Good morning, Columbus.

Columbus mother Tabitha Sykes signed up her twin daughters, Hannah and Layla, for swim lessons at the Thayer YMCA after a home pool incident — when one daughter removed her floaties — to improve their water safety, and four new public pools will open later this year to offer more learning opportunities.

Officials with the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office held a press conference on April 30 regarding a multi-agency human trafficking investigation, and the event was live streamed at 10:30 a.m.

A new FBI report found cybercrime in Georgia surged as the state ranked 11th for internet-related complaints and potential losses hit $420 million—an increase of 40% from last year, with elderly users reporting complaints up 71% and cryptocurrency crimes rising 122% with losses up 66%.

Columbus police are searching for 14-year-old Zariah Thornton, last seen on April 29 near the 3100 block of 8th Street in Columbus who is 5 ft 2 in tall, has black hair and brown eyes, and was wearing a navy-blue pullover, black leggings, black Nike socks and black Crocs+ anyone with information should call 911 or 706-225-4399.

Opelika Police say that on April 20 a Hispanic man (wearing a black t-shirt with ‘BOSS’ and forearm tattoos) and a Hispanic woman (in a black dress and jacket) stole over $3,600 in merchandise from Ulta on Enterprise Drive before fleeing in a white Kia SUV.

Columbus State alumnus Dr. Leo Moore ’07 was named Men's Health Ultimate Guy for 2024 after a college career marked by leadership—he launched the campus’s first World AIDS Day event and earned roles that built his drive for service—and he is now a board-certified physician directing public health in Los Angeles. He has also authored a new Men's Preventative Health Guide now available for preorders—crediting his time at Columbus State for inspiring his commitment to community health.

The Georgia Department of Driver Services announced in March that the state reached 99.9% REAL ID compliance—only new drivers and recent arrivals need to update their IDs before the May 7 deadline.

Doctors at a Columbus hospital revived a newborn boy nicknamed 'Baby Lazarus' after they performed CPR three times when he was born with little sign of life.

The boy's parents credited their pastor and prayers for his recovery — he is now a healthy three-month-old.

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.

Columbus River Dragons Playoff Game

7 PM — Columbus Civic Center — Lowest Price Guaranteed — Catch the Columbus River Dragons in action during their playoff run.

Rehab 25th Anniversary Festival

5-9 p.m. — The Outskirts Sports Bar & Grill — Free entry — Celebrate 25 years of Rehab with an exciting lineup featuring music from top artists.

Barks and Blues Music Festival 2025

3-9 p.m. — Woodruff Riverfront Park — $10 admission — Experience live music and a pet-friendly atmosphere with food, fun, and community support.