Good morning, Augusta.

Brian Graham, the new director of Augusta Canal, aims to boost recreation and tourism by expanding events (including increased hydropower use) to attract more local visitors.

His plan is set to enhance the canal as a community destination.

Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene, UMCOR has completed about 200 home repairs in Augusta for uninsured, elderly and working poor homeowners.

Rev. Scott Parish said 75 more projects are scheduled using over 80,000 volunteer hours (with support from local and out-of-state teams).

Rally Augusta, led by former Mayor Deke Copenhaver, marks a milestone with 135 completed projects from 525 help requests for Hurricane Helene recovery in Richmond, Columbia and McDuffie counties, but still needs donations to finish repairs as its grant expires this week.

Families received free backpacks, school supplies and food during a drive-through event Saturday morning at Augusta South YMCA.

The YMCA and Keller Williams partnered to help prepare kids for the new school year by handing out supplies on a first-come, first-served basis with a Spider-Man appearance adding extra excitement.

Fire Shaka Hawaiian BBQ opened at Augusta Mall’s food court in June and held its grand opening on July 11, delighting locals with popular dishes like pork belly and huli barbecue chicken.

It plans a downtown merch store and an Aiken casual dining spot in September + partners with Sustainable Coastlines.

The League of Women Voters of the CSRA is hosting a free screening and discussion of a documentary about Judy Blume and challenged books later this month (event details pending) in response to recent book restrictions in Columbia County.

Several CSRA school districts will resume classes on different days starting Tuesday, July 29—Edgefield County—with Taliaferro, Jenkins and Wilkes counties returning on Friday, Aug.

1, followed by others on Monday, Aug. 3 and continuing through Thursday, Aug. 6.

Georgia Social Security and SSI recipients will see a revised payment schedule + SSI checks will be issued on Friday, July 31 while Social Security payments come on Aug.

12, 19, and 26 based on birth dates.

FBI agents from the Atlanta bureau visited Augusta Monday to offer back-to-school safety tips for students — Special Agent Marlo Graham advised kids to talk with a trusted adult if they feel unsafe.

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff has questioned Nara Organics after its organic baby formula was recalled at Target + online following reports linking the product to infant botulism cases in three states.

His inquiry aims to ensure the formula remains safe for Georgia families.

Food safety inspectors reviewed restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties from July 17 to 24.

Several Augusta spots such as Firehouse + Tribeca Lounge earned perfect scores, while Wendy’s and Little Caesars were noted for needing better cleaning practices.

The Augusta GreenJackets scored six runs in the first inning to beat the Salem RidgeYaks 13-3 Sunday night and secure a series split.

The team returns home to SRP Park today to rest before facing the Columbia Fireflies.

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.