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It’s Friday, Augusta! In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Mega Millions jumps to $672 million, concerts by candlelight, and a charity car show + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Augusta protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A summertime temperature debate: South Carolina’s sweltering heat has residents debating too hot or too cold, after a hydrant spray caused a scare. Some prefer scorchers, others want relief, many crave a happy medium -- read the full story.
Utility promises ahead: Georgia Power outlined a pledge this week to shield customers as data centers grow, saying average rates aren’t affected and projecting $102 a year in savings starting in 2029 -- see the rate pledge.
Big win in Georgia: One Georgia ticket matched five numbers with a 4x Megaplier to win $4 million Tuesday. With no jackpot winner, Mega Millions rises to an estimated $672 million for tonight’s drawing -- check your tickets now.
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
Big markdowns on makeup made for women over 40: Laura Geller formulates for mature skin specifically. There's even a collection called The Over 40 Edit. The brand is offering new email subscribers up to 65% off, with an extra 22% off layered on top. Your email is all it takes to unlock it — worth a look.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for investors looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Keep Augusta’s history alive: If you care about the character of our neighborhoods, Historic Augusta, Inc. is the hometown preservation crew making sure the places that feel like Augusta still look like Augusta. Browse their projects, get involved, and feel a little smug when someone asks who's protecting the good stuff.
Serious chill, zero fuss: Whether your back’s been loudly complaining or you just need to downshift, Serenity Day Spa LLC focuses on therapeutic massage and intentional skincare that never feels rushed. Think deep-tissue relief, prenatal support, and cupping that actually helps you loosen up, then glide back into Augusta life feeling human again.
Boutiques and bites: Need a one-stop refresh for your closet, taste buds, and general vibe, head to Surrey Center. Between locally loved boutiques, salons and coffee spots, plus Cajun comfort at French Market Grille, it’s the kind of errand-running that mysteriously turns into “let’s just hang out here a bit longer.”
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. *This one's 50% off right now →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
Plastic and wood are no good: Every time you use a plastic cutting board, microplastics end up in your food. You can’t see it, but it's happening and it’s gross. Wood isn't any better since it absorbs bacteria so deep into the grain you can’t get it out. More than 50,000 people have already ditched both for something better. *See what they're using instead →
Could you cover a $7,000 car repair tomorrow? For most people the honest answer is no, and that's the problem, because the big repairs don't wait for the right time. An extended warranty is what stands between you and that bill: the engine, transmission, and electrical failures that come out of nowhere. You bring it to any certified mechanic, pay a deductible, and the rest is handled. A free year of Elite Benefits and a 30-day money-back guarantee are included. *See what's covered → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town this weekendOur favorite events this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🏃 Project Lifting Spirits 5k/10k Fundraiser @ Lake Olmstead Trailhead | Saturday (7/18) at 7:00 AM – Start at Lake Olmstead and cruise the Canal for a no-frills 5k or 10k, stroller and dog friendly. It benefits Project Lifting Spirits for local vets and military families, with a Christmas in July drive, so you can sweat, donate, and feel virtuous before coffee.
🚗 Charity Car Show @ Top Dawg Tavern | Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 AM – Polish up nostalgia and swing by Top Dawg Tavern for a charity car show benefiting Compass for Hope and Folds of Honor. Free to spectate, family friendly, with $10 burgers, $10 pitchers, and bragging rights across old school, new school, and the shiny in between.
🎒 5th Annual Back to School Extravaganza @ Warren Road Community Center | Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 AM – Swing by the Back to School Extravaganza for free bookbag blessings, school supplies, and a one-stop community resource expo. It’s that rare combo of helpful, neighborly, and actually fun, with the nostalgic whiff of fresh notebooks, and none of the late-August wallet panic.
🌺 Aloha Hula Luau @ Cyber Conference & Catering | Saturday (7/18) at 5:30 PM – Skip the flight and get your island fix at Fort Gordon, where a luau brings a Polynesian fire show, hula, Hawaiian eats, lively games, and a bar slinging tropical cocktails. Family-friendly, photo-ready, and tastefully extra. Wear the loud shirt, limbo like nobody’s chiropractor is watching.
🕯 Concerts by Candlelight @ Sacred Heart Cultural Center | Saturday (7/18) at 7:00 PM – Swap fluorescent lights for flickering candles and hear your favorites reimagined in Augusta’s prettiest historic spaces. One night it’s Vivaldi, the next it’s Queen, Adele, or Fleetwood Mac, all played by pros who let the strings, the acoustics, and the nostalgia do the flexing.
🎬 National Treasure @ Miller Theater | Sunday (7/19) at 2:00 PM – Cooler than your attic fan, the Miller is screening National Treasure for free as part of Queensborough National Bank and Trust’s Movies at the Miller. It’s Nic Cage, wild clues, and a history lesson you’ll actually remember, plus that old-school theater charm.
🪟 Workshop: Introduction to Copper Foil Stained Glass @ 4P Studios | Pottery Studio | Sunday (7/19) at 2:00 PM – Getting hands-on with stained glass, this beginner-friendly copper foil workshop supplies everything, steady guidance, and a piece you actually take home. Learn safety, design, cutting, copper foiling, and soldering, then enjoy the glow of competence. Ages 13+, excellent for a low-key date or parent-teen truce. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsNothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill. *Custom policies available online → |
07 — Augusta report Weather forecastToday — High: 97°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 19%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 106. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Heat index values as high as 105. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 96°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 29%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 96. Southwest wind 0 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 30%. This house is wildThis 4-bed, 2.5-bath Augusta gem pairs classic neighborhood charm with polished modern updates. Refinished hardwoods, a spa-style primary suite, and a quartz kitchen with a dedicated coffee station bring the style. Double living rooms, a corner fireplace, and French doors to the deck set the stage, while the backyard pool steals the show.
Take a peek inside → |
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