Augusta, GA
Chemical leak shuts down Columbia Nitrogen Drive near Laney Walker
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A possible chemical leak on Columbia Nitrogen Drive is causing major traffic backups on I-520 Eastbound, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say that around 5:23 a.m., they responded to 1419 Columbia Nitrogen Drive following a report of a possible chemical leak.
Callers have reported a strong smell of ammonia near the scene.
The affected area has been restricted to through traffic while emergency personnel assess the situation.
Deputies are blocking the south portion of the intersection at Columbia Nitrogen Drive and Laney Walker Boulevard.
Select cars have been allowed through if they are parking at factories or businesses located between the police and fire units on scene.
No confirmed injuries have been reported at this time.
Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area and use alternate routes as deputies are assisting with traffic as the situation remains active.
Additional updates will be provided once the roadway is deemed safe for travel, according to the sheriff’s office.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta Regional Airport hosts drone camp for students
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
10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat
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.
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.
-
Pittsburg, PA32 seconds agoAnalysis: Most Pittsburgh‑area communities are losing residents — here’s why that might be OK
-
Washington, D.C4 minutes agoTrump’s DC makeover frenzy bewilders locals and visitors: ‘It’s like we’re under occupation’
-
Augusta, GA4 minutes agoAugusta Regional Airport hosts drone camp for students
-
Cleveland, OH16 minutes agoCleveland police arrest suspect in involuntary manslaughter investigation, find fentanyl and PCP
-
Austin, TX18 minutes agoAustin community celebrates ‘Black Artists Matter’ mural before removal
-
Alabama23 minutes agoTwo Alabama bridges rank among longest in U.S. Have you crossed them?
-
Alaska31 minutes agoPilot dies in small plane crash southeast of Cordova
-
Arizona33 minutes agoArizona’s Rugged Wilderness Area Has Gorgeous Mountain Trails And Scenic Camping Spots – Islands