The power’s been restored to the TunnelVision mural and the sun now lights at night. | Photo by COLAtoday
Downtown’s most famous illusion just got its glow back. The sun inside artist Blue Sky’s TunnelVision mural — painted on the side of the Land Bank Lofts building — was recently relit after being in the dark for years.
Martha Byron has worked with Blue Sky since 2021 to help restore power to the glowing “sun” after the electrical line was cut during a previous building sale.
Blue Sky dreamed up TunnelVision in 1975 — a 75-ft-wide illusion of a road leading into the horizon, painted with 25 gallons of acrylic and a brush on a six-foot stick. Fifty years later, that dream still shines.
Future residents are already exploring what life at Brookland Commons could look like. | Photo provided by Brookland Commons
The expression of interest campaign at Brookland Commons is off to a quick start, with strong momentum from their ongoing lunch and learn series.
The early response highlights how much buzz surrounds this new senior living community. Those interested can explore at their own pace — either by attending an upcoming lunch and learn or booking a private appointment. Both options are no-pressure, risk-free ways to learn more + secure priority apartment selection.
USC’s home game vs. No. 18 Oklahoma on Saturday, Oct. 18 will kick off at 12 p.m. on ABC or 12:45 p.m. on SEC Network. The game coincides with the South Carolina State Fair’s closing weekend. Final game time will be announced on Friday, October 11.
Development
Columbia Housing plans to demolish the Dorrah Randall Apartments on North Main Street, near Columbia College, and rebuild with 76 new affordable units. The Planning Commission will vote on the project on Thursday, Oct. 9, and current residents will be offered new units once construction is complete. (The Post and Courier)
Festival
Richland Library will host the second annual Read Freely Fest March 27-29, 2026, at its Main location. The free, three-day book festival features author talks, live performances, and family activities celebrating storytelling and community.
Try This
As the weather cools, make your own chunky knit blanket at this cozy DIY workshop at Boho Pizza in Lexington tomorrow, Oct. 9. The three-hour class includes step-by-step instruction, custom yarn from Lion Brand Yarn, and creative fun — no knitting experience required. Starts at $100 per person.
Trivia
Put your brain to the test with Palmetto Trivia, hosting weekly trivia and music bingo nights around Columbia — from J’s Corner and Cock N Bull Pub to Bierkeller and soon to Gather COLA. Top prizes up to $50.
Film
Dust off the witch’s hat and varnish your broomsticks. Tickets go on sale today for “Wicked: For Good” — the second and final installment of the Broadway-adapted story. If you’ve got five hours and 13 minutes to spare, we recommend going to a double feature back-to-back screening at The Nick.
Read
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Health
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Category
History
All about 8
The Figure 8 historical marker in Columbia, SC | Photo via COLAtoday team
It could all be coincidence, but the number 8 has its own historical marker at the Governor’s Mansion — a nod to its recurring role in South Carolina history.
The connection dates back to when there were 8 Lords Proprietors for the Carolinas.
The Lords Proprietors were the 8 Englishmen selected by King Charles II to have joint ownership of the land referred to as the Carolina. There were also eight rulers of England’s American colonies when the colonies were first being settled, pre-Revolutionary War, from 1663 to 1776.
Years later, after gaining independence, South Carolina became the eighth state to join the United States.
You can find the historical marker near the fountain in the Governor’s Mansion Mall off Richland Street. The fountain was designed in 8 parts to solidify the significance of the number.
The Buy
Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale ends today + this is your last call to score some of the site’s lowest prices of the year. Shop these deals before they’re gone tomorrow:
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.
This photo was a little dark, but if you stop by to see the TunnelVision mural tonight (or this week), you’ll see a full Harvest Moon rise just above the mural at about 8:30 p.m. You can see it peeking out and glowing above the building here.
