Good morning, Columbus.

At about 6:02 p.m. on July 16, first responders in Columbus found that construction equipment had run over a person on the 7400 block of River Crest Drive—officials say the victim died at the scene.

The Columbus Police Department arrested 18-year-old Joriyen Gordon on Thursday in connection with the July 3 shooting death of 21-year-old Jaques Banks near Hearthstone Drive—Gordon is charged with murder, armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime and will appear in court Friday at 1:30 p.m.

Columbus police are searching for 16-year-old De’Marreon Shaw after he was reportedly last seen in the 3300 block of N.

Lumpkin Road last Friday + he is described as a Black male standing 6 foot tall with brown hair and brown eyes.

Five Columbus residents were arrested Monday after a theft at an Auburn business led to a brief police chase–officers pursued suspects on foot and in a vehicle before taking them into custody at Lee County Jail–and they now face charges including organized retail theft and resisting arrest.

United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley and Low Income Investment Fund will host virtual focus groups for Columbus employers to examine how child care challenges affect workforce participation (sessions are scheduled for July 23, July 28, and July 30).

The discussions will guide plans to improve child care access and support local economic growth (recordings will be kept confidential).

Various back-to-school events are set across the Chattahoochee Valley, offering free school supplies, car shows, haircuts and kids' activities.

In Columbus, West Georgia’s Motion Day will run July 19 from 2—5 p.m. while Rivertown Hairstyling and a YMCA bash are held on August 2, with additional giveaways planned in Auburn, Mt—Olive and Hurtsboro.

Local organizations are hosting a free back-to-school event at Rivertown School of Beauty College on Manchester Expressway where boys & girls can receive haircuts, backpacks filled with school supplies & free medical and dental assessments from Valley Healthcare.

Registration opens today and the event will be held on Saturday, August 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students in the Chattahoochee Valley will soon return to class as WRBL released a list of back-to-school dates for local schools.

The schedule runs from Americus City Schools starting on July 31 to Brookstone School on August 13 + several other schools beginning early August.

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.