Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Augusta. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Workers began draining the Augusta Canal from Savannah Rapids Park to 13th Street on Jan. 11 for routine maintenance and debris removal. The project aims to preserve the canal’s historic value for local residents. The Augusta Chronicle
- ➤ Augusta-area organizers held a candlelight vigil yesterday from 5 to 6 p.m. at Downtown VA Medical Center (950 15th St) to honor nurse Alex Pretti, who was shot Jan. 24 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, with attendees asked to bring flameless candles. The Augusta Chronicle
- ➤ Local nonprofit leaders announced a project to build tiny homes (designed to offer affordable housing) for foster youth aging out of the system. Construction will begin next month at a downtown site. WRDW
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Georgia Power filed new PSC documents that could lower customer rates in June - easing bills for local consumers. The company is working with regulators to finalize the proposed changes. Augusta CEO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A new bill in the Georgia House could extend the current ban on cellphones from K-8 students to high schools if passed. Lawmakers introduced House Bill 1009 to curb in-class distractions and protect learning. The Augusta Chronicle
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A National Weather Service meteorologist said a snow system will hit Augusta starting Friday and continue mainly Saturday. The forecast shows highs near 50 on Friday and in the 30s on Saturday + Sunday, and wind chill could make it feel in the single digits. The Augusta Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Workers began draining the Augusta Canal from Savannah Rapids Park to 13th Street on Jan. 11 for maintenance+debris removal, revealing exposed tree debris and parts of the canal that had been hidden by high water levels. The Augusta Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Orangetheory Fitness is offering local members a $2 per day membership (available through Saturday, Jan. 31) that features expert coaching, strength training and cardio workouts for all fitness levels. The deal aims to help residents stick to their New Year’s fitness resolutions. The Augusta Chronicle
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A study by MetLife Pet Insurance shows that Bulldogs and Savannah cats are the most searched breeds among Georgians, with Google Trends data from November 2024 through November 2025 indicating rising pet interest + a shift in local preferences. The Augusta Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Augusta State University Jaguar and 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed announced his return to the PGA TOUR for the 2027 season and is eligible to play events later this year, provided he meets TOUR regulations. He will also continue on the DP World Tour as an Honorary Lifetime Member. WRDW
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Annual Augusta Home And Garden Show
Various times — James Brown Arena — $ — Explore garden inspirations and home improvement ideas at this community favorite.
-
Maddox Batson Concert
8-10 p.m. — Bell Auditorium — Ticket info not provided — Experience the insightful melodies of 15-year-old songwriter Maddox Batson, known for his poignant covers.
-
C&G at Fat Tuesday Food and Music Fest
1-8 p.m. — Evans Towne Center Park — Free entry — Experience the vibrant rhythms and flavors of the Big Easy with live music and delicious food.
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
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
~ George Bernard Shaw
About Augusta Morning News
Welcome to the Augusta Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Augusta, Georgia community. If you like the Augusta Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Augusta.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Augusta and across Georgia. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Augusta Morning News
A free Augusta community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://augustamorning.com/sitemap