Good morning, Augusta.

Local celebrations for America’s 250th birthday begin with Fort Gordon fireworks on July 1 featuring live music and food trucks.

On July 4, downtown hosts 'Meet Us at the River' with vendors, kid zones, and riverfront fireworks; some events have adjustments like ticket requirements and altered access due to construction.

Columbia County event organizers warned against ticket scams for the sold-out Boom in the Park event featuring live music, a drone show & fireworks from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday along the river.

Augusta & North Augusta will hold the Signers Monument Celebration as part of Fourth of July festivities.

Golden Harvest announced food distribution events to help residents in need + the organization previewed the initiative on Monday, Jun.

29 and will support local families with food assistance. Further details on event dates and locations are forthcoming.

The Georgia Department of Labor reported in May that unemployment rates in every regional commission increased slightly (by up to 0.5 point) compared to previous figures.

Labor force and employment totals varied by region with some numbers reaching all-time highs.

Judi Wilson will retire as dean at the end of July after more than 20 years at Augusta University.

Starting as a temporary instructor in 2003, she advanced the college and now plans to focus on family and personal pursuits.

UGA students in the New Media Institute have developed an augmented reality tool for the Grow Back Project — a joint effort with the Community Foundation that helps residents choose trees to replant for storm resilience.

The interactive website will launch in fall to mark Hurricane Helene’s two-year anniversary.

A heat dome is expected to bring extreme heat through the Fourth of July weekend, and local residents are advised to stay hydrated + seek shade and use sunscreen to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Augusta officials have opened cooling centers to help residents beat the rising heat.

The centers are available today for anyone needing a safe spot amid the intense temperatures.

A Residence Inn by Marriott is proposed for the corner of Walker and 13th streets — beside Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School — and seeks a zoning change to build a five-story, 125-unit extended-stay hotel.

The proposal will be reviewed by the Planning Commission on July 6 and by the Augusta Commission on July 21.

Atlanta Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver, recovering from UCL surgery, will pitch in his rehab start today for the Augusta GreenJackets against the Salem Ridgeyaks at 7:05 p.m. (he is working to earn his return to the majors).

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.

A Night of Soul Concert

8 p.m. — Miller Theater — Ticket info available — Experience a soulful evening of music from talented performers.