Good morning, Columbus.

A Columbus resident won $331K on the Georgia Lottery mobile app today + the win shows how local players are embracing digital gaming for big chances.

Fountain City Mardi Gras Association held its second annual parade at Peachtree Mall, featuring performances by the Hardaway High School Band (with Columbus Lions representatives and city council members) to provide a family-friendly kickoff to the Mardi Gras season until Fat Tuesday on Feb. 17.

The Georgia Department of Labor announced that the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.6% in December, a decrease of eight-tenths from the previous month as the labor force grew to 129,957.

Job numbers remained steady month-over-month and rose year-over-year, reflecting more Georgians finding work.

Emily-Tabea Johnson, a Columbus State University student, interned at Fort Benning last fall where she helped Army decision-makers analyze training data & develop dashboards to spot bottlenecks, sharpening her project-management skills and paving her path to commission as an officer.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed a federal tax credit program at the state Capitol that will give taxpayers up to $1,700 back for each donation to approved K-12 scholarship organizations.

The program targets families earning under 300% of the area median income while supplementing the existing state credit.

Terra Rhodes, a local mother, battled stage 3 cervical cancer with chemotherapy and now receives immunotherapy every three weeks at John B.

Amos Cancer Center. She achieved clear scans in January 2025 and the center hosts an HPV forum today (noon to 2 p.m.) to promote prevention.

Hamsomia and friends are available for adoption at Paws Humane Society, where locals can visit to meet these friendly pets and learn more about adoption opportunities.

Pee Dee IceCats vs. Columbus River Dragons

7:05-9:05 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Admission tickets required — Catch the action as the River Dragons face off against the IceCats in an exciting hockey matchup.

Monroe Academy Varsity Baseball Game

5:30-7:15 p.m. — Kendrick High School — Free entry — Witness a competitive non-conference baseball game between Kendrick and Monroe Academy.

Half Marathon at Rotary Park

8 AM – 12 PM — Rotary Park Public Restroom — Registration required — Run the scenic paths of Rotary Park in this exciting half marathon event.

Heart of a King

3-6 p.m. — Diamond Kutz — Free (RSVP required) — Celebrate the courage and resilience of young kings with grooming, conversations, and self-care in a supportive environment.

Columbus, GA Real Estate Conference 2026

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center — Registration required — A comprehensive training and networking opportunity for real estate agents to enhance their business and brand in a changing market.

K-POP Warriors

7-8:30 p.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Family-friendly event — Experience vibrant K-Pop music and dance in an action-packed live show for all ages.