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🌱 Patch AM: Why Columbia’s 100-degree heat briefly knocked out power this week

Coming up on the Columbia Patch calendar: Best of What's Around

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Wednesday August 19th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hi there, Columbia! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Columbia's 100-degree heat briefly knocked out power this week
  • How USC police want students staying safe on Columbia streets this fall
  • Want to plug into 86 years of Columbia community service?

Also on today's calendar: Afterlight, an Evening of Original Movement and Storytelling and 5 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Judith W.!

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Columbia Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Columbia Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Columbia.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 98 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and hot, temps: high: 100, low: 75.
  • Friday: Humid with a heavy t-storm, with a high of 96 and low of 74 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Extreme heat caused power interruptions as Columbia hit 100 degrees Monday (thestate.com) — Extreme heat pushing Columbia to 100 degrees on Monday caused power lines to sag and triggered several brief "blinks" for Tri-County Electric customers, especially in Lower Richland. Utilities say the issue with a sagging transmission line contacting a Dominion line has been corrected, but note that rising summer temperatures continue to strain the local and national power grid.
   

2. USC police share safety advice for new school year (wistv.com) — USC police are urging students in Columbia to stay alert, use crosswalks, and avoid distractions like phones and earbuds while walking around campus and city streets. Officers also recommend downloading the Carolina Safe app for alerts and 24/7 dispatch access, and note that free self-defense classes are available at Russell House Ballroom for students wanting extra preparation.
   

3. Beta Beta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. celebrates 86 years of service with Community Open House (carolinapanorama.com) — Residents of Columbia and Richland County are invited to a Community Open House celebrating 86 years of service by the Beta Beta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Attendees can meet members, learn about local programs, and explore ways to support volunteer, partnership, and charitable initiatives that strengthen the Columbia area.
   

4. GreenJackets Sweep Doubleheader to Open Series in Columbia (milb.com) — Columbia baseball fans just saw the Augusta GreenJackets sweep a Tuesday doubleheader against the Columbia Fireflies at Segra Park, highlighted by dominant starts from Derek Vartanian and Daniel Brooks. The seven-game home series continues this week, with Columbia looking to bounce back as Augusta chases its longest win streak of the season.
   

5. South Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for Aug. 18, 2026 (greenvilleonline.com) — If you bought a winning South Carolina lottery ticket, you may need to head to Columbia to cash in, especially for prizes over $100,000 that must be claimed at headquarters on Assembly Street. The article lists Aug. 18 drawing results and explains where and how to redeem winnings by mail, at retailers, or in person.
   

📣 Columbia Shout Outs!

  • 🌟 Dr. Clark Artis is a trailblazer, an attorney, an author and a higher education leader serving as the 14th President & Chief Executive Officer of Benedict College. She is the first woman/black woman! —Judith W.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This little guy is looking for his forever home.
    He is currently in foster care with my daughter and we are trying hard to find him a home so he doesn't have to go back to the shelter! He is a 12… (Nextdoor Spring Valley)
  • Found someone's Rottweiler in our neighborhood.
    Its super hot so we brought her in fed and gave her some much needed attention. I won't be able to keep her just hoping someone claims her soon. (Nextdoor Lost Tree)
  • Columbia Sussex Corporation posted a job opening for Hotel Night Auditor in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Scion Group, LLC posted a job opening for Porter 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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