Good morning, Columbus.

The Miracle Riders began a 9,300-mile cross-country ride from Frank D.

Brown Hall to raise funds for CSU's School of Nursing. They will travel across 16 states with postcards of personal messages and are expected to return on Friday, May 22 — adding a local touch to a timeless spirit of giving.

Aflac is celebrating its 5,000 employees this week with several events at the Columbus call center.

President Virgil Miller thanked workers in person (noting the company would not be where it is without them) during Appreciation Week.

Chattahoochee River Club closed on May 1 after 34 years on Columbus riverfront because rising repair costs and dwindling membership made operations unsustainable; the venue once spurred local dining and entertainment growth and its legacy endures.

Local drivers face rising gas prices as regular gas nears $4.99 a gallon.

Stations — including Sam’s Club on Whittlesey Boulevard — offer deals while GasBuddy advises filling up on Sundays or Mondays to help manage costs.

Carver High students walked out today over assistant principal transfers — the Muscogee County School District said the moves were routine.

Columbus State will celebrate 978 spring graduates on May 14 and May 15 at the Frank G.

Lumpkin Jr. Center, with three ceremonies on May 15 — Georgia State Senator Ed Harbison will serve as keynote. Graduands include many first-generation and military-connected students earning diverse academic honors.

At the Columbus Trade Center on Thursday night, more than 50 educators were honored at the Teacher of the Year Gala; Chris Grier of Clubview Elementary was named Teacher of the Year and top honorees received honorariums ranging from $500 to $5,000.

Goodwill of the Southern Rivers will host its 24th Scholarship Golf Tournament at Bull Creek Golf Course in Midland on May 14 to fund its BRIDGE GED Program for young adults.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. — rounds start at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

A Mother's Day Celebration

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

The 4th Annual MHA Fundraiser

11 AM - 2 PM — Columbus Technical College — Free entry — Experience an immersive event connecting mental health and literacy with interactive stations and wellness vendors.

Girl Talk: Exploring Emotions

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Columbus Public Library — Free entry — An empowering event to explore the colors of emotions, boosting confidence and self-esteem.

The Big Run: Global Running Day

6-10 p.m. — Big Dog Fleet Feet — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a spirited 5K run in the heart of Columbus.