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Augusta, GA

4.1-magnitude quake rattles parts of region, and some feel it here

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4.1-magnitude quake rattles parts of region, and some feel it here


AUGUSTA, Ga. – Some Georgia residents were startled Saturday morning as an earthquake from Tennessee shook several nearby states.

The quake’s epicenter was near Greenback, about 30 miles southwest of Knoxville. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it happened at 9:04 a.m. and had an estimated magnitude of 4.1.

According to the Augusta Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency, a few people could feel it in Augusta.

One resident of Fort Eisenhower wrote on Facebook: “It was very minor, just some bookshelves tapping against the wall, so it would’ve been missed if we hadn’t have been just waking up.”

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Another Augusta resident reported her bathroom door rattled.

But people across metro Atlanta and as far south as Macon said the quake shook their homes. Tremors were also felt near Charlotte.

John Rosso

U.S. Geological Survey research geophysicist William Yeck said the quake happened in the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone, which is made up of several small, deep fault lines. This earthquake’s epicenter was about 12 miles below the surface.

“We do expect for earthquakes to happen here, so we know they can happen, but they just happen so rarely that people just aren’t used to experiencing them,” he said.

Saturday morning’s earthquake in Tennessee shook thousands of homes in several states, including this one in Blairsville, GA. Video courtesy of Renee Stookey

More than 40,000 people called the Geological Survey to report the earthquake.

Gabriela Reilly was making waffles with her husband when they felt their entire home shake in Braselton, Ga., northeast of Atlanta.

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“Our ceiling fan started shaking for about 10 seconds,” she said. “I thought a giant aircraft had flown low right over the neighborhood, but my husband said, ‘No, that was definitely an earthquake!’”

Jason Pack was still in bed at his home outside Knoxville when he felt the walls shaking and heard a rumbling that was loud enough to wake up his family and for the dog to start barking.

“In east Tennessee, you’re used to tornadoes and floods, that kind of thing,” Pack said. “It’s unusual to have an earthquake.”

Pack has experienced tremors before, although this one is probably the strongest he’s felt in Tennessee.

“Even though this one was small, it’s a good reminder — if it had been a big quake, would you know what to do? Drop, cover, and hold on if you’re inside,” said Pack, a retired FBI agent who now works in crisis communications. “Stay clear of buildings if you’re outside.”

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Camden Poole, a second-grader at Hephzibah Elementary, died after a car accident on the same...

Yeck said earthquakes in the eastern U.S. tend to travel farther than those to our west because the rock is older and denser, acting as a better carrier for seismic waves.

Damage does not usually occur from earthquakes until they reach a magnitude of somewhere above 4 or 5, according to experts, although it depends on variables such as building construction, soil and distance from the epicenter.

Since 1950, 15 other earthquakes of magnitude 4 or larger have occurred within 155 miles of Saturday’s earthquake. The largest of those was a magnitude 4.7 earthquake near Knoxville in November 1973.

Experts say there’s a 5% chance of an aftershock with a magnitude of 4 or larger in the next week.

Earthquakes aren’t necessarily uncommon across Georgia, or even in the CSRA.

On April 7, three earthquakes were felt in Columbia County:

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  • One 9.1 miles northwest of Evans at 8:01 p.m. at a depth of 10 kilometers with a magnitude of 1.8.
  • One 6.8 miles north of Harlem at 8:26 p.m. with a magnitude of 1.9 and a depth of one kilometer.
  • One 9.6 miles northwest of Grovetown at 11:03 p.m. with a magnitude of 1.7 and a depth of 2 kilometers.

Those came nearly a week after two earthquakes were recorded near Grovetown.

Just after 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, a small earthquake was felt across East Tennessee. (Jennifer Hunter)

Near the epicenter of Saturday’s earthquake, Blount County Emergency Management Agency Director Lance Coleman said there were no reports of injuries or damage, but officials did get a lot of phone calls.

A Tennessee Valley Authority representative said only one dam, Fontana Dam, saw enough movement to require inspection, and no issues were found.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park said a portion of Foothills Parkway West was shut down and would remain closed until it is inspected by the Federal Highway Administration.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Mark Nagi said there were no reports of damaged roads, but officials would be inspecting bridges throughout the next few weeks as a precaution.

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Augusta, GA

Textron plans split that could spin off Augusta’s E‑Z‑GO | Exclusive

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Textron plans split that could spin off Augusta’s E‑Z‑GO | Exclusive


The Augusta-based manufacturer of one of the world’s leading brands of golf carts could split from parent company Textron by the end of 2027.

Textron has announced its intention to concentrate its aerospace and defense subsidiaries into a separate company called New Textron, including Textron Aviation, Textron Systems, and Bell, a brand that produces military-grade helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. It also oversees general aviation brands Cessna and Beechcraft.

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Textron Specialized Vehicles is part of the company’s Industrial segment, which expects more than $3 billion in 2026 revenue. TSV properties include E-Z-GO golf carts; PACE Technology, which manufactures global positioning systems customized for golf courses; Jacobsen, a producer of turf maintenance equipment; and TUG Technologies, which makes airport ground support equipment such as baggage tractors.

