🌱 Traffic Changes Coming + New City Councilor Sworn In

Welcome back, Columbus! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

A couple of morning showers. High: 82 Low: 57.

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Here are the top three stories in Columbus today:

1. Drivers can expect slowdowns and changes to traffic patterns starting next week at the intersection of JR Allen Parkway and Bradley Park Drive. The current cloverleaf exchange is being updated into a diverging diamond interchange, which should increase safety for drivers and pedestrians. The updated intersection will include two new signals and two sidewalks. G-DOT will begin clearing the area next week. (WTVM)
2. Local businessman and civic leader Tyson Begly was nominated by outgoing Columbus Councilor John House to succeed him. House resigned his position in order to care for his wife. Begly was approved by the council, with only one "no" vote, and he was sworn into his position immediately. Begly was previously the COO and CFO of Delta Data, and he was the chair of the city's Public Safety Advisory Commission. (Yahoo! News)
3. Governor Brian Kemp will not be attending the state Republican convention set to take place in Columbus in about six weeks. It is traditional for the governor to be a keynote speaker if they're a member of the party. One of Governor Kemp's political advisors said that he will be focused on winning future elections. During the convention, party leaders will also be electing a new chairman of the state Republican party. (WRBL)

Today and tomorrow in Columbus:

Friday, April 28

• Paris In Springtime: Painting With A Twist At 6298 Veterans Pkwy. (7:00 PM)

Saturday, April 29

• Jr. Beekeeper Spring Workshop At Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center (9:00 AM)
• Local History Research Challenge At Columbus Public Library (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Columbus Children's Book Festival is coming tomorrow to the Columbus Public Library from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. There will be five best-selling authors and illustrators at this event, as well as Craft-O-Mania and activities for kids. Participants can also pick up a reading log to kick off their summer reading. (Columbus Public Library via Facebook)
• Volunteers are needed for the upcoming RiverFest. This event features over 50 vendors along with live music to kick off the RushSouth Whitewater Park season. Visit this link to learn more about volunteering. (Uptown Columbus via Facebook)
• Tonight, D.S.O.S. Funk and R&B is playing from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. as part of the Friday Night Concert Series. They're bringing their soulful sounds to the 1000-block stage. (Uptown Columbus via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll see you around.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!