City of Columbia kicks off 20th Annual Mayor’s Campaign Against Domestic Violence

July 6, 2026

The City of Columbia Public Relations Department announced the kickoff of the 20th Annual Mayor’s Campaign Against Domestic Violence, a community-wide initiative benefiting SisterCare, the Midlands’ leading organization dedicated to…

The interconnected web of South Carolina’s natural resources

July 6, 2026

SCDNR Director shares thoughts from the SC7 trail about the connection of all things natural by SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin   “When we try to pick out anything by itself,…

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Q3 calendar

July 5, 2026

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Announces Seasonal Events, Education Programs and Conservation Opportunities Riverbanks Zoo and Garden invites guests to enjoy a season of events and experiences, from education programs and…

“The Eagle Has Landed”: Public invited to view new bald eagle sculpture at Boyd Island

July 5, 2026

The Sanctuary at Boyd Island received a new permanent resident in June 2026. Just in time for the 250th birthday of the United States, an incredible sculpture of a bald…

School District Five names new Chief Operations Officer

July 5, 2026

Lexington-Richland School District Five has named Allen Knotts the new Chief Operations Officer for the district. He replaces Dr. Gerald Gary who left the district to become superintendent of the…

School District Five celebrates opening of new East Wing at Irmo High

July 5, 2026

Lexington-Richland School District Five officially celebrated the opening of the new East Wing at Irmo High School International School for the Arts with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking another milestone in…

Palmetto State Strongmen become 250 lbs.-multi-rep bench-press champions

July 5, 2026

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and RCSD hosted a bench-press challenge celebrating America’s 250th birthday By Christopher David Carter FIFTY-ONE MEN from across central South Carolina and beyond participated in…

MPA Media wins Best Marketing Firm in South Carolina for third year

July 3, 2026

MPA Media Corporation, a South Carolina marketing, public relations and strategic communications agency based in Lexington County, has been named the Best Marketing Firm in South Carolina by the Guide…

SC Pediatric Alliance announces Shannon Godby as new Director of HR

July 3, 2026

The South Carolina Pediatric Alliance (SCPA), one of the Midlands’ largest pediatric healthcare networks, announced the appointment of Shannon Godby as Director of Human Resources. Godby will officially join the…

South Carolina Pediatric Alliance named Best of South Carolina

July 2, 2026

The South Carolina Pediatric Alliance (SCPA) has been named Best Pediatric Practice in South Carolina by Guide to South Carolina, a distinction earned through statewide public voting and one that…

Mayor Rickenmann joins nation’s mayors in Philadelphia to mark America’s 250th anniversary at Independence Hall

July 2, 2026

Mayor Rickenmann joined mayors on July 2nd from across the United States in Philadelphia for the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 250th Celebration, marking the anniversary of American independence at Independence…

The importance of team

July 2, 2026

By Jeff Becraft   Whatever happened to “team?” I have been corrupted by several people lately, and I am staying up way too late watching soccer games in the World…

Kerry Driggers of the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce graduates from Institute for Organization Management

July 1, 2026

Institute for Organization Management (IOM), the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, announced that Kerry Driggers, President & CEO, of the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce, has…

Higginbotham expands into South Carolina with Turbeville Insurance Agency

July 1, 2026

Higginbotham, a broad-based, employee-owned insurance and financial services company headquartered in Texas, announced that it has joined forces with Turbeville Insurance Agency, a Columbia, South Carolina-based independent brokerage with four…

Irmo Mayor selected to serve on Association of South Carolina Mayors Board of Directors

July 1, 2026

The Town of Irmo announced that Mayor Bill Danielson has been selected by the Nominating Committee of the Association of South Carolina Mayors (ASCM) to fill an unexpired one-year term…

Lander professor discusses the ‘Spirited’ Story of a new nation ahead of America’s 250th

July 1, 2026

As America commemorates its 250th birthday, many of the nation’s founding stories center on the debates and battles that secured independence. But another part of everyday colonial life flowed alongside…

The Olde English District launches new Backcountry Revolution Trail

July 1, 2026

Two and a half centuries ago, the American Revolution wasn’t just fought by armies on distant shores—it was a brutal civil war fought in the fields, forests, courthouse squares, and…

Melrose Market officially opens, bringing a new full-service restaurant to Melrose Heights

July 1, 2026

Lunch available on a walk-in basis; dinner reservations required Melrose Market is now open in Columbia’s Melrose Heights neighborhood, introducing a new full-service restaurant built around exceptional food, thoughtful hospitality…

Summer Blink Book Review: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt

July 1, 2026

By Reba Hull Campbell I avoided this book because of the octopus. I loved the cover. So many friends raved over the story. But, I’d not been inclined to read…

Disability Next Door SC: Celebrating Disability Pride Month

July 1, 2026

A campaign challenging stereotypes about people with disabilities so we are accepted and included in communities throughout South Carolina. The South Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council, in partnership with the…

Finlay Park receives national recognition for innovation in park design

July 1, 2026

The City of Columbia announced that Finlay Park has been selected by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) as the recipient of the 2026 Innovation in Park Design Award,…

Celebrate Independence Day safely: Conversations before the fireworks

June 30, 2026

As families and friends gather to celebrate Independence Day, the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS) encourages parents and caregivers to…

Central Carolina Community Foundation’s Erin Johnson promoted to Chief Community Impact Officer

June 30, 2026

Central Carolina Community Foundation announced the promotion of Erin Johnson to Chief Community Impact Officer. Over nearly a decade at the Foundation, Johnson has helped shape the organization’s approach to…

ABA names La’Jessica Stringfellow a 2026 Top 40 Young Lawyer

June 30, 2026

La’Jessica Stringfellow, a partner at Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte, has been named to the American Bar Association Young Lawyer Division’s 2026 On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers…