“This planned separation creates greater clarity and focus for both businesses,” Textron CEO Lisa M. Atherton said in a statement. “New Textron will move forward as a pure-play aerospace and defense company positioned for higher growth, while Industrial gains the independence to pursue strategies aligned with its distinct strengths — unlocking long-term value for all stakeholders.”

The company “intends to explore multiple paths to effect the planned separation of its Industrial segment, including but not limited to a sale of the Industrial businesses or a tax-free separation into a standalone, publicly traded company,” according to Textron.

Textron said in its April 30 first-quarter earnings call to stockholders that it estimates the complete corporate separation to occur within 12 to 18 months, implying Halloween 2027 at the latest.

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Augusta, GA

Local service members get more chances to expand their education

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Local service members get more chances to expand their education


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Fort Gordon service members will soon have more opportunities to further their education thanks to a partnership between Augusta University and the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon.

Augusta University President Russell T. Keen and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence Maj. Gen. Ryan M. Janovic will sign a new memorandum to continue their partnership at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Shaffer MacCartney Building at the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University.

Augusta University first began its partnership with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence back in 2016.

The new memorandum will provide additional opportunities for service members to receive degree credit for military training through Augusta University and AU Online.

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The programs being updated under the new agreement include: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Technology, Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies, Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies with a Technical Intelligence Analysis Concentration and the PhD in Intelligence, Defense and Cybersecurity Policy.

“We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence to create new educational opportunities for the men and women who serve our nation,” Keen said.

Janovic emphasized the magnitude of the relationship and the critical skillsets it supports.

“This partnership with Augusta University is a force multiplier for our formations. By translating our rigorous military training into academic credit, we bridge the gap between military instruction and higher education,” Janovic said.

“Through this partnership, we are preparing experienced military leaders to build on the skills they have already developed and continue serving in ways that advance our national security, strengthen Georgia’s workforce and create lasting impact for generations to come. Their commitment to service extends far beyond the battlefield. It continues in the communities they protect, the organizations they lead and the lives they influence every day,” said Keen.

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Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta Volleyball Announces 2026 Schedule, Promotional Calendar – Augusta University

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Augusta Volleyball Announces 2026 Schedule, Promotional Calendar – Augusta University


AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta University volleyball has announced its 2026 schedule, featuring 30 regular-season matches and 10 home contests inside Christenberry Fieldhouse.

The reigning 2025 Peach Belt Conference regular-season champions open the season Aug. 28-29 at the Emmanuel Tournament in Franklin Springs, Ga., before returning home Sept. 4-5 to co-host the Augusta/USC Aiken Tournament. Augusta then travels to Clinton, Miss., for the annual Peach Belt Conference/Gulf South Conference Crossover before opening Peach Belt Conference play Sept. 17 against Middle Georgia at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

Following an eight-match road swing through late September and October, the Jaguars return home for their final four regular-season contests, hosting Francis Marion, Flagler and rival USC Aiken. The 2026 Peach Belt Conference Tournament begins Nov. 12.

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Tickets are available now. Don’t miss your chance to watch the reigning Peach Belt Conference regular-season champions in action at Christenberry Fieldhouse this fall.

BUY TICKETS 

In conjunction with the schedule release, Augusta Athletics has also announced its promotional schedule for the 2026 home season.

2026 Promotional Schedule

Friday, Sept. 4 – vs. Lee (12:00 p.m.) & North Greenville (5:00 p.m.)

Parents Weekend

Join us as we welcome Jaguar families to campus for opening weekend.

Thursday, Sept. 17 – vs. Middle Georgia (6:00 p.m.)

Student Appreciation

Augusta University students are encouraged to pack Christenberry Fieldhouse for the conference home opener.

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Saturday, Sept. 19 – vs. Georgia College (3:00 p.m.)

CSRA Club Volleyball Day

Local club volleyball teams are invited to attend and be recognized throughout the match.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 – vs. Lander (6:00 p.m.)

Coats & Scrubs Night

Medical students and healthcare professionals are invited to wear their scrubs and support the Jaguars.

Tuesday, Oct. 20 – vs. Francis Marion (6:00 p.m.)

Here to Win – Cancer Awareness Game

Augusta Athletics and the Georgia Cancer Center continue the “Here to Win” campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and support patients. Fans are encouraged to wear pink.

Friday, Oct. 23 – vs. Flagler (6:00 p.m.)

Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night

A special night recognizing Augusta University’s faculty and staff.

Saturday, Oct. 24 – vs. Flagler (1:00 p.m.)

Halloween Game

Fans are encouraged to wear costumes while cheering on the Jaguars.

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Friday, Nov. 6 – vs. USC Aiken (6:00 p.m.)

Greek Night

Augusta University’s fraternities and sororities are invited to attend and show their Jaguar pride.

Saturday, Nov. 7 – vs. USC Aiken (3:00 p.m.)

Senior Night

Help us recognize the Jaguars’ senior class before the final regular-season home match.



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