Good morning, Augusta.

On June 26, a Hephzibah resident won a $1 million prize by scratching off a Georgia Lottery ticket of game 50X The Money & lottery officials delivered an oversized check to Quick Stop on Georgia Highway 88.

Two people were seriously injured in separate accidents in Augusta when, on Sunday, a bicyclist who failed to stop at a sign struck an SUV on Cumming Road and, shortly after 1 a.m., a pedestrian walking on Old Highway 1 was hit by a car—both were taken to a local hospital.

An Augusta businesswoman built a thriving business with unique candle designs that attracted many local customers.

Her growing company now stands out in the city's business community.

A homeless man, 41-year-old Carl Dednam Jr, died from a gunshot wound on Sunday morning when deputies responded at about 1:20 a.m. to a shooting on Windsor Spring Road and took him to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center where he was pronounced dead before 2 a.m.—an autopsy is scheduled as authorities investigate the incident.

The Nike Peach Jam event pumped over $18 million into Augusta’s economy and boosted spending at stores + restaurants.

Local business leaders expect similar events to further support growth later this year.

Augusta University’s Kids University gives local children a summer camp experience that teaches science, physical education and media skills in a university setting — the program has nurtured young minds since 2005.

The camp will expand in 2026 with a quiet/reflection room and safety sessions led by nursing students — local families benefit from a unique educational environment.

Today, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced that the state will receive up to $20,031,864 from national settlements with eight drug makers to fund addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery services.

He said that over $1 billion had already been secured from earlier settlements (providing key restrictions on opioid marketing) to support these efforts.

Inspections of restaurants, pools and hotels from July 7th to 11th showed no failing scores, but Augusta Miyabi earned the lowest score of 80 when inspectors deducted points for food stored improperly—including raw fish placed near sliced lemons, food on the floor, missing sanitizing test strips and unclean appliances. Tailwind AGS and Checkers followed with scores of 83 and 84—while many local establishments received perfect scores.

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.

AugustaCon Summer 2025

10 AM – 5 PM — Columbia County Exhibition Center — Ticket details pending — Explore a variety of fandoms at Georgia’s premier comic convention.

FREE Sundays at The Morris

12-5 p.m. — Morris Museum of Art — Free entry — Enjoy a cultural experience at Augusta's art museum on this special free Sunday event.

Free Sundays at The Morris

12-5 p.m. — Morris Museum of Art — Free entry — Enjoy art and culture at no cost thanks to community sponsorship.

PokeKon Fest

10 AM – 5 PM — Columbia County Exhibition Center — $20 — Discover the ultimate gathering for Pokemon collectors and fans of all genres at this vibrant one-day convention.