Augusta
Morning News
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Augusta. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ News 12 partnered with nonprofit Grant Me Hope (which helps older foster children find permanent homes) on Dec. 30 to bring new family opportunities to children in need. WRDW
- ➤ Aloka, a four-year-old Indian Pariah called Peace Dog, walked with monks as the 120-day Walk-for-Peace continues across Georgia. Locals and travelers spotted him along highways and sidewalks while the cross-state journey covers about 2,300 miles. The Augusta Chronicle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The completed 'Bird Walk' art installation at Phinizy Center & Nature Park shows stenciled herons and egrets at the entrance to the Cattail Trail. Created by Heather Dunaway and Zoe Beard-Ortiz, the work is available for viewing during park hours. WRDW
- ➤ According to a Dec. 30 report, IMDb named Georgia actor Lexi Minetree (set to star in a 2026 Prime Video series) and Atlanta-based Tyriq Withers as rising stars to watch, highlighting the state’s growing talent footprint. The Augusta Chronicle
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ An Augusta resident claimed a $1 million scratch-off win yesterday at Fuel Express on Peach Orchard Road. The Georgia Lottery announced two winners from the ticket sales, with the other win coming in Canton. The Augusta Chronicle
- ➤ Two WARN notices from Georgia companies project 74 upcoming job losses. Railcrew Xpress's contract with CSX is canceled, cutting eight jobs in Augusta (and five in Fitzgerald, 10 in Savannah, and three in Thomasville), while the Gainesville vocational center will lay off 19 employees with no reason given. The Augusta Chronicle
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fire officials said that Tuesday a three-acre brush fire near 230 Gustav Court in North Augusta damaged fences while dry weather and upcoming New Year fireworks may spark more fires in the area. WRDW
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King warned that fire risks remain high during New Year celebrations today (with fireworks and outdoor activities adding danger) and first responders stand ready to act. WRDW
- ➤ Georgia’s Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner warned residents to handle fireworks carefully today because windy conditions may send sparks toward dry leaves and pine trees — he also advised pet owners to bring animals indoors to avoid fright. WRDW
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Georgia junior football receiver Zachariah Branch, who transferred from USC, is four catches shy of a record after he helped the Bulldogs win the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal against Ole Miss and will soon face the Rebels again. The Augusta Chronicle
- ➤ The Patch, the re-envisioned Augusta Municipal Golf Course located near Wrightsboro and Damascus roads, is on track to finish its clubhouse around New Year's as it prepares to open in spring during Masters week and is hiring for several positions. WRDW
-
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.
-
K-POP GOLDEN SHOW
3-7 p.m. — Warren Road Community Center — Family-friendly event — Dance and sing along to your favorite K-Pop hits and enjoy dazzling performances.
-
Winter Blast Pickleball Tournament
All day — Dink'd Pickleball — Entry fee varies — Engage in thrilling matches at this exciting tournament in Augusta.
-
Winter Blast Pickleball Tournament
Jan 23-25 — Dink'd Pickleball — Entry fee required — Compete in a thrilling pickleball tournament in Augusta's premier indoor facility.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
~ Banksy
About Augusta Morning News
Welcome to the Augusta Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Augusta, Georgia community. If you like the Augusta Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Augusta.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Augusta and across Georgia. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Augusta Morning News
A free Augusta community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://augustamorning.com/sitemap