Augusta, GA
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.
Atlanta
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.
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.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan campaigned in Augusta ahead of Election Day, making stops at two churches and meeting with local faith leaders.
The former lieutenant governor visited Good Hope Baptist Church on Cedar Street, where he spoke with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition’s “Music to the Polls” group.
Duncan told us that, if elected governor, he wants to expand Medicaid, pass what he called “common-sense gun legislation,” and create more economic opportunities statewide. He also pointed to affordability concerns impacting families and businesses.
“I want to take $1.7 billion of our state’s fund and wrap it around the axle of poverty,” Duncan said, adding that he wants to lower child care costs and improve temporary assistance programs.
Duncan also stopped at Miles Memorial Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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