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) — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made multiple arrests in a deadly shooting that left one teenager dead and another injured early Saturday morning.
According to deputies, the incident happened June 20, at approximately 12:50 a.m. in the 200 block of Warren Road, where authorities responded to reports of shots fired involving two gunshot victims.
When deputies arrived, they located two 18-year-old men from Augusta.
Officials identified the victims as Eric Markquis Bartley Miller and Joseph Lamar Thomas.
Investigators say Miller sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas was also found with at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.
As of Saturday afternoon, three teenage suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
18-year-old Dmihjay Collins, 17-year-old Tayshaun Thomas, and 17-year-old Joseph Thomas have all been arrested and charged with Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of Machine Guns. They are all currently being held at the Webster Detention Center.
A fourth teenager, 17-year-old Reante Byrd was also arrested, but investigators have not linked him to the murder case. Byrd has been charged with Possession of a Pistol or Revolver by a Person Under the Age of 18. He is also being held in the Webster Detention Center.
No further details in the investigation have been released.
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. (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.
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