The new exhibit features 70 award-winning images from international photographers. | Photo via SC State Museum and BPOTY
Spring migration season brings an international bird photography exhibition to Columbia. “Bird Photographer of the Year”lands Saturday, March 7 at the South Carolina State Museum, featuring 70 award-winning images from photographers in 115 countries. The photos capture birds in motion, in flight, and in rare, intimate moments across a wide range of habitats.
The exhibition also shines a local spotlight: South Carolina Wings of Wonder highlights bird species found across the Palmetto State using the museum’s natural history collection. Then, on Saturday, March 21, Flock Fest offers a bird-filled day with hands-on activities, guided tours, and easy ways to get involved with local birding and conservation groups.
Construction is underway on Assembly Street on the new oLiv apartment tower. | Photo by COLAtoday
Traffic
A traffic shift on northbound Assembly Street between Washington and Hampton streets is now in place to allow construction on the $225 million ōLiv development. The pattern could last up to two years, with additional nearby lane closures expected by Friday, Feb. 6.
Development
The long-vacant VA building at 1801 Assembly St. may become a ~$40 million full-service hotel with around 100 rooms, a ground-floor cafe, and a rooftop bar. Capstone Property Group is under contract to purchase the site with plans to redevelop it as a Hilton or Marriott. (The State)
Travel
Windy City, here we come — American Airlines will resume twice-daily nonstop flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) starting Thursday, May 21. (WLTX)
History
Founded in 1936 as Columbia Teachers Credit Union, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union is celebrating 90 years in the Capital City. The member-owned institution broke ground last year on a new downtown HQ at Sumter and Lady streets, slated to open in early 2027.
Try This
The 3rd Annual Black History Month Scavenger Hunt kicks off Sunday, Feb. 1, through the free Soda City Certified app. Participants can explore 20+ Black-owned businesses and cultural sites across the Midlands for a chance to win prizes.
Civic
Columbia-Richland Fire Department will break ground on a new fire station in the Olympia neighborhood on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The station will sit at the end of Hamrick Street, behind the former Capital City Stadium. (WLTX)
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Category
Arts
🏆 Celebrating Cola’s visionaries
Big thanks to Morihiko for answering our questions about the Phil’s upcoming season. | Photo provided by the South Carolina Philharmonic
The Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award is returning this spring, honoring individuals who’ve helped shape Columbia’s arts and cultural landscape.
Presented by One Columbia for Arts and Culture, the award celebrates community leaders whose vision and civic commitment have made a lasting impact on the city. After a brief hiatus, the award will be presented during a public ceremony on Friday, March 20 at the Koger Center for the Arts, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Nominations are now open and due by Saturday, Feb. 28; submissions require a nomination letter outlining the nominee’s leadership and cultural impact.
The award was last presented in 2021 to Morihiko Nakahara. Past recipients also include Bobby Donaldson, Melanie Huggins, and Robin Waites.
The Buy
Super Bowl LX kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 8. Whether you’re catching the game at your favorite sports bar or hosting a watch party at home, we’ve rounded up a few must-haves for every kind of big-game watcher:
We might be seeing a snowy start to February. A Weather Impact Alert from WLTX is in effect for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday due to freezing temps, and there’s also a 40% chance of snow on Saturday. If you were hoping to pull out the sled last weekend, this coming weekend might be your chance.
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