Good morning, Augusta.

The Healthy Grandparents Program helps local grandparents raising their grandkids by giving them physicals and school supplies on Wednesday ahead of the new school year — organizers say more grandparents have sought custody in the last five years.

Started by Augusta University’s College of Nursing in 1999, the program offers needed support to these families.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce said H.R.

1 will help Georgia businesses by making permanent the tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act+ allowing firms to deduct qualified investments immediately. The law will support domestic manufacturing and cash flow by restoring bonus depreciation, offering manufacturing facility deductions and excluding a tax on foreign operations so companies can hire more locals and expand operations.

Grammy-winning band Soul Asylum will perform at the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival on Saturday, Sept.

20th at 7:30 p.m. on the Augusta Common—Leon and the Peoples will open the show at 6 p.m. as part of the three-day event running from Sept. 19th to 21st that is partly funded by Destination Augusta.

Richmond County schools will open Aug.

4 and 5 while the school board will decide on Aug. 12 to choose between interim superintendent Dr. Malinda Cobb and former superintendent Dr. Keith Simmons — the chosen leader will replace Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw, who retired in December.

Starting July 28, city crews will close the inside lanes of the 800 block of Broad Street to build the James Brown Linear Park on the old site of the James Brown statue—one lane will stay open and officials are urging drivers to take detours to ease traffic.

Augusta’s Charter Review Committee will review motions to give the mayor more power and consolidate law enforcement (including a proposal for a strong mayor system) in upcoming subcommittee meetings.

Further details on how these changes will affect public safety are expected to be discussed soon.

On Tuesday, the Augusta Commission elected Tanya Barnhill-Turnley to fill District 4 after Alvin Mason resigned for health reasons, and she will serve until an election is held on Nov.

4. The commission also discussed the future of the James Brown Arena name, swept Maxwell House for broken elevators, and considered next steps for a water park amid calls from former Commissioner Moses Todd — emphasizing local oversight and community impact.

On Tuesday, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene 'Gino' Brantley received an award from the Georgia Police Benevolent Association for his exceptional service and leadership—recognizing achievements like a crime reduction and improved employee well-being.

Sheriff Brantley said the honor reflects the team’s effort—crediting his deputies for their continued dedication.

State lawmakers are studying student absenteeism—a trend that has worsened since the pandemic—with a special House committee that reported more than one in five students missed over 15 days in 2024.

The group will meet again on Sept. 22 at the Capitol to discuss new laws as experts point to issues like uncorrected vision, illness, and lack of school nurses.

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.

Jammin' — A Night of Reggae

7-8:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — VIP tickets available — Experience the spirit of reggae with The Legendary Wailers and Terence Young Project for a night of celebration and unity.

Lilo and Stitch Movie Screening

2-5 p.m. — Miller Theater — General admission — Relive the magic of Lilo and Stitch at this beloved local movie palace.

TechNet Augusta 2025

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center — Registration required — A three-day conference fostering collaboration between military and industry professionals on cyber challenges.

Art of Words: Poets' Open Mic

5:30-7:45 p.m. — Aiken County Library — Free entry — Celebrate poetry with featured poet Tera Jackson and local talent in a friendly environment.

Rumours ATL - A Fleetwood Mac Tribute

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Miller Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting harmonies and nostalgia of Fleetwood Mac's timeless classics performed live.