New Morning president and CEO Bonnie Kapp receives National Family Planning and Reproductive Healthcare award

June 30, 2026

Bonnie Adams Kapp, president and CEO of New Morning, a South Carolina nonprofit working to expand access to affordable reproductive healthcare and contraceptive services statewide, was recognized by the National…

IMPH releases policy toolkit to strengthen food system policy, preserve farmland and improve access to nutritious food across the state

June 30, 2026

Columbia, S.C. — The South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH) and the SC Roadmap have released a new toolkit designed to help state leaders identify practical food…

Pitts named 2026 ACEC-SC Young Public Professional of the Year

June 30, 2026

The American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina (ACEC-SC) has named Michael Pitts, PE, DBIA, of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) as its 2026 Young Public Professional…

SCDNR Game Wardens bench press 250 lbs. in RCSD strength event

June 30, 2026

Six-day 250 Bench Press Challenge continues throughout the week By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Five law enforcement officers with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) gathered at One Life…

Lamont “Chris” Christian awarded South Carolina’s Highest Civilian Honor, the Order of the Palmetto

June 29, 2026

Governor Henry McMaster presented the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, to Lamont “Chris” Christian in recognition of his extraordinary lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment…

Vista Guild elects new board members

June 29, 2026

The Congaree Vista Guild has announced the election of new board members for 2026-2029. The organization has a 13-member board, six of whom are selected by the current board members,…

City of Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson releases statement regarding Finlay Park Unaccompanied Minor Policy

June 29, 2026

The safety and well-being of our residents, visitors, and families will always remain our highest priority. Since announcing the Unaccompanied Minors Policy for Finlay Park, we have received significant feedback…

Shutt selected for membership in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers

June 29, 2026

Nekki Shutt, a founding partner of Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, has been elected as a fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. She was the only South Carolina…

Columbia recognized as national leader in housing innovation in new Mayoral report

June 29, 2026

Capital One Insights Center, Bipartisan Policy Center, and U.S. Conference of Mayors highlight Mayor Daniel Rickenmann’s data-driven approach to expanding housing supply as a blueprint for American cities The City…

South Carolina Water Utilities announces consolidation with Blue Granite Water Company

June 29, 2026

Largest Water Utility Consolidation in South Carolina History South Carolina Water Utilities (SCWU), the state’s largest private water and wastewater provider, has announced the consolidation of Blue Granite Water Company…

Struggle

June 29, 2026

By Tom Poland   Title my photo Struggle. Caption it: Dreams die along the back roads. First two sentences: Can’t even sit in a chair and look forward to better…

Homes of Hope celebrates the 346th and 347th graduates of its Men’s Workforce Development program

June 26, 2026

Homes of Hope celebrated another milestone in its mission to create economic mobility and generational change across South Carolina as two men graduated from the organization’s Men’s Workforce Development (MWD)…

Upcoming CMA exhibition puts the hand in handwork

June 26, 2026

The Columbia Museum of Art announces featured exhibition Body Matters, on view August 22, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Organized by the CMA, this exhibition is part of Handwork 2026,…

CAE surpasses busiest May in airport history seeing over 65,000 passengers

June 26, 2026

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) recorded its busiest May in airport history – supporting 65,411 passengers with their air travel needs. The previous record for the busiest May was in 2005,…

CMA board of trustees adds four new members

June 26, 2026

Talented local leaders bring their skills to the museum The Columbia Museum of Art announces Sally H. Caver, Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, Toby Goodlett, and Terry K. Schmoyer as the four…

Garvin Design Group celebrates 23 years

June 25, 2026

Columbia-based architecture, interiors, and planning firm Garvin Design Group marked its 23rd anniversary on June 26, 2026. In its 23-year history, Garvin Design Group has established itself as a leader…

AARP commits $122,728 to strengthen nearly 12 communities across South Carolina

June 25, 2026

Grants aims to help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods through innovative local projects AARP today announced 12…

Richland Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees announces grant recipients for 2026 and opens applications for 2027 on July 1

June 25, 2026

The Richland Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees is announcing the recipients of its 2026 Community Grants, awarding funding to seven programs dedicated to improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities…

Columbia recognized as national leader in housing innovation in latest Mayoral Housing Report

June 25, 2026

Capital One Insights Center, Bipartisan Policy Center, and U.S. Conference of Mayors highlight Mayor Daniel Rickenmann’s data-driven approach to expanding housing supply as a blueprint for American cities The City…

A Conversation with Chris White, Columbia Metropolitan Airport

June 25, 2026

Chris White, President/CEO, Columbia Metropolitan Airport In this episode, we speak with Chris White, President and CEO of Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), about the airport’s continued transformation and its growing…

SCEDA announces 2026–2027 Board of Directors

June 25, 2026

The South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) announced its 2026-2027 Board of Directors, with new and returning members installed during the organization’s Annual Conference. Joining the Board of Directors for…

Arts Center of Kershaw County receives $15,000 Duke Energy Foundation America250 Grant

June 24, 2026

Funding Supports Revolutionary Series Exploring South Carolina’s Role in the American Revolution The Arts Center of Kershaw County has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation through…

Fatherhood

June 24, 2026

By Jeff Becraft   Years ago, a chaplain in a prison made an offer to those incarcerated that anyone who wanted to send a Mother’s Day card to their mom,…

A Body Of Work

June 24, 2026

By Tom Poland   A woman asked what made me the proudest of all I had written. It isn’t books. Maybe one. It’s not the films. It’s not the magazine…

Serve your county: local boards, committees looking for volunteers

June 24, 2026

Richland County offers the public opportunities to stay active in their local government by serving on one of several volunteer boards and committees. To apply for an open position online,…