Good morning, Augusta.

Corey Whitfield, a Richmond County Sheriff's Office corporal, was arrested on July 26 on DUI & open container charges and has been demoted to deputy with a five-day suspension, one year of probation & a transfer to the detention center.

Early Friday at 3 a.m., officers on West Clifton Avenue in North Augusta responded to a civil dispute when a man fired 10 shots after reentering his home, prompting a SWAT team to use a key to remove him at 5:45 a.m.—he was then transported to a hospital for a mental evaluation.

Jamya Sowell, 17, was last seen on July 31 around 2 p.m. leaving her foster home on the 1500 block of Avalon Avenue — and law enforcement is investigating her disappearance.

RISE Augusta faces a tutor shortage as the new school year starts—students in Richmond, Columbia and McDuffie counties will fall behind next week due to the lack of tutors—prompting a need for additional local support.

Social Security payments for August were partially distributed to over 1.9 million Georgians, including retirees and those with qualifying disabilities, and will continue throughout the month.

Those who started receiving benefits before May 1997 or get SSI received their payment on Friday, Aug. 1 while others will receive theirs on Wed, Aug. 13, Wed, Aug. 20, and Wed, Aug. 27 — recipients should check the online calendar for updates.

The Senate passed a bipartisan military spending bill that provides $10 million for Army oversight of Fort Gordon’s privatized housing — which has faced issues like fungus and raw sewage — and allocates an additional $10 million each for the Navy and Air Force, marking the highest defense construction funding for Georgia in 15 years.

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.

Brunch Live Music with Blue Lava

11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Top Dawg Tavern — $10 Mimosa Carafes — Enjoy acoustic tunes from Blue Lava while savoring a delicious brunch.

Cody Bolden Music Live

9:30 p.m. — Dirty Boots Augusta — Check venue for entry cost — Enjoy soulful sounds inspired by Southern roots at this live music event.

Eats in the Streets Pickle Festival

11 a.m. - 9 p.m. — 101 Griffin St, Wrens, GA — Free entry — Enjoy a day of tangy delights with pickle dishes, contests, and live music.