Good morning, Augusta.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center and Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co. are collecting unopened candy bags for the October Candy Drive so community members can donate at select Queensborough branches— the drive will support Kroc Fest on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kroc Center on Broad Street.

The CSRA is set to celebrate Halloween this season — local updates show flight delays at Atlanta airport and a man was arrested after a foot chase near Mike Padgett Highway.

Other news reported a Fox Creek senior overcame a brain cyst that nearly ended his football career, a three-hour online outage disrupted services, and deer hunters worried over chronic wasting disease.

The Georgia-Carolina State Fair returns to Augusta after a hiatus with rides & entertainment planned for families.

Officials said the fair will feature local vendors & attractions that promise to bring new excitement to the community.

Federal workers in Augusta face rising uncertainty as the government shutdown continues and experts say reduced consumer confidence will hurt local businesses such as real estate—forcing many potential buyers to wait and see.

AAA reports that national average gas prices may drop to $3— the lowest in four years— a change that could soon benefit local drivers at the pump.

The University of Georgia saw a record number of students this year, while Augusta University was named one of the best schools in the nation—marking key milestones in higher education.

Augusta University is hosting the Haunted Trail at the Maxwell Theater on Summerville Campus today from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.—the event now has a new name and location and offers haunted rooms, live music, food trucks, and a Fall Festival for students.

AU alumna Elizabeth Hahn, an English teacher at Thomson High with 20 years of experience, was named the McDuffie County School System Teacher of the Year for 2025–26 at an Aug 28 event—she will represent the county as Georgia Teacher of the Year.

Six finalists were also named in Richmond County, and educators in Columbia and Burke counties received recognition for their outstanding contributions.

SRP Federal Credit Union held free financial education seminars in 10 counties during spring and summer to help locals learn about credit, homeownership, identity theft, and scams—providing free meals and expert advice.

Over 500 community members attended, and attendance doubled from 2024, showing the credit union’s commitment to people helping people.

Some Augusta fliers who connect through Atlanta airport face longer waits Monday as TSA shortages and air traffic controller issues have delayed 161 flights and canceled two, FlightAware reported.

Officials advise travelers to allow extra time for screening amid a government shutdown—affecting flight transfers for CSRA passengers.

Several players have already qualified for the 2026 Masters at Augusta National — they met one or more of over two dozen criteria such as lifetime exemptions for past champions and recent wins in major events.

Additional spots will be filled from top rankings and tournament performances as the event approaches on April 9.

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.

Zero Zero Boo 2025

October 30 - November 2 — Dink'd Pickleball — Registration required — Compete in a festive pickleball tournament in Augusta, GA.

Gracewood’s Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat

5-8 p.m. — Gracewood Manor — Free admission — Experience autumn festivities with trunk or treating and seasonal fun.

2025 Augusta Halloween Bar Crawl

4-10 p.m. — Tank N Taps Sports Bar & Grill — Tickets available — Celebrate Halloween with a spooky bar crawl featuring themed drinks and vibrant nightlife.

Candlelight Tribute to Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

8:45-9:45 p.m. — Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Tickets Required — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by the Listeso String Quartet in a unique candlelight setting.

Grand Kyiv Ballet - Swan Lake

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Miller Theater — Tickets starting at $52 — Experience a stunning performance of Swan Lake by the Grand Kyiv Ballet.

Home Free's Jukebox Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — Ticket pricing varies — Experience a night of fan-selected songs with the harmony and humor of Home Free.

The Mighty Ducks Screening

2-5 p.m. — Miller Theater — Free entry — Experience a classic film and create new memories in a historic Augusta movie palace.

Augusta Symphony - Yacht Rock Classics

7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Theater — $50 to $105 — Experience smooth sounds of the ’70s and ’80s reimagined through orchestral arrangements in a nostalgic musical journey.