Augusta
Morning News
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Augusta. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Salvation Army is joining with Richmond County schools for a winter clothing drive to help local families stay warm in Augusta+ donations began Wednesday, Jan. 7 and will continue accepting contributions. WRDW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Lester A. McCorn, president of Paine College, has been selected for induction into the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Hall of Honor — reflecting his leadership and impact on the college community. WRDW
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ In the Climate Talk series today, Dr. Mathew Barlow explained that warmer temperatures are intensifying Nor'easter storms by boosting heavy rain and snowfall, which increases the risk of inland flooding for Augusta and similar areas. He advised residents to follow National Weather Service guidance for storm preparedness. The Augusta Chronicle
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Taxpayers planning for federal returns should review new changes that will impact next season, like elimination of taxes on tips and overtime pay, a higher child credit, and a $6,000 deduction for seniors — the IRS advises organizing paperwork and signing up for direct deposit before the April 15 deadline. WRDW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ One westbound lane on the Sand Bar Ferry bridge will close for scheduled repairs, forcing traffic to merge into one lane. Motorists should expect delays + allow extra travel time. WRDW
- ➤ This week, the CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority began accepting applications for Georgia’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help non-seniors pay heating bills after Hurricane Helene increased local needs (applicants must meet income limits set at 60% of the median for families). WRDW
- ➤ Law passed last month adds oversight that requires military leaders to review any planned cuts at Fort Gordon's hospital — the changes could reduce services but officials must assess the impact on readiness. Sen. Ossoff said the measures aim to protect care for service members. WRDW
- ➤ The Augusta Juvenile Court has secured a multi-year grant worth over $1 million to expand youth programs aimed at gang prevention. The award supports trauma-informed practices and adds a computer lab — scheduled to open Feb. 1 at THRIVE on Walton Way — to reduce recidivism. WRDW
- ➤ The Columbia County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to rezone 434 acres for a crushed-rock quarry that will let Quality Materials Co. extract granite between Louisville and Baker Place roads. Several residents voiced concerns about property values and pollution as the quarry is expected to operate for 40-50 years. The Augusta Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Augusta University men’s basketball beat Clayton State 67–58 at Christenberry Fieldhouse on Wednesday with balanced scoring and strong bench play — they will face the Lander Bearcats in Greenwood on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The Bell Ringer
- ➤ The Augusta University women’s basketball team beat Clayton State 65-45 at Christenberry Fieldhouse Tuesday night with a strong 7-0 run led by Amari Jackson. They will travel to Greenwood to face Lander at Horne Arena with tip-off at 1:30 p.m. The Bell Ringer
- ➤ Masters champion Rory McIlroy explained on the Stick to Football podcast that a legal document and strict dress code are required to wear the Green Jacket off club grounds, including rules on shirts, ties, and dress shoes to avoid mishaps like those noted by previous winners. The Augusta Chronicle
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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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Marty Stuart & Molly Tuttle Concert
7-10 p.m. — William B. Bell Memorial Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience great country music from legends of the genre.
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Turandot
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — Ticketed event — Experience Puccini's final opera in a unique multimedia staging reconnecting with its storied past.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
~ Rumi
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