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Editor’s Pick
☕️ Opening day
Godpseed did a full renovation of the inside of the former Starbucks in Five Points location. | Photos by COLAtoday
After a run of pop-ups and a year spent building out the new space, Godspeed Coffee opens in Five Points today.
The menu keeps things familiar, with a few twists. There’s a rotating slushie now, starting with a brown sugar cold brew, plus mocktails alongside espresso, batch brew, and tea.
Everything in the case at the counter is baked in-house — oatmeal cream pies, lemon blueberry muffins, brown butter chocolate chunk cookies, banana bread, and focaccia — a lineup that makes it hard to choose just one.
Hours are set for Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with weekends running 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $6+ | Experience the first pitch of the anniversary season against the Pelicans + watch the Carolina League South Division Championship banner reveal.*
Friday, April 17
Meeting Street Music Festival 2026 | Friday, April 17-Saturday, April 18 | Times vary | 900-1200 blocks of Meeting Street West Columbia, SC 29169, West Columbia | Free | Enjoy 11 bands, great food, and a free two-day street festival in the River District, headlined by Sugar Ray.*
Volunteers collaborate with local nonprofit partners to support housing, health, education, and youth initiatives across the Midlands. | Photos provided by United Way of the Midlands
Spring brings a chance to give back, and from April 20-25, the United Way of the Midlands invites individuals, families, and teams to participate in Volunteer Week. The annual event offers hands-on service projects that create meaningful change throughout the Midlands.
Volunteers can explore a variety of projects, select one that matches their interests, and register for a slot with ease. Opportunities span:
Housing
Health
Education
Youth programs
Each project allows participants to work directly with nonprofit partners and experience firsthand the meaningful impact of their contributions.
Volunteer Week welcomes both first-time and experienced volunteers, offering ways to strengthen community ties while supporting initiatives that matter. Residents are encouraged to sign up early and be part of a week dedicated to making a difference.
Plans for a mixed-use project dubbed “Vista Depot Hotels & Apartments” are back on Columbia’s agenda, with the Planning Commission set to review proposals Thursday, April 9 for two hotels and a 183-unit apartment building near 700 Gervais St. in the Vista. The project continues efforts to expand lodging and residential options near the convention center. (The Post and Courier)
Opening
Dutch Bros Coffee has opened four new drive-thru locations across the Midlands, including spots on Two Notch Road and Devine Street in Columbia, plus locations in Lexington and Irmo. The openings follow the company’s January acquisition of Clutch Coffee Co. (The State)
Traffic
Drivers on I-26 between Columbia and Orangeburg should expect nightly detours at Exit 129 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. as crews demolish the old U.S. 21 bridge. The work is part of a broader interchange upgrade project in Lexington County expected to wrap up by the end of April. (WLTX)
Civic
The City of Columbia will open a 30-day public comment period today for its draft Program Year 2026 Annual Action Plan, which outlines how federal HUD funds may be used for housing and community programs. Estimated funding totals ~$3.7 million across CDBG, HOME, and HOPWA programs. (Cola Daily)
Talk
USC’s College of Information and Communications will host the 7th annual Augusta Baker Lecture on Thursday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Richland Library. Psychotherapist and author Emely Rowe will speak; the event is free and open to the public.
Award
Outgoing Columbia Museum of Art executive director Della Watkins received the Order of the Palmetto last week, recognizing her leadership and contributions across SC. The honor was presented during the Governor’s Awards for the Arts, where the museum also earned an accessibility award.
Add another netlace to the collection — the Gamecocks women’s basketball team is headed back to the Final Four for the sixth straight year after a 78-52 win over TCU on Monday night.
Led by Camden’s Joyce Edwards and freshman Agot Makeer, South Carolina pulled away late to punch its ticket to Phoenix. The Gamecocks will face a familiar foe in UConn in the national semifinal Friday, April 3 at 7 p.m. on ESPN, a rematch of the 2025 national championship game.
A trendy square-cut tank under $15 that’s a great wardrobe basic for spring and summer. It’s double-lined, soft, and has the right amount of stretch to flatter curves. Stock up in black, white, or both.
Today kicks off early giving for Midlands Gives, which means you don’t have to wait until Tuesday, May 5 to support your favorite local nonprofits or find a new cause. If you already know where you’re giving, now’s the time to get it on the board and help them build a little momentum.
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