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Editor’s Pick
The Games are coming to a close. | Photo via Pexels
Shocking upsets, personal confessions, and cheating accusations. Any guesses what we’re talking about? This year’s 2026 Winter Olympics have been full of controversy, and the theatrics aren’t over yet.
The Closing Ceremony takes place this Sunday, Feb. 22, and WLTX will be covering the spectacle. After that, if you’re going to miss the drama, here are a few on-stage productions we’ve got our eye on:
Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” takes the stage at Trustus Theatre beginning today, Feb. 20, running through Sunday, March 15, bringing the gripping tale of accusation, power, and paranoia in Salem, Massachusetts.
South Carolina Ballet will celebrate its 65th anniversary with Sapphire Ballet and the Sapphire Gala on Saturday, March 7, at the Koger Center for the Arts, marking the company’s evolution from Columbia City Ballet to a statewide presence.
USC’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present Sarah Ruhl’s adaptation of “Orlando” Thursday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 1 at the Benson Theatre, bringing Virginia Woolf’s tale of gender and identity to life on stage.
Smokez and Bubbly Restaurant and Lounge is now open on Assembly St., taking over the former Bistreaux on Assembly Street. Chef Jessica Long said the concept blends upscale dining with nightlife energy, featuring steak dishes, specialty cocktails, and weekly events like karaoke and R&B night. (Free Times)
Development
Academy Sports + Outdoors could be coming to the Victory Village shopping center, which is under construction on Augusta Highway in Lexington. The national sporting goods retailer would join Target in the planned 27-acre development. (The State)
Opening
Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina will celebrate the grand opening of its Midlands Clean Tech Accelerator Lab on Friday, March 13, at 10 a.m. on St. Andrews Road. The new facility will offer a five-week paid training program focused initially on heat pump installation for careers in the clean energy sector.
Talk
The Lexington Chamber will celebrate Women’s History Month with its “Dare to Dream” Women’s Leadership Council luncheon on Wednesday, March 4, at the DoubleTree by Hilton. The event features Richland County Coroner Dr. Naida Rutherford as the keynote speaker, with networking beginning at 11:15 a.m.
Civic
Richland County Councilman Paul Livingston announced he won’t seek relection bringing his 35-year tenure to a close when his seat comes up this year. He represents parts of Elmwood Avenue and the North Main corridor and has lived in the Elmwood Park neighborhood since childhood. (The State)
Award
Columbia Metropolitan Airport received the SC Aviation Association’s Commercial Airport Project of the Year award for its recently completed checkpoint modernization project. The upgrade expanded security screening and added new passenger amenities.
Plan Ahead
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Category
Outdoors
Rooting for No. 1
The greenhouse at Wingard’s Market is filled with indoor plants to brighten your home. | Photo by COLAtoday
Spring is right around the corner, and one local shop for plants and more is getting attention on the national stage.
The 10BEST Awards spotlight top destinations and businesses across travel, food, lifestyle, and local favorites. Cola’s already had several locals, like Soda City Market, Riverbanks Zoo, and the SC State Fair, earn recognition. Nominees are selected by editors and experts before opening to a public vote.
Voting is open now and runs through Monday, March 9 at 12 p.m.. Supporters can vote once per day to help keep Wingard’s at the top. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 18.
The Buy
A set of shower steamers with 11 unique scents like jasmine, chamomile, lavender, and mint. The variety lets you tailor the experience to your mood: a relaxing spa night, a midday pick-me-up, or an energizing morning reset. Bonus: They make great gifts.
The Raccoon’s Den recently opened on Lincoln Street in the Vista across from Blue Marlin, and if you haven’t made it in for a visit yet, you can shop its online store. The new shop sells unique gifts and upcycled treasures and sometimes hosts events at night.
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