Does your nonprofit want city funds? Get ready to apply

The era of walkup funding requests during city council meetings appears to be ending for good.

Ask The Dispatch: When, if at all, can convicted felons have their gun rights restored?

A Columbus man filed a federal lawsuit in August claiming it violated the U.S. Bill of Rights and the Mississippi Constitution to deny him the right to own a firearm, even though he is a convicted felon.

Citywide food drive hopes to blunt sting of federal shutdown

Mayor Stephen Jones on Monday called on citizens and community organizations to partner with a city-led effort to help feed people in need during the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has also affected Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients.

Records for auditor’s investigation due from city Friday

The city has until Friday to compile records to fill a sweeping request from State Auditor Shad White’s office.

Caledonia rallies around pharmacist whose business burned

Judy Enlow sat in a metal folding chair Saturday patiently waiting on her burger to finish cooking.

Lobbyist contract appears safe through year’s end

It appears Worth Thomas Consultants will remain on contract as the city’s lobbyist at least through the end of the year.

Two Soros donations among $600K Colom raised for Senate run

Democrat Scott Colom raised nearly $600,000 for his 2026 U.S. Senate campaign in just 27 days after announcing his run.

Lobbying firm defends value of its contract with city

The primary benefit for the city keeping a lobbyist on contract is leveraging relationships that open doors to the halls of power.

Communication ‘mixup’ to blame for council not hearing from lobbyist

The lack of communication between the city’s contracted lobbying firm and council members was boiled down Wednesday to a simple mixup.

Ask the Dispatch: If I live in the historic district, do I have to get permission to paint my house?

Residents of the Downtown Historic District began receiving letters recently from the city’s building department reminding them of what changes to their property require prior approval.

Council again takes aim at axing lobbyist

The future of the city’s contract with a Jackson-based lobbying firm is again in doubt, with four council members now openly questioning what the city actually gets in return for the monthly fee.

America250 Airstream stopping Friday in Columbus

The “Our American Story” initiative will stop in the city this week as part of its cross-country tour collecting testimonials on what it means to be an American.

City may list parking lot with broker rather than donate it to church

The public parking lot at Sixth Street South and College Street next to Columbus Global First Methodist Church is one of 12 the city owns that is considered in “poor” condition, according to a recent report from the Neel-Schaffer engineering firm.

High-end apartments under construction at The Depot

A crew with Gene Reid’s construction company started Monday tearing out wood floors on the first level of The Depot at Main and 13th Street South, beginning the space’s conversion from commercial space to six high-end apartments.

Columbus opts out of state anti-panhandling law

The council voted Wednesday to opt out of a state law that would have forced anyone soliciting money in the city limits to buy a permit or go to jail.

Community Profile: ‘Quick Six’ takes reins at West Point PD

Michael Edwards had a lot of latitude in planning his swearing-in ceremony as West Point’s new police chief at the city’s Civic Center.

Ask The Dispatch: What Columbus parking lots are getting facelifts next year?

Columbus plans to embark early next year on an estimated $468,500 parking lot improvement project.

Photo: New police chief

Mayor breaks tie to re-roof Municipal Complex, strip mall

Mayor Stephen Jones broke a deadlocked city council vote Tuesday to use about $1 million in internet use tax money on facility repairs, more than 25% of what the city expects to have in hand from those funds by January.

Lowndes supervisors rubberstamp tax increase for FY 26

County supervisors on Monday approved a budget for Fiscal Year 2026 that includes a 4.6% increase to its general purposes tax levy.