Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How State Guard troops helped Columbia families during the federal shutdown

And check out Release and Renew: A Sound Healing Journey into 2026 on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Coffee in hand, Columbia? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How State Guard troops helped Columbia families during the federal shutdown
  • Will this Gamecocks coach’s exit cost Columbia a defensive star?
  • How Columbia donations fueled a Gamecock alumni holiday toy surprise

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 windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Monday: Mostly sunny and cooler, with a high of 57 and low of 37 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 66, low: 47.
  • Wednesday: Sunny and pleasantly warm, with a high of 73 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. South Carolina State Guard completes hunger‑relief mission enacted during federal shutdown (counton2.com) — Columbia residents were among thousands helped by a recent South Carolina State Guard hunger‑relief mission during the federal shutdown, with soldiers directly supporting food distribution in the city. Working with major food banks, Guard members helped deliver groceries to tens of thousands of families statewide and say they’re ready to respond again whenever communities like Columbia need them.
   

2. Gamecocks have another coaching vacancy to fill; Move could affect explosive player (postandcourier.com) — Columbia-based South Carolina football is losing key defensive assistant Sterling Lucas to LSU, creating yet another coaching vacancy for Shane Beamer to fill. Lucas’ departure could influence whether rising pass-rushing star Dylan Stewart stays, adding uncertainty for Gamecocks fans already watching a major staff reshuffle.
   

3. Gamecock alumni give back with Weight of the Eight Toy Giveaway (wistv.com) — Columbia families helped power a Gamecock alumni toy drive that collected gifts here and in Charleston and Florence to brighten the holidays for more than 150 kids. Though the giveaway happened in Florence, Columbia drop-off sites supplied toys, blankets, and other resources, plus free food, for children whose families are struggling this season.
   

4. State agencies were asked how to cut 3% from SC's budget. It's harder than it looks. (postandcourier.com) — From Columbia, state budget writers are weighing what a 3% cut would mean for South Carolina agencies, from schools and prisons to road maintenance. The debate pits warnings about lost services and staff against conservative calls for zero-based budgeting and leaner government, shaping how tax dollars ultimately affect classrooms, public safety, and infrastructure statewide.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Don’t give up on your dreams.
    I don’t care if you’re 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90. Take steps toward what matters to you. You’d be surprised what you can accomplish when you… (Nextdoor The Summit)
  • What is going on tonight on Two Notch Rd?
    I'm lying in bed and sounds like 50 or more police are zooming by Polo Rd. (Nextdoor WildeWood)
  • 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)
  • Whataburger posted a job opening for Restaurant Porter - Unit 1560 in Columbia. Apply here.
  • American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. posted a job opening for AE - Stock Associate 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 your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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