Augusta
Morning News
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Augusta. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Trader Joe’s confirmed plans to open a store in Evans, aiming to boost local business. The retailer said the opening date (not yet set) will be announced soon. Augusta CEO
- ➤ Conduent suffered a cyber attack that exposed sensitive data from Oct. 21 to Jan. 13 + local residents are receiving mailed notices offering free credit monitoring if they sign up by April 30. WRDW
- ➤ Developers are planning new retail expansion at South Augusta Shopping Center to bring in fresh businesses and boost local shopping; updated facilities will open in the coming months (tenant details are pending). Augusta CEO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A special needs group honored Black civil rights leaders during Black History Month in the CSRA with engaging activities. The event brought local residents together to share stories and learn about their history. FOX54
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Georgia cotton growers support a bipartisan Buying American Cotton Act as Sen. Ossoff backs tax credits for companies selling products made from U.S. cotton — a move intended to boost local production amid high costs and global competition. Augusta CEO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Augusta University will hold its homecoming and senior night at Christenberry Fieldhouse today. The women’s team tips off at 1:30 p.m.—with the men’s game following—while a homecoming king and queen will be named at halftime and a party runs from 3 to 6 p.m. WRDW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Augusta Tomorrow unveiled its 2035 Vision plan Friday to shape downtown with a 5-Minute Downtown focus, an expanded riverfront (Rippled Edge), a trail connector (Green Ribbon), and a Canopy Network for preserving trees. City leaders said the plan will guide future development and funding through SPLOST and private donations. WRDW
- ➤ Georgia lawmakers will consider a proposal to replace the non-native Cherokee rose with the native sweetbay magnolia and designate April as Georgia Native Plant Month. The Caroline Romberg Silcox Act (introduced by Rep. Deborah Silcox) aims to update the state’s emblem and enhance native plant education if approved. Augusta Good News
- ➤ On Friday, the Georgia Senate passed a $409M budget line item for a 300-bed forensic psychiatric hospital to ease mental health strain in jails. House approval is pending and the facility may be built in Augusta or Atlanta (construction will take two to three years). WRDW
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Atlanta Gas Light Foundation presented a $200,000 check to Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital on Thursday morning — the donation will help buy three Bunnell jet ventilators to provide gentler care for premature babies in the NICU. The Augusta Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Traffic delays are expected for the Augusta Half Marathon, 10K and 5K on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 7 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Augusta University Summerville Campus at 2500 Walton Way — road closures along the route include a turn circle closed from 4 a.m. to noon. The Augusta Press
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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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Board Game Night with Cardboard Castle
5-9 p.m. — Savannah River Brewing Co. — 15% off draft beer for steinclub members and more — Enjoy a fun evening filled with games from the local store.
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
What looks like talent is often careful preparation.
~ Ryan Holiday
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