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: How do billboards talk? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Columbia closes Boyd Plaza to public except during Soda City, reserved events (thestate.com) — Boyd Plaza on Main Street in downtown Columbia is now locked to the public except during the weekly Soda City Market and reserved events, following a city safety review. Officials say the move balances public safety, nearby businesses, and museum visitors, but it's also sparking debate about downtown public space and how Columbia addresses homelessness. You can still reserve the plaza through the Columbia Museum of Art.
2. Columbia man killed in apartment shooting on Brook Pines Drive (thestate.com) — A Columbia man was fatally shot Friday night inside an apartment on Brook Pines Drive, and police are still searching for the shooter. Columbia Police say the victim died at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and investigators are asking anyone with information or suspicious observations from around 9 p.m. to share anonymous tips through Crimestoppers or the P3 Tips app.
3. City of Columbia advising public to avoid flood-prone areas as Isaias approaches Gulf Coast (coladaily.com) — Columbia officials are warning residents to avoid a long list of familiar flood-prone streets, including Main and Whaley, Blossom and Saluda, and Columbia College at N. Main, as Hurricane Isaias' outer bands bring heavy rain and gusty winds. You're urged to turn around at flooded intersections and report blocked drains, downed trees, or street issues to city Public Works, Forestry, or the Customer Care Center.
4. 'They Like What They See': Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann Touts Midlands Growth, Development (columbiabusinessmonthly.com) — Columbia's mayor is highlighting how rapid growth, new hotels, and major redevelopment projects from Main Street to the BullStreet District are reshaping the city's skyline and economy. He points to cranes downtown, rising visitor numbers, and plans for a Congaree riverfront park as signs of momentum, while stressing the need for more condos, apartments, and workforce housing to keep graduates and workers living in Columbia's core.
5. South Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for Oct. 9, 2026 (greenvilleonline.com) — If you bought a lottery ticket, you can now check the Oct. 9 Mega Millions, Pick 3, Pick 4, Cash Pop, and Palmetto Cash 5 results and see if you've won. Smaller prizes can be claimed at retailers or by mail, but winnings over $100,000 must be claimed in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery headquarters on Assembly Street in Columbia within 180 days.
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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: "How do billboards talk?" — Sign language (Thank you Ellen S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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