Quick SC growth + ranking stats

• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, SC was the fastest-growing state in the nation in December 2023.
• Greenville and Charleston were ranked in the top 15, (with Greenville being in the top five) as being some of the Best Places to Live in the US in 2024-2025, according to US News and World Report.
• Columbia was ranked No. 5 on Southern Living’s “The South’s Best Cities On The Rise 2024" list + Spartanburg took the No. 3 spot.
• In 2023, Columbia, Greenville, and Charleston received the No. 1, 2, and 3 rankings in Travel + Leisure’s “9 Best Places to Live in SC, According to Real Estate Experts” article.
• Fort Mill received the No. 13 ranking on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 15 fastest-growing US cities list, seeing a population increase of 8.8% from July 2022 to July 2023. The Columbia metro area also experienced growth in 2023, with a 1.2% increase.

Tourism impact on SC

• One in 10 South Carolinians work in hospitality, supporting over 200,000 jobs.
• The annual economic impact of tourism exceeds $29 billion.
• Tourism-related tax collections reduce each resident’s annual tax burden by nearly $1,000.

Tourism impact on our area

• Jazz Al Fresco | Wednesday, May 22 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Free | Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with free lunchtime concerts on Boyd Plaza courtesy of the Cola Jazz Foundation and the CMA.
• Read to a Therapy Dog | Wednesday, May 22 | 4-5 p.m. | Richland Library North Main, 1431 Assembly St., Columbia | Free | Join Susanne and her certified therapy dog to practice reading with a furry friend.

• Women in Philanthropy’s Power of the Purse | Thursday, May 23 | 5:30-9 p.m. | 1208 Washington Pl., Columbia | $65-$75 | The annual event benefits women and children’s causes and features one-of-a-kind auction items, designer handbags, vacation getaways, restaurant packages, and more.
• Cat Takeover - Cat Adoption Event | Thursday, May 23 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Modern Companion, 508B Lexington Ave., Chapin | Free | Cats Best Friend Rescue is bringing adoptable cats and kittens to Modern Companion for a day for you to meet.

• Gentle Morning Yoga on Boyd Plaza | Friday, May 24 | 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.
• Live Music by Paisley Marie | Friday, May 24 | 6-9 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | Free | Grab a cold drink from the bar and start the weekend off right.

• Cocktail Classroom | Sunday, May 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Smoked Restaurant, 1643 Main St., Columbia | $65 | Join Smoked for Cocktail 101: Craft cocktails at home, master shaking vs. stirring, elevate ice’s role, and embrace mixology essentials.

• SCDOT is expanding I-26 between mile markers 125 and 136 to three lanes each way, costing $439 million. This project, important for tourism, includes replacing or rehabbing seven bridges. Completion is expected by the end of 2027. (WLTX)

• 90 — that’s the age of a former Air Force captain Ed Dwight who became the oldest person in space on a Blue Origin flight. He’s locally known for his sculpting + monumental skills, including the $1.2 million semi-circle monument depicting SC’s African American history that sits on the State House grounds. The State has the full story.

• Parts of Sunset Drive in Richland County will close on Tuesday, May 28 for storm drainage, sidewalk, and road construction. The closure affects the 600-700 blocks of the Earlewood neighborhood. Drivers should use alternate routes. The work will take around two weeks. (WLTX)

• “Bull Street,” a new indie film by Lynn Dow starring Loretta Devine, explores a turbulent family history and is inspired by the former mental hospital. The movie premieres Friday, June 7 in Regal theaters statewide and Wednesday, June 5 at The Nick. (The Post and Courier)

• Early voting for the Tuesday, June 11 primaries begins one week from yesterday. Check your sample ballot to see your precinct + who you can vote for.

• Southern Cal’ isn’t yet one of the top challengers to USC’s women’s basketball team. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
  

• In South Carolina, African Americans are 43% more likely to die from stroke than Caucasians. Find out why + ways you can reduce your stroke risk.*

• May is Stroke Awareness Month, so we’re sharing your questions with Prisma Health stroke specialists. (Think: What are the signs and symptoms of stroke? How can I prevent a stroke?) Submit your questions for our next edition of Prisma Health On Call.*

• Enjoy a campfire treat minus the smelly smoke with these s’mores mug cakes — just pop them in the microwave for a warm and cozy dessert.*

• Did you know S.C. LIFE, Palmetto Fellows, S.C. HOPE, S.C. Needs-Based Grants, S.C. Tuition Grants, Lottery Tuition Assistance, and the National Guard College Tuition Assistance Program are all lottery funded scholarships? Meet six recent recipients and see what they’re using their scholarships for.*

• “The Loop” by Toro y Moi
• “Only Want To Be With You” by Hootie and the Blowfish
• “Sounds Like You” by Admiral Radio