Good morning, Augusta.

A local Latin restaurant is collecting donations to aid earthquake victims in Venezuela while rescue teams search for thousands of missing people + community members are encouraged to help.

Augusta Habitat for Humanity broke ground on a new home (608 Macon Avenue) on June 26 as part of its ambitious plan to build 50 houses a year.

Construction will finish in four to six months and volunteer opportunities will be posted online.

Local groups hosted a benefits and resource expo for veterans at Augusta Technical College on Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Warrior Alliance, VA & Veterans Service assisted hundreds with benefits information, claims help, and healthcare enrollment.

Campers from Mead Hall Episcopal School Summer Camp hosted a lemonade stand fundraiser on Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at First Citizens Bank on Park Avenue+ they presented a donation check to CSRA Honor Flight at 12:30 p.m. to support local veterans.

Georgia Power has opened enrollment for its new CARES CIR program that lets commercial and industrial customers subscribe to renewable solar projects through competitive RFP processes (the distributed generation option will open via a Notice of Intent period in Q4) and secure long-term power purchase agreements upon project approval.

The Georgia Department of Labor reported that the Augusta metro area's unemployment rate in May was 3.7%—up 0.4 from April—as job numbers fell by 2,900 and the labor force dropped by 2,859.

At Thomas Jefferson Academy, graduating seniors were honored with seven awards recognizing character and service at the May 15 graduation.

High school faculty selected recipients who exemplified athletic teamwork, school spirit and leadership through awards established in memory of respected community members.

A PurityMap analysis released June 26 showed drinking water in nine Georgia cities met EPA standards and rated Augusta along with six others at 82 while Atlanta and Sandy Springs lagged at 67 due to PFAs — chlorine treatments remain common for disinfection.

Georgia DOT has suspended interstate lane closures for the July 4th weekend—from Friday, July 3 at 6 a.m. to Monday, July 6 at 6 a.m.—to ease travel and improve safety.

Motorists should expect ongoing construction zones and follow safety guidelines.

The Shepeard Community Blood Center will run its Botox for Blood event from Monday through Friday, offering a $150 certificate redeemable for Botox at Southern Dermatology (Evans or Aiken) for donors as the CSRA faces a two-year low blood supply.

Tennis Camp

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Warren Sports & Fitness — Fees apply — Improve tennis skills and enjoy a fun, instructional summer camp experience for young athletes.

Music In The Park

7-8 p.m. — Maude Edenfield Park — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful outdoor concert series in a scenic park setting.

Hickory Crawdads at Augusta GreenJackets

7:05-8:05 PM — SRP Park — Check for ticket prices — Watch local baseball as the Crawdads face off against the GreenJackets.

Peach State Summer Showcase

8 a.m. — Augusta Preparatory Day School — Competitive entry fee — Experience a high-energy weekend of youth basketball with teams from various divisions.

3rd Annual Bookbag Bash

9 AM – 12 PM — Bell Auditorium — Free entry — Kick off the school year with free supplies, fun music, and community resources for families.

Hickory Crawdads vs Augusta GreenJackets

2:05 – 3:05 PM — SRP Park — VIP tickets available — Experience the thrill of minor league baseball with top-notch amenities and entertainment.

Nike Peach Jam Basketball Tournament

July 14-19 — Riverview Park Activities Center — Admission TBA — Witness the pinnacle of grassroots basketball as top high school players compete for the championship.

On The Border - The Eagles Tribute Band

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Miller Theater — Ticket options available — Experience the classic hits of the Eagles performed live.

Abigail Lord Live Performance

Acoustic Set — Evening — Doc's Porchside — Cost TBA — Enjoy a night of live music featuring top hits from Country, Pop, and Rock.

National Treasure Screening

2-4 p.m. — Miller Theater — Free entry — Enjoy a nostalgic movie outing at the historic Miller Theater with a screening of National Treasure.