🌱 CRU Lounge Coming To Augusta + Renaming Riverwalk Discussion

Good morning, Augusta. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Sunny. High: 96 Low: 72.
• Friday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 95 Low: 75.

Here are the top three stories today in Augusta:

1. Former NFL player and "Real Housewives" star Dennis McKinley is developing a national chain of hookah-bar nightclubs featuring smokable hemp, with plans to expand to Augusta, Savannah, and Athens in Georgia. CRU Lounge, the largest Black-owned nightlife chain, and the nation's biggest hookah lounge chain, offers unique hookah flavors, small plates, and specialty craft cocktails. Despite recreational marijuana being illegal in Georgia, the smokable industrial hemp flower is legalized if it contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, while CBD products are available for sale as a nonintoxicating option for pain and anxiety relief. (The Augusta Chronicle)
2. Authorities in Richmond County are searching for Denetrice Janice Shepherd, a 43-year-old woman wanted for aggravated assault related to a stabbing incident on Leslie Circle. Shepherd is considered armed and dangerous, and the sheriff's office is seeking any information regarding her whereabouts. She is described as five feet two inches tall and weighing approximately 150 pounds. To report any information, individuals can contact the Richmond County Sheriff's Office at (706) 821-1464 or (706) 821-1080. (WRDW)
3. Today, Jun. 29, Augusta commissioners will discuss the possibility of naming Riverwalk after former Mayor Ed McIntyre and former Mayor Charles Devaney, who played key roles in the planning and construction of the park. While some commissioners believe honoring them is a way to recognize their contributions, others have concerns due to the legal troubles faced by McIntyre and the financial challenges associated with Devaney's tenure. The decision to rename the park will be influenced by public perception and the consideration of the individuals' achievements during their time in office. (WJBF-TV)

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Today and tomorrow in Augusta:

Thursday, June 29

• Commission Meeting At Augusta Municipal Building, Commission Chamber (2:00 PM)

Friday, June 30

• Live Music With Old Man Crazy At Top Dawg Tavern (4:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Augusta University alumni, Garrett Green and David Bash have been named in the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce's Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch list for 2023. This annual recognition highlights young professionals between the ages of 25 and 35 in the Augusta area, and the honorees will be celebrated at an award presentation during the Augusta Metro Chamber's Member Economic Luncheon today, Jun. 29. They will also receive a feature article in Augusta Magazine and a nomination for Georgia Trend Magazine's Top 40 under 40. (Jagwire – Augusta)
• The Clean Energy Roadshow returned to the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Technology Center on Tuesday after a four-year hiatus, aiming to showcase cars that run on alternative fuels and not gasoline. The event aims to raise awareness about electric vehicles and their benefits, including cost savings and convenience. (WRDW)
• Augusta will host the Candlelight concert series, featuring talented classically-trained musicians performing in historic venues illuminated by LED candles. The enchanting performances offer audiences a unique musical experience where the flickering candlelight seems to dance to the music, creating a magical atmosphere. You can find further information about performances and purchase tickets here. (WJBF-TV)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. See you all soon for another update!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.