Good morning, Columbus.

The family of Lila Mae Star, owner of Royal Cafe, announced a series of events next week to honor her life following her passing on April 2; plans include a birthday celebration on April 17 at the cafe, a public viewing on April 18 at Charles E.

Huff International Funeral Home, and a celebration of life on April 19 at St. James AME Church before interment at Evergreen Memorial Park — family members ask attendees to bring lavender balloons and candles as a tribute —.

Georgia Power crews received the Emergency Recovery Award from the Edison Electric Institute for their work restoring power after Hurricane Helene in fall 2024.

The utility will mark April as Lineworker Appreciation Month—starting today with a Vidalia crew and featuring an Atlanta crew on April 18 and a Rome crew on April 23.

Liberty Theatre’s Centennial Gala sold out ahead of today’s celebration at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

The event marks 100 years for the theater—its theme The Soul of the Community honors its role as a hub for Columbus’s African American community—and will feature special shows that reflect its rich history.

Columbus leaders reviewed plans for a 90-thousand square-foot Amazon delivery warehouse that will create new jobs and speed up deliveries—Officials say the project will soon boost local commerce.

Amazon said it will open a new 90,000-square-foot last-mile delivery station in Midland (expected to offer over 100 full and part-time jobs and more than 100 driver opportunities) to speed up deliveries in the Columbus area.

The facility is part of Amazon's continued investment in Georgia (aimed at boosting local jobs and faster service) for the region.

Eight teachers from the Muscogee County School District have been named Harvard Fellows by the Muscogee Education Excellence Foundation.

They will spend five days at Harvard Graduate School learning new teaching methods — a program that draws on their award-winning expertise to boost classroom learning.

The Better Business Bureau warned Columbus consumers to be cautious when renewing passports after fake websites mimicked official government pages—only the .gov site is valid.

The advisory urged people to research the process and allow extra time for processing to avoid scams.

Georgia health officials urged residents to get vaccinated after a measles outbreak in West Texas killed two children and one adult while three cases in Georgia linked to international travel were identified; the state warned that the outbreak is a public health emergency and asked medical providers to report any suspicious cases. This caution comes as officials work to prevent further spread of the disease.

Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Columbus River Dragons

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Ticket required for ages 3 and up — Catch the excitement as the Athens Rock Lobsters take on the Columbus River Dragons in this thrilling hockey match.

Shaw Varsity Baseball Game at Kendrick

5:30-7:15 p.m. — Kendrick High School — Free entry — Catch the exciting conference matchup as Kendrick faces off against Shaw in a local baseball rivalry.

Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Columbus Clingstones

1-8:35 p.m. — Golden Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a fun evening of community baseball while supporting a cause of your choice.

Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Columbus Clingstones

7:05-10:05 p.m. — Golden Park — Ticket prices vary — Catch a live baseball game between the Blue Wahoos and Clingstones in Columbus.

Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs Columbus Clingstones

7:05-10:05 p.m. — Golden Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and the Columbus Clingstones.

Book Discussion: Silver Sparrow

10-11:30 a.m. — Delta House — Bring your favorite tea and a light meal — Explore the themes of 'Silver Sparrow' by Tayari Jones in a vibrant community gathering.

1-Day Public Speaking Workshop

9 AM – 5 PM — Columbus Academy for Lifelong Learning — Cost included with registration — Enhance your public speaking skills and conquer stage fright at this immersive workshop.

Dot Dot Dot - A New Musical

9:30-11 a.m. — RiverCenter for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant journey of creativity and self-expression in this engaging new musical adaptation.

Blakgraz LIVE Performance

7-10 p.m. — Ivy Park Sports & Grill — Check venue for entry cost — Enjoy a diverse mix of genres performed live by Blakgraz.

CSU Spring Swing

6:30-11 p.m. — Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center — Support community dance teams — Enjoy a night of dancing, music by The Grapevine Band, and delicious food.