Project Jackson: Should Augusta be Worried?

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC - The Hammond’s Ferry Planned Development, approved by ordinance in 2002 as the North Augusta Riverfront Planned Development and revised by ordinance in 2010, is the subject of an application for a major modification to the Planned Development General Development Plan (GDP). The intent of the current General Development Plan modification is to outline proposed development of the Riverfront Center (Phase B) to include the proposed GreenJackets Ballpark and other commercial and residential uses.

Overtime Pay Changes Welcomed

WASHINGTON, DC (PR) — The American Federation of Teachers welcomes the Department of Labor’s long-overdue proposal to change the overtime rule to include millions more American workers. Overtime pay is a basic workplace right that should be afforded to all employees. By raising the threshold beyond the current cutoff of $455 a week, millions of Americans will once again have their time above and beyond their regular work hours recognized. At the same time, the new rule provides a disincentive to squeezing current employees to work more or to work inhospitable hours.

Fayette County Under Scrutiny

Immigrant Residents Unable to Get Licenses Punished with 120 Days in Jail

ATLANTA, GA (PR) - Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights (GLAHR) will rally at the Fayette County Sheriff’s office and march to the County Court to protest what they describe as unjust targeting of immigrants who are blocked from obtaining drivers’ licenses in the state of Georgia and call upon local authorities to use their discretion in how such cases are addressed.

Random Search of Guest Registries Unconstitutional

By Sunita Sohrabji, India-West - In a landmark decision, in which the concerns of Indian American motel owners were addressed for the first time at the highest level of the U.S. justice system, the Supreme Court determined June 22 that the Los Angeles Police Department’s random inspection of motel guest registries constituted unwarranted search and seizure, violating Fourth Amendment constitutional rights.

Recognition of the Confederacy in Georgia

ATLANTA, GA (PR) - Georgia WAND joins Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) and civil rights organizations, woman's groups, the faith community, LGBTQ groups, and the labor movement to address the concerns regarding Georgia's need to eliminate recognition of the Confederacy. The state of Georgia currently celebrates Confederate Memorial Day and allows drivers to opt-in for a license plate displaying the Confederate flag. 

Public Transportation is Moving Forward

AUGUSTA, GA (Anibal Ibarra) - The Transit Citizens Advisory Committee will keep pushing for a comprehensive public transportation for residents in Richmond County and beyond. The group won't be deterred by the surprise move to end the pilot program Fort Gordon Route 10, a move made last week by the Richmond County Commission. During its monthly meeting the new Augusta Public Transit Director Pat Stephens said he is optimist to accomplish the goal of a improved public transportation and that he is working to put a plan in that direction.

Women Applaud Supreme Court Decision in ACA

NEW YORK (PR) - Today, the Supreme Court announced its decision in King v. Burwell to uphold the Affordable Care Act’s provision of federal tax credits, or “subsidies,” which help offset health insurance premium costs for low and middle-income Americans. The removal of these subsidies would have placed insurance coverage out of reach for millions of low-income and middle-income individuals. 

Ski Clinic at Lake Thurmond

AUGUSTA, GA (PR) – Isabelle Green is counting down the days to Saturday. That’s when the eight-year-old, living with the challenges of arthrogryposis, will experience a day drenched in fun as GRHealth and Champions Made From Adversity team up again for adaptive water skiing at Lake Thurmond.

Officer Involved in Deadly Shooting

AUGUSTA, GA (PR) – Deputy Bryan Mealing was identified as the officer who killed Tyler James Wicks, according to official reports. The case is being investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) requested by the Richmond County Sheriff Office (RCSO).

Augusta Ranks High by National Standards

With Fourth of July around the corner, it’s a good time to ask: Which U.S. cities bleed the most red, white and blue? To find out, the leading personal finance website WalletHub took an in-depth look at 2015's Metro Areas That Most and Least Resemble the U.S. Augusta’s overall ranking is No. 24 and its ranking within medium-sized metro areas is No. 9.

Father's Day Gift? Get Covered

ATLANTA, GA (PR) – In celebration of Men’s Health Week and Father’s Day, Get Covered America wants the XY chromosome community in Georgia to know all the ways they can take care of their health this summer. Whether you plan on coaching your kid’s soccer team, hiking the Sweetwater Creek State Park, playing ball with the boys, or simply staying home and reclaiming your man-cave, you should also consider making the appointment for your not-so-annual yearly visit to the doctor.

150TH Anniversary of Juneteenth

ATLANTA, GA (PR) - "We cannot change history or alter the wrongdoings of those that came before us  but we can endeavor to work together for the betterment of all mankind," said Georgia Republican Party Chairman John Padgett.  "The Republican Party was founded by abolitionists seeking to end the proliferation of slavery.  Now, the Party works tirelessly to protect freedom, promote growth, and preserve hope for generations to come."