Good morning, Augusta.

Salvation Army of Augusta is nearing the opening of its new Center of Hope homeless shelter after receiving $4.83M in federal funding from HUD last month as the current family shelter fills quickly in warm weather.

Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley’s second annual youth basketball camp ended Wednesday, giving local children a chance to build character and learn teamwork before school starts — 10 players later enjoyed a free shopping spree at Academy Sports.

Goodwill will reopen its Wrightsboro Road store on July 30 after community pushback, offering a space for donations, education, and job training.

A ribbon-cutting is at 9 a.m. (store hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays).

Restaurants opened in 2026, with Bradley’s BBQ debuting on Broad Street on July 17 and Seasons Cafe launching on Wheeler Road on June 5, while Dave’s Hot Chicken, Pancho Villa Mexican Kitchen, Towne Center Tavern, Yummy Pho, Beanie Ben’s, Suea and Arie’s Artisan Cheesecake began serving locals.

During Tuesday's meeting at Cross Creek High, the RC Board of Education honored Walter Eubanks and set a Nov.

3 special election to fill his seat—GaDOE extended the strategic waiver for two more years while staffing efforts continue before school starts on Aug. 5 and Aug. 6.

Georgia law permits adults 18 and over to ride in the uncovered bed of pickup trucks on interstate highways, while minors may only ride on local, state, or county roads — safety experts advise passengers to ride inside the cab for better protection.

On Wednesday, U.S. Rep Rick Allen announced that the House blocked sweeping service cuts at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, keeping vital inpatient, operating and emergency services available at Fort Gordon for military families and veterans.

Senate action remains needed to finalize the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act.

Hospitals in the CSRA report an emergency blood shortage and urge donations as Shepeard Community Blood Center (which issued an appeal on Sunday) and facilities like Wellstar MCG and Piedmont Augusta work to boost supplies.

Augusta reporter Chris Rickerson recapped how the Florida Rebels—led by Cayden Daughtry—won the Peach Jam Elite Youth Basketball League tournament on The Sports Squad podcast recorded at TVCP Lab on the Augusta University Summerville Campus.

He discussed the World Cup, Atlanta Braves and British Open.

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.