Good morning, Augusta.

On Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, the Rotary Club of Augusta installed Brenda Durant as its 2025-2026 president during the Passing of the Gavel ceremony and announced its new Board of Directors including Dat Hoang as President-Elect, Zach Kelehear as President Nominee, and members Erin Armstrong, Lindsay Black, Kevin Grogan, Henry Holt III, Chris McKinney, Shanda Vaughn, and Mickey Williford. The club also honored outgoing President Surendra Gupta along with board members Bill Keogh, Dora Hogg, and Leigh Teffeteller for their dedicated service.

Yesterday morning an overturned 18-wheeler blocked the I-20 westbound ramp at exit 5 in North Augusta—officers reported that the driver received treatment for minor injuries and advised commuters to use alternate routes.

Delta Air Lines will add nonstop roundtrip flights from Los Angeles, Nashville, and Newark to Augusta for the 2026 Masters Tournament—tripling its seating capacity.

The new schedule will run daily from April 5 to 13 while existing direct flights from other major cities continue.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is searching for 52-year-old Brian Linden, a missing man in Augusta believed to be armed and dangerous, and is asking residents for help in locating him.

Augusta University earned the 2025 CSO50 Award for Excellence in Cybersecurity after its project 'Born from Necessity' increased SOC resources by 300% and provided hands-on cyber defense experience for students and service members.

The recognition underscores the university’s innovative response to post-COVID budget and staffing challenges — an achievement shared with only two other universities.

FEMA announced it is helping Georgia families and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene by providing long-term housing and emergency supplies; the aid is part of ongoing recovery efforts—officials expect further updates soon.

At its monthly meeting on June 24, the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority clarified that Primary Wave granted a free license to use James Brown's name for the new arena after declining to pay for a naming fee.

Chairman Cedric Johnson said that if a sponsor willing to pay is found—General Manager Todd Mastery added that a paid sponsor can use the name—then the arena will honor James Brown while it is temporarily known as the new Augusta arena.

Social Security payments for July will soon be distributed to more than 1.9 million eligible Georgians following a schedule based on birth dates — Thursday, July 3 for those who began receiving benefits before May 1997, Wednesday, July 11 for birthdays between the 1st and 10th, Wednesday, July 18 for birthdays between the 11th and 20th, and Wednesday, July 25 for birthdays between the 21st and 31st. The SSA advises recipients to allow three extra mailing days if payments do not arrive on time.

Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan: Grits & Glamour Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Theater — Tickets available — Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan bring their hit songs and timeless charm in a captivating live performance.

Augusta Bounce House & Slide Festival 2025

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Georgia Carolina State Fair — Family-friendly activities — Dive into a day of fun with bounce houses and slides for all ages.

Bryce Leatherwood: Boom In The Park

5-9 p.m. — Evans Towne Center Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with live music and fun activities at the 25th Annual BOOM! in the Park.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Tickets required — Experience an enchanting Candlelight concert featuring the music of Queen performed by the Listeso String Quartet.

Summer Beach Party

7-11 p.m. — Miller Theater — VIP tickets available — Kick off summer with legendary Motown hits and a surprise guest performance.

Nike Jr. EYBL 7th Grade Championship

July 14-17 — Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center — Entry fees may apply — Watch young basketball talent compete for the championship title.

Signing with Sara (ASL) Storytime

10:00-10:30 a.m. — Wallace Branch Library — Free entry — Learn American Sign Language basics with ASL Certified Signer, Sara Cooks.

Crimson Hills Trail Ride

4:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. — Crimson Hills — Cost varies — Experience thrilling trail rides, live entertainment, and a lively atmosphere with food and games for all ages.

2nd Annual Bookbag Bash

10 AM - 1 PM — Bell Auditorium — Free entry — Enjoy free school supplies, costume characters, and live DJ performances.

Mahjong Mania Camp

9 AM - 12 PM — Episcopal Day School — Supplies included — Learn the art of Mahjong with expert instruction in a fun, engaging environment.