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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What happened to the pregnant cat that ate yarn? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. SCETV launches immersive educational content series "Zoo Minutes" (scetv.org) — Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia is teaming up with SCETV to launch "Zoo Minutes," a new interactive video series that lets students and families explore animals and conservation in immersive 360-degree formats. Starting Sept. 18, Columbia educators can access ready-made classroom resources through KnowItAll.org, while local families can stream behind-the-scenes animal stories on SCETV's digital platforms.
2. How many South Carolina college grads stay in state for work? (newsfromthestates.com) — New research shows most South Carolina college grads, including many from Columbia's USC system, start their careers in-state but fewer than half remain after five years. Economists shared the findings at a Columbia workforce conference, highlighting strong long-term retention in teaching and nursing. Locally funded internship programs at USC aim to keep more graduates working in high-demand industries across South Carolina.
3. SC Senate's pet projects give glimpse into budget with no direct nonprofit funding (fortmillsun.com) — State lawmakers meeting in Columbia have agreed that future earmark spending will route money through local governments instead of directly to nonprofits, changing how many Midlands organizations might be funded. The $350 million deal includes examples of projects that still benefit nonprofits, while leaders like West Columbia's Micah Caskey push for more transparency and oversight. Ongoing debates could reshape how local services and attractions get state support.
4. SC's 2nd Congressional District race heats up ahead of November election (wistv.com) — Voters in Columbia and the wider 2nd Congressional District are weighing longtime Republican Rep. Joe Wilson against Democratic challenger Zion Khalifa, with both candidates pitching sharply different visions on taxes, economic security, and constituent service. The race, which also includes a Workers Party candidate, is drawing attention ahead of the November 3 election, and a debate between Wilson and Khalifa is planned but not yet scheduled.
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-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: She had mittens! (Thank you April M. for sending it in!)
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