Augusta, GA
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.
Copyright 2024 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.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.
Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.
After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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