In 2024, Cecil Williams was honored with the Preservation Service Award. | Photo via Preservation South Carolina
The Koger Center for the Arts will host a special edition of SoulHAUS Sessions on Thursday, Feb. 27, featuring an intimate conversation with photographer and civil rights documentarian Cecil J. Williams.
Hosted by Preach Jacobs, the conversation will explore Williams’ lifelong work capturing pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement and preserving history through photography. Born in Orangeburg and a Claflin University graduate, Williams began documenting the movement at a young age, becoming the youngest-ever photographer for JET Magazine and co-founding SC’s Civil Rights Museum.
Tickets are $10, and doors open at 5 p.m., with the conversation starting at 6 p.m.
The former Piggly Wiggly on Charleston Highway in West Columbia will become Wesco Brew and Bowl, trading buggies for bowling balls. No opening date has been announced, but plans include bowling lanes, an arcade, plus a restaurant and bar. (The Post and Courier)
Edu
Columbia College climbed 28 spots to No. 56 in the new U.S. News & World Report Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. It was recognized for online business, criminal justice, education, and veteran-focused programs.
Community
SCDOT is seeking public input on replacing the closed Lakeland Drive bridge over Eightmile Branch in Richland County. Comments on the proposed project can be submitted through Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Civic
Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson has been appointed to the National League of Cities’ 2026 Small Cities Council, where he’ll serve a one-year term working with local leaders nationwide. Danielson says the role will help Irmo share solutions and bring resources home to strengthen the community.
Biz
The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will host a free “Before You Pitch: Protecting the Plan” lunch-and-learn webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. The session covers protecting your business ideas before pitching.
Read
Local bakeshop Ally and Eloise will host Thirsty Quill, Columbia’s mobile romance bookshop, for a pop-up at its Devine Street location on Friday, Feb. 6 and Friday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Health
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Finance
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Coming Soon
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Finance
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Number
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From AC Flora to the Gamecocks to the No. 9 overall pick in last year’s NBA Draft, Columbia’s own Collin Murray-Boyles has been selected for the NBA Rising Stars game at All-Star Weekend. The Toronto Raptors rookie is one of 10 first-year players chosen for the showcase, set for Friday, Feb. 13, in Los Angeles.
He’s one of the league’s top rookies in rebounds, steals, blocks, and field goal percentage — and he’s just getting started.
If you’ve ever stared at your screen wondering where the real opportunities are hiding, this free class is your shortcut. You’ll learn how to use AI to cut through the noise and identify high-probability trades in seconds. No more emotional decisions. No more stress. Just clear direction on what to trade.
Your bank account might take a little hit with this one. Soda City Market just released a new postcard-inspired tote bag filled with local design elements. Keep it handy for a quick trip to the grocery store, or fill it up with local produce at the market each Saturday morning.
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