Today
in Columbus
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Columbus. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Governor Brian Kemp announced a $13M expansion project at HK USA’s facility at 5675 Transport Boulevard — the move will add 35 jobs while construction details remain pending. WTVM
- ➤ Ray's Donuts holds its grand opening today at 1821 S. Lumpkin Rd. in south Columbus as owner Masy Seng brings a fresh menu of donuts, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and smoothies with grand opening specials like $1.25 individual donuts and bonus deals. WTVM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ MercyMe will bring its fall tour to Columbus on Oct. 8 featuring Jeremy Camp, Tim Timmons and Sam Wesley — marking the tour's first stop on a 24-city run. Tickets will be available starting Friday, May 22 at 12 p.m. WTVM
- ➤ MercyMe is stopping in Columbus today as part of their tour to raise funds for Columbus State (the band is more than halfway through their nationwide journey). Details on performance time and venue are pending. WTVM
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Goodwill of the Southern Rivers will host its fifth annual hiring event and resource fair on May 20 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center, offering over 1,300 job opportunities with more than 50 employers. WTVM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On May 14, the Miracle Riders crossed into South Dakota on their cross-country trek to raise funds for CSU students. This milestone highlights their continued efforts to support education. WTVM
- ➤ Gov. Brian Kemp signed the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 and seven other education bills to boost reading skills and teacher training in public schools. The law, signed Tuesday, adds nearly $70 million for hiring literacy coaches and sets new testing requirements for early readers. Columbus CEO
- ➤ Two sisters are celebrating graduation from Columbus State University this week. Jalsa Brown earned her specialist degree in elementary education on Thursday and her sister Joan Brown Hamm is set to receive her Associate of Science degree today; three additional ceremonies are scheduled Friday at Lumpkin Center. WTVM
- ➤ Columbus State University held its spring commencement on Wednesday as nearly 1,000 graduates celebrated their achievements (93% were first in their families to earn a degree). Councilor Toyia Tucker earned her Master of Public Administration during the ceremonies. WTVM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Georgia Municipal Employee Benefits Services launched a new Employee Assistance Program to offer employees, volunteer first responders, and their families free 24/7 support for counseling, legal guidance, and financial advice through ComPsych GuidanceResources, available for enrollment anytime this year. Columbus CEO
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The 4th Annual MHA Fundraiser
11 AM - 2 PM — Columbus Technical College — Free entry — Experience an immersive event connecting mental health and literacy with interactive stations and wellness vendors.
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Girl Talk: Exploring Emotions
2:30-4:30 p.m. — Columbus Public Library — Free entry — An empowering event to explore the colors of emotions, boosting confidence and self-esteem.
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The Big Run: Global Running Day
6-10 p.m. — Big Dog Fleet Feet — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a spirited 5K run in the heart of Columbus.
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GACTE Career Tech Expo
8 a.m. — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Free entry — Engage with industry leaders and educators on career and technical education innovations.
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Georgia Association of Career & Technical Education Summer Conference 2026
June 9-11 — Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center — Check the event website for fees — Engage with experts at Georgia's premier conference for career and technical education.
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Columbus Clingstones vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos
2:05 – 9:05 PM — Golden Park — Tickets starting at $46 — Experience Southern League baseball with a local flair in an updated historic ballpark.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The shoe that fits one person pinches another.
~ Carl Jung
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