WEATHER ALERT
A federal judge rejects a call to reopen voter registration in Georgia after Hurricane Helene
Read full article: A federal judge rejects a call to reopen voter registration in Georgia after Hurricane HeleneA federal judge won’t order the state of Georgia to reopen voter registration for November’s elections in the presidential battleground state.
Augusta chairman confident Masters will go on as club focuses on community recovery from Helene
Read full article: Augusta chairman confident Masters will go on as club focuses on community recovery from HeleneMasters chairman Fred Ridley says Augusta National sustained a lot of damage from Hurricane Helene, just like the rest of the area.
Harris hands out meals, consoles families as she surveys Hurricane Helene devastation in Georgia
Read full article: Harris hands out meals, consoles families as she surveys Hurricane Helene devastation in GeorgiaVice President Kamala Harris has handed out meals, embraced a shaken family and surveyed Hurricane Helene’s “extraordinary” path of destruction through Georgia.
Days after Hurricane Helene, a powerless mess remains in the Southeast
Read full article: Days after Hurricane Helene, a powerless mess remains in the SoutheastPower is still out for well over 1 million people in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina five days after Hurricane Helene tore down trees and destroyed much of the electric grid.
Search crews with cadaver dogs wade through muck of communities ‘wiped off the map’ by Helene
Read full article: Search crews with cadaver dogs wade through muck of communities ‘wiped off the map’ by HeleneRescuers are scouring the mountains of western North Carolina for anyone still unaccounted for since Hurricane Helene’s remnants caused catastrophic damage across the Southeast.
Man pleads guilty in theft of Arnold Palmer green jacket, other Masters memorabilia from Augusta
Read full article: Man pleads guilty in theft of Arnold Palmer green jacket, other Masters memorabilia from AugustaA former warehouse assistant for the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia has pleaded guilty to transporting millions of dollars' worth of stolen Masters tournament memorabilia and historic items, including one of Arnold Palmer’s green jackets.
PGA Tour players learn how much loyalty is worth in new equity program
Read full article: PGA Tour players learn how much loyalty is worth in new equity programPlayers who stayed loyal to the PGA Tour in the divide with Saudi-funded LIV Golf are starting to find out how much that loyalty could be worth.
Maine joins compact to elect the president by popular vote but it won't come into play this November
Read full article: Maine joins compact to elect the president by popular vote but it won't come into play this NovemberMaine is joining a multistate effort to elect the president by popular vote with the governor’s announcement that she’ll let the proposal become law without her signature.
Amen Corner proves pivotal as Scottie Scheffler's closest pursuers falter in final round of Masters
Read full article: Amen Corner proves pivotal as Scottie Scheffler's closest pursuers falter in final round of MastersThe famed stretch of holes known as Amen Corner at Augusta National proved pivotal in the final round of the Masters on Sunday.
Tiger Woods finishes Masters with his highest score as a pro, sets sights on upcoming majors
Read full article: Tiger Woods finishes Masters with his highest score as a pro, sets sights on upcoming majorsTiger Woods finished the Masters on Sunday wtih a 16-over 304, his highest 72-hole score ever in a career that spans three decades.
The craze for Masters gnomes is growing. Little golf-centric statue is now a coveted collector item
Read full article: The craze for Masters gnomes is growing. Little golf-centric statue is now a coveted collector itemGnomes, those quirky statues people often have in their gardens, are flying off the shelves at Augusta National.
The Masters begins after weather delay, though high winds are still expected at Augusta National
Read full article: The Masters begins after weather delay, though high winds are still expected at Augusta NationalThe Masters began after a weather delay of 2 1/2 hours on Thursday, though the heaviest of rains that were expected overnight had missed Augusta National.
No inflation here: Affordable Masters' menu still includes $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches
Read full article: No inflation here: Affordable Masters' menu still includes $1.50 pimento cheese sandwichesInflation may be driving up food cost around the country, but patrons generally won’t see those increases at Augusta National.
Lottie Woad delivers Masters-like charge to win Augusta National Women's Amateur
Read full article: Lottie Woad delivers Masters-like charge to win Augusta National Women's AmateurLottie Woad of England is the Augusta National Women's Amateur champion with a stunning finish at the home of the Masters.
