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Despite Augusta families fight for stronger laws, report shows decrease in overdose deaths

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Despite Augusta families fight for stronger laws, report shows decrease in overdose deaths


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT)- Despite Augusta families fighting for stronger overdose laws, a new report from the CDC found that overdose deaths are down in Georgia and across the country.

Though the new decrease in deaths, this week two people in Burke County were charged under the new fentanyl overdose law called “Austin’s Law”, and we talked to a family of another victim in a different case.

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Reports show Georgia deaths are down nearly 6%. This is the first change in an increasing trend since 2011.

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Carrollton Police Chief Joel Richards says the number of overdose deaths is still too high in their community. He’s a part of the FentanylStopsHere campaign. You can see signs across the county.

“We have the resources for mental health, substance abuse homelessness, it’s just getting people to use it,” said Richards.

Grieving family members turned advocates work to saving others.

Zaneta Jones lost her husband Nicholas to an overdose when he was 22 years old. Jones meets with people in active addiction to try to lead them to sobriety.

“I kept thinking he was going to come home and I’m going to get him back and now I don’t get that and that’s what makes it so hard,” said Jones.

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The average age for overdose deaths is getting younger. Overdoses are the leading cause of death of people 18 to 45.

Bruce Guthrie lost his son Cody to an overdose at 29 years old. He now speaks at school and public events to warn about the dangers of fentanyl.

“I remember standing outside of the hospital while they brought out the body bag. I made myself watch and I decided there, I was going to fight or die behind him. When I was at Carrollton High School, I opened it up to questions. The question that knocked me over, a high schooler asking me how he could help his friend who was in addictive addiction,” said Guthrie.

Guthrie and Jones now advocate for change in their community. They’re optimistic about the new study, but they are not done with their advocacy work.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta Regional Airport hosts drone camp for students

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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.

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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.



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Augusta, GA

10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat

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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.

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The festival runs until 10 p.m.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins

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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.

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“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.

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“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.



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