David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

David Stringer

Newsletter Editor

David is based in Columbia, SC where he’s lived since graduating from UofSC’s School of Journalism in 2006. In his 20+ years in the Soda City, he founded Scene SC, an outlet covering the SC music scene, and has contributed to local publications including SCETV, Jasper Magazine, Free Times, and The Post and Courier. He currently serves on boards for One Columbia for Arts and Culture and the Jam Room Music Festival.

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Business

Building a startup in 24 Hours at the Boyd Innovation Center

Startup Sprint at the Boyd Innovation Center challenged entrepreneurs to build startups in 24 hours.

February 19, 2025

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Food

Here’s what you’d like to see at GATHER COLA

Readers shared their wishlist for Gather Cola, requesting gluten-free options, Italian, Asian, Greek, Southern food, coffee, seafood, and boutiques.

February 18, 2025

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History

6 ways to honor Black history in Columbia

Discover more about Columbia’s African American history.

February 14, 2025

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Events

Mardi Gras Columbia brings 18 local bands to City Roots

The 15th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival features 18 local bands across three stages, plus a parade, food vendors, and craft beer.

February 14, 2025

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City

Columbia ranks No. 121 in traffic congestion for 2024

The Inrix Global Traffic Scorecard for 2024 analyzed and compared travel behavior across 900+ cities worldwide to determine the rankings.

February 13, 2025

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Tourism and Hospitality

Experience Columbia SC Sports awarded Governor’s Cup

ECSC won the Governor’s Cup for the Rivals in Red Tour, boosting Columbia’s economy with 70,000 visitors and $13 million.

February 13, 2025

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Development

GATHER COLA coming to BullStreet District

GATHER COLA, a 32,286-sqft open-air food hall with dining, retail, bars, and office space, opens late 2025 in The BullStreet District.

February 10, 2025

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How to get your REAL ID in Columbia

The deadline to obtain your REAL ID is coming up on May 7, 2025 — here’s how and why to get one in South Carolina.

February 10, 2025

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Brianna Williams

Events

Your Guide to Super Bowl LIX in Columbia

Find Super Bowl LIX watch parties, local food deals, and Columbia connections for the Eagles vs. Chiefs showdown.

February 6, 2025

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Food

Preview Tupelo Honey in the BullStreet District

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar opens Thursday, Feb. 13 in Columbia’s BullStreet District with Southern-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and a grand opening celebration.

February 4, 2025

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Business

A’ja Wilson’s Legacy Grows with Jersey Retirement and Nike Signature Shoe Release

A’ja Wilson joins an elite club with her Nike A’One, a signature shoe designed to inspire the next generation.

February 4, 2025

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The impact rising Liquor Liability Insurance costs are having on Lowcountry businesses

SC small businesses are facing closures due to rising liquor liability insurance premiums, with legislative reform delayed and limited solutions available.

February 4, 2025

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Danielle Johnson

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Food

Where to Try the New York Times’ 2025 Food Trends in Columbia

The New York Times put together a list of nine food trends for 2025 including sauces, coffee, and grab-and-go options. Here’s where you can get try some of these trends in Columbia.

January 31, 2025

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City

Columbia in 2101: Your predictions for the future

Readers predict Columbia in 2101 will thrive with healthcare and manufacturing, a booming population, high-speed trains, and a pedestrian-friendly future.

January 30, 2025

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Business

Richland County unveils regional training center

Richland County is launching a 41,000-square-foot regional training center to support workforce development, economic growth, and major employers like Scout Motors.

January 29, 2025

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Food

Food, drink, and music collide at Columbia Food & Wine Festival

Experience chef collaborations, wine-paired vinyl dinners, and a music and craft beer showcase April 22-27, Tuesday through Sunday, at Columbia Food & Wine Festival.

January 29, 2025

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City

Visiting 3 of Columbia’s sister cities

Columbia has seven sister cities worldwide, fostering cultural ties. Explore Cola’s connections to Accra, Ghana; Kaiserslautern, Germany; and Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

January 28, 2025

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Food

Tiki Week Moves to The Dragon Room

The annual Tiki Week at Bourbon is moving to The Dragon Room, blending tiki-inspired food and cocktails with Asian cuisine.

January 28, 2025

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Experience Columbia

City

The Nick rolls out the red carpet

Celebrate the Oscars in style with fine dining, live entertainment, and a red carpet experience at The Venue hosted by The Nick.

January 27, 2025

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Food

Hot soups of the season in Columbia

Here are some of your favorite hot soups at nine restaurants in the Columbia, SC area from Mexican dishes to spicy Asian noodle bowls.

January 23, 2025

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Events

Gamecock alum releases Gamecock women’s basketball anthem

Tina Roy drops the “Not Like Us (G-Mix),” a custom Kendrick Lamar remix celebrating the team’s skills on the court.

January 23, 2025

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City

Meet Columbia’s 2025 Ambassadors

Keep your 2025 Columbia SC Insider’s Guide handing for friends and family visiting town.

January 21, 2025

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Education

Books written by authors with Columbia connections

Whether you’re looking for your next leisure read, a book for the whole family, or a thrilling fictional novel, we’ve got a list of books written by local authors in Columbia.

January 17, 2025

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Education

Winter gardening tips for Columbia

How to prepare your garden and what to plant in the winter months.

January 16, 2025

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Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto

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Business

Two new businesses coming to the Midlands

PHENOGY and Cardiff Products announce major investments in Columbia, boosting sustainable energy and manufacturing industries while creating new jobs.

January 15, 2025

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Broaden your bookshelf in 2025

Find your next great read when you join Richland Library’s Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge.

January 14, 2025

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Events

Ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Columbia and how to commemorate his life and legacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

January 14, 2025

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Culture

What will Columbia look like in the 22nd century?

Babies born this year are part of Generation Beta, the first generation likely to live to see the year 2101 — what will Columbia be like for them?

January 13, 2025

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Declan Lowthian

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Events

Mac and Cheese Festival coming to Segra Park

Celebrate all things mac and cheese at Segra Park on March 22 with food trucks, live music, and VIP experiences.

January 13, 2025

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City

City of Columbia begins Marion Street Bioretention Project

The City of Columbia’s $1.9 million Marion Street Bioretention Project will add rain gardens to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and upgrade infrastructure.

January 9, 2025

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