Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
Good morning, Augusta.
🏘️ Community
Local animal shelters are urging Augusta residents to adopt pets before the holidays.
The initiative aims to ensure every animal finds a loving home + invites community support to meet the need.
🎓 Education
Richmond County school leaders will hold three public hearings in January on the district's long-range facilities master plan to consider school consolidations + academic investments including a new college career academy.
They are scheduled at T.W. Josey High, Barton Chapel Elementary, and RCSS Central Office.
Data released today shows five RCSS schools (T.
Harry Garrett, Barton Chapel, Monte Sano, Richmond Hill, and John M. Tutt) exited the TSI list for students with disabilities after meeting state standards, while four additional schools were added to receive targeted support as officials work to improve academic outcomes.
Eric Kern will serve as associate vice president for Sponsored Programs and executive director of the Research Institute at Augusta University starting Jan.
12. He brings over 15 years of experience at USF and other institutions to help boost research and operations.
🏛️ Government
A federal grant opportunity offering up to $10 million could fund the construction of a long-planned state veterans cemetery in Augusta, advancing a decades-long project.
The funding, if approved (details pending), will move plans forward to honor local veterans.
Senators Ossoff and Hyde-Smith introduced a bipartisan bill to cut taxes for small businesses with fewer than 15 employees.
The measure would offer a new wage-based deduction to help mom-and-pop shops grow & compete, supporting ongoing efforts to boost local enterprise.
The city continues work on the Broad Street project aimed at expanding parking for downtown businesses.
The improvement will boost access for local visitors and shoppers.
The Broad Street project has paved roads and finished lane markings to add parking for downtown businesses.
Meanwhile, Laney Walker Boulevard is closed between Fifth and Peters for repairs, with the road set to reopen today at noon.
🏥 Health
Flu and RSV cases are rising nationally one week before Christmas and local health officials advise parents to watch for symptoms—doctors note that flu usually causes body aches while RSV brings heavy mucus.
The CDC recommends washing hands and staying home if a fever occurs.
🏈 Sports
Westminster Schools will shift from 8-man football to 11-man football in 2026 after eight winning seasons with two state championships.
The school will work with the GIAA to secure comparable opponents and will add to its athletic staff for the upcoming transition.
🎉 Augusta Events
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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.
KPOP WARRIORS Live Show
6:30-8 p.m. — Columbia County Exhibition Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a world-class show full of K-Pop music, stunning choreography, and vibrant costumes.
🏠 Augusta Real Estate
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