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Hi Columbus, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Jury duty scam warnings, a blood shortage impacting care, an HIV Awareness Valentine’s Gala, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Impersonation calls raise alarms: Scammers are targeting Muscogee County residents with fake jury summons and arrest threats for missing jury duty, and the Sheriff’s Office says its warrants do not look like that — learn how to spot the scam.
Fresh plan for shared prosperity: Regional Prosperity Initiative unveiled a 2026 to 2030 strategy for the Columbus area, focusing on jobs and talent, economic stability, and a vibrant economy, building on the Columbus 2025 plan — read the full story.
Public urged to step up: Medical professionals say a severe blood shortage in Columbus is affecting patient care. Red Cross supplies fell below 35% in recent months, and hospitals are prioritizing transfusions as donations lag — learn how you can help.
Wearables and AI drive training: Military leaders met at Fort Benning to shift focus from creating super-athletes to human weapon systems, as Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness program will expand to 111 brigades this year — learn how training is evolving.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Progress earns statewide recognition: Columbus Police Department was honored in January with the Phyllis Goodwin Agency of the Year Award from the Georgia Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. Recognition cites reduced crime, added staff, leadership development, modernization, and tech upgrades including the Real Time Crime Center and improved body and in-car cameras. Read the full story.
New strategy for student success: An intensive teaching program at MLK Elementary in South Columbus is underway to boost learning at a high poverty school. Led by Dr. Tammy Pawloski, it has over $600,000 in private support and will run five years, rotating to another at-risk school annually. It honors former superintendent Jim Buntin. Read the full story.
Serious roll cravings: At Samurai Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar, crisp tempura meets clean, balanced nigiri, plus creative specialty rolls and hibachi for the sushi-averse. Think unfussy, dialed-in flavors, steady pacing, and a calm vibe that turns a weekday into a small win.
Secondhand gold, local impact: Valley Rescue Mission Veterans Donation & Retail Center keeps clothing, furniture, and household goods in circulation, while every purchase funds local shelters and recovery programs. Your thrifting habit pulls double duty here at home… good finds, real impact, less doomscrolling, more feel-good.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🚌 Bus Trip to Atlanta @ The Columbus Museum | Friday (2/6) at 8:00 AM – Hop on the bus to Atlanta and let someone else battle 285 while you soak up the High Museum’s world-class art, lunch your way through Politan Row, and tour Chastain Art Center’s Kevin Cole exhibit. Seats go fast, registration required, enthusiasm encouraged.
🎗 HIV Awareness Valentine’s Gala @ The Bibb Mill Event Center | Saturday (2/7) at 6:00 AM – Valentine’s night with a purpose: a spirited gala that says romance can be fun, informed, and safe. Expect a cheeky nod to casino nights, heartfelt moments, and real talk about HIV awareness. Dress up, sip something nice, and feel good doing good.
🎨 Kid’s Class: You Leave Me Breathless @ Painting with a Twist | Saturday (2/7) at 12:00 PM – A kids’ paint class where they pick a design, invite a buddy or three, and get guided by our favorite local artists, step by step. They leave grinning with a frame-worthy masterpiece, you leave with a rare moment of quiet, and everyone wants a repeat.
🍽 Food & the Soul of America @ Columbus Public Library | Saturday (2/7) at 12:00 PM – Think your book club snacks pull their weight? We’re digging into Michael Twitty, the culinary historian behind Afroculinaria, then doing it potluck-style with recipes from his books. Bring a dish, share a story, and taste America’s history one bite at a time.
🎨 Gal Pal Paint Party @ TBD | Saturday (2/7) at 12:30 PM – Galentine’s is going full cozy with a paint party in your best pajamas where you and your bestie swap portraits, sip coffee, and raid the brunch bites. Zero experience, plenty of laughs, decent music. Yes, pajamas in public, permission granted, so snag a spot.
💕 Galentine Evening @ Columbus Bound Bookshop | Saturday (2/7) at 6:30 PM – Leave Cupid on read. Skip prix fixe and wilted roses for an after-hours hang at Columbus Bound Bookshop, all about friendship, books, and good vibes. Bring your favorite gal pals, browse the stacks, chat lit, and toast to relationships that actually last, your library included.
🎭 A Bad Case of the Stripes @ Springer Opera House | Saturday (2/7) at 11:00 PM – Think you’ve got your act together, and your kid’s wardrobe doesn’t yell for help? Springer Theatre’s A Bad Case of Stripes brings big energy, bright lessons, and a nudge to embrace your weird. Bring the kids, the grandkids, and your inner nine-year-old.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Columbus report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 50°F – Low: 28°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. West wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 60°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 60. West wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.
This house is wild
This 5-bed, 3.5-bath residence pairs refined finishes with an open layout. A gourmet kitchen features quartz counters and backsplash, a 36-inch 6-burner range, and a wine cooler mini fridge, plus a prep kitchen with sink. The primary suite offers a tiled shower, double vanity, and custom closet. Upstairs adds a study and lounge. Outside, an in-ground pool meets a deck.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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