Augusta
Morning News
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Augusta. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Fire departments were on high alert as New Year's Eve fireworks posed extra risks amid dry conditions, a surge in brush fires, and neighborhoods with closely spaced homes. Midland Valley officials recommended keeping a five-gallon water bucket + hose handy and urged residents to call 911 if a fire started. WRDW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ New public art installations are now on display at Phinizy Center for Water Sciences and Nature Park and Pendleton King Park. Local artists and community members created School of Fish, Bird Walk, and Hydrangeas sculptures—boosting Augusta’s growing cultural landscape. Augusta Good News
- ➤ Three new steel sculptures were installed at Pendleton Park last week after being commissioned by the Greater Augusta Arts Council and funded by the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute. WRDW
- ➤ Three new steel sculptures — named 'Hydrangeas' and hand painted to mimic blooming flowers — have been installed at Pendleton King Park's entrance at 1600 Troupe Street after their announcement on Wednesday by local artists Wesley L Stewart and Colleen Beyer-Stewart. The park is open daily. WRDW
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Nineteen states raise the minimum wage today to help workers manage rising costs, while Georgia keeps its rate at $7.25 per hour & follows federal rules to make up any tip shortfall. The Augusta Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Georgia will receive $218.8 million for rural hospitals under the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, administered by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services & set for its first year. The funding aims to boost support for rural health services while prompting discussions on long-term impact. WRDW
- ➤ Augusta Transit will update fixed-route bus schedules effective Jan. 2, urging riders to check revised timetables online or at the Broad Street Transfer Facility (1546 Broad Street). ADA paratransit services remain unchanged. WRDW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local teacher and radio host Selina (Soul) Davis is waiting for a heart transplant after being selected on Aug. 21 by Vanderbilt Medical Center; her community GoFundMe campaign has raised over $11,000 of a $14,000 goal to help cover travel, medications, and treatment costs. The Augusta Press
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Focus Friend is a productivity app that helps users stay on task by letting a bean knit socks only when the phone is set aside — developed by Hank Green, it is free to download and includes a deep focus mode for blocking distractions. WRDW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Augusta University women’s basketball defeated Converse 91–69 at Christenberry Fieldhouse on Wednesday, thanks to an early lead and strong defense. The win improved their season record to 7–4, and they will face Middle Georgia State on Jan. 3. The Augusta Press
- ➤ Augusta University's women's basketball ended 2025 with a 91-69 win over Converse on New Year's Eve at Christenberry Fieldhouse; the Jaguars improved to 7-4 and hit strong early baskets to control the game. Augusta Good News
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KPOP WARRIORS Live Show
6:30-8 p.m. — Columbia County Exhibition Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a world-class show full of K-Pop music, stunning choreography, and vibrant costumes.
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K-POP GOLDEN SHOW
3-7 p.m. — Warren Road Community Center — Family-friendly event — Dance and sing along to your favorite K-Pop hits and enjoy dazzling performances.
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Winter Blast Pickleball Tournament
All day — Dink'd Pickleball — Entry fee varies — Engage in thrilling matches at this exciting tournament in Augusta.
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Winter Blast Pickleball Tournament
Jan 23-25 — Dink'd Pickleball — Entry fee required — Compete in a thrilling pickleball tournament in Augusta's premier indoor facility.
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Kerwin Claiborne Live Comedy Show
10:00 – 11:30 PM — The Scene Nightclub — Tickets available — Experience a night of laughter with the hilarious Kerwin Claiborne performing live.
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Reveal the authorAbout Augusta Morning News
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