Augusta, GA
New Trader Joe’s opening will be closest store to Augusta — But it will still be a drive
See why this new Trader Joe’s store is confusing social media
Trader Joe’s opened a new store directly across the street from an existing Trader Joe’s location in Sherman Oaks, California.
Stores like Buc-ee’s aren’t the only one with a cult following, and a new one is coming within a day-trip’s distance from Augusta.
Trader Joe’s is opening seven new grocery stores including one in Columbia, SC. Here’s what we know:
Where is Trader Joe’s in Columbia, SC?
The new location will be built at 275 Harbison Blvd. while there is already another location at 4516 Forest Dr.
When does Trader Joe’s in Columbia, SC open?
As of Wednesday, an opening date has not been announced for the new location. The Columbia store that’s already running is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What is Trader Joe’s known for?
Similar to its distant relative Aldi’s, Trader Joe’s has a large selection of affordable, non-name brand groceries. They are also known for having particularly unique items and a popular collection of private-label products. The ambiance is also very singular as Trader Joe’s boasts especially friendly staff in a bright, tropically-decorated market.
Is Trader Joe’s hiring?
As of Wednesday, Trader Joe’s job portal had no openings for the Columbia locations.
How many Trader Joe’s are in Georgia?
There are currently nine Trader Joe’s open in Georgia with a 10th slated to open sometime this year in Peachtree City. They are largely around the metro Atlanta area and Athens, the closest Georgia location to Augusta. For more info, go to locations.traderjoes.com/ga/.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
Augusta, GA
Georgia governor candidate Olu Brown campaigns in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Democratic candidate for Georgia governor Olu Brown visited Augusta on Friday evening, stopping near the Sand Hills Community Center as early voting continues.
Brown is one of six candidates in the Democratic primary.
Campaign priorities
Brown said his vision as governor would focus on three main areas.
“One, it’s affordability around health care and making sure we expand Medicaid and expand Peach Care and make sure we continue to make our rural health care systems healthy and vital,” Brown said. “Number two, we’ve got to address education in all of Georgia, making sure every kid in Georgia gets an excellent education, and we’re paying our teachers more. And number 3, we’re protecting the rights of all women. Folks in the Gold Dome shouldn’t be making decisions about their bodies or the choices that they make.”
Brown is running against Amanda Duffy, Derrick Jackson, Geoff Duncan, Jason Esteves, Keisha Lance Bottoms and Mike Thurmond.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta Prep student arrested over picture of LEGO gun, threat he called a joke
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An Augusta Prep student was arrested on a charge of terroristic threats over a picture of a LEGO gun he posted on social media.
It happened Wednesday, according to an incident report from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Eric Hedinger, the principal of Augusta Preparatory Day School, told deputies a student had uploaded a picture to Snapchat of a “pistol” with the caption “shooting up the school so I don`t have to take the stats exam tomorrow. Don`t come yall!”
The principal said he spoke to the student and his father about the photo.
The principal also provided deputies with the student’s address in Grovetown.
A deputy went there and was told by the student that the “pistol” was a LEGO set that he had built.

He also said the comment he made was supposed to be a joke because he was not looking forward to taking his Advanced Placement statistics test this week.
The student showed the deputy the box that the LEGO set came in, and how the set was already disassembled.
The deputy also looked in the boy’s room to make sure he was not in possession of any weapons.
The mother advised that there was one firearm in the residence but it was locked up.

The deputy contacted Judge Leslie Morgan and she issued a warrant for terroristic threats.
The student, age 18, was taken into custody and transported to the Columbia County Detention Center.
News 12 is not reporting his name or publishing his photo since the LEGO gun could not have actually harmed anyone.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Man wanted for Augusta child cruelty case, considered armed and dangerous
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a wanted man.
35-year-old Oniel Gary Cameron is wanted for an incident that occurred on Bridgewater Drive in Augusta Thursday.
Authorities say his charges include:
- Cruelty to children 3rd Degree
- Criminal Damage to Property 1st Degree
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Cameron reportedly has warrants on file with RCSO and is known to drive a black Toyota Seqoia with a Georgia tag of D-E-E-8-6-7-2.
He is believed to be Armed and Dangerous.
Anyone that comes into contact with Cameron or has any information on his location is urged to call the Richmond County Sheriff’s office at 706-821-1020 or 706-821-1080.
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