🌱High-Ranking GOP Member Arrested + Nonprofit Donates 500+ Gifts

Happy Friday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Warm with periods of sun. High: 71 Low: 57.

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Here are the top stories in Columbia today:

1. A high-ranking member of the Lexington County Republican Party was arrested Thursday for assaulting a city councilman at the political party's Christmas drop-in. Angus Godwin, 51, an executive committeeman for his precinct and a voting member at county party meetings, turned himself into the Town of Lexington Police Department. (Lexington County Chronicle)
2. A local nonprofit is gearing up to give away more than 500 gifts to children and adults this holiday season. Building Better Communities' (BBC) annual Joyous Christmas Give-A-Way is a staple event. The organization and its partners ALLIED Air, Richland County Sheriff's Department, and Mayor Steve Benjamin's Office have hosted the event for several years. (ColaDaily.com)
3. Aflac has awarded $365,000 in grants to 47 local nonprofits in its spring and fall 2021 grant cycles. Nonprofits receiving grants are working on projects that support health and well-being and education in communities throughout South Carolina. (Columbia Star)

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Today in Columbia:

• Winter Camp 2021 - Winter Camp At Indian Waters Council - Boy Scouts Of America (5:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The CDC is working with state and local public health officials to monitor the spread of the Omicron variant. Delta remains the predominant variant circulating in the United States, but Omicron is increasing, especially in some parts of the country. (Facebook)
• There's no better view of South Carolina's Grand Strand than from the sky! Discover South Carolina invites you to take a trip around the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach on this week's season finale of "Go For It! (Instagram)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow morning for 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.