Good morning, Columbus.

Columbus Airport reopened today with a new concrete runway after a four-month closure—restoring scheduled air service.

Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Financial received federal regulatory approval for their planned merger after shareholders approved the deal on Nov.

6. The banks will complete the merger on Jan. 1 pending final conditions — clients will see little change until then.

The Georgia Department of Education announced its 2026 legislative priorities today to guide State School Superintendent Richard Woods in talks with lawmakers.

The plan calls for an extra $10,000 in raises for teachers and staff, an expanded salary schedule for teachers, and a competitive schedule for classified personnel + restored funding for leadership degree compensation.

The state awarded $24.4 million to build 26 electric vehicle charging sites along highways and interstates; each site will have four fast chargers available for continuous use.

Gov. Brian Kemp said the project—funded by a public-private partnership covering up to 80% of costs from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—will help boost Georgia’s infrastructure.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and ApolloMD renewed their provider agreement to ensure Anthem members continue to have in-network access to emergency care at hospitals statewide.

The deal supports ApolloMD’s goal to offer timely, high-quality care across Georgia.

Piedmont Columbus Regional will host its annual NICU Celebration and Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec.

5, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Midtown Campus Conference Center, where NICU graduates, their families, and staff will enjoy festive activities, snacks, and a tree lighting ceremony featuring Vintrez and Tessa Davis sharing their story with their son Landon.

2025 Precept Columbus Christmas Luncheon

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — The Bibb Mill Event Center — Ticket info available on request — Celebrate the festive season with a Christmas Luncheon hosted by the Columbus Georgia Area Precept.

Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Columbus River Dragons

7:35-9:05 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Admission tickets required — Catch the thrilling ice hockey clash between the Athens Rock Lobsters and the Columbus River Dragons.

Breakfast with Santa

8-11 a.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Adults $15, Children $25 — Enjoy a festive pancake breakfast while making crafts and capturing memories with Santa.

Disney's Frozen - The Musical

2-3:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Disney's Frozen live on stage.

The Prophecy Show: A Tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra

7:30-9 p.m. — RiverCenter for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying evening of holiday rock music performed by classically trained musicians.

Disney’s Frozen Musical

7-8:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Ticketed event — Experience the musical phenomenon that brings the beloved film's songs to life on stage.

Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — The Maltitude Bar at Banks — Tickets required — Celebrate the holiday season with a colorful and quirky pub crawl in your best ugly sweater.

Disney's Frozen - The Musical

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Springer Opera House — Cost Info not provided — Experience the enchanting musical adaptation of the beloved animated film featuring thrilling songs and new music.

Columbus River Dragons vs. Athens Rock Lobsters

7:35-9:05 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Cost info not provided — Catch the thrilling hockey match between the River Dragons and the Rock Lobsters.

11th Annual Lion and Lamb Music Christmas Bash

3-9 p.m. — Peachtree Mall — Free entry — Celebrate Christmas with live music, local vendors, and free gifts for attendees.