Good morning, Augusta.

Bradley’s BBQ, run by the Usry family, opened last week in the former Sunshine Bakery on Broad Street.

The restaurant serves slow-smoked barbecue and offers locally repurposed decor (including church benches and renovated shelves) along with a full bar and plans for live music.

Fuel prices have risen to $4 a gallon amid global tensions, and though local rates are below the national average, they remain higher than last year (a trend affecting travel costs) (as Augusta drivers face increased expenses this late summer).

The Richmond County School System Class of 2025 outperformed state averages in Advanced Academic and World Language and reached high graduation rates in CTAE and Fine Arts, as Georgia Department of Education data from Jan.

8 showed. Gains came at George P. Butler and Westside Comprehensive High Schools.

A state audit found that more than half of Georgia teachers use AI tools in classrooms to plan lessons and create tests.

Educators say AI saves time but warn that teachers in high-poverty areas (where fewer receive guidance) need more training.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Augusta Health Care System received funding in the third quarter to replace elevator systems downtown & upgrade the cooling tower uptown.

The move is part of a record $4.8 billion effort to modernize facilities nationwide.

A military family is still trying to resolve claims from its 2025 move with HomeSafe Alliance after disputed payment records led to an offer of twenty-thousand dollars; the family expects another offer soon plus may opt to transfer the claim to the Military Claims Office for review.

Construction in downtown Broad Street is on track to finish by the end of 2026.

City engineering director Hameed Malik said work—replacing older sidewalks, storm sewers and upgrading the James Brown Linear Park—is progressing block-by-block with minor delays.

Augusta University hosted its fourth Camp Discovery for cancer survivors at the HUB for Community Innovation Augusta.

The one-week program gathered women to share recovery experiences, build support and explore new activities to boost physical and emotional well-being.

Piedmont Hospital Augusta offered practical back-to-school health advice today, recommending light backpacks, adjusted sleep schedules, healthy meals, regular handwashing, and timely sports physicals and immunizations to help kids stay ready for class.

A local construction company has proposed a 107-unit townhome community called The Grove at Knox Farm on the former South Columbia Elementary site at 325 McCormick Rd., where pecan trees once grew; Columbia County Planning Commission will consider the rezoning request Aug.

6.

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.