COLAtoday

1 week ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | David Stringer |Madison McMillen |Shea Stapley

It’s Pollinator Week, which means it’s time to give bees their flowers (literally). These petite powerhouses pollinate 80% of the world’s flowering plants and a third of what we eat. TLDR: No bees, no brunch. Luckily, beekeeping is buzzing in the Midlands — it’s low-maintenance, good for the planet, and comes with a sweet reward. Here’s what to know before you don the veil and go full Pooh Bear.

1 week ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | David Stringer

Lake Murray’s 37th annual Independence Day Celebration lights up the sky Saturday, June 28, with SC’s largest fireworks show. At dark (around 9:15 p.m.), twin displays will launch from Spence and Dreher Islands, set to patriotic music on 93.1 The Lake and streamed live on WIS News 10. Best views? By boat or from Dreher Island State Park ($3 adults, $1.50 seniors, $1 kids).

2 weeks ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | Samantha Robertson

Whether you’re diving into a summer beach read, knocking out your TBR (to-be-read) list, or getting the kiddos to do summer reading assignments, you can meet all of your reading goals this summer around Columbia.

2 weeks ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | David Stringer

Work is underway to deconstruct the historic building at 900 Main St., the longtime home of Hunter-Gatherer Brewery, marking the start of a sustainable farewell — and a new chapter. The site will eventually be home to a future development tied to USC’s long-term growth plans, but in the meantime, the focus is on preserving the building’s materials + memories.

3 weeks ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | David Stringer

Rent prices are on the rise — but how much does it actually cost to rent in the Capital City right now? We pulled the latest numbers to break down what it takes to rent in the Columbia metro area, from average prices to how many hours you’d need to work to make it happen. $1,434. The average rent for a ~1,000-sqft apartment in Columbia, as of June 2025. $1,298. The Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the Columbia metro area, according to HUD. $24.08/hour.