Good morning, Augusta.

Business owners and residents celebrated a fresh start on Labor Day as local parks and recreation areas reopened two years after Hurricane Helene.

Families now enjoy modernized amenities and renewed spaces that promise busy weekends ahead.

Families in the CSRA can explore big machines Saturday in two events: at Augusta Regional Airport, kids learn about airport vehicles, while in Aiken Touch a Truck runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a sensory hour and Power Wheels Derby (registration opens Aug.

3).

A local philanthropist is offering a $1 million challenge to double the Community Foundation for the CSRA's fundraising goal to $2 million for nonprofits in the region.

The effort will provide matching support for future grants.

Meet A Machine returns on Sept.

12 at Augusta Regional Airport, where fire trucks, aircraft, construction equipment & a monster truck will entertain families with a range of fun activities.

Two new retailers are set to open later this month.

Primark is opening at Augusta Mall on Sept. 10 while Marshalls debuts at North Augusta’s Edgewood Square (bringing 60 new jobs and a $10,000 donation to the local Dream Center) on Sept. 17.

Burlington will open its 46th Georgia store this fall at Colony Plaza in Augusta featuring an updated layout with wider aisles + enhanced signage.

The move is part of a nationwide expansion that will add 110 new stores and offers job opportunities online.

At 434 Georgia Ave in North Augusta, Shelia's Bakery—run by founder Shelia Martin since 2018—serves fresh donuts and seasonal pastries Tuesday through Saturday mornings, changing its menu regularly with crowd favorites like filled and chocolate-iced donuts.

Jamie Council Garvey retired after 46 years as organist and director of music at St. John UMC on Greene Street.

Her final Sunday is Sept. 13 when the Concerts with a Cause series begins and the church introduces the Garvey Encore Fund.

Le Chat Noir, a local theatre celebrating 20 years since its debut, kicks off its season on Sept.

11 with Tracy Letts’ dark comedy 'The Minutes.' The venue plans seasonal events + a new cabaret space as it continues to offer an alternative local voice.

FPL Foods will lay off 179 employees in October as it reduces its workforce + the move will affect local staff in Augusta as the company restructures its operations for a leaner future.

Fuel prices have soared to a Labor Day weekend record nationwide; Augusta drivers pay a modest $3.86 on average, compared to the state price of $3.89, up from last month.

Experts say prices may ease if production increases in coming weeks (using local apps can help save money).

Augusta University community members can meet Augusta National Golf Club recruiters at an on-campus job expo — focused on hospitality roles for the Masters Tournament — today and Wednesday.

A Union County student-athlete was injured during Friday night’s football game at Stephens County High School and airlifted for medical care (he suffered a spinal concussion), and he has now regained full strength after being released from Children’s Hospital of Atlanta.