Good morning, Augusta.

United Way of the CSRA is hosting a month-long Christmas in July campaign through July 31 to support local families through its Empty Stocking Fund (ESF).

A $35 donation leverages $100 in holiday gifts and aims to provide 1,200 children with a joyful Christmas.

Columnist Danielle Wong Moores and her friend tested the infamous Reaper slider at Dave's Hot Chicken on Trust Avenue to see if the popular dish meets the heat challenge (a trial for spice fans).

Their review spotlights the restaurant's growing appeal for Nashville-style hot chicken.

On July 8, community members gathered at the historic Hamburg-Carrsville district to mark the 150th anniversary of the Hamburg Massacre—names were read and rose petals dropped off a bridge.

A commemoration will follow at First Providence Baptist Church at 10 a.m. Saturday and include a benefit concert on July 24.

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, Georgia Farm Bureau and UGA College of Public Health launched the Georgia Farm Profitability Survey to collect input from farmers on economic challenges, and it remains open through July 31.

Survey responses will help shape future support for sustainable family farms statewide.

Augusta University’s Amateur Radio Club held the 2026 American Radio Relay League Summer Field Day this past weekend—students tested radio skills with voice, Morse, and digital modes while logging around 600 contacts and earning about 3000 points using call sign WA4AUG.

Culligan reported rising concerns over tap water quality after detecting contaminants such as PFAS and microplastics, prompting regulatory attention to ensure water safety.

Local officials plan to review standards and increase monitoring to address the issue.

Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp are on an economic mission to Scotland and Ireland this week, meeting with Hyundai and Irish officials to expand investments that have created thousands of Georgia jobs and to tour Georgia Southern Wexford Campus for educational ties.

Two recent polls show that Ossoff leads Collins in the Senate race by 13 percent while the governor contest between Bottoms and Jackson remains close; the midterm election is set for Nov.

3 with early voting from Oct. 13 to 30.

The Richmond County Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee opened grant applications on July 9 to fund prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and education programs addressing opioid abuse in Augusta (Mayor Garnett Johnson outlined the details).

Eligible nonprofit groups may apply.

In his third game, Matt Scannell hit a go-ahead double that sparked a 7-5 comeback win for the GreenJackets against the Hickory Crawdads Thursday night — his effort moved Augusta into first place with a chance to clinch the series tomorrow.

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.

Darci Lynne: Up Close and Personal Tour

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Imperial Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a high-energy performance with fan-favorite puppets and original comedy for all ages.