Good morning, Columbus.

Columbus Fire and EMS held a funeral procession yesterday for Firemedic Brittany Zerwick, who reportedly died last Thursday at her home (according to the department).

Emergency personnel marched along Warm Spring Road and the team has begun offering grief counseling (support is available for affected staff).

Columbus Police Department is searching for missing 16-year-old Ja’khia Benjamin who was last seen on Sunday, July 14 around 6:00 a.m. in the 200 block of McCartha Drive (she is described as a Black female, 4 foot 9 and 134 pounds with black hair and brown eyes) and urges anyone with information to contact the Special Victims Unit.

A teen was stabbed during an altercation on Chesterfield Avenue — a woman was detained at the scene.

Columbus officials are searching for 33-year-old Denise Garrett who went missing near Eleanor Avenue on July 9 at 10:30 a.m.—she was last seen in blue jean shorts, a red and gray baseball shirt, and a pink bookbag without shoes.

President Stuart Rayfield named Dr. Dustin Anderson as the new provost, executive vice president and chief academic officer at Columbus State University—he began his job on July 14 and will manage a team of over 450 with a $54.7 million budget.

He will lead efforts to raise student retention and graduation rates with a redesigned first-year course called The River—this program is set to link community learning with local business partnerships.

Former city manager Isaiah Hugley filed paperwork to run for mayor after being fired on May 27—his attorney said he will file an EEOC complaint later today and may sue council members for wrongful termination.

Hugley and Mark LaJoye are among the early declared candidates, with qualifying starting in early March and the election set for May 19, 2026 in a competitive political season.

Attorney General Chris Carr announced today that Georgia will receive up to $20,031,864 from national settlements with eight drug makers for addiction treatment, prevention and recovery services.

He has already secured over $1B from prior settlements and will use the funds to fight the opioid crisis — aiming to help local communities recover.

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.

Summer at The Movies Celebration

11:30 a.m. — Columbus State University — Free admission — Experience a vibrant worship event for the whole family with community spirit.

Johnny's Cowboy Rodeo

5-9 p.m. — Cooper Creek Park — Free entry — Celebrate Johnny's 25th birthday with food trucks, music, and good vibes in cowboy attire.

Summer at The Movies at Faith Chapel

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

Enterprise Linux System Administration Training

Mon, Jul 28 – Fri, Aug 1 — Georgia Training Center — $2190 — Deepen your Linux skills with hands-on training in system administration.

Columbus Ice Rink Public Skating

5-9 p.m. — Columbus Ice Rink CIVIC CENTER — Ticket valid for any open skating session — Glide across the ice and enjoy a fun evening of public skating in Columbus.

Georgia Pop Culture & Horror Con 2025

5 PM – 5 PM — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — $43-$45 — Experience a unique blend of horror, anime, and comics with celebrity panels and cosplay contests.

Revival Fire Prayer Event

1-4 p.m. — Greater Glory Tabernacle — Free entry — Fasting and praying for spiritual renewal and transformation in the community.

Pacelli Catholic School Vikings vs Flint River Wildcats

5:30 p.m. — St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School — Free entry — Cheer on the home team as they face off against the Wildcats in a thrilling non-conference softball matchup.

Flint River Academy Varsity Softball Match

11:30 a.m. — St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School — Free entry — Catch the excitement as St. Anne-Pacelli takes on Flint River Academy in a thrilling non-conference softball game.