Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why are so many downtown Columbia sushi spots suddenly closing?

Make time for Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Hey there, Columbia! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why are so many downtown Columbia sushi spots suddenly closing?
  • How you can weigh in on South Carolina's new AI rules
  • How Columbia stacks up against Greenville for your next weekend escape

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 95 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, temps: high: 88, low: 70.
  • Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 87 and low of 69 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. A long-running restaurant in Columbia's Vista closes its doors. What we know (thestate.com) — A longtime favorite sushi spot in Columbia's Vista, SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar on Gervais Street, has closed after about two decades in business, thanking loyal customers in an emotional farewell. Its shutdown marks the third downtown Columbia sushi restaurant to close in recent months, following Camon and TakoSushi, raising questions about the future of local sushi options.
   

2. Senate committee holds 1st of many meetings on artificial intelligence (abccolumbia.com) — State senators met at the Gressette Building in Columbia to launch a multi-year study of artificial intelligence, aiming to craft statewide rules and recommendations by 2028. Experts from the University of South Carolina briefed lawmakers on AI's risks and benefits, and residents can already email the committee or follow a forthcoming website to share concerns and ideas.
   

3. Another side of South Carolina: The coast is a popular playground, but nature and nurture await inland, too (stripes.com) — If you're looking for a nearby getaway, this piece spotlights Columbia as a hub for exploring Congaree National Park, new boutique hotels like the Lantern, and standout local restaurants from downtown to West Columbia. It also compares Columbia's growing food and outdoor scene with Greenville's cycling culture and trails, offering ideas for weekend adventures without leaving South Carolina.
   

4. AI reshapes political campaigns as South Carolina weighs whether new rules are needed (wistv.com) — From Columbia, political experts explain how AI is transforming South Carolina campaigns, helping candidates cheaply generate ads, strategy memos, and fundraising pitches while raising new concerns about deceptive content. With no state rules yet on AI in elections, lawmakers and a new Senate AI committee are weighing options like disclosure requirements as the 2026 cycle unfolds.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Looking for insight:
    My whole HVAC system gave up on us on the 23rd of August, we turned it completely off. We have been WITHOUT a/c since…. But Dominion energy is saying… (Nextdoor Southeast Columbia)
  • Is anybody missing this little black dog?
    He's at my Neighbors with a collar but won't let him near him. Challedon neighborhood off Piney Grove Rd (behind the Columbiana Theater). (Nextdoor Broken Hill)
  • Fabrique Nationale Herstal - FN Herstal posted a job opening for Machine Operator I (Mini 1, Weekend Shift) in Columbia. Apply here.
  • National Mentor Holdings, Inc. posted a job opening for Accounts Receivable Specialist in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

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: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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