Hi there, Columbia! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. āļøļø
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 3 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the chicken go to the gym? š¤ (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 SpeedtestĀ®. Based on analysis by OoklaĀ® of Speedtest IntelligenceĀ® 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.
1. USC enrollment nears 42,000 at flagship campus (lexingtonchronicle.com subscription) ā USC's Columbia campus is nearing 42,000 students this fall, with more than 33,000 undergraduates studying right here in Columbia. The record enrollment brings first-year students from all 46 South Carolina counties and dozens of states and countries, underscoring the university's growing draw and its expanding impact on the city's neighborhoods, housing, and local economy.
Ā Ā Ā
2. Council defers text amendment change, again (thecolumbiastar.com) ā Columbia residents face continued uncertainty as City Council again deferred a key text amendment that could affect development and potential gas station or title-loan uses in the Hyatt Park/Keenan Terrace area. Council did move ahead on several zoning, franchise, and financing measures, approved a temporary moratorium on certain residential intensification in multiple neighborhoods, and made new appointments to the Columbia Prepares Advisory Committee.
Ā Ā Ā
3. The Jasper Project announces a call for literary art for the upcoming anthology Degenerate Art Project III: The Conversation Continues (thecolumbiastar.com) ā South Carolina writers have a new chance to be published in a Jasper Project anthology responding to today's social and political climate, with selected work tied to a 2027 exhibition. Contributors must live in-state and may be invited to a book launch and reading at Columbia's Stormwater Studios, with submissions due by December 15.
Ā Ā Ā
4. A new business plans a location at this West Columbia former grocery store site (thestate.com) ā A new Advance Auto Parts store is coming soon to the former KJ's Market space in the Westside Plaza shopping center on Augusta Road in West Columbia, just across the river from Columbia. Prep work is underway inside, and the auto parts chain will join a busy lineup of nearby retailers and restaurants, though an exact opening date hasn't been announced yet.
Ā Ā Ā
5. Broad River Road, I-20 closures expected for fallen Columbia officer's funeral on Friday (wltx.com) ā Drivers around Columbia and Irmo should expect major delays Friday as hundreds of vehicles join the funeral procession for fallen Columbia Police Officer Christopher DeLong Jr., affecting Broad River Road and I-20. Services begin at 11 a.m. at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, with additional closures and a burial in Elgin, so plan alternate routes and extra travel time.
Ā Ā Ā
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Ā
Thank you ššš to these businesses for making Columbia PatchAM possible:
Click here to show your appreciation! š
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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: He was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Columbia Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.