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🌍 Columbia’s international family
Hoping to see Independence Square in Accra, Ghana, someday? It’s only 5,400 miles away. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
With global travel and city-to-city collaboration in the spotlight right now, we’re zooming out from Columbia to look at some international connections you might not know we have.
Turns out, Soda City isn’t an only child — we have seven sister cities around the world, each with its own story and ties to back home. Let’s tour a few.
Accra, Ghana | Est. 15th century | In 2022, Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and Accra Mayor Elizabeth Sackey met in the Soda City where she came to learn more about our Clean Water Program and how we’re upgrading the system.
Kaiserslautern, Germany | Est. 9th century | Artists from Columbia and Kaiserslautern began exchanging art in 2000. In 2019, artists from Kaiserslautern installed the Heimat public artwork at Stormwater Studios in the Vista, where it still stands today.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria | Est. 6000–5000 BC | Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, and — like Columbia — is a river city as it sits on the banks of the Maritsa.
Here’s what women need to know about heart disease
Presented by Lexington Health
Lexington Health Heart and Vascular Center has a team ready to provide screenings, treatment and support for most heart and vascular conditions. | Photo provided by Lexington Health
Did you know? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the US, yet only about half of women realize it’s their number one health threat. The tricky part? Heart disease doesn’t always look the same in women — and sometimes, there are no symptoms at all.
Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back
Nausea, vomiting, or extreme fatigue that doesn’t go away
These symptoms can show up during activity—or even at rest.
Risk factors that matter
High blood pressure is a major risk factor and is often underdiagnosed in women. Black women are nearly 60% more likely to have high blood pressure than white women. Other risks include smoking, diabetes, excess weight, alcohol use, stress, depression, and pregnancy-related conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
What you can do
Know your numbers. Check your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about cholesterol, move your body regularly, manage stress, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Your heart deserves attention — every age, every stage.
Lexington Health Heart and Vascular Center is here with screenings, treatment, and support. As South Carolina’s first HeartCARE Center™, their team is ready to take care of you.
Listen to your heart. Then let the experts help protect it.
This long-vacant site may even house a rooftop bar, according to early plans. | Screenshot via Google Street View
Development
The former Veterans Administration building downtown may soon become a 100-room hotel. Early plans for the project signal either a Hilton or Marriott that would preserve the historic exterior and add a ground-level cafe + bar. (WLTX)
Sports
Tetairoa McMillan is the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, becoming the first Carolina Panther to win the distinction since Cam Newton in 2011. With 70 receptions, 1,014 yards, and top numbers in almost every other major category, we’d say it’s well-deserved.
Announced
Hole-y moly, Barry’s Bagels is coming to Columbia. The Midwestern chain has plans to open three locations in Soda City within a year, offering signature fresh bagels and classic deli options. (The State)
Mansion Monday
Northern Italy is currently hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics, but did you know, the region is seeing a real estate boom? It turns out gorgeous landscapes, world-class food, and rich cultural history are appealing to homebuyers. Shocker. There’s no need to travel — Columbia has European elegance of its own. (Wall Street Journal)
Civic
SCDOT is considering replacing six bridges around the Midlands, including one over Jackson Creek in Richland County. From now until Tuesday, March 3, the department is seeking public input on all proposed designs + detour routes — share your thoughts online.
Trending
We’ve got to wait a little longer for one more small step. Due to a leak during testing, NASA’s Artemis II mission to the moon has been postponed until at least next month. In the meantime, a trip tothe planetarium at South Carolina State Museum will have to quench our interstellar wanderlust. (The Guardian)
Community
This Valentine’s Day, put your heart into local journalism by supporting COLAtoday. Your contributions will go directly toward creating more of the local stories you love, expanding our coverage, and ensuring we can remain a free resource for all. Give a little love to local news.
Featured Deal
Explore an introduction to psychedelic therapy and how it can help depression or anxiety. Pre-order your book today, February 9, and get bonus access to a live online summit with Michael Pollan, Gabor Maté, Melissa Etheridge, and more.*
Home
Stop settling for gutter guards that barely work and still leave you climbing a ladder every month to clear debris. LeafGuard’s award-winning, one-piece system is designed to make clogs impossible. For a limited time, our readers can get 75% off installation plus an extra $200 off. Get a free assessment.*
Number
240,000+. That’s how many active job listings you can find on our Job Board. Explore openings in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
The Buy
Searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Surprise loved ones with these gifts that can arrive by the end of the week.
❣️ Remind them how you feel with a little sign to say I love you that’s the perfect size for desks and night stands.
🧦 You can never go wrong with soft, fuzzy socks that make every step feel like you’re walking on clouds.
📚 The perfect gift for any book lover, a three-month Audible membership is under $50 + provides access to thousands of audiobooks.
🍽️ Spark spontaneity with this set of scratch off date ideas that’s been featured in US Weekly, Cosmopolitan, and more.
✋ This top-rated hand massager can ease sore hands with five intensity levels + two heat settings.
Speaking of international dreaming, football season has been over for a matter of minutes, and the NFL is already looking ahead to next year. In October, the league will host a game in Paris for the first time in its history.
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