Opponents of Maine's new abortion law won't seek to nullify it through a referendum
Read full article: Opponents of Maine's new abortion law won't seek to nullify it through a referendumGroups opposed to Maine's new law expanding access to abortions won’t attempt to nullify the new statute through a so-called People’s Veto referendum.
Maine's biggest newspaper group is now a nonprofit under the National Trust for Local News
Read full article: Maine's biggest newspaper group is now a nonprofit under the National Trust for Local NewsThe largest newspaper group in Maine is becoming a nonprofit with the completion of the sale of more than 20 daily and weekly newspapers, including the Portland Press Herald.
Maine lawmakers are a single vote from approval of bill to allow later abortions
Read full article: Maine lawmakers are a single vote from approval of bill to allow later abortionsThe Maine House has voted again to allow later abortions in some circumstances, putting the proposal one final vote away from going to the governor for her signature.
Police: Maine man killed parents before firing on motorists
Read full article: Police: Maine man killed parents before firing on motoristsPolice say a man confessed to killing four people, including his parents, and then firing on motorists on Interstate 295, just days after being released from prison.
Chipotle agrees to pay after closing store that sought union
Read full article: Chipotle agrees to pay after closing store that sought unionChipotle Mexican Grill has agreed to pay $240,000 to former employees as part of a settlement stemming from a complaint that the company violated federal law by closing a restaurant where workers wanted to unionize.
25 years later: The shot that might have launched the legend of Tiger Woods, and changed golf forever
Read full article: 25 years later: The shot that might have launched the legend of Tiger Woods, and changed golf foreverIn addition to the storyline of it likely being Tiger Woods' first tournament since a car accident, this year also marks the 25th anniversary of his first Masters and major tournament win that forever changed the game of golf.
Tornado warning issued for parts of Nelson County, other areas in Southwest Virginia
Read full article: Tornado warning issued for parts of Nelson County, other areas in Southwest VirginiaThe National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for parts of the city of Waynesboro, Nelson, Albemarle, Augusta, Rockingham counties.
Oosthuizen-Schwartzel surge to Zurich Classic 3rd-round lead
Read full article: Oosthuizen-Schwartzel surge to Zurich Classic 3rd-round leadLouis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel birdied six of their final eight holes Saturday to shoot a 9-under 63 and take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Zurich Classic.
Five months later, measure of normalcy at Masters in April
Read full article: Five months later, measure of normalcy at Masters in April(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)AUGUSTA, Ga. – The record score at Augusta National wasn't all that set Dustin Johnson apart from other Masters champions. No other Masters champion was allowed to keep his green jacket for only five months before it was time to try to win it again. Augusta National is blazing with pink and red and purple azaleas, accented by the white blooms of dogwood. Ad“I think it will be back to feeling like a normal Masters,” Johnson said. Augusta National had no choice but to keep the spectators away in November because of the pandemic, just like the other majors last year.
Virginia lawmakers vote to abolish the death penalty
Read full article: Virginia lawmakers vote to abolish the death penaltyVirginia State Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta, front, looks at the vote tally board during a vote on a death penalty abolition bill at the Senate session at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, Va., Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. AdEven last year, death penalty abolition bills in the General Assembly went nowhere. Historically, Virginia has used the death penalty more than any other state, executing nearly 1,400 people since its days as a colony, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, Virginia, with 113 executions, is second only to Texas. Michael Stone, executive director of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, called the vote to abolish capital punishment a landmark moment in the state's history.
Boat with 422 migrants, some with COVID-19, heads to Sicily
Read full article: Boat with 422 migrants, some with COVID-19, heads to SicilyMigrants stand on the deck of the Ocean Viking rescue ship, in the Mediterranean Sea on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021. A rescue ship with 422 migrants aboard, some of whom tested positive for COVID-19, is heading to Sicily. (Hippolyte/SOS Mediterranee via AP)ROME – A rescue ship with 422 migrants aboard, a small number of whom tested positive for COVID-19, was headed to a port in Sicily on Sunday. AdEight of the rescued migrants have COVID-19, according to tests administered by the crew, and were being isolated on board despite the difficulties of crowded conditions on deck. “But although strict COVID-19 mitigation protocols apply on board the Ocean Viking, this is a vessel of 69 meters (228 feet) in length,” Albera said.
