Augusta
Morning News
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Augusta. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Grovetown resident won $1 million from a second-chance lottery drawing on Jan. 1, marking an exciting start to the new year. WRDW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Augusta’s new budget eliminated discretionary funding for nonprofits including the Lucy Craft Laney Museum, forcing the museum to seek donor support and new grants. The museum’s director said the funding cut is expected to affect programming as city commissioners meet Tuesday to kick off the fiscal year. WRDW
- ➤ SRNL reached a milestone by transforming Cold War-era nuclear materials into new assets for energy research. The project was completed recently in Aiken & is expected to support future DOE efforts. The Augusta Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hospitals across Augusta welcomed their first babies of 2026 on Jan. 1, marking a hopeful start to the new year. WRDW
- ➤ Wellstar MCG Health welcomed its first baby of 2026 when Zerah Basisi was born at 1:13 a.m. Jan. 1; she weighed 8 lbs, 4 oz (20.5 inches long). The Augusta Press
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local bars and restaurants saw their busiest nights as guests filled venues on New Year's Eve and during the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day, marking a lively beginning to the new year in Augusta. WRDW
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A new data center campus called Project Eisenhower is planned near Fort Gordon; the site will cover more than 2.1 million sqft & include six two-story buildings with a $2 billion investment and is expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2026. The Augusta Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Augusta University women beat Anderson 91-69 on Dec. 31 at Christenberry Fieldhouse. Abercrombie (26 points, 10 rebounds) led the win while Jackson scored 20, and Anderson is set to play Middle Georgia on Jan. 3 at 1:30 p.m. The Bell Ringer
- ➤ Top Dawg Tavern will host 12-time Masters golfer John Daly during Masters week at its new location after its former Washington Road spot closed in July. Fans can look forward to seeing Daly in this fresh setting. WRDW
- ➤ The local 12u football team won a national championship in Florida, marking a milestone achievement in youth sports. Their victory reflects strong teamwork and sets a high bar for future contests. FOX54
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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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