Augusta
Morning News
Sunday, January 18th, 2026
Good morning, Augusta. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 18th of January.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Augusta’s higher education leaders, students and community members gathered Friday at Paine College’s Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel for the tri-college Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, where Mayor Garnett Johnson and keynote speaker Lamell McMorris honored the civil rights leader’s legacy. The Augusta Press
- ➤ On Jan. 16, the new 142-seat Judith Simon Butler Theatre held a ribbon cutting as Earnestine Robinson replaced ill founder Tyrone Butler, and students + alumni toured the facility to celebrate 50 years of artistic legacy. Augusta Good News
- ➤ Augustans honored Martin Luther King Jr. today at the downtown parade as community members gathered to pay tribute to his enduring legacy. The event showcased local pride and collective remembrance. FOX54
- ➤ CSRA Brick Con gathered Lego enthusiasts to share creations including models of Augusta landmarks. The event will travel to Columbia on Mar. 21-22 (location details pending). WRDW
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Tiger Woods celebrated his TGR Foundation’s 30th anniversary as it raised $50 million last year for education efforts — with an initiative set to roll out in Augusta soon. WRDW
- ➤ Alumni Foundation President Sheffie Robinson supports the school’s rebuilding plans but opposes changing its historic name. Local alumni are rallying to preserve the T.W. Josey name as part of the school's future vision. WRDW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Earlier this week, Augusta officials outlined the city's recovery from Hurricane Helene by detailing costs that include emergency response + debris removal. The update reflects ongoing work to restore normalcy for residents. WRDW
- ➤ At a nearly five-hour Planning Commission meeting last Thursday, more than 30 residents in Columbia County spoke out against rezoning requests that would allow data center development near Pumpkin Center (citing concerns over noise, emissions and community health). The Board of Commissioners will vote on the proposals on Feb. 3. The Augusta Press
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Interior designer Michael Siewert offers local residents expert tips on choosing a paint color that complements existing art, rugs, and furnishings plus testing swatches in various lighting. His advice from his WRDW lifestyles show helps homeowners create balanced spaces. The Augusta Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kevin Stefanski was hired as the Atlanta Falcons’ 19th head coach after owner Arthur Blank sought to reset the team’s culture following eight consecutive losing seasons — he inherits a roster with NFL stars like Bijan Robinson while facing quarterback uncertainties due to recent injuries. WRDW
- ➤ Augusta University’s Gabby Jourdain won the women’s 5,000-meter run at the Tryon Winter Classic in Mill Spring, N.C. on Friday, Jan. 16, finishing in 18:37.35 with a 29-second lead for a personal record+ the team prepares to compete next on Jan. 30. The Bell Ringer
- ➤ MACH Academy hosted its annual tennis tournament on Saturday, drawing regional competitors to its courts+ local spectators enjoyed a day of spirited matches. WRDW
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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.
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Ray J Concert
8 p.m. – 12 a.m. — Bell Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of music with Ray J and special guests.
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Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen
6:30-7:29 p.m. — Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Ticketed event — Experience the iconic music of Queen illuminated by candlelight in a stunning venue.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Don't mistake motion for progress.
~ Alfred Montapert
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