Good morning, Augusta.

Georgia Rehabilitation Institute awarded nearly $1.2M in its 2025-2026 grant cycle to local groups that help people with disabilities across the Central Savannah River Area by funding projects like housing, jobs, and adaptive sports + training.

Georgia Power will present a $100,000 gift to Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia at Camp Tanglewood on Friday, Sept.

11 at 2:00 p.m. The contribution supports the Trails to Tomorrow Capital Campaign & plans to rebuild camp facilities and create new spaces like the Girl Scout DreamLab.

Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta gets $100,000 from the state's Farm to Food Bank program today as part of nearly $1 million invested to support local families by linking Georgia farmers to food banks — the funding aids surplus produce and protein purchases through food pantries and mobile markets.

The Boys & Girls Club in Augusta faces extra demand as the South Augusta YMCA is set to close September 14, leaving a gap for community programs.

The club is full with 250 spots and a waiting list for children in need of after school support.

Augusta University awarded 69 students Georgia’s new DREAMS Scholarship — each will receive up to $3,000 — after 444 applied for need-based aid.

The new Wellstar Columbia County hospital in Grovetown opens today (with 100 inpatient beds, six operating rooms, and an emergency department) to serve local patients while hosting a community open house this weekend.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said that the competition for the backup quarterback spot behind Gunner Stockton remains open after preseason scrimmages, with Ryan Puglisi and Ryan Montgomery each getting chances to prove themselves in live play before the season opener on Sept.

5.

Augusta University senior Sara Adams won the Tiger Classic individual title after her aggressive surge in the final round, converting three par fives to edge out the competition while her Jaguars tied for the team championship with Clemson.

Local high school sports fans can vote for the first Athlete of the Week from nominees covering Aug.

16-23 + the poll remains open until Monday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m., with future nominations sent via email to sports reporter Dhani Joseph.