🌱 State House Rally For Ukraine + Columbia Water Changes

Hello again, Columbia! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Columbia Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Columbia Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Columbia long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

Warmer with clouds and sun. High: 62 Low: 35.

Here are the top three stories today in Columbia:

1. On Saturday, dozens of people gathered outside the State House to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Some attendees were former Ukrainian residents now residing in the Columbia area. According to event organizers, the goal of the rally was to encourage state and national leaders to take action. (WLTX.com)
2. Amid ongoing staffing shortages and work order backlogs, Columbia Water is taking steps to improve its service. The city has reportedly hired private companies to tackle the backlogs and is looking to partner with local landscapers for yard repairs. Mayor Daniel Rickenmann hopes to see significant changes take place in the next two months. (WLTX.com)
3. A Columbia native recently launched a storefront for SWIFF, his luxury streetwear brand. Ashanti Thomas, who originally sold his products at Soda City Market, now has his own building in Five Points. In addition to selling the "simple and clean" clothing line, Thomas says the store will also host monthly events and feature a bar. (Abccolumbia.com)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Columbia:

• CATS - Koger Center for the Arts (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Gas prices in South Carolina and across the country are continuing to rise, in part due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Abccolumbia.com)
• The City of Columbia is implementing a new initiative to hear from area college students. Click to learn more about the "Mayor's Student Council." (WLTX.com)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you around.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.