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Good morning, Augusta! In today’s edition: A $50 million gift for children’s care, Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons by candlelight, Bert Kreischer: permission to party, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
New venues, roads, and jobs: Augusta wrapped 2025 with major progress. Beacon Bluff is finished, the I-20 project is set to open this year, and Wellstar Hospital is about 85% complete — get all the project details.
New era for kids’ care: $50 million from Paychex founder Tom Golisano will rename Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia and fund a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit, as it joins a 12-hospital alliance — get all the details.
Spotlight on local changemakers: The Lucy Craft Laney Museum has released its 2026 calendar, highlighting monthly profiles of contributors to Augusta’s Black history and notable figures across fields. Available at 1116 Phillips St — read the full story.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Membership momentum peaks early: YMCA locations are packed with a 40 percent jump in visits from December to January. To mark its 175th anniversary, the YMCA is offering a $1.75 joining fee for new members. The rush often tapers after the early resolution push. See what’s driving the surge.
Refresh your nest: When your space needs a little wow, Design Images & Gifts delivers curated upholstery, lighting, and one-of-a-kind accents, plus help with bridal registries and thoughtful gift wrap…perfect for those last-minute, totally planned moments.
Cider, but make it local: When you want something apple-forward without the syrupy vibe, Tip Top Taps pours rotating ciders alongside a deep craft-beer lineup, with seasonal picks and guest kegs. Settle into the backyard-style tap yard, bring your favorite takeout, and discover an easy weeknight pour.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
⛳ Adaptive Therapeutic Golf Lesson Clinic @ Marty Turcios Therapeutic Golf | Wednesday (1/7) at 10:00 AM – Whether you are easing back into the game or finally giving golf a fair shot, this adaptive, therapeutic clinic keeps it welcoming, low-pressure, and blissfully judgment-free. RSVP online. It is free, they provide the gear, and your back will thank you.
🎨 Artist’s Reception & Exhibit @ Sacred Heart Cultural Center | Thursday (1/8) at 4:00 PM – Craving art without the fuss? Swing by the Art Hall for a reception and exhibit with Jessica Graham, Terry Smith, and Pam Thompson. Luminous layers, oil mastery, and nature-soaked calm await, and your purchase quietly keeps historic Sacred Heart standing tall.
🌍 January Co-op: New Year around-the-world @ Edgar’s Bakehouse | Friday (1/9) at 10:00 AM – Skip TSA and get your New Year wanderlust right here, with a cozy chat on how different cultures celebrate, spotlight on Europe, plus a sweet treat. Bring a fun fact, a curious mind, and your best toast-worthy story. Low-key, thoughtful, actually festive.
This weekend
❄ Sensory Friendly Winter Festival @ Spirited Mins Academia | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – If your ideal winter festival swaps blaring speakers for cozy cocoa and room to breathe, this one’s for you. Expect inclusive games, a raffle worth sticking around for, local vendors with actual good stuff, plus calming spaces and sensory-friendly touches, all in Augusta’s winter chill.
✂ Augusta Area Shred Day @ Georgia’s Own Credit Union | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – If your file cabinet has more secrets than your group chat, hit the free shred day at Evans branch on Washington Road. Stay in your car, they unload, paper only, up to 150 lbs, no clips, batteries, or flammables, and donations support American Heart Association.
💍 Georgia Bridal Show @ Bell Auditorium | Sunday (1/11) – Bring your fiancé, your mom, and your spreadsheet to Augusta’s long-running Georgia Bridal Show, the big one since 1990. Browse local venues, gowns, cakes, and DJs, catch live runway moments, and pretend you’re only here for the champagne, not the color swatches.
🎬 Aladdin @ Miller Theater | Sunday (1/11) at 2:00 PM – Hop on a magic carpet without leaving Broad Street for a free screening of Aladdin at the Miller. Reserve your tickets ahead, seating is first come, first served. Nostalgia, sing-alongs you pretend not to know, and that classic movie palace charm included.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Augusta report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 70°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 3%
Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Southwest wind 1 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
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Tomorrow – High: 76°F – Low: 52°F – Precip: 13%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
This house is wild
On The Hill in Augusta, this professionally remodeled home by Martin Legacy Holdings blends prime location with clean, modern style. Sunlit spaces, upgraded flooring, a refreshed kitchen, and reimagined baths bring a polished feel. A generous, private backyard backs directly to Forest Hills Golf Club, delivering fairway views and a serene setting. The layout favors effortless gathering, and thoughtful finishes add everyday ease.
Minutes from Augusta National, dining, shopping, and major routes, the address makes tournament week and day to day life simple. It offers strong Masters rental appeal, functions as an easy second home, and stands as a solid long term hold, all in a prime Augusta location.
Take a peek inside →
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