Good morning, Columbus.

Amber Elliston and her husband have honored their young son Andy's memory by spreading random acts of kindness through Andy’s ABC’s—a business card that invites people to care for others.

They have also hosted caregiver connections to support those in need since Andy's passing on Sept. 10.

Jose Ayerdi, a student at St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School, was named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist for scoring in the top 1% on the PSAT/NMSQT and is one of eight Columbus students to earn the honor.

He now advances in the competition — finalists will be announced in early‑2026.

Hardaway High School Principal Maurdrice McNeill has been cleared of all charges and will resume his role immediately after an investigation by the Columbus Police Department.

His attorney said he faced personal attacks on social media during the investigation — a challenging period for his family.

Communities can now apply for $20,000 grants in the second round of Georgia Reads to boost literacy after the first round sent $250,000 to 10 areas.

Super Bowl champion Malcolm Mitchell read from his children’s book to 400 Atlanta fourth graders on Monday & partners aim to improve reading scores across the state.

Columbus city council approved United Way’s proposal to form a public—private task force aimed at updating a 15-year homelessness plan using $17,000 in city funds and private donations, and the group began its six-month process after Tuesday’s vote while planning to deliver final recommendations by early next year.

Lawmakers are considering a defense spending bill that would rename the local military base from Fort Benning to Fort Moore if it passes—this comes after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a reversion to Fort Benning following the May 2023 change.

Governor Brian Kemp said his trip to South Korea was planned well before the federal raid at the Hyundai electric vehicle battery plant and is not a reaction to the event—he and First Lady Marty Kemp will travel this fall to boost economic ties with Korea and Japan.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced that Georgia will update its voter rolls using National Change of Address data—117,602 voters moving within county, 65,271 moving out of state, and 80,754 moving out of county—with records automatically updated or set to inactive if no response is received, ensuring accurate elections.

A survivor and a psychologist spoke out on September 25th (the day before today) for suicide prevention awareness month to share their personal struggles and encourage locals to seek help if they struggle with mental health issues.

They stressed that talking early about these challenges can save lives.

Columbus builder John Teeples is adding a fifth floor to the historic building at 301 13th St on Veterans Parkway to create 12 condos on the top floors and 17 apartments on the lower floors—completion is planned for next June.

The project repurposes the former Carmike Cinemas warehouse as part of a wider downtown redevelopment effort.

The Wiz

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Springer Opera House — Tickets required — Experience the funkadelic adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with an electrifying infusion of rock, gospel, and soul music.

Georgia Bike-Walk-Live Summit 2025

1-3 p.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Registration required — Collaborate on making Georgia a better place to bike, walk, and live.

CFA Fans' Choice Game

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Columbus Ice Rink CIVIC CENTER — Check online for ticket pricing — Cheer on your favorite team in a thrilling ice hockey showdown.

Pacelli Catholic School Vikings vs Sherwood Christian Academy

4-8 p.m. — St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School — Free entry — Watch local high school volleyball teams compete in an exciting non-conference match.

Magnolia District Annual Fall Meeting 2025

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM — Green Island Country Club — Registration required — Connect with local garden enthusiasts and hear from notable speakers.

Page Turners Book Club

2-3 p.m. — Mildred L. Terry Public Library — Free entry — Engage in lively discussions about thrilling books while exploring themes of awareness and storytelling.

Mortgage Fair

4-7 p.m. — CSU Cunningham Center — Free admission — Navigate financing options and strengthen your buying power with expert insights.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors

7-8:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Ticket prices vary — A laugh-out-loud reimagining of the classic vampire tale full of clever wordplay and zany humor.

First Aid, AED & CPR Training

10 AM – 3 PM — Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc — $35 for the card — Get hands-on training and earn a certification with limited spots available.

Toast - The No 1 Tribute to Bread

7:00-8:30 p.m. — RiverCenter for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Enjoy the ultimate tribute show to the soft rock legends BREAD as they take the stage in Columbus, GA.