Good morning, Augusta.

Local small businesses are stepping up as the government shutdown reaches its 35th day, offering food donations to help federal workers and residents in need.

Rally Point Grille is giving a 10% discount for donors—available until Nov. 25—to boost support for local food banks.

A local restaurant in Augusta offered incentives for diners who donated to a food drive—an effort to ease the hunger crisis—and it started the initiative on Nov.

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A new Smilehub study shows that Georgia ranked as the second worst state for homeless support based on food and health, shelter housing and youth assistance.

The report noted that over 60% of more than 6,000 homeless people were unsheltered—highlighting the strain of steep studio rents on minimum wage workers.

Augusta drivers are warned that deer are on the move now that daylight saving has ended — experts say deer are more active at dawn and dusk during mating season and that seeing one means more may be nearby.

Discount grocer Lidl is offering a Thanksgiving dinner bundle for under $36 to help local shoppers save on their holiday spending—bundles will be available at Lidl stores soon.

Two Columbia County schools reported knife possession incidents Monday — at Grovetown High a student's knife was taken and at Westmont Elementary a fifth-grade student's knife was confiscated by school police with no threat made.

Hannah Quesada, a first-year criminal justice major, stars as Maricela in Theatre AUG's fall production, Maricela de La Luz Lights the World, a play that highlights the Latino experience with Spanish dialogue in a mystery set at a San Diego mall during Christmastime.

The show begins with a free performance today for local school children at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre and continues with public performances Nov. 6-9.

Drivers should be alert for deer on local roads as daylight saving time ends+ officials say deer are more active, urging drivers to slow down especially at dawn and dusk.

A new WalletHub study shows Georgia ranks 17th among states for obesity, with about 35% of adults or 3.7 million people being overweight—experts blame long work commutes and few healthy food choices for this trend.

The study also noted that peach pie is Georgia’s well-known comfort food at 320 calories per serving.

As the weather cools, health experts warn Augusta residents that furnaces, gas stoves, and generators may pose carbon monoxide risks—after over 1,000 Georgians died from poisoning last year, officials advise installing detectors in homes.

Augusta readers can vote for the high school athlete of the week based on last week's play; the poll—open until November 9 at 5 p.m.—features nominees like Derrick Lane from Grovetown who rushed for 217 yards and scored four touchdowns.

Playoff football starts on November 14 and the flag football season is in full swing.

Augusta University held a ribbon-cutting on October 22 for its new Alvin and Yvette Harris Sports Performance Center inside Christenberry Fieldhouse where over 100 guests celebrated the facility’s opening.

University leaders said the 4,000-square foot center—much larger than the old weight room—will improve training and boost safety for student-athletes across multiple sports programs.

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.

The Nutcracker: Magical Christmas Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — $41.50 to $189.50 — Celebrate the season with a captivating holiday experience featuring Tchaikovsky's timeless score and delightful performances.

Augusta Anime-Fest

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Columbia County Exhibition Center — $20 — Experience a vibrant celebration of anime culture in Georgia's premier convention for fans and collectors.

Josh Johnson Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a night of laughs at the Josh Johnson comedy show in Augusta.

Pandora's Box: The Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Theater — VIP packages available — Experience the music of Aerosmith and Lynyrd Skynyrd live in concert.

The Eras Retold - Taylor Swift Tribute

7-8:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — $34.90 to $155.65 — Experience the magic of Taylor Swift's world with stunning performances and dazzling visuals.