Plus, Martin Lawrence is bringing his show to town.
 
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Sunrise 6:26 a.m. | Sunset 8:14 p.m.
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From court to community

A’ja Wilson’s local impact
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A’ja Wilson dribbles on her new court at Hyatt Park in Columbia. | Photo by COLAtoday
When A’ja Wilson walked the red carpet at the TIME100 Gala, she was wearing a flowing red gown from 831 MINHLE, a Lexington-based fashion designer. On Saturday, she’ll don her Las Vegas Aces jersey as she returns to Colonial Life Arena and the court where she became a star, in an exhibition game against the Puerto Rico national team.

In 2022, Wilson told The State “Columbia’s home, It’s where my heart will always be. Born and raised here, so to come back and give back to the community is something that I think a lot of pride in because it’s raised me.”

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A’ja Wilson’s statue stands above the crowd outside of Colonial Life Arena. | Photo by COLAtoday

Off the court, Wilson’s impact is profound. There’s a full-ride scholarship in her name, basketball courts that she helped refurbish at Hyatt Park, the same community where her family grew up. She’s hosted local galas, basketball camps, a book signing at the Richland Two Institute of Innovation, and has a foundation.

One of the primary goals of the A’ja Wilson Foundation (AWF) is to help families who struggle with dyslexia. She’s become a role model for others, raising awareness and partnering with schools + organizations to provide support in the classroom.

On the court, Wilson’s impact on women’s basketball is legendary. Attendance soared from 101,935 before she arrived to 225,064 per season when she graduated. A statue now stands in her honor, a testament to her legacy as she continues to dominate in the WNBA, securing back-to-back championships, multiple MVP titles, and as a five-time All-Star.

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A’ja as a standout freshman at Heathwood High School. | Clipping via Newspapers.com

When Wilson was named high school player of the year as a freshman at Heathwood Hall, she said her goal was to “get her master’s degree and hopefully play professionally overseas.” Now, she’s the face of the WNBA, a growing icon in all of sports, and paving the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps.
Asked

A’ja Wilson was named after a song and album of which of these bands?
A) The Doobie Brothers
B) Steely Dan
C) Hootie and the Blowfish
D) Hall and Oates
    Reel in the answer
     
    Events
    Thursday, May 9
    • Plant N Pour (Gardening) | Thursday, May 9 | 6-8 p.m. | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 1300 Botanical Pkwy., West Columbia | $45-$80 | Participants will each receive two drink tickets while learning about the importance of native pollinators and how to support their populations at home.
    • Gamecock Baseball vs. Georgia Bulldogs | Thursday, May 9-Saturday, May 11 | Times vary | Founders Park, 431 Williams St., Columbia | $15-$20 | Root for the Gamecocks as they take on the Bulldogs in Founders Park.
    • Columbia Fireflies vs. Salem Red Sox | Thursday, May 9 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $6-$18 | Witness Human Cannonball David ‘The Bullet’ Smith having a blast as he shoots himself out of a cannon after the game.*
    Friday, May 10
    • Gentle Morning Yoga on Boyd Plaza | Friday, May 10-Friday, Aug. 23 | 7-8 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Free | The class takes place on Boyd Plaza and can be taken on a mat or sitting in a chair; both will be provided.
    • 6th Annual Art on State | Friday, May 10 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | 100-200 Block State Street, 100-200 State St., West Columbia | Free | Enjoy the beautiful view of the city skyline, dine, stroll, and immerse yourself in local art.
    Saturday, May 11
    • Main Street Jazz Fest | Saturday, May 11 | 2-9 p.m. | Main Street, 1300-1600 Main St., Columbia | Free | Presented by ColaJazz, the festival features both local talent and renowned jazz artists on a national scale.
    • WNBA Pre-Season: Las Vegas Aces vs. Puerto Rico | Saturday, May 11 | 1 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $23-$253 | Watch Gamecock legend A’ja Wilson play inside Colonial Life Arena again.
    • Riverbanks Run 5K | Saturday, May 11 | 7:15-9 a.m. | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia | $40-$50 | Riverbanks Run will wind through the park’s scenic back roads, cross the Saluda River, and pass some of the most popular exhibits in the Zoo.
    100+ more events
    Click here to have your event featured.
     
    News Notes
    Number
    • $4.58 million — that’s the record amount raised by Midlands Gives from the Central Carolina Community Foundation yesterday, through 19,264 donations benefiting 574 nonprofits. On top of that, 25,745 volunteer hours were pledged to support local community efforts. Kudos, Cola.
    Traffic
    • SCDOT opened the new bridge on US highway 1 over I-20 in Lexington County, marking a significant step in the I-20 Interchange Improvement Project. Here’s a bird’s eye view of the new interchange.
    Environmental
    • The City of Columbia launched its first “Youth Climate Action Fund,” offering micro-grants of $1,500 to $5,000 for sustainability projects. Mayor Daniel Rickenmann is encouraging youth, ages 15-24, to apply by Friday, June 7.
    Show
    • Martin Lawrence is bringing the laughs to Colonial Life Arena on Saturday, Sept. 7, with his “Y’all Know What It Is!” tour. Special guests include Deon Cole and Benji Brown. Tickets go on sale starting Friday, May 17 at 10 a.m.
    Weather
    • Severe thunderstorms are possible through tonight, with the potential for damaging winds up to 70 mph, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. Conditions improve Friday with a cooler, pleasant Mother’s Day weekend. (WLTX)
    Sports
    • What could the Panthers’ rebuilt defense look like next season? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Stat
    Eat
    • Perfect for a healthy lunch on the go, these peanut butter banana protein balls make for a quick, delicious, and nutritious snack. Recipe this way.*
     
    Eat

    Tako ‘bout a new location

    Takosushi to open in Forest Acres
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    The Rainbow Roll is one of many sushi options. | Photo provided by TakoSushi
    TakoSushi — a restaurant whose menu melds Latin and Asian flavors — is set to open its newest location at 4711 Forest Dr. on Tuesday, May 14.

    The new spot in front of Lowes Foods joins other locations at 1332 Main St. in the historic Arcade Mall in the Main Street District, along with plans for a third Midlands-area location at the corner of West Main and Church Streets in Lexington later this year.

    TakoSushi now has locations across SC and in Georgia and comes from the Columbia-based Food People Restaurant Group which purchased the regional restaurant chain in 2022. The restaurant group, which also owns Carolina Ale House and Crave Artisan Market, made the news recently with the announcement of the expansion of a new Crave Artisan Market to West Columbia.
    The Buy
    LED signs. Are you looking for a fun way to brighten up your home? Category6 LED has iconic neon signs scaled down to a size perfect for your at-home bar or game room.
     
    The Wrap
     
    David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

    Today’s edition by:
    David
    From the editor
    A few weeks ago I shared how you can pick your own strawberries around the Midlands. Now it’s time to pick your own blueberries. Dolce Vita Farms will open for u-pick around June 1 and has some tips on how to get there and what you’ll find.
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