🌱Citizen's Police Academy Wraps + New Christmas Show In Columbia

Happy Tuesday, Columbia! Here's what's going on today in Columbia.

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First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 63 Low: 34.

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Here are the top stories in Columbia today:

1. After weeks of training, Columbia's Citizen's Police Academy wrapped on Saturday for participants in the Omicron Phi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Participants learned about training, use of force, and policy; they also rode alongside officers and got involved in hands-on simulations. The program is designed to reduce violent crime by strengthening relationships between officers and the community. (WLTX.com)
2. Two local arts groups have teamed up this year to bring Columbia an all-ages Christmas show unlike any the capital city has seen before. Santa's Swingin' Christmas Party is an original production created by the Columbia Marionette Theatre and Cola Jazz Foundation. The show features a performance by two puppeteers controlling a wide variety of puppets and jazz musicians performing live. (ColaDaily.com)
3. The 21st annual Dorn VA hospital Veterans Christmas charity ride kicked off Sunday at Carolina Honda, gathering donations for military families and vets. Though the pandemic limited aspects of the event, such as the bike parade, it didn't stop people from giving back. Organizations like Harley Haven and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association of Columbia donated clothes, toiletries, and blankets helping those who served and their families just in time for the holiday. (WACH.com)

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Today's Columbia Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Columbia!

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.