Good morning, Columbus.

The 2nd Annual Select Youth Empowerment Gala and Live Auction raised funds for scholarships at the National Infantry Museum — the event honored local youth for achievements on and off the basketball court while receiving strong community support.

The initiative will enhance leadership development opportunities for young people.

Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia announced the 2026 Columbus Women of Distinction dinner honoring four leaders, including Dr. Kia L.

Chambers. The event will be held May 7 at Columbus State University’s Cunningham Center from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. (Aflac sponsors the celebration) and proceeds support Girl Scouts programming.

The 2026 Best Ranger Competition begins today in Columbus as local rangers demonstrate their skills and community service.

Officials say the event will include field exercises and awards, inviting residents to celebrate local excellence in safety.

The Georgia Legislature is offering a lifeline to the paper mill industry facing closures as new measures are introduced to boost local support (industry leaders expect this to help preserve jobs).

The Georgia Department of Labor reported a 4.3% unemployment rate in the Columbus metro area this January, a rise of 0.6% from last month.

Job numbers dropped slightly as seasonal positions ended+ the labor force also shrank.

Columbus State University’s CSU Gives campaign raised over $84,000 from 877 donors between April 6 and April 7 + surpassed its original donor goal by over 250%, drawing local and international support.

TCSG has been chosen as one of 10 recipients of a national grant from the Lumina Foundation to test an AI-driven platform (designed to help adult learners earn college credit for work history and credentials) at three colleges.

It will simplify admissions and open clearer paths to degrees.

At Fort Benning, 61 two-person Ranger teams began a 60-hour endurance challenge Friday at 5 a.m. during Infantry Week and will navigate 43 events over the weekend+ an award ceremony is scheduled for Monday morning.

Columbus Lions Home Opener

7-10 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Starting at $14.05 — Experience the excitement of the Columbus Lions as they kick off their football season at home.

The Three Musketeers

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy a classic tale of adventure and camaraderie brought to life on stage.

Columbus Symphony Orchestra: Three by Beethoven

7:30-10:30 p.m. — RiverCenter for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the stirring sounds of Beethoven's masterpieces with pianist Claire Huangci.

Biloxi Shuckers at Columbus Clingstones

1:05-5:05 p.m. — Golden Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball matchup between the Biloxi Shuckers and Columbus Clingstones.

Columbus Lions vs Wheeling Miners

7-10 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Enjoy an exciting minor league football game featuring local favorites.

CCA Varsity Baseball Game

4:00-5:45 p.m. — St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School — Free entry — Watch the exciting showdown as St. Anne-Pacelli faces off against Citizens Christian Academy in a home non-conference game.

Do The Crawl de Mayo

4:30-9 p.m. — The Maltitude Bar at Banks — Tickets required — Celebrate early with a vibrant pub crawl filled with games, contests, and fiesta energy.

A Mother's Day Celebration

7-10 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Family friendly — Celebrate mothers with a special evening of appreciation and festivities.