Good morning, Columbus.

Columbus residents and city leaders took a bus tour to view five redevelopment projects designed to improve housing, education, and access to fresh groceries — projects supported by more than $12 million in grants.

The Columbus Community Reinvestment Department led the tour and highlighted sites like the Boys and Girls Club North Center and The Food Mill Shared Kitchen — showing how grant money kept taxpayer funds lower.

Keep Columbus Beautiful, Columbus Water Works, and River Mill Data Management will host a free recycling drive-thru event for the community this Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—attendees can bring hazardous waste, electronics, old documents, and other recyclable items to 3111 Citizens Way.

Applebee’s announced it will honor teachers and nurses with a free appetizer when they purchase an entree at Flynn Group-owned restaurants from April 28 to May 10—customers must mention the offer and show a valid badge to receive the deal.

The victim—Deangelo McCarter, 39—died from a gunshot wound at the 5700 block of Teresa Street on Wednesday afternoon, and Columbus Police said the Violent Crimes Unit leads the investigation.

Columbus State University will host six commencement events on May 8 and May 9 for its 1,055 Spring graduates on the main campus (including ceremonies for the School of Nursing, ROTC, and Graduate Hooding) as speakers such as Steve Têtte, Calvin Smyre, and Dr. Ellen Roberts address events (for the College of the Arts, College of Letters & Sciences, and College of Education & Health Professions).

Columbus Health Department will host a prescription drug takeback event on Saturday (National Drug Takeback Day) to encourage residents to dispose of unused medications safely.

Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown was designated as a level III neonatal care facility by the Department of Public Health + the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists after a thorough review of its NICU that cared for about 550 babies each year. The unit also featured a specialized neonatal transport team to ensure babies received prompt care when needed.

Steady rain forced Thursday's game between the Columbus Clingstones and the Chattanooga Lookouts to be postponed, and it will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, April 26 — the first in franchise history.

The Clingstones play today at AT&T Field — with a Tuesday, April 29 game against Biloxi also scheduled.

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.

WorkSource Georgia Columbus Job Fair

3-6 p.m. — 700 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, GA — Free entry — Network with employers and bring your resume for job opportunities.

Columbus Georgia Scavenger Hunt

12-9 p.m. — Midtown Neighborhood of Columbus — Ticketed event — Embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt filled with historical trivia and exciting challenges throughout the city.

RiverFest 2025

5 PM – 10 PM — Woodruff Riverfront Park — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant community atmosphere with two days of live music, food, and family fun along the river.

Marine Corps League Georgia Convention 2025

12:00 PM – 11:30 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbus — Registration required — A weekend of camaraderie, networking, and honoring Marines.

Jake Xerxes Fussell Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Loft — Ticket prices vary — Experience the innovative sounds of Columbus native Jake Xerxes Fussell as he blends traditional music with contemporary artistry.

MAFEST

1 PM – 8 PM — Liberty Theatre Cultural Center — Tickets available — Celebrate music, art, and heritage in honor of Ma Rainey with live performances.

Strategies to Secure Business Capital Workshop

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM — Prelude Events Studio — $25 for Members, $45 for Nonmembers — Learn important strategies to access business capital for your ventures.

Startup Runway Georgia - Columbus

3-5 p.m. — Cunningham Conference Center — Apply to pitch for $10k — Local founders showcase their startups for a chance to win funding.

Open Mic Night

4-7 p.m. — Everything Musical — Free entry — Local musicians share their talent in a vibrant community atmosphere.