Local

5 stories that grabbed the headlines in 2025, from Fort Benning to American Legion controversy

Stories by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer journalists, with AI summarization

The change of Fort Moore's name back to Fort Benning, an American Legion commander being locked in their post, state politics and more: among all the stories reported by the Ledger-Enquirer in 2025, these five were among the most-read for this year.

While some stories featured major national ties, others were especially local, including the news of a beloved Columbus bakery owner's tragic death.

Read more about these stories below.

Workers change the name on a welcome sign on Ft. Benning road to “Fort Moore” on Tuesday afternoon. 05/02/2023 By Mike Haskey

NO. 1: GEORGIA LEADERS HAVE STRONG WORDS DAY AFTER FORT MOORE IS CHANGED BACK TO FORT BENNING

Plus, plenty of questions about it. | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Rice

State Rep. Vance Smith (R-Pine Mountain), center, gives an emotional thank-you Tuesday in the Georgia House of Representatives. During the morning orders, Smith came to the podium on the House floor to express his gratitude to his family and colleagues for their support. “This is a family in here,” Smith said. “You won��t believe the calls and texts I’ve had. It’s amazing.”

NO. 2: STATE REP. VANCE SMITH THANKS GEORGIA HOUSE AFTER HIS CONTROVERSIAL FIRING STIRS EMOTIONS

During his emotional speech Tuesday in the Georgia House of Representatives, he said, “This is a family in here. You won’t believe the calls and texts I’ve had. Wow. It’s amazing.” | Published March 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

The American Legion Post 35 is at 3361 N. Lumpkin Road in Columbus. By Kelby Hutchison

NO. 3: COLUMBUS AMERICAN LEGION POST’S CHARTER SUSPENDED, COMMANDER LOCKED IN BUILDING

The charter for an American Legion post in Columbus has been suspended — and its commander was locked inside the buliding. | Published September 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kelby Hutchison

Jennifer Cooper, owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes, 2511-B Airport Thruway, has died. Her husband Patrick Cooper announced her passing with a Facebook post on November 21. Here’s a screenshot of the post. By Gigi’s Cupcakes of Columbus, Georgia on Facebook

NO. 4: ‘HER LEGACY WILL LIVE ON.’ OWNER OF COLUMBUS BAKERY DIES UNEXPECTEDLY

The owner of a beloved local cupcake shop has died. | Published November 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Augusta, Georgia on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. By Joshua Boucher

NO. 5: THREE GEORGIA CITIES MAKE THE TOP 100 BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN THE US

Georgia just earned some national recognition. Three cities and one nearby neighbor made Livability’s list of the best places to live in the U.S. These spots are the standouts. | Published June 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sundi Rose

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.