https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-breaking-1-richland-county-emergency-water-main-repair https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1541888946425-d0fbb186156f?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 1:23 PM UPDATE: Richland County Crews Complete Emergency Water Main Restoration on Elmwood City utility engineers restored full pressure to downtown Columbia lines at 1:18 PM following a morning 16-inch transmission breach near Assembly Street. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-traffic-1-i26-widening-lexington-corridor-update https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1506744038136-46273834b3fb?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 1:23 PM Traffic Desk: I-26 Broad River to Peak Corridor Clear; Malfunction Junction Smooth Midday commute flow is running at highway speed limits across I-26, I-20, and I-77 with SCDOT construction crews staging for evening lane shifts. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-world-1-middle-east-diplomatic-negotiations-geneva https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1541872703-74c5e44368f9?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Geneva Diplomatic Summit: International Envoys Advance Phase-One Regional Ceasefire Draft Representatives from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar convene emergency high-level talks aimed at permanent corridor protections. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-latest-2-sc-statehouse-surplus-tax-relief-bill https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1541872703-74c5e44368f9?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Statehouse Finance Committee Unanimously Advances $480M Individual Income Tax Rebate Bipartisan lawmakers cleared the floor docket at 1:10 PM, allocating SC general fund surplus dollars directly back to Palmetto State tax filers. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-crime-1-alex-murdaugh-appeal-oral-arguments-scheduled https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1589829545856-d10d557cf95f?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 SC Court of Appeals Schedules Crucial Oral Arguments in Alex Murdaugh Murder Conviction Appeal Attorneys for convicted double-murderer Alex Murdaugh file renewed briefs seeking a new trial over Colleton County clerk jury tampering allegations. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-latest-3-gamecocks-defense-depth-chart-shakeup https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1566577739112-5180d4bf9390?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Shane Beamer Announces Defensive Personnel Adjustments Ahead of SEC Clash Following Saturday's 49-19 road battle at Bryant-Denny Stadium against No. 7 Alabama, South Carolina coaches retool secondary rotations and edge rush packages. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-crime-2-young-thug-ysl-trial-closing-arguments-near https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1505664194779-8beaceb93744?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Young Thug / YSL RICO Trial Enters Decisive Phase as Defense Rests Case in Fulton County After more than 20 months of courtroom proceedings, the historic Georgia state gang conspiracy trial approaches jury deliberations. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-food-1-terra-state-street-culinary-feature https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544025162-d76694265947?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Restaurant Spotlight: Why Terra in West Columbia Remains the Gold Standard of Midlands Hearth Cooking Executive Chef Mike Davis continues to innovate over seasoned oak embers, delivering standout Carolina quail and panoramic riverfront sunset dining. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-trending-1-main-street-streetwear-viral-drop https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1523381210434-271e8be1f52b?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Trending on NewsBreak: Columbia Main Street Pop-Up Draws Overnight Lines for Local Artisan Drop Over 800 people queued near the Arcade Mall for a limited-edition South Carolina streetwear collaboration celebrating Midlands landmarks. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-us-1-federal-reserve-monetary-policy-midday-statement https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1611974789855-9c2a0a7236a3?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Federal Reserve Midday Briefing: Inflation Moderates to 2.1% as Job Market Stabilizes Central bank governors indicate room for calibrated benchmark interest rate cuts heading into the fourth quarter. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-crime-3-karen-read-retrial-evidence-motions-boston https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1453733197781-791739f7a77a?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Karen Read Case: Judge Rules on Key Accident Reconstruction Evidence Ahead of 2026 Retrial Massachusetts Superior Court delivers key evidentiary pre-trial rulings following the high-profile hung jury in the death of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-latest-4-bullstreet-district-hotel-and-residential-break-ground https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1486406146926-c627a92ad1ab?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 BullStreet District Breaks Ground on $85M Mixed-Use Boutique Hotel & Luxury Lofts The 181-acre master planned campus next to Segra Park adds a 140-room lifestyle hotel, rooftop lounge, and 220 residential units. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-business-1-scout-motors-blythewood-factory-milestone https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1581091226825-a6a2a5aee158?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Scout Motors Reaches 70% Structural Completion on $2B Blythewood Production Facility Over 4,000 regional manufacturing and software engineering jobs prepare for hiring as assembly line tooling arrives. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-latest-5-midlands-crisp-autumn-weather-forecast https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1534088568595-a066f410bcda?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Midlands Afternoon Weather: Crisp Autumn Sunshine at 74°, Low Humidity and Clear Skies Chief Meteorologist Ray Gallagher breaks down a pristine Tuesday afternoon across Richland and Lexington counties with high pressure firmly established. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-market-1-saturday-soda-city-market-vendor-roster https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1488459716781-31db52582fe9?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Market Guide: Over 160 Regional Artisans, Belgian Waffles & Farm Stalls Set for Main Street Your complete preview of Saturday's Soda City Market spanning the 1300 to 1700 blocks of Main Street in downtown Columbia. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-order-food-1-midlands-late-night-bites-guide https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1568901346375-23c9450c58cd?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 1:23 PM Guide: Columbia's Top 10 Curbside & Late-Night Delivery Spots Open Now From gourmet smash burgers to hot honey wings, here are the fastest verified kitchens delivering across Richland and Lexington. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-world-2-european-green-energy-grid-interconnect https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1466611653911-95081537e5b7?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 European Union Inks Historic €34B Clean Offshore Wind Grid Interconnection Accord North Sea energy infrastructure will link eight sovereign nations, creating the world's largest shared renewable power corridor. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-crime-4-richland-county-sheriff-gang-suppression-operation https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1589829545856-d10d557cf95f?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Sheriff Leon Lott Details Major Midlands Gang Suppression Sweep: 14 Indicted Richland County Sheriff's Department seizes 26 illegal firearms, fentanyl, and stolen high-performance vehicles across North Columbia. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-food-2-halls-chophouse-main-street-lunch-review https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1558030006-450675393462?