Good morning, Augusta.

A nonprofit is opening a new foster home on Sibley Street to give local children who have faced abuse or neglect a stable environment.

The home is part of Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center's Evolve Program + which already runs six houses that serve four to five children each, and plans call for four more homes and a program to help kids transition to adulthood.

Roman Kelly, 45, was arrested on Tuesday at the Quality Inn—2176 Gordon Highway on outstanding felony drug warrants after a monthslong investigation, and a court-authorized search of his room seized drugs including enough fentanyl to potentially kill nearly 330,000 people.

Augusta man Davante Parks, age 27, was sentenced to life in prison + 75 years for fatally shooting his new girlfriend Laquana Lang at her home on 515 Hines Street last September and for leaving her body where her daughters aged 5 and 2 discovered it.

On Tuesday, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office arrested 45-year-old Roman Kelly at the Quality Inn on Gordon Highway after a months-long investigation, charging him with trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine as he is held at Webster Detention Center.

Augusta University’s research team led by Dr. Jennifer C.

Sullivan has won a $4.4M American Heart Association grant to study how unique risk factors like obesity affect women’s heart and kidney health. The project is part of a larger study involving partners from Massachusetts General Hospital and Ohio State University—aiming to improve understanding and treatment of these conditions.

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.

Augusta Captains Seafood Festival

1 PM to 5 PM — Augusta Common — Free admission — Enjoy three days of fresh seafood and live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.