Augusta, GA

Augusta National sees changes after damage caused by Hurricane Helene

Published

8 months ago

April 9, 2025

Augusta National sees changes after damage caused by Hurricane Helene

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WTOC) – Hurricane Helene had major effects around the city of Augusta last September, and despite the perceived magic that Augusta National has to offer to the public eye, the grounds weren’t immune to the damage done around the city.

While the club never shared information publicly, reports from those close to the situation are that the course suffered severe tree loss. The grounds look pristine as ever, but those who know Augusta National can tell a difference. There are certain spots of brush you can see through that you weren’t able to before, as well as some overhanging trees and limbs that are no longer there.

As a course that’s built on forcing golfers to play specific types of shots, the loss of trees that have been in play for decades could change certain holes. Despite the noticeable effects from Helene, it’s still a challenge for the best in the world.

“From a tee-shot perspective, there are maybe a couple that are a little less visually intimidating,” said Rory McIlroy, who is searching to complete the career grand slam this week. “Thinking of a tee shot like 10, a little bit of that tree loss on that left side, your target is that TV tower down there at the bottom of the hill. You used to not be able to see that, and now you can see that pretty clearly. Visually, it doesn’t look like you have to turn the ball as much as you used to.”

“I think with the trees, you just get a different view,” said Collin Morikawa, who sits fourth in the Official World Golf Rankings. “The way this course is set up, it usually forces you to hit a shot. Most likely a tiny draw, a tiny fade. You can’t really work it as hard sometimes. But, you lose a few trees and it kind of plays a little bit differently.”

The first tee time of the 89th Masters is Thursday morning at 7:40.

Source link

Click to comment

Augusta, GA

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter calls for more ICE agents in Atlanta

Published

3 hours ago

November 21, 2025

Press Room

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter calls for more ICE agents in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter wants more ICE agents in Atlanta.

Carter, a Republican who represents the 1st congressional district on the southeast Georgia coast, sent a letter to acting ICE Administrator Todd Lyons and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday, asking them to “increase federal law enforcement resources” in Atlanta.

Carter claimed there’s an “urgent need for an enhanced ICE presence in Atlanta,” writing that the federal agents would “protect citizens against record levels of illegal immigrants” and “confront safety concerns.”

You can read the letter below:

“Residents are clamoring for additional federal support, which would greatly assist state and local partners in maintaining public safety and ensuring that immigration laws are properly upheld,” Carter wrote.

RELATED COVERAGE: Metro law enforcement deny involvement with rumored immigration raids

He added, “Increasing enforcement presence would help deter unlawful entry, disrupt illegal networks, and uphold the rule of law. A stronger federal role would also help prevent the very real public safety risks that criminals pose and restore confidence in the system designed to keep us safe.”

Carter cited two recent metro Atlanta murder cases that allegedly involved undocumented immigrants, including the killing of a mother of five.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Undocumented immigrant accused in killing of Cobb County woman pleads not guilty

Carter, a self-described “MAGA warrior,” is one of several Republican candidates hoping to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in next year’s midterm elections.

RELATED COVERAGE:

Trump: No endorsement yet in Georgia US Senate race but ‘some very good people’ running

Two Republicans raise almost $2 million each in quest to unseat Democrat Jon Ossoff

Georgia Senate poll: Ossoff vulnerable, but GOP must coalesce around a champion

Field of GOP Senate candidates to unseat Jon Ossoff grows

Rep. Buddy Carter’s granddaughters safe after attending Texas summer camp affected by flash flood

‘MAGA warrior’ Buddy Carter enters Senate race to unseat Democrat Jon Ossoff

Source link

Augusta, GA

Augusta–Livingstone Women’s Basketball Game Moved From Nov. 23 to Jan. 16 – Augusta University

Published

21 hours ago

November 20, 2025

Press Room

Augusta–Livingstone Women’s Basketball Game Moved From Nov. 23 to Jan. 16 – Augusta University

AUGUSTA, GA – Augusta University women’s basketball has announced a schedule change for its upcoming home matchup against Livingstone College.

The game, originally set for Sunday, Nov. 23 at 5:00 p.m., has been rescheduled for Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. inside Christenberry Fieldhouse.

The Jaguars will next travel to face nationally ranked No. 4 Coker on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Fans are encouraged to visit augustajags.com for the latest schedule updates and game information.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags

Source link

Augusta, GA

Authorities arrest mother of 2 young children who died

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2025

Press Room

Authorities arrest mother of 2 young children who died

THOMSON, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A 21-year-old mother is behind bars, charged with murder in the death of her 7-month-old son who died in September 2021.

Dakota Nicole Taylor was arrested Tuesday at an apartment complex in McDuffie County on charges of malice murder, felony murder and cruelty to children in the first degree in connection with the death of Micah Taylor.

According to a grand jury arrest warrant, Taylor “with malice and forethought” caused the death of Micah Taylor by obstructing his airways. The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office said they arrested Taylor with help from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

In January, Dakota’s other child, 8-month-old Caleb Taylor, also died. The GBI is currently investigating his death as well.

The case highlights potential failures by DFCS and DeKalb County in their handling of the situation.

Dakota Taylor(Contributed)

Body camera footage from the night DeKalb County police officers arrived at a group home shows the scene after Micah was found unresponsive inside. According to police reports, Dakota was giving Micah a bath upstairs that night. When she finished, she brought him back downstairs into his swing.

Workers noticed Micah was slumped over, pale and unresponsive. The Department of Family and Children Services file states that Dakota’s responses to hearing her son died and processing the grief in the following days was unusual. Officers on scene made similar observations.

“I don’t know if this has anything to do with anything, but the mother, didn’t … She was very … Like alright, whatever. And I was like your baby is …” an officer said in body camera footage.

Another officer described Dakota’s demeanor as “nonchalant” when they were carrying the baby out.