Augusta, GA
Harris and Biden surveyed damage wrought by Hurricane Helene in 2 swing states
Vice President Harris consoles a woman as she toured damage from Hurricane Helene in the Meadowbrook neighborhood of Augusta, Ga., on Oct. 2.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP
hide caption
toggle caption
Brendan Smialowski/AFP
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Vice President Harris took a pause from the campaign trail on Wednesday to visit a neighborhood ravaged by Hurricane Helene where more than half of residents don’t have power and many don’t have running water, consoling a woman who she said had lost her husband.

“There is real pain and trauma that has resulted because of this hurricane,” Harris said.
Meanwhile, President Biden spent about an hour flying over Asheville, N.C., by helicopter. “You can see homes that are moved, clearly, from one side of the river, down the river to another side,” he said. “Communities like Chimney Rock are reduced to piles of wood and debris.”
Vice President Harris speaks about damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Augusta, Ga., on Oct. 2.
Bendan Smialowski/AFP
hide caption
toggle caption
Bendan Smialowski/AFP
Biden and Harris are trying to reassure residents hurt by the massive storm that the federal government will help the region recover. Making good on that promise is a critical test for the administration in this election year, particularly in the swing states of North Carolina and Georgia, where Biden and Harris visited.

But Biden said it wasn’t about politics. “At a moment like this, we put politics aside — at least, we should put it all aside, and we have, here,” Biden said at a briefing at an emergency operations center in Raleigh, N.C.
“There are no Democrats, Republicans — only Americans — and our job is to help as many people as we can, as quickly as we can, and as thoroughly as we can,” he said.
President Biden talks with state officials at an emergency operations center in Raleigh, N.C., with a map of the area hit by Hurricane Helene behind him.
Mandel Ngan/AFP
hide caption
toggle caption
Mandel Ngan/AFP
Biden announced that the federal government would cover 100% of the costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures for six months for North Carolina, as requested by its Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.
He also directed up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to be deployed to help the North Carolina National Guard deliver food, water and medicine.
In Georgia, Harris said the federal government would cover 100% of the costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures for three months for the state, as requested by its Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. Kemp was not with her for the tour.
President Biden surveyed storm damage on Marine One near Asheville, N.C. on Oct. 2.
Mandel Ngan/AFP
hide caption
toggle caption
Mandel Ngan/AFP
The White House also announced that Biden had authorized 100% of the costs of debris removal and emergency protective measures for three months for Florida — a state he plans to visit on Thursday.
Biden will also make a stop on Thursday in Georgia. That’s where former President Donald Trump was on Monday, where he, too, said that disasters transcend politics.
Former President Donald Trump visitsa furniture store damaged during Hurricane Helene in Valdosta, Ga., on Sept. 30.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
hide caption
toggle caption
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
“As you know, our country is in the final weeks of a hard-fought national election. But in a time like this, when a crisis hits, when our fellow citizens cry out in need, none of that matters. We’re not talking about politics now. We have to all get together and get this solved,” Trump said.

But during his stop, Trump falsely said Gov. Kemp had not been able to reach Biden. “He’s been calling the president, hasn’t been able to get him. But they’ll come through, I’m sure,” Trump said. Biden later that day angrily criticized Trump.
“He’s lying, and the governor told him he was lying,” Biden said, noting he had spoken with Kemp. “I don’t know why he [Trump] does this. And the reason I get so angry about it — I don’t care about what he says about me, but I care what he communicates to the people that are in need. He implies that we’re not doing everything possible. We are,” Biden said.
Augusta, GA
Augusta commissioners receive updates on apartment safety improvements, SPLOST 9
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta commissioners received a progress report on safety improvements at two apartment complexes that promised upgrades in August.
Redwood Housing provided updates on work at the Bon Air and Richmond Summit apartments.
The attorney for the housing company said the upgrades at both complexes are close to completion, from renovations inside to new security measures. Commissioners heard a long list of changes being made at both complexes.
The sheriff’s office and code enforcement backed up the improvements, saying their calls at both complexes have decreased compared to six months ago.
“We have to keep their feet to the fire. I’ve received a number of horror stories from people living in both properties, from it being 100 degrees outside, and they’re not having air conditioning, to 13-year-olds being gunned down because of the lack of safety precautions at these facilities,” said Jordan Johnson, District 1 commissioner. “And, the list of these issues just goes on. I think it’s our responsibility to make sure that people have quality and affordable housing.”
District 3 Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice said she has seen improvements at the properties.
“Some people might say they are putting lipstick on a pig, but if you ride by there and see what they are doing, it’s a heck of a lot better improvement than what was there six months ago,” Smith Rice said. “I feel like, though. I’ve had more of a better response with Redwood than I have in the past.”
Ongoing oversight planned
Commissioners said they will keep checking in with Redwood Housing, including regular updates and meetings that include the sheriff’s office.
Redwood Housing is hosting what they call a grand reopening for both the Bon Air and Richmond Summit on Feb. 4. That will be at 10 a.m. at the Bon Air and 2 p.m. at the Richmond Summit.
SPLOST 9 discussions continue
City leaders are deciding how to spend sales tax dollars through the SPLOST 9 project list, which totals more than $300 million. The list includes money for jail renovations, new parks and road projects.

