Augusta, GA
Fire at Charles B. Webster Detention Center causes evacuations
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – There was a fire that occurred at Charles B. Webster at 8:09 p.m., according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
One of the commercial dryers caught fire and spread to the immediate area.
Sprinklers were able to reduce the fire until the Richmond County Fire Department arrived.
Female inmates and trustees were evacuated because their dormitories are close to the laundry room.
There are no known injuries and no major damage.
“Overall, we were able to get everyone out in a timely manner,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley.
“I’m glad the damage was no more than the dryer. I was able to see some of the clothes and the trashcan, and little damage on the back side of the dryer, no major damage,” said Brantley. “Early indications from the fire department indicated that possibly some lint and some oil that drags the heat that is generated, might have started the fire.”
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Sheriff to hold news conference on deputy’s shooting of suspect
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff Eugune Brantley is holding a press conference at 4 p.m. Wednesday regarding the officer-involved shooting from Tuesday night.
Deputies say they responded to the 4300 block of Peach Orchard Road just before 11:30 p.m. Tuesday for a domestic dispute.
While on scene, deputies made contact with a man who had a firearm and pointed the weapon at deputies.
Another deputy discharged their service weapon, striking the man at least one time, according to the sheriff’s office.
The suspect was transported to Wellstar Medical Center for medical treatment.
The Columbia County Regional Use of Force Investigation Team responded to the scene. The team is now investigating the incident.
This is the second officer-involved shooting in Richmond County this year.
On Jan. 30, deputies respond to the 200 block of Telfair Street after 911 calls reported several individuals were involved in a fight. While on scene, deputies shot Joshua Derrelle Mormant, 28, of Augusta, after they were fired upon when arriving to the scene.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Plans move forward for student housing near Augusta University’s Summerville campus
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta commissioners voted to approve rezoning for a potential student housing project in the historic Sandhills community, replacing several vacant lots with units for students near Augusta University’s Summerville campus.
The decision has divided community members, with some supporting revitalization efforts while others express concerns about infrastructure and neighborhood character.
Veronica Bogans, who has lived in the Sandhills community for 56 years, supports the project.
“Being revitalized, I think our community is well overdue for that,” Bogans said. “Students coming here from AU, Payne College, we need that. We need that. Those are our future doctors, teachers, lawyers, x-ray technicians. We need that.”
Darryl Mims, who grew up in Sandhills and lived there for about 25 years, also sees potential benefits.
“It’s a little older community, but I think it put a, get a hill, a fresh start. Everybody love the hill. People on the hill have a lot of pride,” Mims said.
Other residents worry about the proposed housing’s impact on the community. Carolyn Robinson, who moved to Augusta at age four, cited infrastructure issues.
“You have to be very careful when you are traveling and it’s just an issue. The streets are in disrepair. You’ll have more vehicle fumes. Weed is a dead end St. and that’s a problem,” Robinson said.

Some residents said the proposed housing would look out of place, noting the roads are too narrow and citing drug issues in the area that need addressing.
The Sandhills community holds deep roots for longtime residents. Mims described the neighborhood’s past character.
“Everybody was closed and everybody looked out for each other. The older folks were real kind. You had a bunch of caddies in this neighborhood and they always talked about golf and that was the main thing in this neighborhood. You had to know golf,” Mims said.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Trader Joe’s opening 2 new grocery stores in GA, 1 near Augusta. Where?
See Trader Joe’s shoppers open ‘mystery’ seasonal item
Trader Joe’s mystery bags, filled with 3 reusable shopping bags, take over TikTok.
Trader Joe’s is one of the more unique grocery stores with its private-label products, festive design, and scavenger hunt experiences. It has a devoted following, and we have good news for the chain’s Georgia fans.
Where is Trader Joe’s opening new stores in Georgia?
Last week, Trader Joe’s announced on its website a new location coming to Johns Creek. Then, the company confirmed to multiple news outlets Monday their plans to build a store in Evans.
The Johns Creek location will be at 100 Medley Blvd. We have no information at this time on the eventual Evans location.
When do the new Trader Joes in Georgia open?
The Johns Creek location is set to open sometime this year, but an exact grand opening day/time has not been announced. We also have no info on the Evans location at this time.
Is there a Trader Joe’s Augusta GA?
There are currently no Trader Joe’s locations in the Augusta area, although it’s been a wish of many residents for a long time.
Currently, the closest Trader Joe’s is either of the Columbia, SC locations. Even if the new one is in outer Evans, it will still be the closest Trader Joe’s for many Augusta-area shoppers by several miles.
Is there a Trader Joe’s Atlanta?
There are multiple Trader Joe’s locations in Atlanta proper as well as the wider metro Atlanta area in parts like Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Roswell.
What are Trader Joe’s hours?
Trader Joe’s are typically open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. To check out your nearest store’s hours, go to locations.traderjoes.com.
Georgia’s Trader Joe’s locations
Georgia currently has 10 open Trader Joe’s locations across Alpharetta, Athens, Atlanta, Marietta, Norcross, Peachtree City, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. More details can be found at locations.traderjoes.com/ga/.
Trader Joe’s new locations 2026
Trader Joe’s has confirmed on its website six new locations across the nation, including in the following cities:
- Tucson, AZ
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Johns Creek, GA
- Manderville, LA
- New Orleans
- Woodinville, WA
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
-
Illinois1 week ago2026 IHSA Illinois Wrestling State Finals Schedule And Brackets – FloWrestling
-
Culture1 week agoTry This Quiz on Passionate Lines From Popular Literature
-
Science1 week agoVideo: Why Mountain Lions in California Are Threatened
-
Oklahoma17 hours agoWildfires rage in Oklahoma as thousands urged to evacuate a small city
-
Health7 days agoJames Van Der Beek shared colorectal cancer warning sign months before his death
-
Politics6 days agoCulver City, a crime haven? Bondi’s jab falls flat with locals
-
Movie Reviews7 days ago“Redux Redux”: A Mind-Blowing Multiverse Movie That Will Make You Believe in Cinema Again [Review]
-
Technology6 days agoHP ZBook Ultra G1a review: a business-class workstation that’s got game