Good morning, Columbus.

Safe Kids Columbus hosted a summer safety event on Thursday in partnership with local agencies to teach families about fire, vehicle and animal safety.

Community members toured police cars and fire trucks while parents picked up free giveaways including booster seats+bike helmets.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Chattahoochee Valley will be named Hometown Hero for July 2026, recognizing their work in offering youth programs and safe spaces.

Community leaders say the honor highlights the clubs' impact on local families (details pending).

The Columbus Civic Center is hosting a free summer gaming program for teens today at its downtown facility.

The event offers local gamers a chance to compete and meet new friends.

Georgia Power has opened enrollment in its new CARES CIR program that lets commercial and industrial customers subscribe to renewable energy projects— utility-scale options are available now while distributed generation bids will open in fourth quarter.

The program aims to expand access to renewable power.

The Georgia Department of Labor announced that Columbus posted employment and labor force gains in May with unemployment rising to 3.8%, up five-tenths from the previous month.

Initial claims dropped to 349, and workers gained more job opportunities as the local figures improved.

Columbus Technical College announced that all Spring 2026 Radiologic Technology graduates passed the ARRT exam on their first try.

The program blends classroom learning and clinical training (a mark of high quality education) to ready graduates for local healthcare careers.

Columbus Civic Center will host a free summer gaming program for teens this season.

The program gives local youth a space to enjoy digital games + connect with peers.

The Food and Drug Administration classified a recall of 684,248 bags of Zapps & Dirty chips flagged for potential Salmonella risk; products sold in Georgia were pulled in May.

Consumers are advised not to eat the chips and to discard any remaining at home.

Amid rising heat, doctors warn Columbus residents to watch for dehydration and heat stroke symptoms + they advise staying cool and drinking plenty of water today.

4th Annual 706 Day Festival

4-8 p.m. — Woodruff Riverfront Park — Free entry — Celebrate with music, food, and family fun at this vibrant community festival.

Star Light, Star Bright

9:30-11:30 p.m. — F.D. Roosevelt State Park — Free admission — Experience a night of sky watching with expert guidance and telescopes in a picturesque park setting.

Georgia Association of Water Professionals Conference & Expo

Multiple days — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Registration required — Dive into water management solutions and network with 1200 professionals and 200 exhibitors.

July Puzzle Night

6-8 p.m. — Columbus Bound Bookshop — Free entry — Enjoy classic jigsaws and cozy vibes at this first-ever community Puzzle Night event.

Corduroy Academy AlumNight™

7-11 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Family-friendly event — Experience the heart-warming adventure of Corduroy the Teddy Bear through the department store.