Good morning, Augusta.

Carrie J. Mays made history as Augusta’s first city councilwoman in 1970 and helped launch a human relations commission that boosted local job opportunities.

Her influential legacy endures via the Carrie J. Mays Community Center.

Senior Emily Nicholson and junior Raiyna Bearden won the Innovate Pitch Competition at the Georgia Cyber Center on March 22 with their HALO with Wings project that makes low-cost soap for low-income families + supports local nonprofits, with plans to refine the formula and expand distribution through local partners.

Augusta’s annual Spring Greek Festival opens Friday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (953 Telfair St) with three days of Greek food, music, and fun; the event ends at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 6 p.m. Sunday with free admission.

Two Richmond County students were named 2026 Gates Scholars after being selected from over 61,000 applicants nationwide on April 20.

Rhali Adams-Johnson from A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School and George Collie from Cross Creek Comprehensive High School earned full ride awards to college & professional mentoring opportunities.

Paine College received a five-year accreditation from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools — a boost toward federal funding and recognition by graduate schools and employers after overcoming past financial challenges.

Augusta Technical College earned statewide honors at the TCSG Leadership Summit in Atlanta — where instructor Christopher Davis received the Rick Perkins Award and student Brentson Judon was named First Runner-Up for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership.

Davis won $2,500 and will represent technical education in the coming year.

Georgia declared a statewide Drought Response Level 1 for public water systems using surface and groundwater on April 27, prompting public campaigns to promote water conservation — outdoor watering rules remain unchanged.

Nearly all of the state faces severe drought, and officials warn future restrictions if conditions worsen.

Wildfires are burning in South Georgia with two fires threatening nearby communities while areas in the CSRA face milder conditions.

Firefighters are managing an expanding blaze that doubled in size over the weekend, and officials ask for local help to locate missing persons.

Wellstar MCG Health launched a new rural maternal care program to bring prenatal and postpartum services closer to expectant mothers in local communities (reducing travel burdens and improving access).

The program plans to expand support to more rural areas in the coming months.

Wellstar Health System and partners Golden Harvest Food Bank and Augusta Locally Grown launch the Wellstar Augusta Mobile Market today at Hub for Community Innovation from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The drive-through event offers food boxes to Harrisburg Healthcare patients; registration is required (limit: 100 households).

Augusta high school sports fans can vote for Athlete of the Week based on standout performances in baseball, soccer, and lacrosse last week.

The poll is open until Sunday, May 3 at 5 p.m. (Nominations for future polls can be submitted via email.)

Augusta Symphony Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — Enjoy an evening of symphonic music with Augusta's primary professional orchestra in its 68th season.

The Music of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit & The Rings of Power in Concert

5-9 p.m. — Imperial Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the orchestral magic of beloved fantasy soundtracks live in Augusta.

An Evening with Josh Gates

7-10 p.m. — Columbia County Performing Arts Center — Cost info not specified — Discover thrilling adventures with explorer and talk show host Josh Gates from Discovery Channel's Expedition Unknown.

First Tuesday Tech Talk Augusta

7-9 p.m. — Jessye Norman School — Free entry — Connect with local tech enthusiasts for discussions and hands-on workshops.

Dinosaur Adventure

3:30 AM – 1 PM — Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center — Check website for costs — Families can experience an exciting dinosaur-themed adventure at this local favorite.

Mamma Mia! Movie Screening

2-4 p.m. — Miller Theater — Free entry — Enjoy a nostalgic screening of Mamma Mia! as part of the Movies at the Miller series.

IdleWild Style Augusta II

8 PM-12 AM — Central Station Event Center — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a vibrant night with live music from Kydd Joe and exciting choreography.