State capitols boarded up, fenced off, patrolled by troops
Read full article: State capitols boarded up, fenced off, patrolled by troops(AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)A double row of chain-link fencing circles the Arizona State Capitol. National Guard troops in camouflage and flak jackets and heavily armed state troopers were stationed at state capitals across the U.S. in advance of protests planned for Sunday. Details were vague, but demonstrations were expected at state capitols beginning Sunday and leading up to Biden taking the oath of the office Wednesday. Sections of temporary fencing that encircled many state capitols were locked together in Sacramento with handcuffs. National Guard troops patrolled the California Capitol and streets of downtown Sacramento on Saturday.
Masters plans for a limited number of spectators in April
Read full article: Masters plans for a limited number of spectators in AprilFILE - Dustin Johnson waves after winning the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Ga., in a Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, file photo. Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley said Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, the club intends to allow a limited number of spectators for the Masters on April 8-11, provided it can be done safely, given the coronavirus pandemic. Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley said Tuesday the club intends to allow a limited number of spectators for the Masters on April 8-11, provided it can be done safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ridley said holding the Masters with only essential personnel made the club confident in its ability to stage a major championship with limited fans. For the Augusta National Women's Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt Finals, limited patrons would be allowed, most likely family members.
Masters field at 84 players heading into the final 3 months
Read full article: Masters field at 84 players heading into the final 3 months55 after closing with a 77 in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai to drop to a tie for 23rd. That he accumulated the most world ranking points (463.54) was no surprise. Johnson received credit for the victory with the staggered start based on the FedEx Cup (he tied for third in world ranking points). DIVOTSDustin Johnson earned an average of 25.75 world ranking points in his 18 starts worldwide in 2020. That's more than the total ranking points Tiger Woods earned (19.08) in the nine tournaments he played.
In Georgia, Pence calls Senate GOP's 'last line of defense'
Read full article: In Georgia, Pence calls Senate GOP's 'last line of defense'Democrats need a Georgia sweep to force a 50-50 Senate and position Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as the tiebreaking vote. On Saturday, the president used a 100-minute rally to spread unfounded allegations of widespread misconduct in last month’s voting in Georgia and beyond. “Let them steal Georgia again, you’ll never be able to look yourself in the mirror,” Trump told rallygoers. “I want you to be confident about your vote," Pence said. “That’s just not Georgia to me," said Davis, 57, who helped run her late husband's medical business.
Not good enough: Smith runner-up despite four rounds in 60s
Read full article: Not good enough: Smith runner-up despite four rounds in 60sOn the heels of shooting 67, 68 and 69 over the first three rounds, Smith finished with a 15-under total that would've been good enough to win most years. “It would have been cool to do that and win,” Smith said “I would take 15 under around here for the rest of my career. Smith, playing up ahead in the next-to-last threesome, brilliantly scrambled for birdies at the seventh and ninth holes, leaving him two behind at the turn. “I wouldn't say I brought my best stuff, especially my longer stuff,” Smith said. Unfortunately for Smith and Im, Johnson was even better.
Amen Coroner: 10 on Augusta's No. 12 kills Woods' Masters
Read full article: Amen Coroner: 10 on Augusta's No. 12 kills Woods' MastersWoods plunked three balls into Rae’s Creek on Sunday in front of the green on Augusta National's signature 155-yard par 3. The carnage at Amen Corner dropped him from 3 under to 4-over 76 for the day, and only a late string of birdies saved him from his matching his worst Masters round ever. “You just have to turn around and figure out the next shot,” said Woods, who followed the debacle at No. His third attempt to clear the creek — shot No. 12, Woods was propelled to his fifth Masters title when four contenders dumped their shots into Rae’s Creek.
The Latest: DJ coasts to 5-shot win and 1st Masters title
Read full article: The Latest: DJ coasts to 5-shot win and 1st Masters title___12:20 p.m.Dustin Johnson has made the turn in the final round of the Masters with a two-shot lead over Cameron Smith. That broke a stretch of 33 consecutive holes without a bogey going back to the second round. The Masters leader three-putted from just off the front of the green at the par-3 fourth hole in the final round. The final round of the Masters began with another weather delay, this one only 10 minutes because of fog. Johnson is the 16th player to lead by four shots or more going into the final round at Augusta National.
