Augusta, GA
Augusta holding off removal of trees on Telfair Street to hear from community
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson toured Telfair Street to examine the trees slated for removal.
This project addresses decade-long flooding and brings sidewalks, bike lanes, and paved roads, but many were unhappy with some trees being cut down due to their history.
“We had an opportunity to learn a little bit more about what was going on, the timeline for the project,” said Jordan Johnson, Commissioner District 1. “And we were able to go to some of these that were slated for replacing, and these conversations about working around those trees were at the centerpiece of that conversation.”
The issue is that certain trees are tied into stormwater systems. But for now, they have halted the cutting and want to hear from the community because of the uproar and find a middle ground.
“We have a tree ordinance, and there is a purpose for that, and we need to understand the repercussions for our community if they’re gone. But I hope that the rest of the community will have their voice heard when it comes to Monday,” said Tonya Bonitatibus, Savannah Riverkeeper.
“Hear from neighbors and hear their concerns, but there is an opportunity for a happy medium to be reached, and we’re going to the table to figure out what that looks like,” said Johnson.
Johnson says they will make sure to keep communication with those in the area to keep them informed and also wants to remind them that this is to upgrade and not take away from the area.
“It’s going to look ugly for a little while. It’s going to be a little stressful as the progress is being made, but it’s going to get us to a better place,” said Johnson.
There will be a community meeting on Monday, June 22nd, at 6 p.m. at the Heritage Academy on Greene Street, where Johnson encourages the community to voice their feelings on this issue.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan campaigned in Augusta ahead of Election Day, making stops at two churches and meeting with local faith leaders.
The former lieutenant governor visited Good Hope Baptist Church on Cedar Street, where he spoke with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition’s “Music to the Polls” group.
Duncan told us that, if elected governor, he wants to expand Medicaid, pass what he called “common-sense gun legislation,” and create more economic opportunities statewide. He also pointed to affordability concerns impacting families and businesses.
“I want to take $1.7 billion of our state’s fund and wrap it around the axle of poverty,” Duncan said, adding that he wants to lower child care costs and improve temporary assistance programs.
Duncan also stopped at Miles Memorial Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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