Good morning, Augusta.

On Sept. 12, Augusta Regional Airport’s record-breaking 7th annual Meet A Machine event drew 3,536 ticketed attendees and raised over $11K for Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital (supporting local children’s programs during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month) and featured aircraft, heavy equipment, first responder and military vehicles, plus a community blood drive.

Winn-Dixie donated $100,000 to Feeding America (supporting 10 food banks) during Hunger Action Month to help provide over 1 million meals and fresh produce to neighbors; the grocer also offers donation bags at its stores to boost local hunger relief efforts.

Parker’s Kitchen donated $100,000 Monday afternoon at Enterprise Mill Event Center to CSRA school districts and Golden Harvest Food Bank as part of its Fueling the Community program, with the donation coming two days before its new store opens on Whiskey Road in Aiken.

Rev. Pernell Rutledge turned hardship into hope by founding HOPE Ministry, which delivers warm soul food to the community at pop ups + at Dyess Park on the third Saturday each month.

Her inspiring journey from homelessness to service earned her recognition in the Inspiring Women Awards.

Primark opened its Augusta Mall store on Sept.

24 after a delay from its originally scheduled Sept. 10 debut. The fast-fashion retailer—its second in Georgia (welcoming shoppers with music and giveaways)—offers affordable trends for local visitors.

The Richmond County Board of Education celebrated over 140 employees and introduced Tiffany Burney as director of teaching and learning during today’s meeting.

The board also approved policy updates on employee leave, bullying and visitor guidelines to bolster school improvement.

This September during National Literacy Month, the Community Foundation for the CSRA released its 2025–2026 Literacy Initiative Impact Report, showing $250K invested, 1,200 students reached, and 1,000,000 reading minutes at Lamar Milledge Elementary; it will expand school partnerships next year — uniting schools, nonprofits, and community partners to improve literacy.

Richmond County School System set a record 84.2% graduation rate for the Class of 2026 as the Georgia Department of Education said it beat its 83.7% goal; seven high schools improved their rates and three magnet schools finished 100% (compared to a statewide average of 88.5%).

Augusta University educator Beth Huggins — who built a family-like community at the Treehouse — passed away on Sept.

20, leaving a lasting impact on students and colleagues. A scholarship fund has been established to honor her commitment to student engagement.

Governor Kemp declared a state of emergency and suspended the motor fuel excise tax for 30 days starting at 12:01 a.m. today until Oct.

29, easing costs for families & businesses. He also lifted weight limits on commercial vehicles to help lower prices on essential goods.

Augusta Mall will host Pinkapalooza Fest Oct.

2-3, featuring free breast cancer screenings on Oct. 2 in Dillard's parking lot, a survivor breakfast, a Blood Connection drive with a $30 gift card, and a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Oct. 3 near Barnes and Noble.

Jackson Laundry and Lydia Russell won the Ironman 70.3 Augusta race, with Laundry stepping in after a New York cancellation + Russell taking the women’s title as athletes faced challenging conditions in Augusta.