Good morning, Augusta.

The 23-day government shutdown is forcing local food banks to prepare as key benefits like SNAP will stop on Nov.

1—nonprofits such as Golden Harvest Food Bank, the Salvation Army and United Way 211 warn that more families may soon need help. Local groups are urging community support as rising food insecurity strains services.

A nonprofit organization finished the site work needed to open 25 tiny homes for young adults aging out of foster care in Augusta — community members can purchase legacy bricks to help support the project.

Connie Davis attended the Oct.18 Saturday Chef cooking class at Helms College where game day snacks were served; regular attendees praise the event—future sessions on Nov.15 and Dec.5 will offer new menus and limited spaces.

Fourteen years after Deputy J.D.

Paugh died while stopping to help a stranded motorist, his legacy is honored with a permanent display of his motorcycle at the Augusta Museum of History and by naming the highway interchange after him—tributes that remind us of his bravery and service.

Sandy Lake, director of Logistics for the Georgia Center of Innovation, talked about how Georgia’s logistics industry helps the economy and shared details on the 2026 Georgia Logistics Summit set for April 17 in Savannah—she said the summit will offer fresh ideas to boost supply chains.

A study found that if health insurance subsidies expire, Georgia could lose 33,600 jobs — a loss that local business leaders say may impact workers and slow economic growth.

Experts warn drivers to stay in their lane when one deer is seen—since seeing one means more could be crossing—that caution is needed during the mating season.

They note that swerving can lead to dangerous collisions, especially at dawn and dusk.

Doctor's Hospital held a ribbon cutting on Oct.

23rd in Augusta—launching a new Graduate Medical Education space that will start its residency program next year with four graduate students.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta doctors published research that improved Georgia’s newborn screening for cystic fibrosis by identifying nearly 5% false negatives and delays tied to sweat testing challenges.

The study showed that Black and Hispanic infants are at higher risk — prompting the state health officials to review a plan for an expanded genetic assay and a floating immunoreactive trypsinogen cutoff to speed up diagnosis.

Approach Shots in Augusta offers nine simulator bays where visitors can play golf, basketball, soccer, and more.

The facility is open Monday—Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday—Sunday from 8 a.m. to midnight, charging $40 per hour on weekdays and $60 per hour on weekends while serving a full menu.

Augusta University says its intramural sports program gives students a chance to play in a variety of team sports.

Fall events included completed volleyball and 3v3 basketball games while flag football and soccer began on Oct 20 and registration for weightlifting and rock climbing ends on Nov 14—field improvements like a new drainage system, sprinkler and sod support the play.

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.