Judge Keeps Georgia’s Food and Water Ban in Place as Voting-Rights Fight Continues
Aiman Tariq – Regional News EditorAtlanta, GA – Georgia’s ban on giving food and drinks to voters waiting in line will remain in effect after a federal judge declined to block the law, keeping one of the state’s most debated election rules alive as the legal fight continues. The ruling does not end the broader […]
South Carolina UTV Law Opens Public Roads, But the Rules Still Put Limits on Where They Can Go
Aiman Tariq – Regional News EditorPiedmont, SC – Utility terrain vehicles are about to get a new legal lane in South Carolina, but the change is not as simple as “side-by-sides can go anywhere now.” A new state law signed by Gov. Henry McMaster in May will allow certain UTVs to operate on public roads […]
Qcells Moves Closer to Fully U.S.-Made Solar Panels at Georgia Factory
Aiman Tariq – Regional News EditorCartersville, GA – Solar manufacturing in Georgia has reached a new milestone, with Qcells beginning production of solar cells at its Cartersville factory as the company moves closer to building fully U.S.-made solar panels. The development is being described as a major step for the domestic solar supply chain. But […]
K-9 Draco Helps Georgia Troopers Seize More Than 1,800 Pounds of Marijuana on I-20
Aiman Tariq – Regional News EditorCarroll County, GA – A Georgia Department of Public Safety K-9 is being credited with helping troopers uncover more than 1,800 pounds of marijuana and thousands of illegal THC vape cartridges during a traffic stop on Interstate 20 in Carroll County. According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, troopers […]
Google Funds Flint River Wetlands Project as Data Center Water Questions Keep Growing
Aiman Tariq – Regional News EditorAtlanta, GA – Google is helping fund a wetlands restoration project in Georgia’s Flint River basin, a move the company is presenting as part of a broader push to offset water use tied to its expanding data center footprint. The project, announced through a partnership with Ducks Unlimited, will support […]
Georgia Gas Tax Suspension Cost the State Nearly $197 Million in May Revenue
Aiman Tariq – Regional News EditorAtlanta, GA – Tax relief is easy to explain at the gas pump. It is harder to measure once the money is missing from the state ledger. Georgia drivers received temporary relief this spring when the state suspended its motor fuel tax, holding down prices during a period of higher […]
Richmond Hill Blocks Nickel Refining at Former Caesarstone Site
Aiman Tariq – Regional News EditorRichmond Hill, GA – A proposed nickel refinery in coastal Georgia has hit another major obstacle, after Richmond Hill officials affirmed that nickel refining is not allowed under the existing zoning for the former Caesarstone facility in Belfast Commerce Park. The decision does not end every possible path for Westwin […]
South Carolina Early Voting Breaks Records — But Turnout Is Only the First Signal
Aiman Tariq – Regional News EditorColumbia, SC – Early voting is one of the clearest numbers in politics. It is also one of the easiest numbers to overread. South Carolina voters have been casting ballots at a record pace ahead of the June 9 primary, with the State Election Commission reporting more than 318,600 early […]
South Carolina Fake-ID Probe Leads to ICE Detention of 48 Workers, Six Indictments
Aiman Tariq – Regional News EditorColumbia, SC – According to state and federal officials, a two-year investigation into fake identification documents and identity theft led to the detention of 48 workers at a South Carolina metal casting business and the indictment of six people, including two managers at the plant. The operation took place Wednesday […]
USA Rare Earth Plans $1.2B South Carolina Magnet Factory as Federal Backing Expands
Aiman Tariq – Regional News EditorBlacksburg, SC – USA Rare Earth says it will invest $1.2 billion to build a rare earth magnet manufacturing and refined metals operation in Blacksburg, South Carolina, a project that state and company officials say could create about 490 jobs and expand domestic production of materials used in advanced manufacturing. […]