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Midday Review: Halls Chophouse Executive Lunch on Main Street Delivers Unrivaled Precision From 45-day dry aged prime steaks to Charleston-style she-crab soup, Halls maintains legendary South Carolina hospitality in the heart of the capital. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-safety-1-sex-offender-registry-autumn-compliance-checks https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1589829545856-d10d557cf95f?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Midlands Public Safety: SLED & County Marshals Conduct Annual Fall Address Verifications Mandatory compliance checks underway across Richland, Lexington, and Kershaw counties ahead of upcoming school events. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-traffic-2-gervais-bridge-pedestrian-walkway-expansion https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1477959858617-67f30bc75b82?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Columbia & West Columbia Finalize Gervais Street Bridge Protected Bike & Pedestrian Lane Plan Engineering blueprints unveiled for a 10-foot multi-use greenway connecting State Street directly into the Vista. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-trending-2-lake-murray-record-striped-bass https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544551763-46a013bb70d5?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Angler Pulls Historic 44-Pound Striped Bass from Lake Murray Near Dreher Shoals Dam Wildlife officials verify one of the largest freshwater catches recorded in Lexington County in over a decade. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-us-2-supreme-court-emergency-docket-ruling https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1526470608268-f674ce90ebd4?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Supreme Court Issues Emergency Order on Interstate Water Rights & Environmental Regulations The high court rules 6-3 in a significant administrative law decision impacting regional river basin management across the Southeast. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-crime-5-idaho-student-murders-venue-change-prep https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1479142506502-19b3a3b7ff33?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Bryan Kohberger Idaho Murders Trial: Boise Courtroom Preparations Underway Following the historic change of venue from Moscow to Ada County, defense attorneys and prosecutors finalize witness subpoenas. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-events-1-colonial-life-arena-concert-series https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514525253161-7a46d19cd819?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Colonial Life Arena Announces Autumn Concert Series & Gameday Entertainment Schedule Major national recording artists and collegiate basketball tip-offs slated for Columbia's flagship indoor stadium. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-order-food-2-garnet-black-wings-special https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1567620832903-9fc6debc209f?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Garnet & Black Hot Honey Wings: Tailgating Favorite Now Available for Direct Doorstep Delivery Crispy double-fried jumbo wings tossed in signature SC habanero-peach honey available through game week. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-us-3-national-port-labor-negotiations-reach-agreement https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1578575437130-527eed3abbec?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 East & Gulf Coast Dockworkers Ratify Master Contract, Securing Maritime Supply Lines A landmark wage and port automation accord averts nationwide holiday shipping disruptions from Boston to Charleston. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-trending-3-five-points-artisan-coffee-roaster-award https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1501339847302-ac426a4a7cbb?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Five Points Roastery Wins National Gold at Specialty Coffee Expo Drip Coffee's small-batch anaerobic fermentation beans named best in the Southeast by national culinary panels. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-food-3-bourbon-on-main-street-creole-whiskey https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514362545857-3bc16c4c7d1b?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Bar Review: Bourbon on Main Street's New Autumn Cocktail Menu & Cajun Creole Plates Over 400 whiskeys paired with house-made blackened catfish po'boys and pimento cheese fritters next to the Statehouse. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-tech-1-ai-datacenter-cooling-innovation-usc-research https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1518770660439-4636190af475?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 USC College of Engineering Patent Breakthrough: 40% Reduction in AI Data Center Power Usage Columbia researchers unveil advanced microfluidic thermal cooling designs adopted by major cloud compute providers. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-donate-1-soda-city-community-investigative-fund https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1532629345422-7515f3d16bb7?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Soda City News Community Fund Surpasses 5,000 Monthly Sustaining Readers Reader-supported investigative journalism protects non-partisan local reporting across the Midlands. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-trending-4-sc-state-fair-new-foods-announced https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 SC State Fair Unveils 2026 Deep-Fried Delicacies: Pimento Cheese Beignets & Carolina Peach Funnel Cake Fair organizers announce 18 brand-new culinary innovations heading to the fairgrounds next month. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-food-4-home-team-bbq-five-points-game-recap https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544025162-d76694265947?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Smoked Wings & Slow Pit BBQ: Why Home Team in Five Points Packs Out Every Weekend Alabama white sauce wings, mac and cheese, and legendary Game-Changer frozen drinks anchor Columbia's college-town energy. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-trending-5-congaree-national-park-fireflies-night-walk https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1448375240586-882707db888b?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Congaree National Park Announces Limited Autumn Stargazing & Owl Prowl Tours Rangers open online registrations for guided boardwalk tours exploring old-growth floodplain biodiversity. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/123pm-food-5-saludas-five-points-anniversary https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1550966871-3ed3cdb5ed0c?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1000 Saluda's Celebrates 25 Years of Fine Dining Above the Five Points Fountain Southern elegance, pan-roasted flounder, and signature shrimp & grits in an iconic historic upstairs dining room. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-soda-city-autumn-arts-festival-brings-120-craft-artisans-to-main-street-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1513151233558-d860c5398176?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Soda City Autumn Arts Festival Welcomes 120 Regional Artisans & Live Bluegrass to Main Street Sunday marketplace features hand-blown glass, heritage woodcrafts, artisanal bakeries, and live acoustic stages spanning six city blocks. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-congaree-riverkeeper-annual-waterway-cleanup-removes-14-tons-debris-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1506744038136-46273834b3fb?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Congaree Riverkeeper Volunteer Flotilla Removes 14 Tons of Riverway Trash & Plastics Over 400 community volunteers in kayaks and jon boats sweep 18 miles of riverbanks along Gervais Street and Cayce Riverwalk. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-koger-center-for-the-arts-unveils-2026-broadway-in-columbia-lineup-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1507676184212-d03ab07a01bf?