Augusta, GA

Georgia passes state law on antisemitism, some disagree with the vote

Published

2 years ago

January 26, 2024

Georgia passes state law on antisemitism, some disagree with the vote

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia lawmakers passed a bill on Thursday allowing prosecutors to add antisemitism charges to crimes committed against Jewish people or places.

And Governor Brian Kemp says he will sign it.

A study by the antidefamation league shows antisemitic attacks are increasing.

It comes during a tumultuous time in the Middle East, but the Islamic Center in Augusta says the bill should include even more groups.

With war continuing in the Middle East, people are looking for different avenues to help. But when it comes to passing a state law on anti-Semitism, members of the Augusta Muslim community are torn.

“Peaceful coexistence, it did happen before for years and years, it can happen again,” said Azza Elremessy, who’s part of the Islamic Society of Augusta.

44 Georgia Senators votes to pass the bill.

“If you want to go out and say that you hate Israel after this bill is passed, you may absolutely do that. But if you want to commit a crime, you got a problem,” said Senate President John Kennedy.

But six Senators didn’t and some people here in Augusta agree with that vote.

“It does not help to alleviate this bad problem of anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is a very bad, heinous activity. And I or actually, all Muslims are against any anti-Semitic actions or talk but you cannot only limit this to the Jewish people, if you want to make a law like that, okay? Anti-Muslims should be outlawed, anti-Asian should be outlawed, anti-Black should be outlawed. So why there’s a distinction here?” said Hossam Fadel, who’s part of the Islamic Society of Augusta.

He says people should be allowed to have their own opinions and thinks this law may infringe on that right to free speech.

“There’s 35,000 Palestinians that have been killed in Gaza, at least for now or by now. So limiting our criticism of these actions by Israel is definitely not acceptable as far as anti-Semitism is. It is not. We have no problem with Jews as Jews or individuals. But we have a problem with the actions Israel committing, what we think is crimes against humanity,” he said.

At the end of the day, people just want peace.

Elremessy said: “I’d really like, you know, for us to be the one, remembered as providing the humanitarian aid, stopping the war, and taking the lead really, to bring back the peace to the Middle East.”

The Islamic Society of Augusta has events that are open to the public where they have discussions about what is happening in the Middle East and its history. For more information, visit their website.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

13 minutes ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

12 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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Augusta, GA

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.

“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.

Specialty flavors made in house

The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.

“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.

A business built for family

Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.

“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.

“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#

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