Good morning, Augusta.

The YMCA of Greater Augusta will launch a $1.7 million campaign next week with a kickoff and prayer breakfast at Columbia County Exhibition Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (doors open at 11 a.m.) featuring game show-themed celebrations and focused prayers from ten local pastors.

Augusta University’s Hull College of Business has expanded its student-run mobile merchandise units from one to five across campus and community events, offering hands-on retail experience and contributing to a 29% growth in royalties; a unit at the Robert B.

Greenblatt (M.D.) Library now hosts recurring pop-ups.

Three Richmond County magnet schools will be honored in San Diego from April 14-17 when they receive National Merit School of Distinction Awards from Magnet Schools of America.

The awards recognize C.T. Walker, A.R. Johnson, and Davidson Magnet for excellence in communications, health sciences, and fine arts.

The EPA says 10,000 gallons of jet fuel spilled into the Flint River, and local officials are working to assess the situation.

Augusta will break ground on a veterans cemetery at year's end behind East Central Regional Hospital after federal funding was secured.

City leader Don Clark said the cemetery will take about one year to complete.

Local animal welfare groups and agricultural specialists advise pet owners to keep pets indoors and livestock producers to secure dry windbreaks+bedding with safe water as harsh winter weather arrives; lacking proper shelter may lead to severe health risks.

Plans to reopen The Ramada hotel in downtown Augusta are set for 2027 (restoring a historic local landmark), according to Augusta Tomorrow.

Otis Smart reached a milestone with 1,000 career wins at Laney High School on Feb.

5. Former players praised his long coaching career during a ceremony celebrating his enduring legacy.

At Augusta University's annual Stuff the Stadium night on Wednesday at Christenberry Fieldhouse, fans dropped off 2,378 stuffed animals that set a new record during the basketball game.

Invitations to the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur have been accepted with 71 players confirmed (including top amateurs) for the tournament April 1-4 in Evans and Augusta.

Past champions and international competitors will join other top-ranked golfers in the event.

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.

Independent Hustler Awards Show

7-11 PM — Jammin Moments — Ticket sales for the public — Celebrate the achievements of local entrepreneurs and artists at this annual awards show.