Good morning, Columbus.

At Columbus State University on May 9, 2025, the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia honored four inspiring women for their leadership in a Women of Distinction dinner—Patricia Eldridge, Brittany Haines, Brooke Peak and Dr. Stuart Rayfield—with former honoree Teresa Whitaker as the mistress of ceremonies. The event also recognized eight local Girl Scouts with the Gold Award, aiming to inspire future community leaders.

Local flower shops in Columbus face increased costs as international tariffs delay shipments and raise prices on popular blooms ahead of Mother's Day tomorrow—shops continue to accept orders and offer delivery despite these challenges.

Raymond Wardlaw, 56, was found unresponsive and hanging from a bed sheet in his cell at Troup County Jail yesterday around 12:30 p.m.—he was taken to Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center as the Georgia Bureau of Investigations conducts an independent investigation.

Angelica Strange and her husband Ferrell earned their master’s degrees today at Columbus State as non-traditional, first-generation graduates, setting a strong example for their children; more than 1,000 degrees were awarded from the university’s four colleges—over 83% of which are from local counties.

Two Columbus organizations, Boyz 2 Men Development, Inc. & The Learning Center, Inc., will receive part of an approximately 325000 grant from Dollar General Literacy Foundation to expand literacy programs with new technology, books and software, and the funds are expected to benefit more than 13000 people.

The Charleen Brown Robinson Scholarship Foundation presented scholarships to Spencer High School students in Columbus in honor of the Short family—victims of the Upatoi Triple Murders—acknowledging their lasting legacy.

The Columbus Housing Authority is renovating Warren Williams Homes from the 40s and Rivers Homes from the 60s into project-based voucher properties—residents will pay no more than 30% of their income as rent.

The upgrades include new flooring, appliances, ADA accessibility, a business center, and a community space, and all 182 units will be finished by early 2027 with residents relocating temporarily.

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.

Fantasia Concert Featuring Anthony Hamilton

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Columbus Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night of soulful performances by Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton.

The MED Gala

6-10 p.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Fundraising event — Celebrate veteran physicians while enjoying a glamorous evening of dining and entertainment, benefiting future medical professionals.