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Koger Center for the Arts Unveils 2026-2027 "Broadway in Columbia" Touring Series Tony Award-winning musicals "Hadestown," "Wicked," and "The Lion King" anchor star-studded performing arts season. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-columbia-museum-of-art-opens-retrospective-on-southern-gothic-painters-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1579783900882-c0d3dad7b119?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia Museum of Art Opens Major Retrospective on 20th-Century Southern Gothic Masters Rare canvases on loan from national galleries examine atmospheric Lowcountry landscapes, folklore, and cultural history. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-columbia-fire-department-graduates-32-new-paramedic-recruits-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1589829545856-d10d557cf95f?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia-Richland Fire Department Welcomes 32 New Recruit Firefighter-Paramedics Graduating academy class represents one of the most diverse cohorts in municipal history, strengthening emergency medical responses. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-township-auditorium-announces-fall-concert-series-featuring-grammy-artists-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514525253161-7a46d19cd819?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Historic Township Auditorium Announces Fall Soul & Americana Concert Series Four Grammy-winning artists set to headline intimate concerts inside Columbia's historic 3,000-seat amphitheater. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-harvest-hope-food-bank-launches-autumn-hunger-relief-campaign-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1488521787991-ed7bbaae773c?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Harvest Hope Food Bank Kicks Off Annual Autumn Community Food & Protein Drive Local corporate partners match dollar-for-dollar donations to stock regional pantries across 20 Midlands and Pee Dee counties. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-nickelodeon-theatre-hosts-indie-documentary-southern-civil-rights-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1489599849927-2ee91cede3ba?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Nickelodeon Theatre on Main Street Hosts Premiere of Southern Civil Rights Documentary Filmmakers and civil rights historians hold panel discussion following screening of archival footage chronicling 1960s Midlands student sit-ins. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-congaree-riverfront-esplanade-pedestrian-bridge-groundbreaking-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1506744038136-46273834b3fb?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia & West Columbia Unveil Inter-City Riverfront Pedestrian Bridge Architecture New scenic footbridge across the Congaree will link riverwalk trails between the Gervais Street Bridge and Cayce. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-columbia-koger-center-broadway-in-columbia-season-opener-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514525253161-7a46d19cd819?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Broadway in Columbia Opens Sold-Out 2026 Season at Koger Center with Dazzling Performance Acclaimed national touring production draws theater enthusiasts from across the state for opening gala weekend. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-five-points-columbia-fall-festival-live-acoustic-stages-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514525253161-7a46d19cd819?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Five Points Columbia Hosts Annual Fall Acoustic Festival: 40 Local Bands Perform Across Village Stages Historic commercial district closes cross-streets to traffic, offering free live music, craft booths, and family activities. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-columbia-museum-of-art-southern-modernism-exhibit-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1577495508048-b635879837f1?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia Museum of Art Unveils Landmark Retrospective on Mid-Century Southern Modernism Over 120 rare paintings, textile tapestries, and sculpture works spotlight progressive postwar art in the Carolinas. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-bullstreet-district-historic-babcock-building-retail-grand-opening-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1577495508048-b635879837f1?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Historic Babcock Building in BullStreet District Opens Ground-Floor Artisan Bakeries and Boutiques Meticulously restored iconic red-cupola landmark welcomes neighborhood shoppers and downtown residents. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-town-theatre-announces-historic-107th-fall-musical-revival-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514525253161-7a46d19cd819?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Historic Town Theatre Celebrates 107th Season with Grand Musical Revival and Community Stage Nation's oldest continuously operating community theatre enchants Midlands audiences on Sumter Street. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-nickelodeon-theatre-indie-film-festival-filmmaker-panels-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1489599849927-2ee91cede3ba?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 The Nickelodeon Theatre Hosts 2026 Southeastern Indie Cinema Showcase on Main Street Documentary premieres and Q&A sessions with emerging regional directors draw independent film lovers to Columbia. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-columbia-fireflies-segra-park-autumn-light-spectacular-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514525253161-7a46d19cd819?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Segra Park Transforms into Autumn Wonderland: BullStreet District Announces Light Spectacular Interactive walk-through lantern festival and artisan holiday market scheduled for minor league ballpark grounds. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/developments-bullstreet-district-unveils-new-250-unit-mixed-use-urban-apartments-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1541888946425-d0fbb1861593?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 BullStreet District Tops Out $85M Mixed-Use Residential & Retail Center Near Segra Park Construction crews place the final structural steel beam on "The Babcock Terraces," bringing 250 luxury apartments and ground-floor dining. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-columbia-fire-department-graduates-recruits-class-honor-cadets-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1541888946425-d0fbb1861593?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia-Richland Fire Department Celebrates Graduation of 28 New Firefighter-EMTs at City Hall Class of 2026 completed 22 weeks of rigorous live-burn scenarios, swift-water rescue drills, and advanced tactical trauma training. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-colonial-life-arena-announces-fall-mega-concert-lineup-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1470225620780-dba8ba36b745?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Colonial Life Arena Announces Blockbuster Autumn Concert Tour Lineup Featuring Top Grammy Winners Columbia's premier 18,000-seat venue confirms stadium tours for major hip-hop, country, and indie pop headliners. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-columbia-congaree-riverfront-greenway-extension-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1506744038136-46273834b3fb?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 City Council Unveils Completed Congaree Riverfront Greenway Expansion Connecting Cayce and Columbia A new 3.2-mile paved pedestrian and cycling loop unites Riverfront Park with Cayce Riverwalk, offering scenic Midlands commuting. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/developments-west-columbia-riverfront-hotel-and-conference-center-approved-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1566073771259-6a8506099945?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 West Columbia Zoning Commission Approves $60M Boutique Riverfront Hotel and Rooftop Skybar Seven-story architectural gem along State Street will offer panoramic skyline views of downtown Columbia and the Congaree River. