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🌱 Patch AM: How deputies say DNA evidence led to an arrest in Columbia

Make time for Release and Renew: A Sound Healing Journey into 2026 on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Sunday December 21st Patch AM
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Good day Columbia! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How deputies say DNA evidence led to an arrest in Columbia
  • How is a Columbia-based program tackling South Carolina’s teacher shortage?
  • Why Columbia Starbucks baristas walked off the job this week

Also on today's calendar: Release and Renew: A Sound Healing Journey into 2026.

Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 66 and low of 35 degrees.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny and cooler, temps: high: 56, low: 38.
  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 64 and low of 47 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Richland County woman was zip tied and raped. Suspect now in custody, police say (thestate.com) — Deputies say a woman was kidnapped and violently assaulted at a Columbia apartment complex off Decker Boulevard, leading to the arrest of a 38-year-old suspect after DNA testing. The victim was treated at a hospital, and investigators now suspect there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department or CrimeStoppers.
   

2. OnPoint on WACH Fox: Excellence in the classroom (wach.com) — A new OnPoint segment from WACH Fox in Columbia spotlights how South Carolina is trying to build and retain a stronger corps of classroom teachers. The show highlights the EPI Center’s data-driven approach to preparing and supporting educators, stressing that a well-trained teaching workforce is essential to tackling the state’s ongoing teacher shortage.
   

3. Columbia Starbucks workers join nationwide strike (coladaily.com) — Baristas at the Starbucks on Millwood Avenue in Columbia have joined a nationwide “Red Cup Rebellion” strike, protesting what they call unfair labor practices and stalled contract talks. Their walkout follows similar action at a Lexington store and comes amid multiple federal labor investigations into Starbucks’ practices in South Carolina. Starbucks says it remains committed to good-faith negotiations.
   

4. Children hear their parents' voices at bedtime through a prison Christmas program (wltx.com) — Families from the Columbia area gathered at Goodman Correctional Institution as incarcerated parents recorded storybooks so their children can hear their voices at bedtime, even while apart. The Riley’s Readers program, which started in 2016, has now provided more than a thousand books and is expanding across South Carolina prisons to strengthen family bonds and reduce repeat incarceration.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • With all the holiday traveling happening right now, I feel compelled to share this.
    I’ve been using Uber since it originated about 15 years ago in San Francisco, where I used to live, and I’ve taken Uber rides all over the world. It… (Nextdoor South Meadowfield)
  • Just a suggestion, with company parties happening..
    trays of food, almost going to waste.. we don't live far from any place that homeless people gather.. take them to them. We just left garners ferry… (Nextdoor Winchester)
  • Recently, #RichlandCountySC Councilman Don Weaver + members of Administration toured the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia to see the... (X: RichlandSC)
  • DEW offices and SC Works centers will be closed from Wednesday, December 24th to Friday, December 26th, in observance of the holiday season. All... (X: SCDEWinfo)
  • BJ's Restaurants, Inc. posted a job opening for Janitorial in Columbia. Apply here.
  • ServiceMaster posted a job opening for Gym Janitor in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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