🌱 Teacher Fired For Writing Racial Slur + Pear Tree Bounty

Good morning, people of Columbia! It's me again, Sean Peek, your host of the Columbia Daily.

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First, today's weather:

A p.m. shower in places. High: 84 Low: 58.

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Here are the top stories in Columbia today:

1. A teacher at a Columbia charter school has been fired after allegedly writing the n-word on a classroom board. The teacher, whose name has not been made public, was fired Friday from Clear Dot Charter School following backlash from parents, said the school's Title IX coordinator Denise Bryant. Title IX is the federal law that prohibits discrimination in education. (The State)
2. Bradford pear trees well known for their large blossoms and prominent smell have become more than just a nuisance in Columbia. On Saturday, Clemson Extension had a bounty out for these Bradford pear trees. Property owners were asked to remove the tree and send a photo of the tree in order to get a replacement. Those cashing in on the bounty can exchange for as many as five different trees. (WLTX.com)
3. Columbia's public housing agency took steps over the past week to finance millions of dollars in affordable housing projects expected to be built in the coming years. Columbia City Council and Columbia Housing board approved multiple special bonds that will help pay for the projects, along with federal and state tax credits and grant money. The projects will include about 250 senior-living apartments and almost 200 family townhomes. (Charleston Post Courier)
4. A Columbia 12-year-old is running a hot dog stand with his parents to help pay for medical bills. Just a few days earlier, J.C. Williams complained of leg pain, but he and his parents chalked it up to growing pains. After he couldn't walk because of the pain, he stayed in the hospital for a week to be surrounded by specialists who worked to determine the cause. After more than 300 doctor visits, the bills began piling up, and his family decided to run a hot dog stand to raise money. (WIS10)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors into the fold. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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.