Rahm joins the lead and the large pack chasing green jacket
Read full article: Rahm joins the lead and the large pack chasing green jacketTiger Woods remains in the mix with one birdie and seven pars to complete a 71, leaving him four shots behind. As the sun broke through the clouds when the second round ended, it revealed a Masters that even without spectators was shaping up to be as exciting as always. Rahm joined the lead pack at 9-under 135 with a wedge to 5 feet for birdie on the par-5 13th to resume his second round, but the next par 5 meant just as much. The cut was at even-par 144, a Masters record and a reflection of how rain has affected this Masters in November. That included Woods, who won his fifth green jacket last year by coming from behind for the first time in a major.
DeChambeau ailing after barely making the cut at Masters
Read full article: DeChambeau ailing after barely making the cut at MastersI don’t know what was going on, a little something weird.”DeChambeau played 12 holes in the second round Friday before play was halted by darkness. DeChambeau had a double-bogey 7 at the 13th hole on Thursday when he hit his ball into some azalea bushes. ”I don’t know what’s going on. DeChambeau barely made the cut after bogeying the final two holes. “It’s more of just (being) very dizzy, and I’ve got a pain in my stomach, so I don’t know.
The Latest: Johnson ties Masters' 54-hole record at 16 under
Read full article: The Latest: Johnson ties Masters' 54-hole record at 16 underHe quickly distanced himself from the pack with an eagle on the second hole, then followed with birdies on Nos. Mickelson drove into a batch of pine trees, then actually went backward when his second shot ricocheted off one of the trees. ___12:30 p.m.Dustin Johnson eagled the second hole at Augusta National to move into the lead alone in the Masters. On the 575-yard, par-5 second hole, Johnson followed a 363-yard drive with an approach that ended up 3 feet from the pin. ___8:10 a.m.Vijay Singh has withdrawn from the Masters because of illness after completing 10 holes in the second round.
Round 2: Green jackets brace for more red numbers at Masters
Read full article: Round 2: Green jackets brace for more red numbers at MastersThe green jackets who run the Masters knew moving the tournament from April to November meant ceding some control. The scoring average for Round 1 — which wasn’t wrapped up until Friday morning — settled at 71.41, the lowest ever at the Masters. His tee shot found a muddy stretch well left of the fairway, but after a search he couldn’t find the ball. He bogeyed the next two holes, turning the rest of his round into a desperate rescue effort. Afterward, Rahm, one of his playing partners, was asked whether he was involved in the search for DeChambeau’s wayward tee shot at the third.
Ageless wonder Bernhard Langer oldest to make Masters cut
Read full article: Ageless wonder Bernhard Langer oldest to make Masters cutLanger, a two-time Masters champion and ageless wonder, gets to play two more rounds. He became the oldest player to make the 36-hole cut at the Masters, topping the record by Tommy Aaron in 2000 by 33 days. Tiger Woods constantly cites Langer and Fred Couples as examples of Masters champions who can find their way around the course and post good scores. When golf returned from the pandemic in June, Langer teed it up twice on the PGA Tour because the 50-and-older PGA Tour Champions had not resumed. Langer still decided to check on the policy on Tuesday night during the Masters Club dinner for past champions.
Johnson, Thomas part of 4-way share atop Masters leaderboard
Read full article: Johnson, Thomas part of 4-way share atop Masters leaderboardIt wasn't from any of the patrons because they're not allowed in this most usual Masters in November. That gave Thomas a share of the lead with Dustin Johnson (65-70), Cameron Smith (67-68) and Abraham Ancer (68-67), a Masters rookie who doesn't know this course any other way. What two days have shown is that Masters experience only goes so far on a soft course with rye grass that isn't grown in quite the way it usually is in April. “Balls are making pitch marks with chip shots and pitch shots.”Woods left the course Thursday with only three players ahead of him. The two-time Masters champion shot 68 in the morning on a long, soft course.