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-sc-fall-agri-tourism-season-kicks-off-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1508873696983-2df5293cb32f?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Midlands Agri-Tourism Booms as Apple and Pumpkin Harvest Season Opens Across Lexington Orchards Family-owned farms across Pelion, Gilbert, and Chapin report record opening day turnout as autumn agritourism activities kick off. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-nickelodeon-theatre-launches-indie-southern-filmmakers-festival-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1489599849927-2ee91cede3ba?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia's Historic Nickelodeon Theatre Hosts 2026 Southern Indie Cinema Showcase on Main Street Three-day festival screens 40 juried independent films and hosts panels with veteran Hollywood screenwriters and directors. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-columbia-high-school-stem-innovation-lab-grant-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1581092921461-eab62e97a780?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Richland One High Schools Secure $2.4M Federal Grant for Advanced Robotics and Clean Energy Labs Four Columbia public high schools will install cutting-edge fabrication and clean-energy research laboratories by spring semester. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/developments-sc-medical-technology-innovation-campus-breaks-ground-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1581092921461-eab62e97a780?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 University of South Carolina Breaks Ground on $120M Health Sciences & Biotech Research Hub Next-generation campus on Harden Street will accelerate biomedical patents, clinical trials, and robotic surgical training. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-midlands-craft-beverage-trail-passes-major-milestone-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1554118811-1e0d58224f24?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Soda City Craft Beverage Trail Welcomes Five New Artisanal Roasters and Microbreweries The Midlands culinary trail expands into West Columbia and North Main, adding artisanal coffee roasteries and non-alcoholic brewing labs. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-koger-center-unveils-broadway-in-columbia-season-passes-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1507676184212-d03ab07a01bf?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Koger Center for the Arts Reports Record Season Subscription Sales for Broadway in Columbia Tony-winning musical productions of Hamilton, Wicked, and Hadestown anchor unprecedented Midlands theater season. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-lexington-medical-center-cardiac-robotic-surgery-milestone-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1579684385127-1ef15d508118?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Lexington Medical Center Reaches 1,000th Minimally Invasive Robotic Heart Surgery Milestone Surgical teams celebrate landmark achievement using next-generation da Vinci 5 robotic cardiovascular precision tools. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/developments-cayce-river-arts-district-historic-brick-mill-restoration-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1513694203232-719a280e022f?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Historic Cayce Guignard Brickworks Mill Undergoes $22M Adaptive Reuse Restoration Historic masonry kilns and timber warehouse will be transformed into artisan maker studios, breweries, and public green spaces. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-harvest-hope-food-bank-launches-midlands-weekend-backpack-program-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1488521787991-ed7bbaae773c?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Harvest Hope Food Bank Expands Weekend Nutrition Packs to 4,200 Midlands Elementary Students Non-profit distribution warehouse packs nutritious shelf-stable meals ensuring children have food security over school weekends. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-columbia-museum-of-art-opens-surrealist-masters-exhibit-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1579783900882-c0d3dad7b119?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia Museum of Art Unveils Rare European Modernist and Surrealism Exhibition Over 80 original masterworks on loan from Paris and Madrid arrive on Boyd Plaza for a four-month exclusive residency. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/developments-northeast-richland-sandhills-logistics-park-expands-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1581091226825-a6a2a5aee158?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Midlands Industrial Corridor: Global Aerospace Manufacturer Invests $45M in Sandhills Logistics Hub Advanced composite precision manufacturing facility brings 240 high-skill engineering and assembly jobs to northeast Richland. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-historic-columbia-preservation-society-reopens-historic-mann-simons-site-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1513694203232-719a280e022f?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Historic Columbia Reopens Renovated Mann-Simons Site Highlighting Midlands Black Entrepreneurship Multi-year architectural restoration of historic downtown landmark showcases 19th-century African American resilience. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-soda-city-comic-con-expands-to-columbia-metropolitan-convention-center-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1511512578047-dfb367046420?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Soda City Comic Con Expands Across Entire Convention Center with Celebrity Panels & Gaming Arenas Annual pop-culture expo expects 25,000 attendees this weekend, showcasing indie comic artists, cosplay contests, and esports. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/developments-bullstreet-district-new-mixed-use-luxury-apartments-retail-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1486406146926-c627a92ad1ab?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 BullStreet District Breaks Ground on 240-Unit Residential Lofts and Ground-Floor Dining Row The $68 million development adds high-end urban living options adjacent to Segra Park and the historic Babcock Building. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/developments-congaree-riverfront-greenway-pedestrian-bridge-construction-update-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1477959858617-67f30bc75b82?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia Riverfront Pedestrian Bridge Connects Cayce and West Columbia to Riverbanks Zoo Contractors lower final structural steel trusses into place over the Congaree River rapids, completing the continuous loop. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/developments-innovista-biotech-incubator-opens-near-greene-street-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1519452635265-7b1fbfd1e4e0?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 USC Innovista Opens $35M Life Sciences Incubator for Health Technology Startups Wet lab research suites and shared bio-manufacturing cleanrooms will house 18 emerging South Carolina medical innovation firms. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/developments-main-street-district-hotel-renovation-historic-bank-tower-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1541888946425-d0fbb1861593?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Historic Main Street Bank Tower Undergoes Transformation into 140-Room Boutique Hotel Architectural preservationists preserve marble lobby vaults while adding a panoramic rooftop lounge overlooking the Statehouse. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/developments-west-columbia-river-district-parking-deck-and-brewery-complex-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1497366216548-37526070297c?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 West Columbia City Council Approves 450-Space Structured Parking Deck for River District The civic infrastructure project supports rapid restaurant growth along State Street and Meeting Street corridors. