Augusta, GA
Augusta’s Harold Jones picked as Ga. Senate minority leader
SAVANNAH, Ga. – State Sen. Harold Jones, D-Augusta, was chosen Friday as the new state Senate minority leader.
The decision came as Senate Democrats met in Savannah to elect new leadership ahead of the upcoming legislative session.
Earlier in the week, Senate Republicans gathered to choose their leaders for the next two years.
While speaking to reporters, Senate Minority Leader-elect Jones said Democrats can still be competitive in the Peach State despite Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss.
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He projected confidence that his caucus can pass legislative priorities like Medicaid expansion and gun safety.
“We’re going to be champions of Democratic ideals,” said Jones. “We realize that things may have been tough on Tuesday, but not necessarily in Georgia. We kept all of our seats in the Democratic Senate and we’re going to continue to move forward. You’re going to see a Senate that’s going to be very aggressive as far as pushing our particular ideals and interests.”
Meanwhile in a letter released Friday, Georgia’s Republican House Speaker Jon Burns, from Screven County, called Tuesday’s election results “incredible” touting high voter turnout statewide.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Progress continues on James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta, North Augusta join for July Fourth celebration
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta is hosting an Independence Day event to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and the city’s 290th birthday.
Augusta is partnering with North Augusta for the event, telling the communities to meet at the river.
There will be food, music, crafts and more. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.
The event starts at 5 p.m. with fireworks going off at 9:30 p.m. on July 4.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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