Cool off at Greenview Park. | Photo via City of Columbia website
114º — that was the heat index for Columbia yesterday, and it’s not going to feel much cooler today. The heat index is expected to hit 110° today, surpassing triple digits again.
The National Weather Service has also placed Columbia in a heat advisory today, meaning hot and humid temperatures could cause sicknesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It’s important to know the difference + recognize the signs.
Tips for staying cool
Air conditioning will be your best friend today, but it’s also important to drink water and stay hydrated. Locals are encouraged to limit outdoor activities or go outside during the coolest parts of the day.
If you do venture outdoors today, wear light clothing and do something cool like:
Meet the Artist: LaToya Thompson | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Richland Library Main | Free | Meet the artist in residence whose quilt art is dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American + Gullah Geechee heritage.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fredricksburg Nationals | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | July is Disability Pride Month: Join the Fireflies at Segra Park as they recognize the accomplishments, contributions, and unique experiences of the disabled people in our community.*
Make and Create: Recycled Materials Collage | 5-6:30 p.m. | Richland Library St. Andrews | Free | Use magazines, newspapers, and other crafting supplies to make a cool collage piece.
Comedy + Beer | 7-9 p.m. | Old Mill Brewpub, Lexington | $15 | Laugh along with rising comedians from the Southeast and get there early to order pre-show food.
Blythewood is hosting a special election today to determine whether the town should change its form of government from the mayor-council form to the council-manager form. Voting is open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; registered voters can find polling locations here.
Development
The north end of Riverfront Park has been temporarily closed for concrete work on the lower trail. The south end (312 Laurel St.) will remain open, and the city encourages locals to use that space or parks like Granby Park and the Saluda Riverwalk during the closure. The north end is slated to reopen on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Coming Soon
A new restaurant is preparing to take over the former Lexington Tap House space on Charter Oak Road. Restaurateur Arif Ashfaq, known for owning Bubba’s Biscuits, plans to open Charter 803 in the coming weeks. The new restaurant will feature barbecue, sandwiches, and dishes with a Pakistani influence. (The Post and Courier Columbia)
Edu
AI engineering program Bletchley Fellowship is helping local students boot up their careers. The talent pipeline matches students with apprenticeships + mentors, pays for schooling, and offers options for bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Programs begin in September, January, and June; local participants must live in Columbia or Greenville.
Arts
Here’s the vision, the city of Columbia has awarded over $15,000 to 12 local artists to create public art pieces as part of its Columbia Streams Art program. The funding will support works showing the region’s history, raise awareness for our natural resources, and encourage sustainability.
Sports
The Hurricanes signed Jackson Blake to an 8-year, $45 million extension — what does this mean for the team? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Hurricanes with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Correction
On Saturday, we covered the 2025 MLB trade deadline and mistakenly said Fireflies players could get called up to the Atlanta Braves. This was our error — the Fireflies are affiliated with the Kansas City Royals, and that’s who we should’ve mentioned.
Older Adults
Did you know about these senior discounts? Aside from basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are 20 savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Home
More freedom, more flexibility. A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) gives you access to cash when you need it — whether you’re consolidating debt or funding something big. Explore your options for using your home’s value, your way. Equal Housing Lender.*
Amazon Essentials just launched a new activewear collection (read: soft, comfortable gym clothes for less). We’re loving these high-waist leggings and these colorful capri-length leggings.*
Learn
AI won’t take over the world — people who know how to use AI will. Learn AI skills in three minutes a day with Superhuman AI newsletter. Subscribe for free.*
Games
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.
Phew, it’s hot out there, but did you know that studies have indicated drinking hot beverages on a hot day can help your body cool down? I suppose I’ll need to test this theory at a local coffee shop — if things don’t work out, I can always double up and get an iced drink.
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