Good day Columbia! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: The South Carolina Black Film Festival with Queens (NY) Underground International Film Festival and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Columbia Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile - America's Best Mobile Network, 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.
1. HBCU-Authorized Charter School Coming to Columbia; Applications Open Oct. 28 (ognsc.com) — Families in Columbia's southeast neighborhoods will soon have a new option as C.R. Neal Academy, a free public charter middle and high school on Atlas Road, opens applications October 28 for its August 2027 launch. Authorized by Voorhees University, the school will start with sixth and ninth graders, blend college-prep academics with career pathways, and has already cleared key city zoning approvals.
2. A third Columbia location of a national chicken chain closes. What we know (thestate.com) — Columbia diners have lost another Slim Chickens, with the Garners Ferry Road location in Lower Richland now closed and locked during normal hours. This marks the third Columbia-area Slim Chickens to shut down in recent months, following closures on Beltline Boulevard in Forest Acres and off Killian Road, leaving only three locations statewide in other cities.
3. Citation over sidewalk ordinance sparks debate on feeding homeless (wistv.com) — A Columbia volunteer with Food Not Bombs Midlands was cited under the city's sidewalk ordinance while handing out free meals near the downtown Richland Library, sparking debate over how to feed people in need. Police say the concern is sidewalk safety and suggest alternate sites or permits, while city leaders plan to revisit the issue in an upcoming meeting.
4. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Recognizes Seven Columbia Residents During its Statewide Conference;Commemorates the Memory of the Emanuel Nine (carolinapanorama.com) — Columbia residents will soon host Alpha Phi Alpha's statewide district conference at the DoubleTree on Bush River Road, where seven Midlands leaders will receive Emanuel Nine Awards. The three-day gathering will focus on community impact, civil rights legacy, and strategies South Carolina chapters can bring back to communities across the state, with several honorees closely tied to Columbia institutions and churches.
5. South Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for Sept. 29, 2026 (greenvilleonline.com) — If you bought a South Carolina lottery ticket in Columbia or anywhere in the state, here are the Sept. 29 winning numbers and exactly how to claim your prize. Smaller wins can be handled at retailers, while bigger jackpots require mailing forms or visiting the Columbia claims center with proper ID.
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.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Columbia PatchAM possible:
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
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: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. 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.