Good morning, Augusta.

La Bonbonniere at Furys Ferry Station behind Fleet Feet is selling white chocolate candies featuring Jimothy, a raccoon with a genetic disorder.

Owner Melody Roebuck created the treats to honor her late mother and to add levity after a tough time in May.

Augusta Commissioners considered a proposal to assist downtown businesses struggling with revenue losses amid construction barriers on Broad Street — local owners like Grantski and Jones reported customer declines.

This weekend, Augusta offers a mix of live music and culinary fun with a Johnny Cash tribute at Miller Theater Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Tex-Mex cooking class at Helms College from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with additional shows Friday and Saturday around town.

Hope for Hooves launches a nine week employment readiness program for neurodivergent adults that uses animal care to teach real workplace skills, starting this week in Augusta.

The free program aims to build job skills in local participants through practical and hands on experiences.

State officials launched a $70 million literacy initiative deploying 1,300 coaches into classrooms across Georgia public schools as the new school year begins.

The law also creates a state task force & committee to update reading programs and explore classroom technology options.

Richmond County middle and high school students returned for the first day of school on Thursday (Aug.

6), as officials welcomed a positive start to the academic year across multiple campuses.

Over 100 school staff in Richmond County were trained by Child Enrichment to spot signs of child abuse.

Officials say the training took place in August as students returned to school (a time when reports peak) to help protect children.

SOAR Academy held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday at 4 p.m. in its new home at 3042 Eagle Drive after Hurricane Helene damaged its old building off Washington Road.

Richmond County students improved on Georgia Milestones exams with record-high math scores in grades three through eight and gains in algebra and science at high schools; the results reflect steady progress as new math standards take effect.

Deputies are investigating damage at the Vietnam War Memorial after a broken bench was found in a drainage ditch near North Augusta on Thursday.

A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to recalled Taylor Fresh Foods lettuce has resulted in between 50 and 199 confirmed cases in Georgia as of Aug.

4. Health officials advise that only the recalled products (sold at Walmart) are unsafe while other lettuces remain safe to eat.

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.