Good morning, Augusta.

Hyundai announced it will invest $2.7B to expand its Georgia plant following an immigration raid—officials say the move will support local job growth and improve plant operations.

Former veteran Gregory Ward, who left House of Prayer Christian Church in 2018 after being warned that leaving would send him to hell, said the church exploited veterans’ benefits by using unaccredited Bible classes — a tactic that drained GI bill funds — as federal authorities indicted the church and a bill is now proposed to restore lost benefits.

Ashley Campbell was live at Arts in the Heart on Friday afternoon—covering the event as local viewers watched in real time.

Richmond County held its 2025-26 Teacher of the Year banquet on Sept.

18 at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, where local educators were honored and Kanesha Roberts from Butler High School was named Teacher of the Year.

Augusta University upgraded Christenberry Fieldhouse with new metal panels in its school colors, a digital sign, a multipurpose room and a weight room that will boost energy at games and classes.

The campus also refreshed its Annex 1 building—adding projects like a new parking deck and research building to help students and staff.

Chef Kanesha Roberts teaches culinary arts at George P.

Butler High School and was named Richmond County Teacher of the Year at a Sept.18 banquet — she has 10 years of teaching experience, including six years at Jefferson County High School, and is an Army veteran who earned a degree from Le Cordon Bleu.

Georgia lawmakers moved forward with plans to eliminate the state income tax and agreed not to charge higher taxes on groceries, property or gas.

Sen. Blake Tillery said the study committee heard from officials in states without an income tax and the next hearing will occur in mid- to late October — a move that shows the challenge of funding government services.

The Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University is launching two projects to fight the rise of skin cancer by giving free sunscreen in public areas and training new providers for early detection—helping residents make safer choices under the sun.

The Sun Safe Augusta and Teledermatology initiatives work together to provide education and improve care across the region.

On Sept. 19, the Westside Patriots beat Aquinas Fightin’ Irish 20 to 14 at Aquinas High School with key plays from Tamari Curry and Joshua Crawford—helping the team stay undefeated at 5 to 0 despite Aquinas closing the gap late.

Aquinas now sits at 3 to 1 and will host Howard on Sept. 26.

In Week 6 of Augusta-area high school football, Grovetown hosted Grayson on Friday, Sept.

19 at 7:30 p.m. +The game showcased top-ranked teams and key recruits+ while other contests at Aquinas, Harlem, North Augusta, and Cross Creek tested undefeated teams and set the stage for playoff hopes.

Augusta Symphony - Triumphant Beginnings

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Miller Theater — $19 to $82 — Experience a triumphant opening night with orchestral masterpieces featuring guest artist Hyeok Kwon on cello.

Reed Timmer: Storm Chaser Extraordinaire

7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Theater — Ticket prices may apply — Experience the thrill of storm chasing with America's most famous meteorologist and learn about his groundbreaking research.

IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta

4 AM – 5 PM — Augusta Common — Participate in a challenging middle-distance triathlon event in a scenic coastal city.

Stick To Your Guns - Tour 2025

6-9 p.m. — Grantski Records — Tickets starting at $72 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Stick To Your Guns in Augusta, GA.

Wheatus Concert

7-10 p.m. — Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Ticket info not provided — Relive the nostalgia with Wheatus performing their classic 'Teenage Dirtbag'.

Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group Live

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Bell Auditorium — Ticket info not provided — Experience the stripped-down brilliance and storytelling charm of Lyle Lovett in an acoustic setting.

Tasha Page-Lockhart Concert

7-11 p.m. — Bell Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of contemporary gospel artist Tasha Page-Lockhart live.

Augusta Symphony: The Music of Tony Bennett

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Miller Theater — $50 to $105 — Experience a spectacular celebration of Tony Bennett’s timeless music and captivating performances.

Women of Rock and Soul

7:30-9 p.m. — Imperial Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate the powerful impact women have had on music across genres like Jazz, Blues, and Soul.

Bethel Music Night of Worship

7-8:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — $28.65 to $93.65 — Experience a night of worship and ministry in a sacred space of unity and transformation.