A bee gets to work deep inside a cucumber blossom — proof that pollination isn’t always a glamorous job, but it’s a vital one. | Photo by COLAtoday
It’s Pollinator Week, which means it’s time to give bees their flowers (literally). These petite powerhouses pollinate 80% of the world’s flowering plants and a third of what we eat. TLDR: No bees, no brunch.
Luckily, beekeeping is buzzing in the Midlands — it’s low-maintenance, good for the planet, and comes with a sweet reward. Here’s what to know before you don the veil and go full Pooh Bear.
Sweet, sweet regulations
In Richland County, local beekeepers are asked to register their hives with the Ombudsman’s office. Lexington County beekeepers can connect with the Lexington County Beekeepers Association, a local group that meets monthly and provides education, support, and community for all levels of beekeepers.
Thinking of diving in? Start by connecting with a local group like the Lexington County Beekeepers Association or checking out the SC State Beekeepers Association’s new beekeeper guide.
Meeting Street Artisan Market | 4-8 p.m. | Interactive Art Park, West Columbia | Free | The market includes vendors selling original art, crafts, foods, and produce.
Live in the Lobby Jazz | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | Free | Relax to the sounds of bassist Rodney Foster Jr. and “Southern Songbird” Brittany Turnipseed at this jazz-filled evening.
Friday, June 20
Girls Pottery Night! | 7-9 p.m. | From Dust Pottery Studio | $40 | Bring your besties for a fun night of crafting handmade tea light houses — no experience needed.
Rhythm in the Park Summer Concert | 7-10 p.m. | North Springs Park | $15 | Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for an evening of music from Mike Stone.
Saturday, June 21
Go Skateboarding Day | 12 p.m. | Bluetile Skateshop | Price of purchase | A full day of skating wraps with a group ride, free burgers, and Sk8 Karaoke at New Brookland Tavern — part of an effort to grow Columbia’s skate community.
Juneteenth Freedom Fest and Parade | 3 p.m. | SC State House | The festival kicks off at 3 p.m. from City Hall, followed by a Sumter Street block party with live music, DJs, vendors, and guest speakers.
Every pint of blood donated can bring comfort, stability, and hope to patients with SCD. | Photo by The Blood Connection
100,000. That’s how many Americans are affected by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)every year. This often painful and life-threatening condition affects oxygen levels in the blood, causing major health problems for patients.
People with SCD require regular blood transfusions to increase oxygen and free blocked blood vessels. That’s where you come in.The Blood Connection needs more blood donors — especially people of color — to support those in need. Every pint donated can help ease suffering and improve outcomes.
Here’s how you can support SCD patients in our community:
Make an appointment at the Lexington Community Blood Center or a local mobile drive.
Donate blood (it only takes about an hour, or one episode of “Love Island”).
Earn $40-50 in TBC Rewards, which can be redeemed for e-gift cards.
“This is when I love my job... I think that’s a hit song,” said America’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell after Hopkins’ own Stevie Ray Ladson performed his original “Blackgrass Brothercana” song, “Back of My Truck.” He earned four “big yeses” and moves on in the competition.
Traffic
You may have noticed the recent tree clearing at Malfunction Junction — it’s part of the next phase of SC’s $2 billion Carolina Crossroads project. Crews are prepping 170 acres now, with major bridge work on I-20 set for 2026. (WISTV)
Civic
Columbia approved an $18.2 million plan to upgrade century-old sewer lines in Elmwood Park and Earlewood. Work is scheduled to begin this summer and is expected to wrap up in late 2026. Crews will use trenchless tech to limit road closures as they inspect and repair 90,000 ft of pipe. (WLTX)
Community
Richland County is raising taxes for the first time in six years to close a $15 million budget gap. The increase means about $26 more annually for a $100,000 home, with similar hikes for businesses + vehicles. Officials say it’s needed to keep services steady amid rising costs. (The State)
Real Estate
According to the latest Colliers report, Columbia’s apartment market is picking up steam as the next wave of growth kicks off. North Richland County leads in new construction, and downtown is prepping for a 27-story tower.
Holiday
Today is Juneteenth. Observe the day by taking part in free tours at the Columbia Museum of Art or visiting the Richland Library Cooper for storytime. Want more? Map out your day using this guide.
$4,000 an ounce by 2026? That’s the new gold rush. Don’t be the miner who missed the claim. A gold IRA lets you hold real gold, without storage, and with modern-day tax perks. Plus, no wagon and stagecoach drama.†*
Real Estate
Isthe future of housing built in just one hour? This company is selling assembly-line constructed homes that are folded up, shipped off, and unboxed on-site.†*
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Try This
Once you taste the crisp bite of these homemade pickles, store-bought will never compare. This easy, turmeric-spiced recipe delivers fresh, bright flavor in under an hour — no canning required. Give quickles a try.*
Seasonal
Dive into summer fun at the Meeting Street Artisan Market, happening every Thursday in June, July, and August. From 4-8 p.m., support local artisans and shop their unique creations (think: handmade crafts, artwork, baked goods, and jewelry) at the Interactive Art Park. Browse upcoming vendors.*
Real Estate
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Graphic by 6AM City
Eager to increase visibility on your real estate listing? Our Real Estate Spotlight Package is your shortcut to local buzz. We’re talking 49,635 engaged readers (and potential buyers). With storytelling flair and primo placement in our newsletter, your property gets front-and-center attention, no megaphone required. It boasts a built-in 15% discount, two punchy promos, and a streamlined process (you send the link, we do the rest).
Visit our self-service portal + see your property here in a matter of days.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Columbia native John Cely spent decades exploring Congaree National Park, eventually turning that experience into a hand-drawn map — no GPS, just memory and a compass. Now ranger-approved and sold in the park gift shop, it captures details of the terrain that the official map misses.
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