Good morning, Augusta.

Lowe’s is installing new pod plazas at Bridge Builder’s tiny home community for young adults aging out of foster care & is using a 100K grant and volunteer support to complete the spaces.

The shared areas will offer safe spots for teens to connect.

Virginia-based defense contractor Amentum plans to cut 77 intelligence-related jobs tied to Fort Gordon due to contract transitions, with first separations scheduled for Oct.

31.

The Arts in the Heart Festival returns at the Augusta Exchange Fairgrounds from Sept.

18-20, featuring local performances, cuisine from 15+ countries, and 120 arts and crafts vendors & a shuttle from downtown. The fundraiser supports the Greater Augusta Arts Council.

Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre hosted Cinema Series on Sept.

10 with the film 'Little Amelie or the Character of Rain' where students enjoyed free admission, a DJ set, and refreshments - the series continued on Sept. 15 with screenings of Superman at 6 p.m. and Supergirl at 8:15 p.m.

Laney High School increased security — installing three SROs on Tuesday with plans for four during peak times this week.

Richmond County deputies will patrol the school’s perimeter while staff boost metal detector screenings at morning arrivals, classroom transitions and afternoon dismissals.

FEMA announced $3.8 million for 12 recovery projects to repair electric lines and remove debris in communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

In Sandersville, Washington Electric Membership Corp. will receive $510,500 while Rayle Electric Membership Corp. gets $509,200 - part of over $308 million nationwide.

The VA awarded $43,277,657 to 21 local groups for fiscal 2027 programs that help veterans avoid homelessness and secure stable housing, as part of a $1.17 billion nationwide grant effort that aided nearly 52,000 veterans last year.

Transit officials in Augusta announced a deal that raises wages and lowers health care costs for workers, effective next month.

City leaders say the changes are part of efforts to improve employee benefits.

City inspectors said Brook Landing's 30-day repair deadline expired Monday after finding 66 code violations in every building, including 31 that posed life-safety risks.

Fifteen voucher families live in the affected units while officials continue to review the next steps.

A federal program provided nearly $1 million to five rural hospitals in the CSRA to help preserve core services, with each facility receiving about $187,500 to retain healthcare staff.

Sen. Jon Ossoff announced the funding Tuesday.

Southern Living's Barbecue Editor Robert Moss ranked two new local BBQ spots, praising Smoke & Barrels in Evans for its tri-tip beef and Brunswick stew while commending Bradley's BBQ in Augusta for its pulled pork and tomato-laced hash.

Both restaurants are open with extended hours.