Good morning, Augusta.

Dave's Hot Chicken and the Augusta Fire Department host Five Alarm Firehouse Fest today from 2 to 4 p.m. at 1102 Trust Ave, where four firefighters will compete in a Reaper Challenge and 20% of sales will fund new smoke detectors for local families.

The Lucy C. Laney High School community is holding a prayer vigil & balloon release on Sunday at 6 p.m. at Lucy C.

Laney Memorial Stadium to honor Coach Otis Smart, who died July 11 after more than 40 years leading the Wildcats.

AU's Camp Discovery enters its fourth summer supporting women with cancer, bringing participants together at The HUB for Community Innovation in Augusta to paint, cook, move, learn & laugh during a week-long retreat.

The camp offers activities that foster connection and healing.

On Good Trouble Day, organizers held a conversation in Augusta about voting rights, election access, and civic participation.

Gayla Keesee from the League of Women Voters shared how the group helped a man with a felony register to vote.

Tech specialists were honored on Friday afternoon at the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University after completing the 2026 CyberPatriot Advanced Camp, a summer program where 120 campers (aged 10 to 17) from 56 schools learned cybersecurity and networking.

Maj. Gen. Mark Miles presented awards to top achievers during the ceremony.

Augusta’s animal services director James H.

Hill III resigned Tuesday and received a severance package of about $57,000 as his departure was accepted by the commission; deputy (Crystal Eskola) now leads the agency pending a new appointment.

Columbia County officials announced that utility work will cause temporary lane closures on Fury’s Ferry Road on July 20 and 24 and on Industrial Park Drive on July 21 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drivers are urged to follow warning signs & allow extra travel time.

WellStar Columbia County Hospital is set to open on Aug.

26 at 5000 Gateway Blvd in Grovetown, offering robotic surgery, telehealth capabilities & emergency care. A community open house on Aug. 8 will let the public tour the new facility.

The CDC traced a parasite outbreak to lettuce at Taco Bell in five states, and the chain is removing the ingredient from its menu.

Cases in Georgia have risen to between 11 and 30 since early July — health officials note that symptoms can last days to weeks.

A local disease expert said mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus (a mosquito-borne illness) have been found, although no human cases have been reported.

Health officials advise residents to use repellents and maintain screens as a precaution.

At the 2026 Nike EYBL Peach Jam held at Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta, top athletes and coaches (including Desmond Bane and Paul George) engaged fans with autograph sessions and competitive games on July 15 and 16.

Competitions at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam continued on Thursday, July 16 at Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta.

AB Elite won 76-63 over Brad Beal Elite, JL3 edged Drive Nation 61-59, and NY Rens beat the Florida Rebels 84-83.

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.

Ronnie McDowell's Red, White, and Blue Tour

7 p.m. — Imperial Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the legendary Ronnie McDowell and his iconic hits in Augusta.

Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Theater — Ticketed event — Experience the iconic sounds of Fleetwood Mac brought to life by a tribute band with over a decade of performances.