Morning Columbia! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️
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 do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Columbia officials say 400-plus served as homeless services committee meets (wach.com) — Columbia officials report that more than 400 people used the city's homeless services in 2025, with 848 helped since programs like Rapid Shelter Columbia and the Recovery Commitment Center began. Leaders stress that progress toward stable housing is slow, referral-based, and individualized, and encourage residents to start by checking resources on the city website or at Richland County Library.
2. Dominion to lower Lake Murray levels (abccolumbia.com) — If you live, boat, or own property on Lake Murray near Columbia, expect noticeably lower water levels this fall as Dominion Energy draws the lake down to 350 feet through January. The move aims to control invasive aquatic vegetation, protect water quality, and give lakeside homeowners and businesses a window to repair docks and shorelines.
3. Benedict College athletic director Willie Washington laid to rest (wistv.com) — Columbia mourns longtime Benedict College athletic director Willie Washington, remembered Wednesday at First Nazareth Baptist Church and on the Benedict campus for more than 38 years of leadership. Friends, colleagues, and community members praised his role in building the Tigers into a Division II powerhouse and shaping generations of student-athletes.
4. Unsolved Carolinas: Who Murdered Erica Eaddy? (fitsnews.com) — Columbia readers are being asked to help solve the 2004 murder of 15-year-old Silene "Erica" Eaddy, who left her Columbia home and was later found beaten and burned in rural Lower Richland County. Investigators still believe someone locally knows key details and urge anyone with information about Erica's final hours or suspicious behavior at the time to contact Richland County authorities or Crime Stoppers.
5. USC celebrates 225 years amid record enrollment growth (wistv.com) — USC is celebrating its 225th anniversary in Columbia while reporting record enrollment, strong finances, and major campus upgrades that affect local students and the broader community. University leaders credit close partnerships with the city, state officials, and industry for helping expand programs, improve facilities, and strengthen South Carolina's workforce and economic competitiveness.
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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: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
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