Local Matters Podcast

Rev. Melvin Ivey has translated his lifetime of activism, community involvement, and ministry into the Presidency of the Augusta Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He discusses the strengths and limitations of the 501(c)4 type of non-profit organization, their focus on voting rights and voter education, and the events that they have participated in to advocat...

Non-profit organizations play a vital role in service to the public. Learn how you can get more engaged in your community and help yourself through programs offered by non-profits. Linda Johnson and Kathie Johnson of the Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta discuss the mental health summit scheduled for January 20th,2022. Bernice Bogan and Dr. Beulah Nash-Teachey of Phi Chi Chapter of Chi...

Georgia State Senator from District 22 Harold Jones, Augusta, describes what has transpired at the state and local levels with respect to redistricting. We touch on how that affects the balance of power between political parties in the State House and Senate, the legal constraints they faced, and how, inevitably, someone will not like the results.

Grow with Google is a national initiative designed to help black women acquire the technical skills necessary to advance in today's world. The Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta is one of the many organizations throughout the country offering this training. Kimberly Hayes leads this project on behalf of the chapter.

Candidates are announcing their intent to run for Governor of Georgia. There are a number of factors at play, and it is critically important that we start researching the issues and what these candidates stand for. It is never too early to get ready to vote.

It requires a vision of what could be to make anything happen. Mrs. Jefferson is the widow of the late Commissioner Andrew Jefferson,who first brought the idea of converting the former Lake Olmstead baseball stadium into a music venue. She describes where he got the idea, and how he worked with his colleagues to make it a reality. She also touches on what it is like to be the spouse of someone in...

Greg Costello, Managing Partner of C4Live, describes why they have chosen to pursue the Lake Olmstead Stadium as a unique music venue. After having worked with some of the most successful artists in the world, they are planting roots in our city. Learn more about XPR Augusta at https://xpraugusta.com/.

In business, it takes money to make money. But how do you get it? Damion Moses of Security Federal Bank works to grow businesses. Whether the need is to purchase new equipment, expand production, or construct a new building, he provides information that can help you make good decisions for your business.

Most of us have been subjected to toxic work environments, but what happens when you are in a toxic worship environment? How do you know when it is time to walk away? How do intelligent people wind up in a cult? Michaela O'Neal Farmer responses to those questions and more in her new book.

Juanita Burney, Vice Chairman of the Richmond County Board of Assessors, talks about who determines how much your property tax bill is, how they determine the value of a property, what to do when you think your valuation is too high or too low, and how citizens can get involved in the inner workings of local government.

Juanita Burney, Vice Chairman of the Richmond County Board of Assessors, talks about who determines how much your property tax bill is, how they determine the value of a property, and how citizens can get involved in the inner workings of local government.

Chairman Cedric Johnson and Vice-Chairman Brad Usry of the Augusta Richmond County Coliseum Authority discuss the November 2 Special Election. For this election, you will decide whether you support $240,000,000 in bonds to renovate the Bell Auditorium and construct a new Arena. Learn what this project means for our area.--

Housing Authorities play a key role in meeting the basic needs but are among the least understood agencies. This is the second part in a two-part series on the role they play, who makes the decisions, and how and why public housing authorities across the country are moving away from the traditional housing projects into other models for providing affordable housing. Douglas Freeman, Deputy Executi...

Housing Authorities play a key role in meeting the basic needs, but are among the least understood agencies. This the first in a two part series on the role they play, who makes the decisions, and how and why public housing authorities across the country are moving away from the traditional housing projects into other models for providing affordable housing. Douglas Freeman, Deputy Executive Direc...

Rev. James Williams, President of Helping Our People To Excel, discusses how HOPE works for fairness for all. The organization has not been afraid to speak up and file litigation as necessary to ensure that state and local governments keep the people's interests in mind.

Today I explain how powerful the Office of Governor is, despite the paltry qualifications to run. He or she recommends a state budget, proposes and vetoes legislation, and appoints judges and others when elected offices are vacated.

The second in a two-part series recognizing the 60th anniversary of Augusta Technical College, our guest is Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston. She discusses the college's most successful academic programs, the dual enrollment program, admissions process, and the guarantee they provide to employers who hire their students.

Over six decades, Augusta Technical College has evolved from "Vo-Tech" to an institution that has something to offer students pursuing the traditional trades as well as those who are seeking a low-cost option for the first two years of college. Hear how they meet the needs of area employers, assist in recruiting businesses to the area, and how they are growing to ensure that more students have the...

Tim Key, Vice President, Mortgage Loan Originator at Security Federal Bank, tells us what it takes to get a mortgage application approved whether you are a first time home buyer or an experienced one. He provides an overview of various types of mortgages, and also explains how to get funding to improve your home.

For many years, the Augusta Regional Airport has been one of the most successful smaller airports in the United States. Herbert Judon, Executive Director, explains why. He also tackles the tough issue of flying options and how Augusta stacks up. Finally learn what you can do to increase the number of flights from Augusta.

Last year, I told you to complete the census. This year, we will find out how the census data will re-shape who you vote for school boards, commission seats, state house and senate districts, and congressional seats. Renowned redistricting expert Dr. Charles Bullock, Professor of Political Science at the University of Georgia, joins the show to describe how redistricting works and why it matters t...

The new Columbia County Judicial Circuit has been formed, but Attorney Willie Saunders is still fighting against it. He discusses why it was important enough for him to spend his time, energy, and resources to file the litigation against the break-up of the Augusta Judicial Circuit, what the consequences of the split are, the current status of the case, and why this has not drawn as much public in...

New Augusta University Provost Neil MacKinnon talks about what Provosts do all day, diversity and inclusion, the University's economic impact, and their uniqueness as an institution. The last of a three part series on our hometown research institution, this episode highlights where AU has been and how they are getting to where they want to be.

Dr. Lefebvre is the Dean of the only Dental College in Georgia. As a female pioneer in dentistry, she has worked at the Medical College of Georgia since 1989. We talk about how important good oral health is, the expense of dental school and how that is a barrier for minority students, the shocking lack of appropriate dental care in most Georgia counties, and how Augusta University fills the gap no...

People have asked whether we need a Cyber Center, why Augusta University is suddenly bursting at the seams, and who benefits. Dr. Schwartzman, Dean of the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, offers a fresh perspective and great answers.