Good morning, Spartanburg.

Jan. 28 marked the 40th anniversary of the Challenger explosion that claimed the life of SC native Ronald McNair.

Local memorials in Lake City — including a museum, statue, and boulevard — honor his legacy in aerospace and education.

Kappa League volunteers cleaned up East Spartanburg Cemetery on Plantation Road on Martin Luther King Jr. Day—county councilman Monier Abusaft plans to seek county funding to pave access roads and install an American flag to honor veterans.

Breeze Airways announced a new nonstop route from Greenville-Spartanburg to Columbus (operating Mondays and Fridays) starting May 8, with a $49 No Flex Fare promotion available until Feb.

3 to boost summer travel.

Country star Tracy Lawrence will bring his No Alibis Tour to Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium on Thursday, May 28 at 7:45 p.m., with Chandler Waters opening for him.

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

John Humphries (retired in 2024 after serving as general manager at WYFF 4) will be inducted into the SCBA Hall of Fame at the Awards of Distinction dinner tomorrow in Columbia.

He spent over four decades in broadcast TV and led local broadcasting with integrity, earning this prestigious honor.

A $3 billion AI data center, Project Spero, will begin construction this year at Tyger River Industrial Park – North and is expected to support 50 jobs with operations starting in 2027.

TigerDC said the facility will use existing industrial electrical infrastructure to keep rates steady.

Meteorologists expect measurable snowfall across the Upstate this weekend, with light flurries starting Friday night and continuing Saturday as temperatures dip into the teens.

Residents should prepare for icy conditions and winter travel precautions.

Spartanburg County officials opened a shelter during an ice storm to care for measles patients after nearly 800 cases were reported across the state, with most cases occurring locally and 20 schools affected.

Local leaders urge residents to get vaccinated to slow the spread.

Local high school basketball fans can vote for Upstate midseason player of the year from a list of 10 candidates in Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson.

The poll closes at noon Feb. 1 — voting data reflects stats updated through Jan. 14.

Healthy Smiles Laugh For A Child

6:00 – 11:59 p.m. — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — $30 add-on for VIP access — Enjoy a VIP experience with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and early entry at this community event.

Winter Concert

3-4 p.m. — Twichell Auditorium — Ticket details available — Youth musicians showcase their growth and dedication with challenging repertoire.

The King's Singers Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Blackman Music Building — $34 – $66 — Experience vocal perfection as The King's Singers blend harmony and artistry in an unforgettable concert.

Candlelight Concert: Valentine's Day Special

8:45-9:45 p.m. — Indigo Hall & Events — Get your tickets now — Experience the magic of live music in a unique candlelit setting.

Love & Passion Valentine's Dinner & Music

6:30 PM — Venue 415 Union — Proceeds to PTL Training Course — Celebrate love with a romantic dinner and live music by the Floyd Passion Band.

Voices of a Nation: Festival of American Voices Kickoff

7-10 p.m. — Twichell Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience a vibrant exploration of American classical music showcasing diverse cultural voices.

Wrapped In Love: Community Baby Shower

11 AM – 1 PM — CC Woodson Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate and support Sparta's expecting and new mothers with essential resources and community love.