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-columbia-food-and-wine-festival-tickets-and-chef-demonstrations-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia Food and Wine Festival Adds Celebrity Chef Demos and Historic Mill Dinners Midlands culinary showcase partners with top Columbia mixologists and James Beard-nominated Southern chefs. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-nickelodeon-theatre-main-street-indie-film-festival-lineup-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1517604931442-7e0c8ed2963c?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 The Nickelodeon Theatre Announces Complete Lineup for 2026 Indie Grits Autumn Showcase Main Street's historic non-profit art house cinema will screen 45 regional indie features, documentaries, and animated shorts. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-the-senate-columbia-announces-jam-packed-fall-rock-and-country-schedule-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514525253161-7a46d19cd819?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 The Senate in The Vista Announces Major Concert Tours for Fall Music Lovers Columbia's premier live music club hosts national touring Americana, rock, and alternative hip-hop acts. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-columbia-metropolitan-airport-record-september-passenger-volume-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1436491865332-7a61a109cc05?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia Metropolitan Airport Reports All-Time September Record for Passenger Volume CAE passenger traffic surged 16% year-over-year behind expanded direct nonstop flights to Dallas, Chicago, and Miami. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-richland-library-main-unveils-new-state-of-the-art-digital-commons-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1521587760476-6c12a4b040da?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Richland Library Main Opens New Free Public Digital Commons & Podcast Recording Suites The newly renovated lower level offers residents free access to 4K video editing, 3D printing, and high-speed fiber workstations. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-sc-forestry-commission-updates-fall-wildfire-prevention-guidelines-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1448375240586-882707db888b?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 SC Forestry Commission Issues Fall Fire Weather Advisory Across Midlands Sandhills Foresters encourage proactive debris clearing as lower humidity and brisk afternoon breezes elevate localized brush ignition risks. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-south-carolina-state-fair-announces-2026-entertainment-lineup-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514525253161-7a46d19cd819?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 South Carolina State Fair Reveals Complete 2026 Pepsi Grandstand Concert Headliners Tickets go on sale this week for the 157th annual fair featuring top country, hip-hop, and gospel acts at the Columbia fairgrounds. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-usc-research-campus-receives-42m-semiconductor-grant-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1518770660439-4636190af475?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 University of South Carolina Secures $42M Federal Grant for Advanced Microchip Packaging The major federal grant positions USC Innovista as a flagship national hub for domestic microelectronics engineering. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-columbia-animal-shelter-clear-the-shelters-adoption-drive-waives-fees-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1543466835-00a7907e9de1?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia Animal Services Waives All Pet Adoption Fees for 'Clear the Shelters' Autumn Drive Richland and Lexington residents invited to give loving homes to hundreds of rescued puppies, dogs, and kittens. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-congaree-national-park-opens-new-cedar-creek-canoe-launch-ramp-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1448375240586-882707db888b?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Congaree National Park Opens Restored Cedar Creek Canoe and Kayak Launch Paddlers can now access the ancient old-growth bald cypress water trails via newly engineered flood-resilient docks. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-earlewood-community-garden-fall-harvest-and-pollinator-festival-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1488459716781-31db52582fe9?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Earlewood Community Garden Harvests 2,000 Pounds of Organic Veggies for Local Food Banks North Columbia neighborhood volunteers celebrate record community garden yields providing fresh produce to families. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-koger-center-broadway-in-columbia-season-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1469488865564-c2de10f69f96?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Koger Center for the Arts Unveils 2026-2027 Broadway in Columbia Season Featuring Five National Tours Blockbuster musicals including Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King set to dazzle Midlands theatergoers. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-vienna-global-clean-energy-accord-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1497435334941-8c899ee9e8e9?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Vienna Global Energy Assembly Ratifies Binding 2030 Clean Hydrogen Certification Protocol Diplomats from 72 nations agreed on universal purity standards and zero-tariff shipping corridors for green ammonia and maritime hydrogen. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-city-parks-fifteen-pocket-parks-plan-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1519331379826-f10be5486c6f?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia City Parks Unveils Master Plan for 15 New Neighborhood Pocket Parks and Community Gardens City Council allocates $6.5 million to convert vacant urban parcels into lush community gathering green spaces. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/dev-west-columbia-riverfront-promenade-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1517248135467-4c7edcad34c4?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 West Columbia Riverfront Promenade Breaks Ground on Multi-Level Dining and Brewery Terrace A $22 million riverfront hospitality project will connect Meeting Street directly to the Congaree Riverwalk. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-columbia-riverfront-indie-music-festival-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514525253161-7a46d19cd819?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia Riverfront Indie Music Festival Sells Out Weekend Passes in Record Two Hours Over 12,000 music fans will gather at Riverfront Canal Park for two days of national and regional indie rock performances. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-fed-reserve-economic-briefing-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1590283603385-17ffb3a7f29f?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Federal Reserve Economic Briefing Highlights Sustained Inflation Stability and Resilient Hiring Central bank policymakers noted balanced labor indicators and steady consumer spending as core inflation indices held steady at 2.1 percent. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/dev-usc-innovista-ai-laboratory-grant-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1497366216548-37526070297c?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 USC Innovista Life Sciences & AI Center Awarded $18M Federal Technology Hub Expansion Grant The research facility on Assembly Street will add advanced quantum simulation labs and biomedical cleanrooms. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-sc-philharmonic-beethoven-opening-night-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1511192336575-5a79af67a629?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 South Carolina Philharmonic Opens Season With Triumphant Beethoven Symphony and Modern Southern Premiere Music Director Scott Speck conducts an electrifying season opener featuring guest piano virtuoso. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-transatlantic-fiber-benchmark-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544197150-b99a580bb7a8?