AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta-area residents could have purchased fried rice that was recently recalled because it may contain glass pieces.

The brand − Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken with Japanese-Style Fried Rice − was sold at Costco, according to a recall letter received by a local customer.

Ajinomoto Foods North America in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a voluntary recall of some lots because it may contain glass. The affected products have “best by” codes ranging from 110825 through 011227.

It’s the same recall that was issued a few days ago for store-brand chicken fried rice that was sold at Trader Joe’s stores.

Althogh the name is different, it all comes from Ajinomoto.

The Trader Joe’s version was sold in 20-ounce plastic bags. The affected packages have best-by dates of Sept. 8 through Nov. 17, 2026. The products are stamped with the establishment number P-18356 inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The problem was detected after four consumers complained of finding glass. No injuries have been reported. Consumers should avoid eating the product and throw it away or return it to the store where it was purchased.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Lucy Craft Laney is buried in front of the high school that bears her name — and the institution she founded more than 140 years ago is still educating the Augusta community today.

Dr. Cordaryl Middleton, principal of Lucy C. Laney High School, said he passes her burial site at the front of the school every day.

“It makes me feel special knowing that we have a physical lady who gave birth to all of this,” Middleton said. “Her spirit is here with us as we continue to educate our kids.”

Laney was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1854. Her father had purchased freedom for himself and his wife before her birth. She learned to read and write at an early age and later enrolled in the first class of Atlanta University, known today as Clark Atlanta University.

In 1883, Laney started a school in the basement of Christ Presbyterian Church with a handful of children. Three years later, she chartered the Haines Normal and Industrial Institute. To fund the school’s growth, Laney traveled north in 1886 to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to meet with the Presbyterian assembly.

Augusta’s Black History:

“This trip that she made in 1886 to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to meet with the Presbyterian assembly and it was through that trip she met Francine Haines,” said Corey Rogers, executive director of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. “She gave Laney access.”

The school, named for benefactor Francine Haines, grew to offer kindergarten through junior college, teacher training, and the Lamar School of Nursing. It also served as a cultural center for Augusta’s African American community. Rogers said support for the school extended well beyond a single donor.

“So it wasn’t just northern Presbyterians assisting Laney,” Rogers said. “It was southern black doctors, nurses, dentists, college professors, your average everyday person investing in these schools.”

The Haines Normal and Industrial Institute operated until 1949, when it was replaced by the present Laney High School, built on the same ground where Laney first established her mission.

Today, Laney’s name is attached to schools in two states. An elementary school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, carries her name, as does the high school in Augusta built on the site of her original institute. Rogers, who leads the museum housed in Laney’s former home, said the history belongs to all of Augusta.

“This is Augusta’s history,” Rogers said. “It’s told from a specific perspective, but this history that we’ve been telling for the past 35 years is for all Augustans to appreciate, to celebrate, and to acknowledge.”

Middleton said Laney’s example remains central to the school’s mission.

“Ms. Laney was a pioneer in education, instilling in our students that education is a very important gateway to anything in life,” Middleton said.

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is open to the public.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An incident at Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School on Wednesday forced administrators to lock down a hallway and restrict student movement for about an hour.

According to a letter sent to families, a student “physically assaulted an employee” in one of the hallways.

The assault involved a member of a contracted staff organization, according to the school system.

School administrators, teachers, and Richmond County School System police responded immediately to the incident.

Out of an abundance of caution, school officials say classroom transitions were limited and students were held in place while personnel responded and cleared the area.

The student was removed from school and the incident will be addressed under the school’s Code of Student Conduct and Discipline and applicable state law, according to the letter.

“The safety and well-being of our school community remain our highest priority,” the Richmond County School System said in a statement. “The school system maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding any conduct that threatens the security of our campuses.”

The school system says it is cooperating fully with local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and that appropriate administrative and legal actions are taken.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.