Good morning, Augusta.

Compass for Hope is helping neighbors every Sunday at the 7th Street parking lot of the James Brown Arena to keep people warm this holiday season.

Volunteers offer laundry cleaning, hot showers, snacks + winter essentials for neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Support is needed for the Empty Stocking Fund, which for over 90 years has helped give holiday gifts to local kids but now faces more demand as families struggle with rising costs — a $35 donation gives nearly $100 in gifts and helps cover online shopping and gift pickup at Boys & Girls Club Headquarters — Augusta Technical College.

Local charities report a rise in need as Giving Tuesday inspires residents to help low-income neighbors.

United Way CSRA will distribute gifts to 1,700 children and organizations like Golden Harvest and The Salvation Army see more residents needing food and support—small donations making five meals highlight the impact in the community.

Donations for the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program are running short as the organization works to ensure every child in Augusta experiences a joyful Christmas — residents are encouraged to give soon before the holiday season arrives.

On Dec. 1, Gov. Brian P.

Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp honored Dr. Dennis Skelley at the Governor’s Awards ceremony in Atlanta—he is a local leader who has transformed his Georgia Rehabilitation Institute building into a community art destination, and his work has boosted Augusta’s public art scene.

Augusta University's men’s basketball team hosted its annual Richmond County Education Day Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Christenberry Fieldhouse plus more than 2,000 students attended to watch the Jags take on Paine College, building on a 17-game win streak with last year's 91-6 victory over the Lions.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced the release of the Georgia Grown Holiday Shoppers Guide that spotlights local goods for holiday shopping.

The guide appeared in the November 12 and 26 issues and will run in the December 10 issue—helping shoppers find deals for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday.

Neighbors along Hardy McManus Road face privacy and traffic concerns as crews begin lane closures today from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Halali Farm and Hardy Pointe Drive—officials expect the project to finish by mid-next year and say contractors are planning a traffic shift between Hardy McManus and Mullikin Road.

A new flu variant called subclade k is raising concern in Augusta—health officials say the current flu shot, while not built to fight this strain, can still help protect against severe illness.

Augusta-area high school flag football teams will begin GHSA postseason play on Dec.

4 with first-round games hosted at their local fields. The playoffs will continue with quarterfinals and semifinals on Dec. 8 and state championship games scheduled at Mercedes-Benz Stadium from Dec. 15 to Dec. 17.

Augusta University outside hitter Layne Witherspoon was named to the all-Peach Belt Conference first team after ranking high in hitting percentage and kills in the league.

She led the Jaguars into the NCAA quarterfinals on November 4 in Wingate, N.C.—a feat rooted in a strong family legacy of sports, with a father who played professional football and a mother who excelled in volleyball.

Residents in Augusta saw strong high school games last week and now can vote for Athlete of the Week (Nov 23 to 30) among top nominees from football and basketball teams.

The poll will stay open until Sunday, Dec 7 at 5 p.m.

Augusta Symphony Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Theater — Tickets available — Experience a vibrant celebration of community with music and performances from local artists.

Christmas at Meadow Garden Candlelight Tours

6 PM – 8 PM — Meadow Garden — Ticket details not specified — Experience a historic candlelit tour of George Walton’s home with a festive Christmas theme.

Who's Bad - Michael Jackson Tribute Band

8-9:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — VIP options available — Experience the ultimate homage to the King of Pop with power-packed performances.

Augusta Symphony Holiday Concert

4-5:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — $10 to $25 — Celebrate the season with festive symphonic classics in a family-friendly concert.

ELMO AND FRIENDS SAY HELLO

6-7:30 p.m. — Columbia County Performing Arts Center — Family-friendly fun — Enjoy a delightful evening with beloved characters and joyful interactions.

Clue Live On Stage!

7:30-9 p.m. — Columbia County Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Enjoy a hilarious whodunit mystery inspired by the classic board game and movie.

Chelcie Lynn Live

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Miller Theater — $36.70 to $64.50 — Experience the comedic genius of Variety’s Top 10 Comics To Watch in a night of laughter.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Screening

2-5 p.m. — Miller Theater — Free entry — Experience the timeless magic of a holiday classic at a beloved local movie palace.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7:00–8:30 p.m. — Miller Theater — VIP tickets available — Experience thrilling circus artistry set to your favorite holiday music in a winter wonderland.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

4:15-5:14 p.m. — Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of Christmas carols performed in a stunning candlelight setting.