Good morning, Columbus.

Chattahoochee Valley Libraries has released the 2025 Fall Program Guide with hundreds of free events for all ages at its seven branches and partner spots.

The guide lists events like book clubs, author visits, genealogy classes, film festivals and a Halloween celebration — giving locals many fun and learning opportunities this fall.

A Columbus mother and her children nearly lost their home as local resources ran low, officials said+ shelters are full and affordable housing remains scarce, which could lead to more families facing homelessness.

The Columbus Police are searching for 21-year-old Safiyyah Thompson, a Black female who stands 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds—her last clothing details and location remain unknown—and the department asks anyone with information to call 911 or Detective Meagan Cole at 706-225-4242.

Columbus Technical College earned the 2Gen Innovation Grant from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning for Student Parent Success.

The grant—worth up to $75,000—is one of fifteen Community Impact Grants given to address child care, literacy and food insecurity in the state.

Columbus State University held its first-year convocation on Aug.

8 to welcome about 900 new students who received academic cords and patted a bronze cougar statue for luck. The university will kick off Cougar events this week with a welcome bash, campus picnic and game day—ending with college night on Aug. 21, whitewater rafting on Aug. 22 and a fall Day of Service on Aug. 23.

Columbus Technical College held its groundbreaking ceremony for the Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. VECTR Workforce Development Center to offer job training and support for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses—officials and local leaders marked the start of construction in the Chattahoochee Valley.

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.

Career Inspiration Day

11 a.m. — 1 p.m. — 6001 Buena Vista Rd, Columbus, GA — Free entry — Unlock potential by inspiring young minds through career exposure and real-life opportunities.