Reminder: Voting for our Today’s Best competition ends Tuesday, Nov. 25. Cast your vote now and tune in for the winners announcement on Monday, Dec. 8.
If you see something like this, report it to get filled. | Photo by COLAtoday
We ain’t afraid of no ghost — but we are scared of sewage backup, power outages, and potholes. We rounded up a few resources to answer the age-old question posed by “Ghostbusters": Who ya gonna call?
Note: Columbia residents can report most non-emergency issues through MyCOLASC — the city’s new service request app where you can upload photos, map locations, and track your request from start to finish.
The New York Times just released a list of the 25 best college football stadiums... and Williams-Brice Stadium isn’t on it. Do you think it should have made the list? Let us know by replying to this newsletter.
Mansion Monday
The mystery surrounding the jewelry heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris continues to pique interest across the globe. Who did it? What will they do with the priceless objects? Maybe they’ll sell them to buy this Lake Murray home that just hit the market. (NBC)
Tech
Netflix, DoorDash, Snapchat, Spotify, and Fortnite were among the services impacted by last week’s major Amazon Web Services outage, and not for the first time. The next time doom-scrolling isn’t available, we recommend spending some time hitting the links at these local golf courses. (Reuters)
Theater
Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” hits USC’s Longstreet Theatre Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 16. Expect wit, double lives, and Victorian absurdity in this farcical classic.
Health
A new academic study shows signs that consuming warm liquids may have positive impacts on physical + mental health. Researchers found correlated improvements in sleep, gut health, depression, and anxiety. Now the colder months are approaching, that’s just more reason to grab a warm bowl of soup. (Food & Wine)
Active
An 80-year-old swimmer recently became the oldest woman to cross the finish line at the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. Natalie Grabow completed the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, and 26.2-mile run in just under 17 hours. Time to hit the gym. (NPR)
Opening
About You Aesthetics, one of Columbia’s longest-standing medical spas, is moving to Forest Acres this November. Celebrating 10 years in business, the team can’t wait to welcome clients to their new space. Follow their social media to stay updated on the grand opening and special celebrations.*
Category
Event Spotlight
🎄 All is bright
We attended the tree-lighting ceremony at Vista Lights last year. | Photo by COLAtoday team
One of Columbia’s brightest holiday traditions is hitting a milestone. The Congaree Vista Guild will celebrate the 40th annual Vista Lights on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m.
The family-friendly festival kicks off with performances on the main stage at Gervais + Lincoln streets, followed by the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Live music continues with Chris Reed and the Bad Kids and the Soda City Brass Band.
Shop the Artisan Market featuring 17 local vendors, grab a keepsake Vista Lights ornament, and explore open-house events at Vista restaurants and shops — including new spots like Manhattan Pie.
Kids can meet Santa in the 94.3 The Dude Zone, and roving performers like The Palmetto Carolers and favorite local live painter Easel Cathedral will document the event in style.
The Buy
A set of hydrating, plumping lip oils perfect for winter — and a fuller pout. Read The Buy Editor Sarah’s full review of tarte’s Maracuja Juicy Plumping Lip Oil Set and why she’ll be wearing them all season long (hint: it’s to heal chapped lips).
Bonus: Use code WELCOME2025 to save $15 on your first HSN order of $35+ and snag the lip set for yourself.
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.
Finlay Park’s opening is right around the corner, and Columbia’s youngest artists are already getting in on the celebration. Local students recently debuted park-inspired pieces at Soda City Market, with their final artwork set to be on display during the grand re-opening weekend, Saturday, Nov. 15, and Sunday, Nov. 16.
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