critical Transportation Infrastructure Funding. Since Richmond County approved the T-SPLOST, implementing a one-cent statewide sales tax could hurt even more to its residents.

Hice Vote for Speaker Boehner Isn’t Final Verdict

On Tuesday, I was honored to be sworn in to the 114th Congress with the help of many people who are on this email. This first week has been a busy one. I have signed on to be an original co-sponsor of the FairTax, co-sponsored a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, as well as a bill to gut one of the most stifling tax increases within Obamacare.

Otorgan Licencia de Conducir a Indocumentados

Más de Un Millón Podrían Beneficiarse

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (PR) – California es uno de los 10 lugares que ofrece licencias de conducir a personas que no cuentan con documentación de entrada a Estados Unidos. Los demás son Colorado, Connecticut, Distrito de Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont, Washington. Unos 46.000 solicitantes ya habrían pasado por el departamento respectivo en California para acogerse a la medida, conforme fuentes extraoficiales. 

8th Annual MLK Interfaith Service

Use the link: vimeo.com/anibalshow/prc to send the Video to your Email or Text contacts.

AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - Saturday 10, 5 PM, will take place the Eighth Annual MLK Interfaith Service of Celebration featuring Dr. Cornel West with music by Wycliffe Gordon, Rob Foster Quartet and Davidson Fine Arts Chorale. The event at Gilbert-Lambuth Chapel, Paine College, is presented by the Progressive Religious Coalition (PRC) of Augusta in partnership with Georgia Regents University.

"Government on Steroids" in Augusta

AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - Censured for ethics violation in 2013, reelected in 2014 for another 4 years term, Commissioner Grady Smith (Super District 10) was elected Mayor Pro Tem to serve until December 2016. He was nominated by the Super District 9 Commissioner Marion Williams, who is serving for third time. Commissioner from District 6, Ben Hasan, called the 2015 composition of commissioners as “government on steroids” with Mayor Hardie Davis. Davis called 3 times for closed door discussions during the first session of the Augusta Richmond County Commission.

Azziz Named Again Georgia’s Most Influential

AUGUSTA, GA (PR) – Georgia Regents University President Ricardo Azziz has been named to Georgia Trend’s list of “100 Most Influential Georgians” for a fifth consecutive year.

Included in this month’s issue of the magazine, the 2015 list includes individuals from Georgia’s government, education, and business sectors, and is based on leadership, power, and influence criteria.

District 7 Special Election

UPDATE 2/11/2015: The voter registration deadline for March 17, 2015 Special Election is Tuesday, February 17, 2015. Residents desiring to register to vote, or change their name or address on the voter registration list may do so online at http://mvp.sos.state.ga.us/ or at the Richmond County Board of Elections Office located at 535 Telfair Street, Suite 500 in Augusta, Georgia. 

Refugios de Invierno en Augusta

AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - El servicio meteorológico pronostica la reducción de la temperatura a 16 grados para el 7 de enero del 2015 y con tal motivo se alerta a la población a contar con los elementos necesarios para combatir el frío. Albergues temporales se han dispensados en distintas áreas del condado de Richmond para las personas quienes no cuentan con calefacción adecuada.

Hardie Davis "Ordenado" Alcalde de Augusta

AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - Con cánticos y alabanzas a Jesús, el pastor protestante Hardie Davis hizo juramento al cargo de alcalde de la ciudad de Augusta, del condado de Richmond. Más que una ceremonia  oficial de gobierno, el evento tuvo los ingredientes de un servicio cristiano, celebrado en la capilla de la facultad Paine, histórica casa de estudios privada de la gente de color.

2015 New Year's Revolution

Bills to be considered in 2015 in Georgia

By Rich Pellegrino - The Atlanta area, where I reside, or Ferguson, New York, you name it... are all just a microcosm of government and government agencies who are supposed to be public servants—serving all of the public equally and equitably-- gone wild, everywhere in this country, according to the whims of everyone (business interests, elected reps, non-profit groups, advocacy groups—including mine), resulting in a state of well-disguised anarchy in which there is really no longer an adequate system of governance that represents the people’s will or cares for anyone but the elite.