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Green racket: DC mayor took ‘economic development’ trip to Masters on taxpayers’ dime

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Green racket: DC mayor took ‘economic development’ trip to Masters on taxpayers’ dime


District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser may want a mulligan on this one.

The Democrat took a taxpayer-funded “sports and economic development” trip to last week’s Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Ga.

Bowser, 51, announced the jaunt on her public schedule and a spokeswoman for the mayor’s office confirmed that DC residents paid for all related travel expenses to get inside the gates at the fabled Augusta National Golf Club, DC News Now reported.

Susana Castillo, Bowser’s communications director, told the outlet that the mayor was invited by Jodie McLean and Deborah Ratner Salzberg, who are co-chairs of a city task force “to revitalize the Gallery Place and Chinatown Neighborhood.”

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Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser took a “sports and economic development” trip with taxpayers’ money to The Masters golf tournament last weekend in Augusta, Ga. Lenin Nolly/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

The spokeswoman did not disclose the total cost of the more than 500-mile flight south, nor did she immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

“No matter where I am, my team is working and always in touch with me at a moment’s notice,” Bowser added in a statement of her own to DC News Now.

The mayor has faced sharp criticism for her handling of a crime spike in the nation’s capital before pivoting last fall amid mass resignations by city police — including former chief Robert Contee III.

Bowser, 51, announced the Georgia jaunt on her public schedule and DC residents paid for all related travel expenses to get on the greens at Augusta National Golf Club. REUTERS

Violent crime surged 39% in the nation’s capital from 2022 to 2023, with homicides rising 35% and robberies up a whopping 67%.

In two recent high-profile incidents, armed carjackers stole the vehicles of an FBI agent and Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), while a former federal official in the Trump administration was shot and killed by another car thief in February.

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Bowser embraced the Black Lives Matter movement during the riots that followed the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, but reversed course in 2023 to fight the city council over a radical crime bill that lightened sentencing for robberies, carjackings and other gun-related felonies.

Bowser embraced the Black Lives Matter movement during the summer riots that followed the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. Muriel Bowser/X

Last year, she also opposed a progressive policing law that hampered officers’ ability to apprehend suspects and increased disciplinary measures, making them “scared to do their job,” according to Bowser.

The crime spike had briefly threatened a $515 million deal with Washington Wizards and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, who entertained moving the NBA and NHL teams to a new northern Virginia arena before reaching an agreement with Bowser to stay in the nation’s capital.

It’s unclear what other projects Bowser may be pursuing in Chinatown.

It’s unclear what project Bowser is pursuing in Chinatown. Muriel Bowser/X

“As mayor, I frequently attended meetings and events to foster economic development, strengthen partnerships, and build rapport with people interested in investing in our city,” DC councilman Vincent Gray, who served a single term as mayor before being unseated by Bowser in the 2014 Democratic primary, told DC News Now.

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“I met with people in countless venues, be they overseas, in downtown DC conference rooms, or sometimes at high-profile gatherings,” he said. “I see no controversy in travel that is intended to promote the District in furtherance of opportunity that benefits residents and local businesses.”



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Augusta, GA

Morning Show Co-Host

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Morning Show Co-Host


88.3 WAFJ in Augusta, Georgia, is looking for a Morning Show Co-Host to join our team. If you’re looking for stability, a wonderful community to call home and the opportunity to do live and local radio, you’ll find it all here. As the heritage Christian AC in the market, we have been encouraging the Central Savannah River Area for over three decades. This is a rare opportunity and one that you should inquire about if you are passionate about loving and ministering to listeners who become like family.

We need an engaging storyteller to join an existing partner on the morning show. The right candidate will know how to connect with our listeners through your faith and everyday life. This is not a voice-tracking opportunity. We are looking for someone willing to relocate and join us in actively serving our community. Great things are happening here, and we think you’ll enjoy being a part of them!

When applying for this position, you must have experience in broadcasting or podcasting. We are looking for a gifted communicator who loves Jesus and thrives in doing local ministry. If you meet those qualifications and are looking for a job that is fun, fulfilling and meaningful, then let’s chat.

To apply, send your resume, cover letter and demo to John Bryant at john@wafj.com.

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We are part of the Radio Training Network family of stations. Radio Training Network, Inc. (RTN) is a religious broadcaster, and all positions at RTN are subject to a religious qualification, including all positions at WAFJ-FM and WBIJ-FM. As a religious broadcaster, RTN makes reasonable, good faith efforts to recruit applicants without regard to race, color, national origin or gender among those who are qualified for employment based on their religious belief or affiliation.



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Augusta, GA

Former Richmond County deputy files complaint against district attorney

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Former Richmond County deputy files complaint against district attorney


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A state bar complaint was filed against Augusta’s district attorney by a former deputy who sued the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office alleging racial discrimination.

The complaint by Quincy Cannon alleges violation of a rule requiring fairness to opposing party and counsel.

The filing says District Attorney Jared Williams selectively granted access to grand jury materials during an investigation by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.

Augusta District Attorney Jared Williams(WRDW)

That’s an agency that accredits law enforcement officers in the state.

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Cannon alleged Williams helped a third-party investigator get and use evidence from secret grand jury proceedings against Cannon, while denying comparable access to Cannon’s attorney.

Although Cannon’s case was presented to a grand jury, the panel chose not to pursue criminal charges.

Quincy Cannon
Quincy Cannon(Contributed)

Cannon’s lawsuit claims he was treated unequally to white deputies who were also investigated over use of force.

A suspect in a deputy shooting accused several other deputies, including Cannon, of assaulting him in an elevator at the sheriff’s headquarters.



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Augusta Women Outlast Middle Georgia 53-47 – Augusta University

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Augusta Women Outlast Middle Georgia 53-47 – Augusta University


Cochrarn, Ga. – In what turned out to be a defensive battle, the Augusta University women knocked off Middle Georgia 53-47 in the first ever meeting between the two teams. With the victory, the Jaguars improve to 4-2 in Peach Belt Conference play and 8-4 overall. The Knights are now 3-3 in conference action and 10-3 overall. 

 In coach Celeste Stewart”s 100th game as head coach of AU, the Jaguars hit six free throws in the final two minutes for the winning margin. 

Quinasia Abercrombie led all scorers with 17 points and four rebounds while Sierra Burns added 13 points in the winning effort.

The Jaguar defense held the Knights to just 33% shooting and out rebounded Middle Georgia by five. 

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The game was tied at 18 at the half before Augusta would surge to a three point lead by pouring 21 bounds in the third quarter. The fourth quarter would see both teams go back-and-forth before the Jags would grab the victory.

Midway through the final quarter, the Knights would grab a 44-43 lead, but it would not last long. A Burns three pointer would give AU the lead. Then, tied at 47, Augusta rattled off the final points from the free throw line with Elyse Autrey, Abercrombie and Burns all making their shots from the line. Autrey would finish with eight points for the game. 

For the game, the Jaguars hit on 16 of 26 from the charity stripe while the Knights were just 7 of 21. 

Nadiyah Byard grabbed 12 rebounds to lead AU.

The Jaguars  will next be in action Wednesday night when they host Clayton State and 5:30 p.m. 

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Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags.

 





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