Augusta, GA
Georgia expo gives people hands-on experience with AI tech
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – As the world of artificial intelligence continues to grow, leaders are creating new opportunities for anyone looking for a career in the industry.
The inaugural Georgia Artificial Intelligence and Manufacturing Expo took place at the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center on Wednesday, hosting organizations from across the state.
Georgia AIM is a statewide program focused on educating and employing the AI in manufacturing workforce.
“We’re also focused on underrepresented and underserved communities women, minority veterans, people without a college degree, people who want to get into the workforce, learn new skills, get a really, really good-paying job, start a career,” said co-director Donna Ennis.
At first, multiple organizations showed up, dedicated to the same mission.
Justin Kirnon, community engagement specialist for Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, said: “We’re exposing this to minority communities, specifically black communities, all over the state of Georgia, because of the fact that, when you look at manufacturing owners and companies, we’re not represented in that space as well as we should be.”
The goal is to create exposure through demonstrations using AI-driven software like 3D printing and virtual reality.
University of Georgia graduate research assistant Christian Garcia-Ponce, said: “A lot of people when they hear AI, they think it’s going to take over the world and people are going to lose jobs. Really, what we’re hoping to show people is we’re going to grow with it. It’s not going to grow without us and showing them how they can kind of play into that.”
One partnering organization says they start the learning process at a young age.
“We train girls in the areas of computer programming, of course, cyber security, artificial intelligence, digital safety, robotics, drone technology and other STEM-related areas as well,” said Ebony Brown, CEO of Brown Girls Code.
They say they plan to host an expo every year with the hope they’ll keep people up to speed as AI and technology continue to grow.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, GA. (WJBF) – Georgia’s second-largest pride event continues with a parade and festival to celebrate pride month.
The Augusta pride parade took a new route on Greene Street but did not change its purpose for all to stand together.
“To be able to come out and just like be with people who are like me and celebrate people like me. Then I can show those that might be scared that it’s okay to be out and be who you are,” said Desiree Banzanten, an attendee.
After living in another country, one attendee got emotional seeing the unity downtown.
“I’ve never been here before, and during the parade, I actually cried because I thought it was so beautiful that a sense of community was felt. Coming here this year and seeing how people are so willing to love each other and be so bold in their love for humans and each other is really refreshing,” said Beth Zinkhan, an attendee.
Two best friends were able to celebrate pride for the first time.
“I’m glad I was able to express myself to the people I love and hang out with some really cool people,” said attendee Roneisha Moore.
One best friend was happy to support and celebrate her friend and others.
“I’m glad she was able to come out to her friends and family and just celebrate with people,” said Courtney Etheredge, an attendee.
Some people traveled to Augusta to enjoy the Parade and Festival because there is nothing like it where they live.
“We’re so happy to be able to come out here, and I know Augusta isn’t always the safest place sometimes, but I feel so safe here. And to be able to just a thirty-minute drive and it’s like a whole different world,” said Elizabeth Hobbs, an attendee.
Attendees felt safe and overjoyed to have a place where they felt accepted.
“In our community, we’re not really recognized and were always shunned upon, so being out here and actually having something blocked off and dedicated to us all day, that’s like great, “said Kiera Lambert, an attendee.
In all people want to remind others to spread love, not hate.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A second suspect has been arrested in connection with a shooting late last year that claimed the life of a 20-year-old in south Augusta.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said late Friday afternoon that Rashaun Malik McAllister-Lawrence, 19, was arrested in Columbia County with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
He’d been named as a suspect in the Nov. 5 murder of Isaiah McKnight, 20, at Glenn Hills Drive and Claudia Drive.
After the shooting, emergency medical crews were called to the 3600 block of Goldfinch Drive, where the victim lived. They found McKnight and took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
McAllister-Lawrence had active arrest warrants for felony murder and aggravated assault, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Another suspect, Frashawn Sankoh, 18, was arrested on May 25 and is charged with murder and aggravated assault, according to inmate bookings.
According to the arrest warrant, a co-defendant drove Sankoh and McKnight to the incident location, where they fired shots at two other subjects.
The warrant states the subjects shot back. This is when McKnight was shot and died as a result, the warrant states.
The shooting is among a string of them that have claimed more than 100 lives across the CSRA in the past year and a half.
The violent crime has affected communities large and small on both sides of the Savannah River, but Augusta as the largest city has been hit especially hard.
Authorities have blamed much of the problem on gangs. Many of the suspects and victims, like McKnight, have been young men.
Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a motorcycle crash on Riverwatch Parkway, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials say the crash happened on Friday night at 9:50 p.m. near mile marker 3.5.
Upon arrivals, deputies say they found male subject laying near the concrete barriers.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office arrived on scene and pronounced the male deceased, officials say.
The coroner’s office has not released the name of the victim yet.
We are working to learn more.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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