Augusta
Morning News
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Augusta. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local businesses are adjusting operations to prepare for Masters week, with many planning new promotions (including extended hours and refreshed inventories) to welcome an expected surge in visitors downtown. FOX54
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 21st Century Leaders announced 21 students for the 2026 Georgia Youth Leadership Awards — including three from CSRA —. Honorees will attend a luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Emory University's Goizueta Business School before celebrating at the Inspiration Gala at Zoo Atlanta on Mar. 21. WRDW
- ➤ T.W. Josey High School faced several student altercations this week and limited class transitions while increasing police presence — officials say the incidents stemmed from off-campus activity and a later after-dismissal encounter, urging families to monitor social media for safety. The Augusta Press
- ➤ The Richmond County School System hosted a career fair on Thursday at Lucy Laney High School to help students prepare for life after graduation. WRDW
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ A Grovetown resident won a $34,141 jackpot while playing 20X the Money Quick Win on the Georgia Lottery mobile app Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 8:01 a.m. WRDW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Legislators introduced Senate Bill 439 to require senior living referral agencies to clearly reveal their fee structures and paid provider ties — the bill also limits fee collection to 24 months to help families make informed care decisions. Augusta CEO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new free-standing emergency room is under construction off Martintown Road in front of the YMCA in North Augusta after a groundbreaking in November. The facility will operate 24/7 with CT and X-ray machines and is expected to open this fall. WRDW
- ➤ Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia received a $200K donation from the Atlanta Gas Light Foundation on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in its lobby, and the funds will buy three Bunnell jet ventilators for the NICU to improve care for premature babies across the region. WRDW
- ➤ Doctors Hospital cut the ribbon on its new Women's Diagnostic Center on Thursday afternoon. The ceremony marked a milestone as the hospital expands women's health services in the community. WRDW
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Winston’s Tavern opened in October in Columbia County near the Performing Arts Center and is run by Augusta native Susan Hlavin. The restaurant serves elevated dining with dishes such as steak frites and grilled oysters and is open every day except Sunday (bar at 4 p.m., kitchen at 5 p.m.). WRDW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Local disabled veterans Dr. Lisa Maddox and Justin Hall are featured on national posters promoting disabled veteran sporting events. Maddox's poster highlights a winter sports clinic in Colorado set for April 4-11 + Hall's spotlights a golf clinic in Iowa scheduled for Sept. 13-18. Augusta Good News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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An Evening of Soul with Raheem DeVaughn
3:30-10:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — $64.15 to $106.15 — Experience the soulful sounds of Grammy-nominated Raheem DeVaughn and Eric Roberson in a night of R&B music.
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2026 Augusta-Aiken Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show
10 AM - 6 PM — Julian Smith Casino — Under 12 free with paid adult — Discover gems, minerals, and fossils along with exciting activities and demonstrations.
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Fifth Annual Run the Runway 5K
8-11 a.m. — Augusta Regional Airport — $12-$30 — Experience a unique running event on an airport runway while supporting a local nonprofit for veterans.
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Robert Earl Keen Live Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — Tickets available — Experience the musical journey of Robert Earl Keen as he continues to inspire with his storytelling and melodies.
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Doing Business with Augusta Workshop
2 PM — Accelerate Augusta — Free entry — Discover opportunities and insights into doing business in Augusta, Georgia.
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I-20 Highways Basketball Tournament
All day — Riverview Park Activities Center — Entry fee varies — Compete in a thrilling weekend of grassroots basketball with top AAU programs from the region.
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