Good morning, Columbus.

A person died after being hit by a vehicle Tuesday night near St. Mary’s Road and Ford Drive — Columbus Police Department officers responded to the scene and its Motor Squad is leading the investigation.

River City Beverages is a family-owned business in Columbus founded in 2008 by Chris and Kelly McKinstry that develops drink flavors and concentrates for sodas, teas, waters, and cocktails while expanding its reach abroad—helped by support from the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Trade team. The company works out of a 50,000-square-foot facility and plans to grow its export opportunities in South America, Africa, and Mexico.

Two men—Reginald Kimbrough and Kelvin Traylor—were indicted this month on drug trafficking charges after a joint investigation by Columbus police and ATF, with Kimbrough also facing a charge for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On Tuesday, the Ranger Legacy Foundation honored six supporters of the U.S. Army Ranger community at Columbus State University’s Cunningham Center by giving them special camo jackets—these honorees are part of a larger 24-member founding group that will help fund a planned Ranger Legacy Center to preserve Ranger history. The organization will admit up to 200 members with an initial gift of $5,000 and a yearly donation of $500.

Domenica Fertal—a 2021 Columbus State University graduate and current PhD candidate at Lehigh—received the 2025 ACS Women Chemists Committee Merck Research Award on June 25th and will present her research at a special ACS symposium this fall.

The Columbus government announced that on Friday, July 4, most city services will be suspended or altered—only fire, police, and ambulance services will remain active.

The revised schedule also changes garbage pickup and closes facilities like the 311 Citizens Service Center and Recorder’s Court.

Columbus was named one of the top-20 best-run cities in America in a 2024 study by Wallethub—praising its strong service delivery and fiscal management.

The study noted the city achieved a high cost-to-quality ratio with transparent governance and smart investments in infrastructure and sustainability.

Win-Win Workroom - Speed Networking

6-9 p.m. — F&W Control Tower — Registration required — Engage in a dynamic speed networking experience that fosters business partnerships and collaboration.

Mimosas & Motivation: Brunch Vendor Expo

5-9 p.m. — 3100 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA — Ticketed entry — Sip, shop, and enjoy a vibrant expo featuring bottomless mimosas and inspiring connections.

Christmas In July Food Truck Festival

4-7 p.m. — River Oak Boutique — Free entry — Enjoy a variety of food trucks and adult beverages at this festive summer celebration.

Summer at the Movies Worship Experience

11:30 a.m. — Columbus State University — Free entry — Celebrate faith and community with family-friendly worship at Faith Chapel.

Astronomy Night at F.D.R. State Park

9:00-11:59 p.m. — Liberty Bell Pool — Free entry — Explore the night sky with telescopes and guided tours led by the Space Science Center team.

Summer at The Movies Celebration

11:30 a.m. — Columbus State University — Free admission — Experience a vibrant worship event for the whole family with community spirit.

Johnny's Cowboy Rodeo

5-9 p.m. — Cooper Creek Park — Free entry — Celebrate Johnny's 25th birthday with food trucks, music, and good vibes in cowboy attire.