Plus, Popcicles on Main Street.
 
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Today’s Forecast

66º | Heavy thunderstorms | 90% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:30 a.m. | Sunset 5:32 p.m.

 

City

This tuition-free program uses the power of virtual learning

Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
A South Carolina Virtual Charter School (SCVCS) student during a live online class.
SCVCS offers a free, public school alternative to brick-and-mortar school. | Photo provided by South Carolina Virtual Charter School
Class is in session, COLA. Are you considering a new option for your student this school year? Enter: South Carolina Virtual Charter School (SCVCS), an online school for students in grades K-12.

Accredited by Cognia, SCVCS is the state’s oldest and highest-performing online charter school, offering live, daily classes taught by state-certified teachers. The school’s attendance zone is statewide, which means any family living in SC can enroll their child free of charge.

The school’s programming provides an inclusive environment to help students gain confidence in the classroom. Parents can communicate with teachers with increased interactivity with their student’s coursework. SCVCS also offers:
  • An approved SC curriculum
  • Eligibility to participate in athletics at traditional public schools (and the option to play sports at the collegiate level after graduation)
  • Afterschool clubs
  • Social outings + meet and greets
  • Tutoring and learning assistance available for all students
  • Honors classes at the middle and high school level
  • Advanced Placement classes starting in high school
  • Dual enrollment classes for high school students through statewide partnerships
Bonus: Students can graduate with up to two years of college-level coursework completed, meaning they can finish with both a high school diploma and an Associates Degree, saving students and their families tens of thousands of dollars on post-secondary education.

Interested in learning more? See what a typical day for a SCVCS student is like and check out the FAQ page.
Learn more about enrollment
 
Events
Tuesday, July 18
  • Sip & Plant Workshop: Colorful Shade Gardens | Tuesday, July 18 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $45 | Beat the heat with refreshing summer beers, wine, and more while you learn about the world of shade gardening.
  • Yoga on Tap | Tuesday, July 18 | 6-7 p.m. | Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi, 1624 Main St., Columbia | $10 | Enjoy a half pint of beer + some sushi on the back patio.
Wednesday, July 19
  • Blood Drive with the American Red Cross | Wednesday, July 19 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia | Free | All donors will receive a $15 e-gift card, a Shark Week T-shirt, and Girl Scout cookies.
  • Disney Trivia | Wednesday, July 19 | 7-9 p.m. | Tin Roof, 1022 Senate St., Columbia | Free | Pull together a group of friends and test your Disney knowledge.
Thursday, July 20
  • The Wizard of Oz at Town Theatre | Thursday, July 20 | Times vary | Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St., Columbia | $15-$25 | Follow the yellow brick road for Town Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz running now-July 30.
Friday, July 21
  • Friday Night Laser Lights | Friday, July 21 | 6-10 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $10 | Friday Night Laser Lights is back with new shows featuring the music of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé choreographed to a stunning display of lasers inside the museum’s 55-ft. digital dome planetarium.
Saturday, July 22
  • Dinner Detective Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Show | Saturday, July 22 | 6-9 p.m. | Cambria Downtown the Vista, 1000 Lady St., Columbia | $59.99 | Get ready to tackle a hilarious and challenging crime while you feast on a fantastic dinner.
  • Baseball Day | Saturday, July 22 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $8.95 | See the exhibit “The 521 All-Stars,” meet players from the team, pose for a photo with the Columbia Fireflies mascot, Mason, and more.*
Calendar events here
Click here to have your event featured.
Concerts

Celebrating 25 seasons of Newberry Opera House

A collage of performers coming to Newberry Opera House.
Newberry Opera House is celebrating its 25th season this year. | Courtesy of Newberry Opera House
Celebrate a quarter-century of performing arts with Newberry Opera House during its 25th season.

With acts ranging from Bluegrass and Rock to Comedy and Country, there’s a show for everyone. Upcoming performances include:
  • The Red Clay Strays | Thursday, Aug. 31
  • KT Tunstall | Thursday, Sept. 7
  • A Brother’s Revival | Saturday, Sept. 9
  • Del McCoury Band | Thursday, Sept. 28
  • Gregorian | Friday, Oct. 13
Get ready to fill your calendars — select show tickets are available now.
Browse shows by genre + snag discounts
News Notes
Biz
  • Bart’s Crazy Good Coffee is set to take over the operations of Tribal Coffee Co. in Irmo, starting in early August. The agreement between the two coffee shops will bring Bart’s coffee offerings and community-focused approach to Irmo while maintaining their location in Chapin.
Outdoors
  • The Open Space Institute (OSI) has secured 600 acres of land near Lancaster for a new state park highlighting the culture of the Catawba Nation tribe. The property, previously slated for development, will be protected until sold to the state. The park aims to preserve ancestral lands.
Sports
  • Gamecock Football assistant coaches, Pete Lembo and Torrian Gray, have been recognized among the top coaches in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) by 247Sports. Lembo, the special teams coach, and Gray, the defensive backs coach, were named to the publication’s preseason All-SEC coaching staff first-team list.
Watch
  • WIS is set to debut “Soda City Living,” a new daily lifestyle show airing at 11:30 a.m. starting this fall. The 30-minute program will showcase local businesses and their offerings in the Midlands region, providing a unique perspective on Columbia and its surrounding areas.
Award
  • The South Carolina Philharmonic received a $15,000 arts education grant from the SC Arts Commission for its Link Up program with Carnegie Hall. An additional $44,446 grant was awarded for general operating support. The funding will benefit over 2,000 students in five counties, providing curriculum, resources, and concerts.
Pets
  • Columbia Animal Services is hosting a “Pick Me! Free Adoption Event” from July 14 to July 22. Visit 127 Humane Ln., Columbia, or contact Columbia Animal Services for more details.
Wellness
The Buy
  • Our new must-have for concerts and baseball games this summer: this clear, stadium-approved backpack. Psst — It’s also great for football games in the fall.*
 
Feel Good

Meet me at the rocket pop

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A Yellow Shirt Ambassador interacting with a citizen | Photo via @mainstcolasc
Yellow Shirt Ambassadors in the Main Street District are brightening up summer days by offering cool treats to beat the heat. Stationed in front of Boyd Plaza on Main Street, these yellow-shirted heroes have taken on the mission of distributing free popsicles to passersby.

The Yellow Shirt Ambassadors, also known as the Main Street District’s Clean and Safe Ambassadors, are a familiar sight at events like Soda City Market and local festivals. However, their impact extends beyond special occasions. Operating seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., they cover a 36-block area, including both sides of Elmwood Avenue.

Since 2002, these ambassadors have provided cleaning services, safety information, and assistance to the community. From tackling litter and graffiti to fostering connections with local businesses and residents, their presence ensures a welcoming environment.
 
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The Wrap
 
David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor
On Sunday afternoon I was in the first wave of reservations for The War Mouth + Transmission Arcade’s “Tribute to Yesterday’s” dinner. The menu featured a six course meal, with cocktails, each of which was heavily inspired by the by-gone Five Points staple restaurant. Take a peek at the dishes.
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