AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF) — One person is dead following a crash in Augusta

It happened on the 4600 block of Mike Padgett Highway around 8:50 p.m. Saturday, June 20.

According to the coroner, Charles Cummings, 70, from Augusta was pronounced dead on scene at 9:52 p.m.  An autopsy has been scheduled.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Felony warning issued as arrests reported at Reflecting Pool

Federal officials are warning visitors that taking paint chips, debris or other materials from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool could lead to felony charges as crews continue cleaning up a major algae bloom that has turned the landmark’s water bright green.

WASHINGTON – Federal officials are warning visitors that taking paint chips, debris or other materials from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool could lead to felony charges as crews continue cleaning up a major algae bloom that has turned the landmark’s water bright green.

The warning comes after authorities reported multiple arrests Saturday involving people accused of removing material from the Reflecting Pool.

Algae, paint problems plague Reflecting Pool

What we know:

While officials have not released the exact number of arrests or identified those taken into custody, law enforcement agencies said anyone caught taking paint chips or debris from the site could face serious criminal penalties.

Visitors have reported seeing blue paint chips floating in the water as cleanup crews use mobile draining machines to remove algae and restore the pool. The unusual appearance of the Reflecting Pool has attracted large crowds to the National Mall in recent days, according to previous FOX 5 D.C. reporting. 

President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that work on the Reflecting Pool would begin immediately and claimed several arrests had been made in connection with what he described as deliberate sabotage of the site.

Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific charges filed in the reported arrests. However, federal officials warned that removing government property from the Reflecting Pool could result in felony charges, and prosecutors could pursue more serious offenses if evidence shows anyone intentionally contaminated the water or caused additional damage.

READ MORE: Reflecting Pool looks ‘like vomit,’ visitors say; crews continue cleaning job

“If there are more serious products that are put into the Reflecting Pool to create more algae or a bigger problem, then we’ll consider more serious charges,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro told Fox News. “But make no mistake, making D.C. beautiful is a priority and if you damage, vandalize or do anything to impact something like the Reflecting Pool, you can be prosecuted.”

What’s next:

The Reflecting Pool remains under active cleanup as officials investigate the cause of the algae bloom, according to the president. 

According to federal contract data, a more extensive renovation, including potentially draining the pool again, could cost more than $14 million.

Sherman, Texas — Two Austin College students have been awarded Endowed Sumners Scholarships by The Sumners Foundation of Irving, Texas.

Maritza Maldonado ’28 and Taylor Jones ’28 each received $30,000 scholarships. Scholarships are awarded by the Foundation based on civic engagement, academic excellence, a capacity for leadership, and a desire to further our democracy.

Maldonado and Jones join Kat Stein ’28 and Zara Shah ’28 (previously named At-Large Sumners Scholars) as four of just 36 students nationally to receive a Sumners scholarship in 2026. 

A sophomore majoring in Political Science and History, Maldonado is actively involved on campus as a member of the mock trial team, student assembly, and the Austin College Women’s Soccer team. She plans to pursue a career as an immigration attorney.

This scholarship will support her academic journey while providing access to leadership programs and exclusive learning opportunities through the Sumners Foundation. 

Jones is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Public Health with a minor in Data Science.

Taylor Jones ’28

They are from Lewisville, Texas, are the Historian for Black Expressions, actively participates in the Pre-Law Society, and currently serves as a Sophomore Representative on Student Assembly. They also play bass clarinet and clarinet in Austin College’s Wind Symphony and will study abroad in South Korea in the upcoming fall term. After graduation, they plan to pursue a master’s degree in public policy and possibly a Juris Doctor to help positively influence policy-making with a data-informed background.

“The Sumners Scholarship program has been at the core of the Sumners Foundation’s purpose since shortly after its inception in 1949. Our Scholars are selected from the very best students at colleges and universities after a rigorous interview process. To be selected as a Sumners Scholar is an honor that will remain with the Scholar throughout his or her lifetime,” said Board Chairman Scott Higginbotham. “Over the decades, Sumners Scholars have made significant contributions to their communities, their states, and America. Following in the footsteps of Congressman Hatton W. Sumners, the Foundation is pleased to support students striving to improve our political system, address societal challenges through crafting public policies based upon the fundamental principles of American democracy, educate all Americans about their civic obligations as citizens, and be active, productive members of our Republic.”

Sumners Scholar alumni include such notables as U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, former Senior Deputy Attorney General of Oklahoma Dara Derryberry, Chairman of Matador Resources Joe Foran, former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court Nathan Hecht, President of the University of Texas at Arlington Jennifer Cowley, and past Chancellor of the New Mexico Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Charles L. Moore.

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.