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 New Transatlantic Deep-Sea Fiber Network Achieves Record 800 Terabits-Per-Second Transmission Telecommunications consortium tests demonstrate ultra-low latency data transfer between Virginia Beach and Saint-Nazaire, France. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/dev-north-main-commercial-revitalization-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1486406146926-c627a92ad1ab?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 North Main Corridor Transformation: Mixed-Use Residential and Grocery Anchor Approved Columbia Planning Commission greenlights a $34 million mixed-use village bringing fresh food access to Cottontown and Elmwood. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-downtown-columbia-film-production-wrap-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1485846234645-a62644f84728?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Major Feature Film Wraps Two-Week Production in Downtown Columbia and Congaree River District A-list historical drama production pumps over $6 million directly into Midlands hotels, dining, and local crew hires. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-sc-biomedical-export-surge-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1532187863486-abf9dbad1b69?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 South Carolina Life Sciences and Medical Device Exports Surge 28% in Third Quarter State economic data shows life sciences has grown into a multi-billion dollar pillar, anchored by research clusters in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/dev-congaree-pedestrian-bridge-feasibility-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1477959858617-67f30bc75b82?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Congaree River Pedestrian & Bicycle Bridge Study Moves to Environmental Review Phase Proposed footbridge spanning from Cayce Riverwalk to Williams-Brice stadium district gains wide regional community support. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-columbia-museum-of-art-southern-painters-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1579783900882-c0d3dad7b119?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia Museum of Art Debuts Landmark Exhibition of 20th-Century Southern Master Painters Over 80 original oils and watercolors celebrate the diverse landscapes and human spirit of the American South. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-iss-science-expedition-handover-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1451187580459-43490279c0fa?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 International Space Station Welcomes New Joint American-European Science Expedition Crew Astronauts docked safely at the orbital outpost to commence a six-month mission focusing on protein crystal growth and zero-gravity metallurgy. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-five-points-six-new-storefronts-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Five Points Commercial District Welcomes Six New Family-Owned Boutiques and Artisan Eateries Historic shopping village enjoys retail renaissance with new artisan ice cream parlour, bookstore, and vintage fashion. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-local-columbia-author-bestseller-list-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544716278-ca5e3f4abd8c?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia Author's Debut Southern Gothic Mystery Novel Rockets to New York Times Bestseller List Former USC literature graduate lands on national charts with atmospheric thriller set along the Congaree swamp. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-un-global-river-conservation-treaty-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1507525428034-b723cf961d3e?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 UN Biodiversity Summit Adopts Global Treaty Safeguarding Transboundary River Basins Over 110 nations agreed on enforceable biodiversity metrics and water extraction quotas along international waterways. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-congaree-national-park-night-canoe-tours-sept22 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1544367567-0f2fcb009e0b?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Congaree National Park Opens Online Reservations for Ranger-Guided Autumn Night Canoe Tours Paddle through pristine old-growth floodplain forest beneath starry nighttime skies and ancient cypress canopies. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-geneva-global-clean-hydrogen-accord-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1497435334941-8c899ee9e8e9?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Global Energy Summit in Geneva Ratifies Landmark 2030 Clean Hydrogen Standard Delegates from 64 nations finalized a binding international framework setting harmonized certification and cross-border transport standards for green hydrogen energy. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-lunar-gateway-orbit-insertion-success-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1451187580459-43490279c0fa?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 International Deep Space Consortium Confirms Flawless Lunar Gateway Orbit Insertion Ground controllers at the European and American mission control centers celebrated as the core habitation and propulsion modules achieved their targeted near-rectilinear halo orbit. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-78th-primetime-emmy-awards-historic-triumphs-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514525253161-7a46d19cd819?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 78th Primetime Emmy Awards Celebrate Historic Triumphs as Global Dramas and Indie Series Sweep Honors The Television Academy recognized groundbreaking creative vision in Los Angeles, honoring multicultural ensembles and celebrated international co-productions. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-tokyo-cross-border-digital-settlement-protocol-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1590283603385-17ffb3a7f29f?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Tokyo Financial Forum Launches Real-Time Cross-Border Digital Currency Clearing Protocol Thirteen central banks across Asia and Europe unveiled a unified interbank ledger enabling instant wholesale trade settlement with zero foreign exchange spread penalties. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-london-broadway-simultaneous-shakespeare-trilogy-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1507676184212-d03ab07a01bf?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 West End and Broadway Unveil Groundbreaking Simultaneous Dual-City Revival of Shakespearean Trilogy Live satellite hologram staging and synchronized theatrical casting will allow audiences in London and New York to experience interconnected performances nightly. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-european-high-speed-rail-berlin-vienna-record-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1474487548417-781cb71495f3?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 European High-Speed Rail Corridor Connects Berlin to Vienna in Record Under-Four-Hour Run The inaugural commercial express traversed the newly modernized alpine tunnel network, marking a major milestone for pan-European electric mass transit connectivity. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-venice-film-festival-golden-lion-sofia-chen-masterpiece-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1489599849927-2ee91cede3ba?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Venice International Film Festival Awards Golden Lion to Sofia Chen's Neorealist Masterpiece The celebrated director's intimate drama exploring family resilience and climate displacement captured the prestigious jury's unanimous highest honor. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/latest-un-food-security-harvest-breakthrough-africa-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1500937386664-56d1dfef3854?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 UN Food Security Report Records Landmark Harvest Boost Across Sub-Saharan Africa Drought-resistant bio-fortified grain varieties and solar-powered drip irrigation initiatives generated a 32 percent year-over-year cereal yield surge across eight nations. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-vinyl-spatial-audio-streaming-sales-milestones-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1539185441755-769473a23570?