Good morning, Columbus.

The U.S. Census shows Columbus is the 13th fastest-growing city in the nation—a milestone that comes as business investments and population growth increase.

Local leaders say they will monitor trends as new projects and developments are planned.

Four men from Columbus and Hamilton were indicted by the Georgia Attorney General’s Gang Prosecution Unit for charges including home invasion, attempted armed robbery and aggravated assault linked to a November 2023 incident where a resident sustained non-fatal gunshot wounds—officials say the indictments aim to curb gang activity in the region.

Columbus PD is searching for missing 43-year-old Rhonetta Johnson who was last seen on the e 4400 block of Cusseta Road at 12 a.m. on Wednesday—if you have information, call 911 or the CPD Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449 or CPL LuisBencosme-Gonzalez at 706-225-4367.

A former employee of a Columbus real estate agency, Lauren Eldridge, pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud and was sentenced to over two years in prison—she will serve two years and three months behind bars with three years of supervised release—and must repay $453,876.64 after using agency funds to pay her credit card.

Audrey Kittila, representing Miss Atlanta, was crowned Miss Georgia 2025 and the Miss Georgia’s Teen title was also awarded after three days of dazzling performances and interviews at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in Columbus—she is a graduate student at the University of Georgia and will represent the state at the Miss America competition.

Attorney General Chris Carr announced today that Georgia joins a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family to resolve opioid crisis litigation, which will provide up to $126 million for addiction treatment, prevention and recovery services.

Carr added that funds will be paid over several years—local governments may join the settlement when bankruptcy proceedings allow.

The UGA Athletics artifacts will be on display at the Columbus Public Library on June 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the W.C.

Bradley Reading Room — Jason Hasty from the UGA Athletic Association archives will present historic memorabilia for public viewing.

Red S.H.O.E. Challenge: 112 Minutes in Motion

11 AM – 1 PM — Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc — Free entry — Get active indoors with the Columbus GA Alumnae Chapter for a community-focused exercise event.

Senior Living Community On-Site Tour

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Oaks at Maple Ridge — Free entry — Explore top-rated senior living options and discover award-winning facilities and friendly staff.

Mortgage Fair

4-7 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Free admission — Explore mortgage options and connect with top lenders to start your journey toward homeownership.

Win-Win Workroom - Speed Networking

6-9 p.m. — F&W Control Tower — Registration required — Engage in a dynamic speed networking experience that fosters business partnerships and collaboration.

Mimosas & Motivation: Brunch Vendor Expo

5-9 p.m. — 3100 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA — Ticketed entry — Sip, shop, and enjoy a vibrant expo featuring bottomless mimosas and inspiring connections.

Christmas In July Food Truck Festival

4-7 p.m. — River Oak Boutique — Free entry — Enjoy a variety of food trucks and adult beverages at this festive summer celebration.

Summer at the Movies Worship Experience

11:30 a.m. — Columbus State University — Free entry — Celebrate faith and community with family-friendly worship at Faith Chapel.

Astronomy Night at F.D.R. State Park

9:00-11:59 p.m. — Liberty Bell Pool — Free entry — Explore the night sky with telescopes and guided tours led by the Space Science Center team.