David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

David Stringer

City Editor

David is based in Columbia, SC where he’s lived since graduating from UofSC’s School of Journalism in 2006. In his 20+ years in the Soda City, he founded Scene SC, an outlet covering the SC music scene, and has contributed to local publications including SCETV, Jasper Magazine, Free Times, and The Post and Courier. He currently serves on boards for One Columbia for Arts and Culture and the Jam Room Music Festival.

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Food
Hot soups of the season in Columbia
Here are some of your favorite hot soups at nine restaurants in the Columbia, SC area from Mexican dishes to spicy Asian noodle bowls.
January 23, 2025
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David Stringer
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Events
Gamecock alum releases Gamecock women’s basketball anthem
Tina Roy drops the “Not Like Us (G-Mix),” a custom Kendrick Lamar remix celebrating the team’s skills on the court.
January 23, 2025
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David Stringer
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City
Meet Columbia’s 2025 Ambassadors
Keep your 2025 Columbia SC Insider’s Guide handing for friends and family visiting town.
January 21, 2025
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David Stringer
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Play
Books written by authors with Columbia connections
Whether you’re looking for your next leisure read, a book for the whole family, or a thrilling fictional novel, we’ve got a list of books written by local authors in Columbia.
January 17, 2025
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David Stringer
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Education
Winter gardening tips for Columbia
How to prepare your garden and what to plant in the winter months.
January 16, 2025
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Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
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Business
Two new businesses coming to the Midlands
PHENOGY and Cardiff Products announce major investments in Columbia, boosting sustainable energy and manufacturing industries while creating new jobs.
January 15, 2025
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David Stringer
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Broaden your bookshelf in 2025
Find your next great read when you join Richland Library’s Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge.
January 14, 2025
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David Stringer
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Events
Ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Columbia and how to commemorate his life and legacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
January 14, 2025
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David Stringer
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Culture
What will Columbia look like in the 22nd century?
Babies born this year are part of Generation Beta, the first generation likely to live to see the year 2101 — what will Columbia be like for them?
January 13, 2025
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Declan Lowthian
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Events
Mac and Cheese Festival coming to Segra Park
Celebrate all things mac and cheese at Segra Park on March 22 with food trucks, live music, and VIP experiences.
January 13, 2025
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David Stringer
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City
City of Columbia begins Marion Street Bioretention Project
The City of Columbia’s $1.9 million Marion Street Bioretention Project will add rain gardens to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and upgrade infrastructure.
January 9, 2025
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David Stringer
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City
Assembly Street Railroad Separation Project moves forward with funding
The plan to reduce rail congestion on Assembly Street with $204 million in federal funding aims to improve safety, connectivity, and reduced delays.
January 9, 2025
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David Stringer
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Volunteer
FoodShare SC: 10 years fighting hunger in South Carolina
FoodShare SC addresses food insecurity with 27 local sites, fresh produce boxes, recipes, and a teaching kitchen for healthy cooking.
January 7, 2025
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David Stringer
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Food
Oyster roasts events coming up in the Midlands
South Carolina is in the heart of oyster season. That mean’s oyster roasts galore. Here are seven to try this winter and spring.
January 7, 2025
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David Stringer
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Food
Local mocktails + non-alcoholic drinks in Columbia
Sip on these non-alcoholic drinks in Columbia, SC.
January 3, 2025
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David Stringer
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Real Estate
Hot Homes: Walkable gems with historic charm in Columbia
Take a look at these two walkable Columbia homes with historic charm located near USC and Five Points.
January 3, 2025
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David Stringer
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Play
Kid-friendly activities in Columbia
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Columbia, SC has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
December 18, 2024
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Dylan Aycock
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City
Columbia’s 25 questions for 2025
For the new year, we’re asking readers to submit their top questions about the Soda City for us to answer.
December 16, 2024
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David Stringer
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Where to ski, snowboard, and tube near Columbia, SC this winter
We’re crossing our fingers for some Midlands snow, but the good news is we’re a short drive from spots to ski, snowboard, and tube near Columbia, SC.
December 16, 2024
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Stephanie Freeman
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Food
Meet the Midlands social media foodies
Discover local food influencers shaping the Midlands dining scene. From trending new openings to hidden gems, these accounts showcase must-try dishes, event highlights, and foodie adventures. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something new, these insiders have recommendations for everyone.
December 10, 2024
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David Stringer
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Events
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s Wild Lights ranked for best zoo lights
Riverbanks Zoo’s Wild Lights dazzles with over 60 glowing lanterns of animals, plants, and pollinators. Enjoy nightly snowfall, Santa visits (through Dec. 23), cozy igloo rentals, and more through Sunday, Jan. 12.
December 6, 2024
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David Stringer
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City
2024 Columbia Wrapped: Soda City’s top news of the year
Hi Soda Citizens. It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out, and so is ours. Ready to see how our year stacked up?
December 6, 2024
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David Stringer
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City
New parking fees and fines coming to Columbia in 2025
Columbia’s parking rates will double to $1.50/hour starting Saturday, March 1, with increased fines and a first-hour-free policy for parking decks. The increased revenue will fund system upgrades like kiosks and EV chargers.
December 4, 2024
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David Stringer
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City
Build your lantern and join the parade
Welcome the coming light on this, the shortest, darkest day of the year.
December 4, 2024
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David Stringer
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Food
Holiday pop-up bars around Columbia
Get festive at these seasonal pop-up bars around town.
December 4, 2024
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David Stringer
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City
Celebrating Small Business Saturday in Columbia
Columbia is made up of so many wonderful small businesses, here are a few our readers love in honor of Small Business Saturday.
November 26, 2024
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David Stringer
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Arts
Try This: A visit to Newberry Opera House
The Newberry Opera House, a historic venue located halfway between Columbia and Greenville, is a beautiful historic 400 seat venue surrounded by a charming downtown.
November 22, 2024
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David Stringer
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City
Shop Road Extension plans progress
Richland County is expected to advance Shop Road Extension Phase 2 with a $2.57 million service order, adding 1.4 miles and a bridge over Mill Creek.
November 21, 2024
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David Stringer
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Food
Late-night food in Greenville
Discover Greenville’s late-night dining spots, from bagels and pizza to pub fare and desserts, perfect for post-11 p.m. cravings.
November 21, 2024
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Stephanie Freeman
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Development
Groundbreaking at the Sheperd Hotel
Work is underway at the Shepherd Hotel in the Vista, transforming Columbia’s historic fire station into a boutique hotel set to open in 2025.
November 20, 2024
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David Stringer
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