Good morning, Columbus.

A cat that had been missing for nearly six years returned to its owner in Columbus — the pet’s safe return ends a long wait for the family.

Officials in Columbus announced that recreation centers will serve as cooling stations this week — a measure to help residents cope with high temperatures during the extreme heat.

The centers will offer safe spaces for residents to stay cool as the temperatures continue to rise.

Columbus police are seeking help finding 14-year-old Darnaisia Thompson—described as a Black teen standing 5'7" and weighing 110 pounds with black hair and brown eyes—who was last seen on the 3400 block of 8th Avenue on July 23; anyone with information should call 911 or contact CPD's Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449.

Goodwill of Southern Rivers has opened its 'Round Up' scholarship applications for fall 2025 to help college, technical school and university students cover school costs; selected applicants will receive a $500 award for expenses.

Applicants must show enrollment, write a brief essay, and agree to a media release, and the program serves 50 counties (east Alabama and west Georgia) with applications open until Aug. 22.

Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson updated the city council on Tuesday about the search for a new city manager after City Manager Isaiah Hugley was fired on May 27—he said Mercer Group will call all 10 councilors and requested each to submit two names via a survey.

Advertising for the position will begin in about three weeks—no timetable has been set for filling the role.

Today, Columbus Council members, city employees, homeless advocates and police discussed a proposed ordinance banning homeless camping on public property as critics fear it could criminalize homelessness.

Sergeant Katina Williams recounted quickly securing a hotel room for a homeless mother and her disabled son for two weeks—an action that has bolstered support as debate is set to resume in two weeks.

Columbus EMA is offering active shooter response trainings after calls increased following the July 28 shootings+ Director Chance Corbett has trained over 60,000 people on how to escape, hide, or fight back during an attack.

Local businesses, schools, and groups can email Columbus Emergency Management to schedule a session.

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.

Unmasking Encounter 2025: Facing the Mirror

4-9 p.m. — 2951 Norris Rd, Columbus, GA — Free entry — Experience powerful worship and transformative teachings in a journey to uncover your true self.

Varsity Volleyball Tri Match vs. LaGrange Academy

5-9 p.m. — St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School — Free entry — Catch the excitement of high school volleyball as St. Anne-Pacelli faces LaGrange Academy in this non-conference matchup.

TSA Varsity Football at St. Anne-Pacelli

7:30 p.m. — St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School — Ticket info not specified — Watch the St. Anne-Pacelli football team take on Tattnall Square Academy in a thrilling non-conference matchup.

Major Sharon Wimbush Church Anniversary and Musical Celebration

2-4 p.m. — Ed's Soul Food Restaurant — Free entry — Celebrate a church anniversary with uplifting music and community spirit.

The BIG Pivot Book Signing

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. — Columbus State University — Grab your signed copy and connect with fellow leaders at this engaging signing event.