Augusta
Morning News
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Augusta. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Kimberly Handberry Barker has been named as the new Events and Marketing Manager at the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and will lead strategic marketing initiatives + plan signature events that support local businesses. Barker brings extensive experience in public relations and event management to foster community engagement. Augusta CEO
- ➤ Delta Air Lines is rolling out its biggest flight schedule yet to Augusta for Masters week from April 5 to 13, increasing capacity to nearly 4,000 seats on peak days—offering exclusive on board entertainment covering Augusta National history. WRDW
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dressed to Thrill: Sculpture by John Petrey will open tomorrow, Mar. 6, at the Morris Museum of Art — featuring 14 dress-inspired sculptures made from recycled materials — and will run until Aug. 30. Augusta CEO
- ➤ The film 'What Pain Left Behind' debuts this weekend in Augusta as writer and executive producer Yannik McKie explains its focus on exploring lingering loss in the community. The Augusta Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Georgia lawmakers are nearing a major literacy overhaul that would fund a literacy coach at every elementary school and require kindergarten before first grade (a push led by bipartisan support and insights from a former teacher). The bill passed the House and is now moving through the General Assembly. WRDW
- ➤ Governor Brian Kemp signed the state budget to launch the DREAMS Scholarship, which allocates $325 million to help students cover college costs. Eligible students (Georgia residents who completed the FAFSA) can receive up to $3,000 per semester starting this fall. WRDW
- ➤ Richmond County Board of Education approved the 2026 facilities master plan to modernize schools by consolidating campuses and updating key buildings with closures and new construction beginning after the 2025-26 school year. The plan targets several schools — aiming for 21st-century learning environments. Augusta CEO
- ➤ The Aiken Technical College Foundation held its annual scholarship breakfast on March 3, awarding about 230 scholarships totaling $225,000; winners like nursing student Lillian Rose Stewart and dental assisting student Janiyah Dunbar said the awards eased financial burdens + boosted their confidence. Augusta Good News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The historic Augusta Boxing Club — one of the nation’s longest-running amateur boxing clubs that serves at-risk youth — now faces financial uncertainty after Richmond County removed nonprofit funding in the 2026 budget. The club may soon need to find new supporters for its programs. WRDW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Augusta University's women's tennis team beat USC Sumter 6-1 at Newman Tennis Center on March 3 by winning all three doubles matches & dominating in singles. The Jaguars will face Auburn University Montgomery on Saturday, March 7 & first serves start at 2 p.m. The Bell Ringer
- ➤ Masters 2026 starts Monday, Apr. 6 and runs through Sunday, Apr. 12 (with main play from Thursday, Apr. 9) while Easter on Sunday, Apr. 5 does not conflict, though the Drive, Chip and Putt Finals are scheduled that day. The Augusta Chronicle
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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.
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Annual Spring Luncheon Event
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Augusta Country Club — Registration required — Celebrate spring with renowned speakers and fellow garden enthusiasts at the Augusta Council of Garden Clubs' luncheon.
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Dare To Tri Sprint Triathlon
9 AM – 1 PM — Fort Gordon Indoor Swimming Pool — Check your competitive spirit with a 300m swim, 10-mile bike ride, and 5K run.
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