SPLOST 9 is a one-cent sales tax that would last six years. It includes $85 million to renovate the jail, but also includes money for parks, roads and sewer improvements.
For months, commissioners have debated what should make the list. Some commissioners said there needs to be more attention to infrastructure.
“We gotta be able to grow. And the only way you can grow is ensuring that your infrastructure, your sewers, and are expanded and improved appropriately,” said Don Clark, District 5 commissioner. “Roadways need to be improved. The sewers, we still have a lot of folks that are on septics. We gotta get ‘em out of that and get the sewer lines improved, not just for the residents, but even for the introduction of businesses into the environment as well.”
The SPLOST 9 project list goes to voters in May. Commissioners are still debating the details.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Morning Show Co-Host
88.3 WAFJ in Augusta, Georgia, is looking for a Morning Show Co-Host to join our team. If you’re looking for stability, a wonderful community to call home and the opportunity to do live and local radio, you’ll find it all here. As the heritage Christian AC in the market, we have been encouraging the Central Savannah River Area for over three decades. This is a rare opportunity and one that you should inquire about if you are passionate about loving and ministering to listeners who become like family.
We need an engaging storyteller to join an existing partner on the morning show. The right candidate will know how to connect with our listeners through your faith and everyday life. This is not a voice-tracking opportunity. We are looking for someone willing to relocate and join us in actively serving our community. Great things are happening here, and we think you’ll enjoy being a part of them!
When applying for this position, you must have experience in broadcasting or podcasting. We are looking for a gifted communicator who loves Jesus and thrives in doing local ministry. If you meet those qualifications and are looking for a job that is fun, fulfilling and meaningful, then let’s chat.
To apply, send your resume, cover letter and demo to John Bryant at john@wafj.com.
We are part of the Radio Training Network family of stations. Radio Training Network, Inc. (RTN) is a religious broadcaster, and all positions at RTN are subject to a religious qualification, including all positions at WAFJ-FM and WBIJ-FM. As a religious broadcaster, RTN makes reasonable, good faith efforts to recruit applicants without regard to race, color, national origin or gender among those who are qualified for employment based on their religious belief or affiliation.
Augusta, GA
Former Richmond County deputy files complaint against district attorney
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A state bar complaint was filed against Augusta’s district attorney by a former deputy who sued the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office alleging racial discrimination.
The complaint by Quincy Cannon alleges violation of a rule requiring fairness to opposing party and counsel.
The filing says District Attorney Jared Williams selectively granted access to grand jury materials during an investigation by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
That’s an agency that accredits law enforcement officers in the state.
Cannon alleged Williams helped a third-party investigator get and use evidence from secret grand jury proceedings against Cannon, while denying comparable access to Cannon’s attorney.
Although Cannon’s case was presented to a grand jury, the panel chose not to pursue criminal charges.
Cannon’s lawsuit claims he was treated unequally to white deputies who were also investigated over use of force.
A suspect in a deputy shooting accused several other deputies, including Cannon, of assaulting him in an elevator at the sheriff’s headquarters.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
-
World1 week agoHamas builds new terror regime in Gaza, recruiting teens amid problematic election
-
News1 week agoFor those who help the poor, 2025 goes down as a year of chaos
-
Business1 week agoInstacart ends AI pricing test that charged shoppers different prices for the same items
-
World1 week agoPodcast: The 2025 EU-US relationship explained simply
-
Business1 week agoApple, Google and others tell some foreign employees to avoid traveling out of the country
-
Technology1 week agoChatGPT’s GPT-5.2 is here, and it feels rushed
-
Health1 week agoDid holiday stress wreak havoc on your gut? Doctors say 6 simple tips can help
-
Politics1 week ago‘Unlucky’ Honduran woman arrested after allegedly running red light and crashing into ICE vehicle
