Doug Richards

2 weeks ago | 13wmaz.com | Doug Richards

ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law 10 school-related bills Monday, including one designed to enhance safety. The school safety bill came to light in the wake of a mass shooting at Barrow County’s Apalachee High School last September. When he made his appearance, Gov. Kemp’s staff had lined up scores of backers on a staircase, giving an upbeat tone to a piece of legislation rooted in tragedy. "This was a real step forward. Before, we didn’t have any safety.

2 weeks ago | 13wmaz.com | Doug Richards

ATLANTA — The National Rifle Association has set up shop downtown for its annual meeting. It last met in Atlanta during the first year of President Trump's presidency, eight years ago.   Trump’s resurgence mirrors the ascent of more gun rights in Georgia.   On the floor of the Georgia World Congress Center, one can see 14 acres of guns and firearm accessories. On the periphery, gun rights are also abundant in Georgia despite the best efforts of Democrats and some others who want to curb them.

3 weeks ago | 13wmaz.com | Doug Richards

ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp has yet to announce whether he’ll sign a bill restricting lawsuits against companies that make agricultural chemicals  – despite an aggressive campaign urging him to veto S.B. 144.   "Foreign pesticide companies like ChemChina — linked to the Chinese Communist Party — are pressuring our elected officials to take away our rights." intones a voice in a TV ad, showing an image of the face of Gov. Kemp during the line. The ad urges viewers to pressure Kemp to veto S.B. 144.

3 weeks ago | 13wmaz.com | Doug Richards

ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law tort reform legislation Monday afternoon. The governor said it was his highest priority of the last legislative session. The governor assembled a crowd of supporters for the public signing ceremony at the Capitol, saying the state’s new tort reform law would soften the impact of costly lawsuits that he said raise insurance rates and drive out business. "The calls for change came from every sector from Georgia’s economy.

4 weeks ago | 13wmaz.com | Doug Richards

ATLANTA — MARTA is going to spend more than $100 million to upgrade its turnstiles. By doing so, it will help deter turnstile jumpers.   Lawrence Harper said he watches a daily parade of turnstile jumpers when he rides MARTA. "They walk through the gates. I’ve seen old women, young kids, young women," Harper said Monday outside the Lindbergh rail station. They are, he said, undeterred by the law or by police. "Young boys, old women, just walking through (the turnstiles).