Good morning, Augusta.

Christ Community Health will host the 9th Annual Rhythm — Ribs Community Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov.

1; the family-friendly event will feature live music, a food truck meal for $10, children's activities, and local partner tables to support affordable primary care.

On October 22, women at the Salvation Army Center of Hope received designer handbags filled with cosmetics, nail polish, and hygiene products from Purses Filled with Passion—a program started by organizer Deborah Brooks to help displaced women.

She will create more purses at Christmas to support others in need.

SRP Park hosted a Halloween movie night that featured 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' — families tricked or treated on the concourse and enjoyed snacks at the stands.

Catie Graf said the off-season event brought out costumed fans who supported the park’s baseball games.

The Economic Development Authority of Columbia County voted to partner with Augusta and Burke County to seek funds for assessing contaminated sites in the CSRA—a move that will guide future cleanup efforts.

The agencies will work together—starting soon to plan necessary assessments and next steps.

Local nonprofits are bracing for increased demand as the government shutdown reaches 22 days, which will pause SNAP benefits, non-profit grants, and limit veterans assistance starting Nov.

1—organizations like the Salvation Army and Golden Harvest urge community support to counter rising food insecurity. Federal contract workers and local families already under strain face added hardship as they look to these services for help.

Residents gathered at McBean Community Center Wednesday to learn details about new construction planned off Bennock Mill Road, which officials said will improve traffic and safety—District 10 commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle noted the project is part of the upcoming SPLOST package to support local growth.

Firefighters are using new technology to get vital home details for faster emergency help.

Local systems in North Augusta, Aiken and Columbia County let residents report occupants, pets and key health issues — Augusta Fire Department advises using non-emergency dispatchers for other information.

Georgia’s Public Service Commission began a three-day hearing on a proposal to add 10 gigawatts to Georgia Power’s grid for data centers (80% of the power is planned for AI-driven facilities).

Commissioners will vote on the plan in December (public comments expressed concerns that future costs may fall on local customers).

Jack Rhodes from Aquinas earned player of the week honors in Georgia high school football this fall—he received a plaque recognizing his dynamic play.

Jeremiah Wilkinson, a transfer guard from Cal, joins the Bulldogs after earning ACC Sixth Man of the Year for his quick scoring and strong play—he is expected to add energy to a roster of newcomers.

Coach Mike White said Wilkinson will play in the final exhibition game Sunday at 2 p.m. and bring fast, fun basketball to the team.

Richmond Academy punched its ticket to the Final Four after its Musketeers hosted Lafayette in the second round—the top seed outplayed the eighth-seeded Ramblers in a game marked by strong grit.

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.