AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A research team at Augusta University is receiving more than $4 million dollars to do cardiovascular research.

The team, led by Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, PhD, will study the risk factors for cardiovascular and kidney diseases and how they impact women.

The research is part of a larger, $15 million, project titled Strategically Focused Research Network on Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome: Heterogeneity in Women.

According to the Healthy Georgia Report, produced by AU’s School of Public Health, Georgia has the 23rd highest rate of obesity in the United States.

38.3% of women in Georgia, and 37.5% of people living in rural areas, suffer from obesity.

Teams from Massachusetts General Hospital and The Ohio State University were also chosen.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An Augusta man is facing charges after a shooting incident on the 3600 block of Madrid Drive N on Sunday.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says 30-year-old Mark Johnson was arrested in connection to the incident.

Deputies say upon arrival, they located Johnson in the backyard of the home as he was leaving the house.

According to the incident report, deputies found a male victim with a gunshot wound in the hallway of the home.

Deputies say a witness on the scene was kneeling over the victim and holding a towel on the victim’s chest.

The witness told deputies Johnson shot the victim in the chest due to an argument, according to the report.

The report states the circuit breaker to the home was located in the victim’s room.

The witness told deputies the victim was intoxicated and had been turning multiple switches on and off. Johnson became upset and confronted the victim while he was in the hallway, according to the report.

The witness stated she was sitting in the living room when she heard a loud noise and saw the victim fall to the floor, deputies say.

The victim was transported to Doctors Hospital for his injuries.

Johnson is facing charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime, according to jail reports.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta held another candlelight music series concert on Sunday night, featuring AE The Cool. 

The series brings the area’s most popular local and regional artists for anyone to enjoy. 

The weekly event is held on Sundays until the end of September. 

We spoke with the deputy director of operations who says it is important for the community. 

“This is the highlight of the summer. We’re just everybody come out and have a good,” said Yolanda Greenwood. 

Next Sunday, you can bring your lawn chairs and blankets to the Augusta Common, beginning at 7:30 p.m. 

Tickets are $10 and kids 13 and under are free. You are asked to leave your furry friends at home. 

Next week, Phaze 360 will be performing. 

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