Today
in Columbus
Saturday, December 20th, 2025
Good morning, Columbus. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Mount Olive Volunteer Fire Department led a brightly lit Christmas parade today across Fort Mitchell to spread holiday cheer & community spirit among local residents. WTVM
- ➤ Longtime WTVM anchor Chuck Leonard died at 71 after battling health issues; he retired in December 2019 after 38 years on the air and was noted for his daily Chuck’s History Lesson (a beloved part of local broadcast), leaving behind his wife and two children. WTVM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Raising Cane’s announced the opening date for its first location in Columbus and is set to expand its reach in the area. Local diners will soon enjoy the chain’s signature offerings at the new restaurant. Columbus CEO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dr. David Schwimmer’s research led to creation of the first accurate replica of Deinosuchus schwimmeri, a 31-ft prehistoric crocodilian, which has been installed at Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville (the artifact reflects decades of study and local fossil finds). The replica educates visitors about the region's ancient past. Columbus CEO
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Georgia Department of Labor said the Columbus metro area held a steady 4.0% unemployment rate in September, unchanged from August. The report shows the labor force grew to 129,857 while initial unemployment claims were 370. Columbus CEO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Phenix City School Board voted Nathan Walters as the interim superintendent as the district transitions from outgoing leader Dr. Janet Sherrod. WTVM
- ➤ The Flint Energies Foundation awarded $250,000 in grants to support STEM education by funding a new GEAR Lab at the Museum of Aviation and a mobile construction trailer at Columbus Technical College. The grants, split equally, will boost hands-on learning in our community. Columbus CEO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Georgia DOT announced that lane closures on interstates and major routes will be suspended from Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 6:00 a.m. to Sunday, Dec. 28 at 10:00 p.m., and again from Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 5:00 a.m. to Friday, Jan. 2 at 5:00 a.m. (construction may continue). Columbus CEO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A local doctor advises that treating the flu early can help shorten its duration. Columbus residents are encouraged to seek prompt care at the first signs of symptoms. WSB-TV
- ➤ Travelers this holiday season are advised by Dr. Shikha Shah of Prestige Family Medicine to pack a health kit, take vitamin supplements & update COVID-19 and flu shots before heading out. She also stressed healthy eating to stay alert during road trips. WTVM
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Poblano + friends are available for adoption at Paws Humane Society, inviting Columbus residents to visit during regular hours and meet their potential new pet companions. The shelter supports local families in finding the perfect addition. WTVM
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Central Red Devils won their second straight USA Today Girls Flag Football Super 25 National Championship (the team continues to excel on the field). WTVM
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Disney's Frozen - The Musical
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Springer Opera House, Columbus, GA — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Disney’s Frozen with beloved songs and new music in a regional theatre performance.
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Columbus River Dragons vs. Carolina Thunderbirds
7:35-9:35 p.m. — Columbus Civic Center — Admission tickets required — Enjoy the intensity of the Columbus River Dragons in action against their rivals the Carolina Thunderbirds.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Today in Columbus
Welcome to the Today in Columbus, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Columbus, Georgia community. If you like the Today in Columbus, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Columbus.
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