Good morning, Augusta.

Golden Harvest Food Bank launched its annual 'It’s Spooky to be Hungry' campaign for October to raise awareness of hunger in the community—local groups will join efforts to support donation drives.

Leaders, educators and students gathered at the Georgia Cyber Center on Wednesday for Georgia AIM Day to explore how AI will change manufacturing, cybersecurity and workforce development in Augusta.

Augusta Mini Theatre, founded 50 years ago by Tyrone Butler, is celebrating its anniversary with events scheduled in October and November.

A donation drive-thru will be held on Oct 8 and the new 142-seat theater will be ready by Oct 22—donations are being accepted as costs have risen to $2.5 million.

The third annual MusiCon brought Augusta University music students and community members together to enjoy performances by student-led ensembles, the band, jazz, orchestra and choir on Oct.

1 at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre— a special concert on Wednesday evening celebrated the university’s All-Steinway status.

The Georgia Department of Labor announced today that unemployment fell or held steady in most of its 12 regional commissions in August, with metro areas like Atlanta and Coastal Georgia showing lower rates than a year ago.

Officials said mixed employment data—job losses in some areas and gains in others—showed that the state’s workforce strategy is working.

The Richmond County School System reported that more than 640 students raised the Class of 2025’s SAT average by 11 points to 964 plus eight high schools recorded improvements and 643 test takers were noted, the highest since before the pandemic.

Superintendent Dr. Malinda Cobb said the gains show the work of students and educators across the district.

RISE Augusta opened its new tutoring center at The Hub today and was named one of the top 10 programs in Georgia—staff work daily with students to build reading skills.

The program offers tutoring and extra support such as free book fairs and glasses—helping more children achieve grade-level reading.

Voters in Georgia and South Carolina must register to vote for the November 4 municipal election—Georgia registration will close on Oct.

6 and South Carolina online registration on Oct. 5 with in-person registration ending on Oct. 3.

Since the federal government shut down at midnight Wednesday, some veteran services in Augusta, like career counseling and VA benefits offices, were closed while key health care and crisis lines remained open.

The shutdown affected one of the largest local employers—VA—and may delay non-emergency veteran support until further notice.

Crews are working on Broad Street in downtown Augusta by demolishing asphalt and concrete between St. Sebastian Way and 13th Street while sidewalk repairs continue between 15th Street and St. Sebastian Way.

Underground utility work will begin Monday between 10th Street and James Brown Boulevard, and starting the week of Oct. 13, traffic will be limited with motorists directed to the Ninth Street parking deck—clear signage is being installed.

Federal and local officials announced additional funding for Hurricane Helene recovery to repair damaged infrastructure and support affected residents.

The funds will bolster ongoing efforts amid concerns over federal program stability—ensuring rebuilding work progresses as planned.

Attorney General Chris Carr sent a letter to the FCC supporting a rule that allowed law enforcement to jam cell phone signals in prisons and jails to stop contraband devices (a move backed by attorneys general from 23 states).

The FCC voted on the proposal on Sept. 30 to improve security in correctional facilities.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia announced plans on Wednesday for a free training and mental health program in Richmond County that will boost care for sickle cell patients, with the program set to launch Oct.10 at a school system assembly room.

The initiative partners with state Rep. Karlton Howard, the Richmond County School System, and Lamar Medical Center — an effort that will serve as a model for other counties.

VA Augusta Health Care System earned the top national ranking for engaging veterans with PTSD in proven treatments, according to SAIL metrics—and also ranked third nationwide for keeping veterans in treatment—showing its staff's strong commitment to quality care.

Job applications for positions at the 2026 Masters Tournament are now open for roles in concessions, hospitality, and merchandise with submissions accepted until Dec.

1 and candidates required to be at least 16 by March 26. A local job expo will be held on Nov. 13 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the HUB for Community Innovation—local applicants are encouraged to attend.

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.

Little Shop of Horrors Screening

2-5 p.m. — Miller Theater — Free entry — Experience the classic film in a historic downtown venue known for creating lasting memories.

USSSA Military Worlds Softball Tournament

8 AM - 1 PM — Diamond Lakes Regional Park — Check the website for details — Celebrate military skills on the softball field with teams from around the nation.

Cinderella - A Ballet Production

7-8:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — Tickets available — Experience a magical ballet adaptation of the beloved fairy tale with stunning choreography and a cast of international dancers.

18th Annual Black Cat Carnival

8 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. — Le Chat Noir — Tickets required — Enjoy free entertainment, games, and a unique Halloween experience at Augusta's premier block party.

How Magic Meets Broadway

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Miller Theater — Cost not specified — Experience a dazzling night where magic and Broadway collide with world champions of magic.