Good morning, Columbus.

WTVM has partnered with Navy Federal Credit Union and United Service Organization Georgia for its Boxes to Troops drive starting today to support Fort Benning soldiers returning from deployments and training.

Donations of new, unopened, non-perishable food items will be accepted at 6501 Veterans Parkway until May 31 (a drop off event is set at 1909 Wynnton Road on May 21 from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.).

Police are investigating a shooting on the 3400 block of 8th Ave in Columbus that injured one person—no arrests have been made and the victim’s condition remains unknown.

Three suspects were arrested in Columbus after a search warrant led to the seizure of 12.2 pounds of marijuana, three firearms, cash, and two vehicles — they face drug trafficking and firearm charges.

Amanda Zarate — a theater teacher at Wynnton Arts Academy and ex-Army tank mechanic — was named the MCSD Teacher of the Year by the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation at a sold-out gala Thursday night at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

She got a $5,000 honorarium — a top award for her work — and will appear on an OUTFRONT Media digital billboard.

The Columbus Council will review the mayor's nearly $400M budget proposal & plan to discuss it in upcoming sessions.

Officials will decide on funding allocations & consider adjustments after examining the proposal's details.

After a historic inaugural season, Columbus United Football Club announced it will play all home games at AJ McClung Memorial Stadium in time for its 100th anniversary—giving the team a venue that has hosted college football, track events and community gatherings.

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.