Good morning, Columbus.

A burst sprinkler pipe on the fourth floor of Ralston Towers caused a major leak that soaked carpets and forced 14 residents into temporary shelter.

Officials said 15 to 20 units were affected plus residents voiced long-standing frustration with patchwork fixes and broken repair promises.

The Georgia Department of Revenue issued $1 billion in tax refunds—money returned to taxpayers after the state's tax processing cycle.

Tariffs of 18 percent took effect on August 7 on consumer goods like food, clothing, and electronics—the highest rate since the 1930s.

Local business leaders and real estate agents reported rising construction costs and slower home sales that may affect markets for months to come.

Today, Georgia DOT won a southern regional award at the SASHTO conference in Lexington for its I-20 Eastbound Exit Ramp Roundabout at Maynard Terrace—an upgrade that eased traffic, reduced crashes, and improved pedestrian safety near local businesses and a school.

The project, which opened to traffic in December 2024 and was completed in April 2025, will compete for a nationwide finalist spot—where the winning team could secure a $10,000 charity or scholarship donation.

Attorney General Chris Carr filed a lawsuit against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones on Thursday over his use of leadership committee funds for a $10 million campaign loan.

Carr said Jones used the committee to bypass donation limits—raising large checks during legislative sessions—and the lawsuit challenges a law that restricts candidates from raising unlimited funds.

After a major leak displaced tenants at Ralston Towers, residents have long complained about patchwork fixes and broken promises—calling on building management to implement lasting repairs.

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.

Wilson Meadows Concert

7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Columbus Civic Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of soulful music by Wilson Meadows featuring hits like 'Just Like I Promised'.

Lee-Scott Academy vs. St. Anne-Pacelli Volleyball Match

5-6 p.m. — St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School — Free entry — Catch the exciting non-conference volleyball match between local teams Lee-Scott Academy and St. Anne-Pacelli.

Hiking with Fortitude

9 AM – 1 PM — Burger King — Free entry — Celebrate community spirit and enjoy the outdoors with a group hike.