https://www.sodacitynews.com Downtown Columbia, Cayce, Lexington, and civic stories. en-us 2026-09-26T05:47:37Z https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-columbia-fire-department-graduates-recruits-class-honor-cadets-2026 https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-columbia-fire-department-graduates-recruits-class-honor-cadets-2026 2026-09-25T07:05:00.000Z newsdesk@sodacitynews.com (Civic Beat Reporter) Local Class of 2026 completed 22 weeks of rigorous live-burn scenarios, swift-water rescue drills, and advanced tactical trauma training. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-richland-library-main-unveils-new-teen-creator-studio-and-recording-booths-2026 https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-richland-library-main-unveils-new-teen-creator-studio-and-recording-booths-2026 2026-09-25T06:35:00.000Z newsdesk@sodacitynews.com (Community Arts Reporter) Local Midlands youth and independent journalists gain access to professional 4K cameras, soundproofing, and editing workstations. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-saluda-shoals-park-celebrates-annual-river-cleanliness-initiative-2026 https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-saluda-shoals-park-celebrates-annual-river-cleanliness-initiative-2026 2026-09-25T06:05:00.000Z newsdesk@sodacitynews.com (Outdoors Desk) Local Community kayakers, scouts, and families unite for the 2026 Autumn River Sweep along lower Saluda waters. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-harvest-hope-food-bank-launches-midlands-weekend-backpack-program-2026 https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-harvest-hope-food-bank-launches-midlands-weekend-backpack-program-2026 2026-09-25T05:35:00.000Z newsdesk@sodacitynews.com (Community Action Desk) Local Non-profit distribution warehouse packs nutritious shelf-stable meals ensuring children have food security over school weekends. https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-historic-columbia-preservation-society-reopens-historic-mann-simons-site-2026 https://www.sodacitynews.com/news/local-historic-columbia-preservation-society-reopens-historic-mann-simons-site-2026 2026-09-25T05:05:00.000Z newsdesk@sodacitynews.com (Heritage & History Reporter) Local Multi-year architectural restoration of historic downtown landmark showcases 19th-century African American resilience.