David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

David Stringer

Newsletter 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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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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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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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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Food

Local mocktails + non-alcoholic drinks in Columbia

Sip on these non-alcoholic drinks in Columbia, SC.

January 3, 2025

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Food

Holiday pop-up bars around Columbia

Get festive at these seasonal pop-up bars around town.

December 4, 2024

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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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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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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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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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City

Parking reform in Columbia: Here’s what’s changing

Columbia plans to modernize parking with higher rates, extended enforcement, and upgraded kiosks.

November 20, 2024

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Food

Build a Thanksgiving Day meal from your favorite Lakeland eateries

Add some Lakeland flair to your Thanksgiving spread with classic dishes from these Swan City restaurants.

November 19, 2024

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Real Estate

Be the Broker: Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary campus in Columbia, SC

The 17-acre Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary campus on North Main Street is relocating, offering a unique redevelopment opportunity.

November 18, 2024

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Business

Richland County approves public-private partnership to boost economic growth

Richland County is transitioning to a public-private partnership (P3) model to boost job growth, attract businesses, and mirror successes like Greenville’s Fluor Field revitalization.

November 18, 2024

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City

Pack your bags for one of these unique places to stay in and around Columbia

From cottages to treehouses, our area is full of unique places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.

November 14, 2024

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Samantha Robertson

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City

Strange sightings in South Carolina

From lizards the size of dogs, a Bigfoot, and dozens of monkeys, here’s what people across South Carolina are claiming to see.

November 12, 2024

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Culture

COLAtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list

Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.

November 8, 2024

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Sarah Leonhardt

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Food

Late night food in the Soda City

Discover Columbia’s late-night dining spots, from Tex-Mex and pizza to pub fare and desserts, perfect for post-11 p.m. cravings.

October 31, 2024

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Events

Meet Read Freely Fest, South Carolina’s new book festival

Richland Library will host the inaugural Read Freely Fest featuring author talks, book signings, and performances.

October 29, 2024

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Events

A Halloween music and pizza party at Graduate by Hilton

Eric Weiner, founder of The Wild Honey Pie, discusses their Columbia pop-up event, blending pizza, music, and Halloween fun at Graduate by Hotel.

October 25, 2024

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History

TalkDeath’s Halloween Elmwood Cemetery scavenger hunt

Explore Elmwood Cemetery’s history during the TalkDeath Halloween Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2:30 p.m.

October 23, 2024

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