Good morning, Columbus.

Girls Inc. of Columbus and Phenix-Russell launched its annual May Week on May 4 to raise funds and awareness for youth programs by hosting themed events at local restaurants and businesses—supporters add to donations by saying 'Girls Inc. sent me.' The celebration also spotlights youth mental health with a free fair at Baker Center and a ticket-matching drive for the Strong, Smart, and Bold Gala on May 8.

A late Saturday night EF1 tornado hit a Talbot County apartment complex—forcing five units to be deemed unsafe and several families with children to seek hotel shelter as local firefighters and the American Red Cross responded promptly.

Rosehill Seafood closed permanently over the weekend after nearly 50 years in Columbus due to staffing issues linked to the COVID-19 pandemic—its president Jeff Lunsford said he is willing to train a new operator to carry on the legacy as he chooses to focus on his family.

A Columbus man, 33-year-old Chastin Hunter, died after being shot at Avalon Apartment Homes on Cusseta Road Monday afternoon—his body will be sent to the crime lab for an autopsy as authorities hold one suspect in custody.

The Columbus Police are searching for Tammy Pierce, 61—who stands 5-feet-2-inches tall, weighs about 150 pounds, and has white and grey hair with blue eyes—last seen near 22nd Street on the evening of May 2 in a white shirt, light black sweatpants, and black and pink Puma Slides, and anyone with information is urged to call 911, the CPD Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449 or Detective Chris Whitehead at 706-225-4278.

The Georgia DOT and We Are Teachers have launched the Every Second Counts Video Contest—open to students aged 13 to 18 as of August 1—to encourage creative public service announcements on distracted driving, with video submissions due by June 8.

Winning videos will be showcased on the DOT website—prizes include a $500 gift card for first place, $400 for second place, $300 for third place, five $250 honorable mentions and a $500 gift card for one teacher.

Governor Kemp signed legislation today that will expand access to quality, affordable healthcare and support coastal communities — the measures include ten key bills addressing fertility, maternal health and drug safety along with nineteen additional bills to strengthen state services. These bills mark a significant step in meeting the evolving health needs of Georgians.

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.

GASROE GS3 Annual Conference 2025

12 PM – 1 PM — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Ticket required — Train as a School Safety Team and engage with school safety professionals at this innovative conference.

Virtual Senior Living Tour

9 AM - 7 PM — Visiting Angels — Free entry — Explore the benefits of senior living with a focus on quality care and engaging activities.