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Music Recording Federation Reports Vinyl and Spatial Audio Surpass Historic Revenue Milestones Global physical LP pressing sales climbed 18 percent as younger music listeners champion tactile records alongside high-fidelity studio masters. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-canneseries-gala-celebrates-global-storytellers-nominations-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1478720568477-152d9b164e26?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Canneseries International Television Gala Unveils Record Multilingual Drama Nominations Showrunners from twenty-eight nations will premiere original episodic series along the French Riviera, celebrating boundary-pushing dramatic writing. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/dot-sweeping-airline-passenger-refund-protections-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1436491865332-7a61a109cc05?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Department of Transportation Announces Sweeping New Airline Passenger Refund Protections Federal aviation rules mandate automatic cash refunds within seven days for cancellations, significant delays, and lost luggage without voucher games. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/downtown-columbia-commercial-real-estate-occupancy-high-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1486406146926-c627a92ad1ab?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Downtown Columbia Commercial Real Estate Occupancy Hits Post-Pandemic High of 92% Main Street and Vista office towers experience surging leasing activity from financial institutions, software firms, and corporate law practices. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/eMwlO9ZhVRZ9lE53KKvM https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/09/931/523/nolan-james-jr-notre-dame-touchdown-fox-news_.jpg?ve=1&tl=1 Notre Dame football holds Michigan State to 167 total yards in 27-10 home victory CJ Carr threw for 234 yards as No. 3 Notre Dame's defense forced two turnovers and held Michigan State to just 167 total yards in the rout. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/kI58E64fNKTksWz5Daok https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/08/931/523/trump-winning-ai-race.jpg?ve=1&tl=1 Trump announces new 'AI Force,' vows to protect industry as AI czar announcement nears Trump's new AI Force mirrors his first-term Space Force creation, with a high-IQ "czar" appointment coming soon to oversee the booming industry. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/lexington-county-baker-elaborate-gamecock-stadium-cake-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1535141192574-5d4897c13136?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Lexington County Baker's Elaborate Gamecock Stadium Cake Astounds College Football Fans A hyper-realistic 40-pound red velvet confection featuring functioning LED light towers and Cockabooses becomes the talk of SEC tailgates. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/lake-murray-water-levels-appalachian-runoff-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1476514525535-07fb3b4ae5f1?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Lake Murray Water Levels Projected to Rise Following Heavy Appalachian Runoff Dominion Energy water managers prepare for increased hydroelectric release protocols as Saluda River tributaries swell from upstream mountain rains. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/jTXzsca89UJahwwRa0nr https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/09/931/523/Miss-USA-2026-Justus-Kelley.jpg?ve=1&tl=1 History-making Miss USA reveals how she got swimsuit-ready while raising 2 young kids Justus Kelley reveals how she prepped for the Miss USA pageant during nap times and bath routines while caring for her two young foster children. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ecSqWjgEa2ZzpDKnfu6p https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2026/06/931/523/hollywood-pop-culture-quiz-5.jpg?ve=1&tl=1 Test your pop culture: From Hollywood to the Heartland From a country star contemplating life beyond music to a Hollywood reunion nearly 40 years in the making, see how closely you followed this week's biggest entertainment moments. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/k1tOtRMacazwzbsMTXqm https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2022/09/931/523/Tom-Barrett.jpg?ve=1&tl=1 Congressman Tom Barrett: 'Being a socialist should disqualify him for people's consideration in my district' Michigan's Tom Barrett is locked in a tight race in the Lansing-based 7th District against William Lawrence, founder of the Sunrise Movement. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/lexington-richland-five-ranked-top-public-schools-carolinas-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1523240795612-9a054b0db644?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Lexington-Richland School District 5 Ranked Among Top Public School Systems in the Carolinas New educational performance data highlights outstanding STEM graduation rates, advanced placement enrollment, and student academic growth across Chapin and Irmo high schools. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/heartwarming-dashcam-police-officer-senior-turtle-road-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1437622368342-7a3d73a34c8f?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Heartwarming Dashcam Video of Columbia Police Officer Helping Senior Turtle Cross Road Goes Worldwide A gentle moment of kindness caught on cruiser dashcam as an officer halts traffic on Rosewood Drive to safely guide a large river cooter turtle. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/k3r0Ha0XZE33iqth1Bk2 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504711434969-e33886168f5c?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1200 LSU QB Sam Leavitt upgraded to questionable for Ole Miss game Leavitt was listed as doubtful on Wednesday, which was viewed skeptically as LSU subterfuge by fans and media. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/eQex2oFUCMcJBLvAI6F8 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1589829085413-56de8ae18c73?w=1200&q=80 High-Profile Murdaugh Financial Trial Begins in Richland County High-Profile Murdaugh Financial Trial Begins in Richland County https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/energy-prices-remain-in-focus-as-middle-east-confl /src/assets/images/energy_prices_middle_east_1788648172752.jpg Energy Prices Remain in Focus as Middle East Conflict Continues Global energy markets remain under pressure as the military confrontation involving the United States and Iran continues. Oil prices have been closely watched because disruptions involving major shipping routes could affect supplies and transportation costs. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-columbia-museum-of-art-unveils-major-carolina-impressionism-exhibit-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1579783902614-a3fb3927b675?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1200 Columbia Museum of Art Unveils Landmark "Carolina Landscapes: 1890–1940" Exhibition Over 80 historic landscape masterworks depicting the Lowcountry marshes, Congaree rivers, and Blue Ridge foothills go on display on Main Street. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-koger-center-announces-broadway-in-columbia-2026-season-ticket-sales-surge-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516450360452-9312f5e86fc7?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1200 Koger Center for the Arts Reports Record Broadway in Columbia Ticket Rush National touring productions of Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King generate historic box office sales for the University of South Carolina performing arts center. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-soda-city-autumn-arts-and-culinary-festival-takes-over-main-street-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514525253161-7a46d19cd819?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1200 Soda City Autumn Arts Festival Brings 140 Regional Artisans & Food Trucks to Downtown Columbia’s Main Street transforms into a vibrant outdoor cultural corridor featuring live jazz stages, live glassblowing, and Lowcountry culinary pop-ups. