President Barack Obama says Americans’ values are offended by excessive paychecks for executives whose companies were bailed out by taxpayers. Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Obama praised the Treasury Department’s decision to order seven big companies that haven’t paid back last year’s government bailouts to halve their top executives’ average compensation.

Last month, a Federal Judge in Augusta ordered the city to pay the X-Mart adult video store $131,000 for illegally shutting it down in 2002, but the X-Mart will not be collecting that check because the ruling is being appealed. But, it’s not the city asking the court to reconsider, it’s the store, wanting the city to pay more. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

Many knew it was coming, but it doesn’t make it any easier to pay, Augusta taxpayers are pouring into the Tax Commissioners Office after bills hit mail boxes, late last week. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

The X-Mart awarded nearly $131,000 for 99 days of lost business from the federal court, based on actions by the city of Augusta way back in 2002. Lawyers for the store say this is not the end but the beginning and will continue the lawsuit to re-open the store and collect damages for the entire time the X-Mart has been shut down by the city. If the store wins, it could cost Augusta taxpayers millions. So, is this fight still worth the possible cost? WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story. Let us know in our web poll what you think.

Thursday morning, officials from Knology held a groundbreaking ceremony in Augusta, which means about 100 jobs are up for grabs. Count on WJBF News Channel 6’s Fraendy Clervaud for more.

It will be the bombshell in the mailbox…a tax bill that hits like a two-by-four. When tax bills go out to 80 Augusta homeowners, next month, they’ll be hundreds of dollars higher. It’s the state that’s to blame, but taxpayers will feel the pain. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.

President Barack Obama is defending the government’s intervention in the auto industry, saying the collapse of GM and Chrysler would have been devastating for the economy and American workers.

Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia is getting rid of one of its most popular attractions, at least temporarily. Later this month, it will send its two sea lions to a zoo in Chicago so Riverbanks can demolish the sea lions exhibit and build a new one. WJBF News Channel 6’s SC Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, has more.

Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia is getting rid of one of its most popular attractions, at least temporarily. Later this month, it will send its two sea lions to a zoo in Chicago so Riverbanks can demolish the sea lions exhibit and build a new one. WJBF News Channel 6’s SC Capitol reporter, Robert Kittle, has more.

They’re taking hits for meeting in secret, now they’re are hitting the road to get together. Augusta Commissioners will go ninety miles away for their annual retreat, with taxpayers picking up the tab. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has more.

Georgia lawmakers are making sure homeowners don’t feel more pain on their property taxes. Tuesday the legislature passed a budget which includes money that will help save tax relief grants. Count on WJBF News Channel 6’s Fraendy Clervaud. He has the report from Wall Street to your Wallet.

Columbia County voters have approved $180 million in sales tax money for several projects. Parts of the projects will be paid for with $38 million in bonds. Count on WJBF News Channel 6’s Renita Crawford for the details.

There was a plan to use public money to put a fence around a private junkyard. Aiken County Council was in favor of that idea, until Tuesday night. Count on WJBF News Channel 6’s Fraendy Clervaud for more on the story.

Richmond County taxpayers will foot $75,000 bill for December 2nd runoff.