AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Anime fest was in town on Saturday, and people showed up for a good time.

People were able to go to the Columbia County Exhibition Center to celebrate the Japanese genre.

There were voice actors, cosplayers and even a lip sync contest.

We spoke to one of the organizers about what makes the festival so popular.

“We’ve kind of narrowed it down to where the anime fests are. The kids love them and the people love them, so they come out to them,” said David Hess, show manager, Augusta Anime Fest.

Over 85 vendors were at the festival.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One man has died and another is in jail after a shooting nearly a week ago in Augusta.

Brandon Johnson, 34, was shot at least once in his home in the 3600 block of Madrid Drive on Sunday and taken to Doctors Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m. Friday.

Another resident of the home, Mark Johnson, 30, has been arrested and charged in the shooting, which happened around 7 a.m. Sunday.

After the shooting was reported Sunday morning, deputies say they found Mark Johnson in the backyard of the home as he was leaving the house.

Deputies found the victim with a gunshot wound in the hallway of the home.

Deputies say a witness was kneeling over the victim and holding a towel on the victim’s chest.

The witness told deputies Mark Johnson shot the victim in the chest due to an argument, according to an incident report.

The witness told deputies the victim was intoxicated and had been turning multiple switches on and off in the home. Mark Johnson became upset and confronted the victim while he was in the hallway, according to deputies’ report.

The witness stated she was sitting in the living room when she heard a loud noise and saw the victim fall to the floor, deputies say.

Mark Johnson was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime, according to jail reports.

The charges had not been upgraded as of early Saturday.

An autopsy has been scheduled for the victim.

Despite the victim and suspect having the same last name, deputies classified the incident as “aggravated assault-nonfamily.”

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Parks and Recreation Department has announced the Ed McIntyre Riverwalk is now officially reopened to the public following recent debris removal efforts from Hurricane Helene, according to a statement on the Augusta, Georgia Government Facebook page.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the scenic path and the surrounding areas.

However, please avoid the playground section, which remains closed off and temporarily closed for safety reasons.

Repairs and inspections are ongoing in that area, and public access will be restored as soon as it is deemed safe.

We appreciate everyone’s patience during this time.

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