The Augusta PRESS

Augusta residents can weigh in on a proposed $1.26 billion 2027 budget Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The plan includes water and sewer rate increases, employee raises and proposed property tax adjustments. The hearing will be livestreamed. Read more at The Augusta Press.

Columbia County Deputy County Manager Matt Schlachter has been named the sole finalist for county manager after 21 years with the county. Commissioners are expected to vote Nov. 17. The announcement came during Tuesday's commission meeting. Read more at The Augusta Press.

Three men from Augusta, Thomson and Evans received federal prison sentences ranging from 46 months to eight years for fentanyl and illegal firearm offenses. Each also received three years of supervised release, according to federal prosecutors. Read more at The Augusta Press.

BREAKING: Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms has defeated Republican Rick Jackson in Georgia's governor's race, according to The Associated Press. The former Atlanta mayor will become Georgia's first female governor and the first Black woman to serve as governor of a U.S. state.

BREAKING: Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff has won reelection in Georgia, defeating Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, according to The Associated Press. The AP called the race at 7:55 p.m. Tuesday.

🗳️ Richmond County had recorded at least 58,882 votes by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, nearly 43% of registered voters. Election officials report steady turnout and expect advance voting results around 8 p.m. Polls close at 7 p.m. Anyone in line by then can vote.

🍂 Wesley United Methodist Church welcomed families for its Oct. 25 Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat, featuring candy, games, live music and a visit from a local bird sanctuary. Church leaders say the event is about building community connections. Read more at The Augusta Press

📱 Georgia drivers can now present digital driver's licenses to state troopers and other Department of Public Safety officers during traffic stops. Drivers don't need to hand over their phones, and physical IDs remain accepted. Read more at The Augusta Press.

It's Election Day! 🗳️ Brad Owens was spotted outside the polls as voters across Richmond and Columbia counties cast their ballots. Polls close at 7 p.m. Find your voting location at mvp.sos.ga.gov/.

💰 Georgia's governor race has drawn more than $150 million. Republican Rick Jackson raised at least $120 million, much of it self-funded. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms raised more than $30 million, with far more small-dollar contributions. Read more at The Augusta Press.

Gov. Brian Kemp joined Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson at Augusta's Daniel Field Airport Monday. Jackson discussed Medicaid policy, while Kemp announced the rollout of a one-time homeowner property tax relief program. Read more at The Augusta Press.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms rallied supporters in Augusta Monday, urging turnout in her race against Republican Rick Jackson. Georgia polls are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Read more at The Augusta Press.

A 72-year-old Thomson man died Monday following an officer-involved shooting during a standoff with McDuffie County deputies. Alton Hamilton died at Doctors Hospital in Augusta. Authorities have not released details about what led to the shooting. Read more at The Augusta Press

Three Savannah River Site teams received national awards for modernizing Cold War-era equipment, completing record tritium extractions and advancing plans for a plutonium production training facility. The NNSA presented the honors Oct. 6. Read more at The Augusta Press.

Aiken Technical College students now have access to free, 24/7 virtual medical care and mental health support through TimelyCare. Services include medical visits, immediate emotional support and up to six counseling sessions per academic year. Read more at The Augusta Press.

Augusta University researcher Kunzhe Dong has received a $3.8 million NIH grant to study a molecule that may help protect blood vessels from plaque buildup The five-year project could identify new targets for preventing heart attacks and strokes. Read more at The Augusta Press.

🎃 Halloween brought families to both sides of the Savannah River! Hundreds trick-or-treated in Hammond's Ferry in North Augusta, while Back to Nature Garden Center in Augusta hosted a fall artisan market with music, vendors and animals. See the photos at The Augusta Press.

🎃🐈‍⬛ Le Chat Noir celebrated its 19th annual Black Cat Carnival in downtown Augusta on Saturday. Costumed guests enjoyed Halloween festivities, spooky photo opportunities and local artwork. See the photos by Skyler Andrews at The Augusta Press.

🏈☔ Rain didn't stop Falcons fans from gathering at Evans Towne Center Park on Nov. 1! Despite Atlanta's 16-0 loss to Tampa Bay, fans enjoyed giveaways, music and appearances by Freddie Falcon, cheerleaders and former players. See the photos at The Augusta Press.

In a letter to the editor, Evans resident Barry L. Paschal reflects on Columbia County's growth, its political history and the upcoming Commission chairman election, expressing support for Alison Couch. Read the full letter at The Augusta Press.