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/ent-trustus-theatre-celebrates-40th-season-with-acclaimed-southern-playwright-series-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1507676184212-d03ab07a01bf?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=1200 Trustus Theatre Celebrates 40th Anniversary Season with Contemporary Southern Works The Congaree Vista’s premier independent performing arts venue announces a provocative slate of regional premieres, musicals, and student playwriting workshops. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/gamecocks-williams-brice-sec-saturday-walkthrough-prep-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1566577739112-5180d4bf9390?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Gamecock Gameday: Shane Beamer Final Walkthrough Sets Stage for Sold-Out Williams-Brice Showdown With 78,000 garnet-and-black faithful arriving in Columbia, South Carolina looks to capitalize on top-rated defensive pass rush. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/gamecocks-womens-basketball-dawn-staley-recruiting-class-national-rank-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1546519638-68e109498ffc?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Dawn Staley Secures Nation's Consensus No. 1 Women's Basketball Recruiting Class for 2026-27 Three top-five national five-star prospects commit to South Carolina, cementing national championship dynastic run. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/gamecocks-baseball-founders-park-fall-scrimmage-power-display-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1508962914676-134849a727f0?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Founders Park Fall World Series: Gamecock Baseball Lineup Showcases Triple-Digit Heat and Deep Power Freshmen pitching phenoms hit 99 MPH on radar guns as intrasquad fall scrimmage draws 4,000 fans to Founders Park. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/gamecocks-williams-brice-sold-out-sec-clash-preview-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1566577739112-5180d4bf9390?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Gamecock Gameday Preview: Sold-Out Williams-Brice Prepares for Top-20 SEC Night Showdown Over 78,000 garnet-clad fans will pack Williams-Brice Stadium for a pivotal conference showdown under the lights. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/events-columbia-greek-festival-2026-prepares-for-100000-visitors https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia Greek Festival 2026 Opens Gates on Sumter Street: Four Days of Gyros, Baklava, and Dancing The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church hosts South Carolina's favorite autumn culinary festival with live bouzouki music and cathedral tours. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/gamecocks-dawn-staley-unveils-womens-basketball-non-conference-gauntlet-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1546519638-68e109498ffc?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Dawn Staley Unveils South Carolina Women's Basketball 2026-27 Non-Conference Schedule Reigning national powerhouses visit Colonial Life Arena in a championship-caliber early season slate. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/events-sc-state-fair-announces-2026-concert-headliners-and-new-fair-food-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1513889961551-628c1e5e2ee9?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 South Carolina State Fair Releases Full 2026 Pepsi Grandstand Concert Roster and Wild Food Creations Country, R&B, and rock icons take the stage alongside deep-fried Southern delicacies and world-class livestock exhibits. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/gamecocks-recruiting-five-star-dual-threat-quarterback-commits-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1508098682722-e99c43a406b2?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Recruiting Surge: Nation's No. 3 Dual-Threat Quarterback Commits to South Carolina Five-star prospect chooses Gamecocks over Ohio State and Georgia, citing offensive scheme and culture. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/events-rosewood-fall-music-crawl-and-porch-fest-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1511671782779-c97d3d27a1d4?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Rosewood PorchFest 2026: 45 Local Bands Perform Across Neighborhood Front Porches This Sunday Community grass-roots music festival turns quiet residential sidewalks into a walkable, acoustic acoustic celebration. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/gamecocks-baseball-announces-fall-scrimmage-series-at-founders-park-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1508344928928-7165b67de128?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Founders Park Opens Free Admission for Gamecocks Baseball Autumn Garnet & Black World Series Fans can catch 15 free fall intrasquad scrimmages as incoming transfers and freshmen battle for starting rotations. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/events-congaree-national-park-autumn-ranger-guided-stargazing-night-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1506744038136-46273834b3fb?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Congaree National Park Hosts Fall Night Sky Stargazing and Owl Prowl Along Boardwalk Rangers lead dark-sky astronomy telescope viewings and nocturnal wildlife walks deep into old-growth hardwood forest. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/gamecocks-nil-collective-partners-with-midlands-charities-for-youth-sports-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1517649763962-0c623266ddc0?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Gamecock Student-Athletes Partner with Columbia Youth Leagues for Free Skills Clinics Over 40 football, soccer, and volleyball players will mentor 500 local kids at Charles R. Drew Wellness Center. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/events-lexington-chili-cookoff-and-craft-beer-expo-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Town of Lexington Chili Cookoff & Craft Beer Expo Draws 30 Competitive Culinary Teams Icehouse Amphitheater hosts annual spicy cookoff featuring fire department recipes, smoked brisket chilis, and local cider. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-town-theatre-celebrates-107th-season-with-sold-out-musical-comedy-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1507676184212-d03ab07a01bf?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia's Historic Town Theatre Opens 107th Continuous Season with Acclaimed Musical Production The oldest continuously operating community theatre in the United States welcomes capacity crowds to Sumter Street. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/entertainment-trustus-theatre-vista-announces-bold-contemporary-playwright-series-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1469488865564-c2de10f69f96?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Trustus Theatre in The Vista Reveals New Season of Edgy Contemporary Drama and Comedy Columbia's renowned professional theatre company brings innovative new scripts and intimate black-box productions. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/events-columbia-museum-of-art-first-thursday-on-main-gallery-crawl-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1518998053901-5348d3961a04?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Columbia Museum of Art Unveils Free Admission and Live Jazz for October First Thursday on Main Main Street galleries, bistros, and open-air stages will showcase regional painters and sculptors under string lights. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/events-gaston-collard-festival-announces-annual-midlands-cookoff-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Gaston Collard Festival Prepares for 42nd Annual Midlands Fall Celebration and Cook-Off Family fun, live bluegrass concerts, and world-champion potlikker stew tastings arrive in Lexington County. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/events-koger-center-for-the-arts-broadway-in-columbia-season-opener-2026 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514525253161-7a46d19cd819?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80 Koger Center for the Arts Opens 2026 Broadway Season with Acclaimed National Tour The Columbia performing arts palace welcomes award-winning Broadway musicals and orchestral performances this autumn.