By Sarah Ostergaard What is your idea of a strong education? Please answer that question for yourself before continuing to read this article. I welcome your thoughts; feel free to reach out. Almost 3 years ago, I wrote that the “American purpose of an education is to prepare young peopleContinue Reading

South Carolinians are invited to roll up their sleeves and help clean up their communities during the 2026 SC Sweep, a 10-day statewide anti-litter campaign organized by PalmettoPride. Taking place March 21–29, the campaign coincides with the start of spring, when many residents are already spending more time outdoors. Families,Continue Reading

Community leaders, changemakers and book lovers are invited to an evening of conversation and connection as Alencia Johnson visits Columbia for a fireside chat and book signing centered around her new book, Flip the Tables: The Everyday Disruptor’s Guide to Finding Courage and Making Change. The event will be hostedContinue Reading

In a demonstration of community partnership, Mayor Bill Danielson and Councilwoman Phyllis Coleman visited Youngs Chapel AME Church recently to present a $6,250 donation on behalf of the Mayor’s Uplift Initiative. The contribution is earmarked for the Youngs Chapel Enrichment Center’s 2026 Summer Camp, ensuring that local students have theContinue Reading

A new large-scale mural celebrating the skyline and culture of Columbia now greets visitors at Columbiana Centre. The installation was commissioned through the Columbia Streams Art program in partnership with the shopping center. The project highlights local artistic talent while transforming one of the mall’s most visited gathering spaces intoContinue Reading

Photo: Blue flag irises carpet Red Bluff Bain in blue come spring. By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net The rains of late and spring’s approach set my mind on the Carolina bays, those coastal plain wetlands of mystery and life. The elliptical depressions are filling with water and the greatContinue Reading

The annual Irmo Cherry Blossom Festival will return Saturday, March 21, 2026, offering a full day of spring activities for the community. The family-friendly festival will feature cherry blossom viewing and picnicking, a traditional Taiko drum performance, a plein air art session where artists create outdoors, and a showcase ofContinue Reading

Get ready, West Columbia — the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is rolling into town. The City of West Columbia invites the community to a special event featuring the famous 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels Thursday, March 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at West Columbia City Hall, 200 N.Continue Reading