Augusta, GA
Augusta funding cuts leave nonprofits in a tough spot
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta leaders approved a 2026 budget that cuts all discretionary funding for nonprofits, including MACH Academy, which received $200,000 from the city last year.
The nonprofit gives children opportunities to develop social skills and tennis abilities. MACH Academy has operated in Augusta since 1992.
The loss of discretionary funding will force changes at MACH Academy, but the organization plans to continue its mission.
“So it may be that our hours may be changing,” said Helen Thomas-Pope, MACH Academy operations manager. “It may be that, looking at some of the supplies and things that we provide, that may have to change.”
Thomas-Pope said the organization’s mission will remain the same despite the budget cuts.
“As our tagline says, change lives,” Thomas-Pope said.
Parents, students praise program impact
Parents described MACH Academy as essential to their families and community.
“MACH Academy to me is a place of hope,” said Danielle Davidson, a parent.
Milissa Burch, another parent, said the academy provides crucial community support.
“You know, you always hear you need a village as a parent to raise your kids, and you come here, and you’re like, I want these people in my village,” Burch said.
Laquonna Peters said the program has helped her children develop socially and educationally.
“They’re starting to blossom again, my children and with the social interacting and the educational piece,” Peters said. “It’s just a blessing.”
Students at the academy described learning tennis skills and life lessons.
“I think it’s a place where you learn and play tennis and whenever you mess up, coaches will tell you where it’s wrong,” said student Sona.
Another student, Zeke, said the program helps him manage energy while learning to be a better person.
MACH Academy is one of several nonprofits facing cuts in Augusta’s new budget. Other organizations and departments also face funding reductions.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made multiple arrests in a deadly shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured early Saturday morning.
According to deputies, the incident happened June 20, at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of Warren Road, where authorities responded to reports of shots fired involving two gunshot victims.
When deputies arrived, they located two 18-year-old men from Augusta.
Officials identified the victims as Eric Markquis Bartley Miller and Joseph Lamar Thomas.
Investigators say Miller sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas was also found with at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.
As of Saturday afternoon, three teenage suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
18-year-old Dmihjay Collins, 17-year-old Tayshaun Thomas, and 17-year-old Joseph Thomas have all been arrested and charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Machine Guns. They are all currently being held at the Webster Detention Center.
A fourth teenager, 17-year-old Reante Byrd was also arrested, but investigators have not linked him to the murder case. Byrd has been charged with Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under the Age of 18. He is also being held in the Webster Detention Center.
No further details in the investigation have been released.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.
12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.
Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.
“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.
The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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