By Kristyn Winch
The horse races in Camden, S.C., happen miles away from the Capital City, but the annual event keeps Columbia's economy running with increased spending on fashion, fuel, hotels and booze.
By Cassie Cope The first haircut the owner of Hair Doodles received from her inexperienced uncle when she was 3 made her look like a little boy. "I remember my bangs being in the middle of my forehead,"
A haircut can be a traumatic experience for a child or a fun memory of pampering. Hair Doodles, a salon in Forest Acres, has a history of providing children with hairstyles and memories.
By: Debby Zamora Imagine you're a student looking for an apartment. You slip on a pair of glasses to identify students who are looking for a roommate. This idea may seem far-fetched but Google is
USC Professor Srihari Nelakuditi is developing an app for Google Glass. The professor received a grant from Google and is working on an app that could let users identify and communicate virtually with others.
The University of South Carolina's business released a study Tuesday detailing Hartsville, S.C.-based Sonoco's economic impact in the state.
A study released Tuesday details Hartsville, S.C.-based Sonoco's economic impact in the state. Sonoco's revenue accounts for around $1 billion of all South Carolina's goods and services.
By Kristyn Winch It's not all about food. It's about family. Sundown Monday marked the beginning of Passover, one of the most widely celebrated holidays for the American Jewish community. While the Jewish
While the Jewish population in South Carolina is far smaller than that of other religious groups, members of local synagogues and campus groups are getting ready to celebrate Passover in the Midlands.
Since January 1, a crime trend has hit several Midlands churches and is heating up things in more ways than one.Theives have been tearing apart air conditioners targeting the copper tubing
Copper thieves have vandalized air conditioning units at several Midlands area churches. The total damages have cost churches over $100,000 to repair.
Ebenezer Lutheran Church served their last meal to the homeless last night. The Salvation Army ended their contract with the Church that allowed them to feed Columbia's homeless a meal every week night.
Columbia's homeless now have one less place to go for evening meals. The Ebenezer Lutheran Church has stopped serving meals to the homeless that they used to provide every week night. The homeless aren't completely out of options for food though.
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Columbia's homeless are short on places to eat after the winter shelter and a local church shut down their dinner services. They seek solutions, but the city council will not discuss the issue until their meeting on April 9.
By: Amit Kumar
A week-long competition between USC's Greek organizations kicked off Monday afternoon. Highly anticipated events for the week include Greek Sing and the Greek Olympics.
By: Liz McIntyre Monday kicked off the Pedestrian Safety Project on Assembly Street. Construction workers met to discuss plans, paint lines on the road, make measurements, and even begin cutting
Construction began Monday morning on the Pedestrian Safety Project on Assembly Street. Workers took down parking meters and made measurements to kick off the project.
By: Tom LanahanThe Lexington High School baseball team will be looking to capture its tenth championship in school history this year. Leading the title hunt will be catcher Nick Chiuffo and pitchers Cole
Three Lexington High School baseball players will be coming to USC this fall, but first they are trying to capture a state title before they set their sights on one at USC. Includes Video
By Haley WillardBoy meets girl. They accept each other's friend requests on Facebook, chat via Facebook messenger. Boy and girl flirt and get to know her each other via texting. Boy sends girl a text to
In today's fast-paced, technology-based world, relationships develop quickly. The love stories of two couples from different generations tell how communication in relationships has changed.
By: Hank Ogburn Bruce Ellington is one of the most versatile athletes at USC; and now that the basketball season is over, he's getting ready for football. As a starter for both teams, Ellington looks
Bruce Ellington is one of USC's most gifted athletes. With basketball season over, Ellington prepares for the upcoming football season. See how the two-star switches from the court to the gridiron. Includes Video
South Carolina public schools are no longer required to offer drivers education courses. This trend has resulted in the rise of third party schools, driving up costs for students and parents.
South Carolina public schools are no longer required to offer drivers education courses. This trend has resulted in the rise of third party schools, driving up costs for students and parents.
By Chloe GouldShe walked into the elementary school lobby in high-top black, sparkling boots with hot pink laces. Her eyes shined through the lenses of her round glasses, and her smile stretched across
Thursday was World Down Syndrome Day, picked for March 21 because Down syndrome children are born with three copies of chromosome 21. It's a day to raise awareness and understanding of the genetic condition. By: Jenni KnightIn the wake of the high school football players' rape trial in Steubenville, Ohio, USC's Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention and Prevention Office (SAVIP) is encouraging students to
USC's Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention and Prevention Office says more sexual crimes occur on campus than what the statistics say, because these crimes are so underreported. They're encouraging students to speak out if they see a sexual crime occurring.
![Professor Robert Ployhart believes March Madness office pools lend themselves to productivity during the tournament.]( "Professor Robert Ployhart believes March Madness office pools lend themselves to productivity during the tournament.")
Professor Robert Ployhart believes March Madness office pools lend themselves to productivity during the tournament.By Chloe GouldPeople wear their jerseys under their suits and ties, so to speak, passionately throwing themselves into office pool. They pick their favorite teams or employ a little strategy in their
Once the first game officially tips off Thursday, it's estimated that 50 million Americans will have a bracket filled out, and 86 percent of employees will spend at least part of the day checking scores and watching games, according to studies compiled by The Week. By: Daniel BoanIn the wake of news that The US Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments challenging The Defense of Marriage Act, a new poll conducted by ABC News reveals that 58% of Americans are now
Recent polls indicate more Americans than ever before support gay marriage and the Supreme Court is preparing to hear arguments against the Defense of Marriage Act. An ABC News poll revealed 58 percent of Americans support gay marriage, but where does Columbia stand on the issue?
By Chloe GouldGolden red and yellow apples sat in green baskets along the produce line just beyond bushels of bright green onions and an iced-filled cooler of broccoli. Mandy Churchwell, a farmer at The Veggie
Fresh goat cheese, apples picked straight from the tree and homemade blueberry scones are all mainstays at the Healthy Carolina Farmers Market on Greene Street. Stop by every Tuesday through April from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to snag a tasty treat.
![Former S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford is running in a special primary election to serve as the Republican candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat.]( "Former S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford is running in a special primary election to serve as the Republican candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat.")
Former S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford is running in a special primary election to serve as the Republican candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat.By Chloe GouldThe power of Christian forgiveness — it's a redeeming force in South Carolina politics. Former Gov. Mark Sanford, who was caught on an Argentinean tryst in June 2009, is the presumed front-runner
The power of Christian forgiveness offers a rebirth in South Carolina politics. Gov. Mark Sanford is running for the 1st Congressional District seat and stands to once again represent the state in government. Photo courtesy of Wade Spees / The Post and Courier
Zac Baker ended his speech on the steps of the South Carolina State House Tuesday evening with three simple words:"We are equal," Baker said. He was speaking in front of a crowd of marriage equality supporters
Marriage equality supporters rally in front of South Carolina's State House Tuesday.A rally was held as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear two cases involving gay marriage.
By: Ethan TillmanAll eyes were on Williams Brice Stadium Wednesday for the South Carolina Gamecocks' Pro Timing day. Fans and NLF Scouts alike covered the field hoping to catch the 18 Gamecock players
NFL Pro Day for the Gamecock football team was Wednesday. Fans and professional scouts gathered to watch still-rehabbing Marcus Lattimore and 18 other former players work out and run through drills.
By: Liz McIntyreShafen Khan saw a lot of potential in Columbia. "I called my father and I told him…you know, we have a market here. Let's do something," Khan said. And that's exactly what he did. He started
Columbia ranks fifth among the top thirty cities for young entrepreneurs, according to nationally-recognized entrepreneurship publication Under30CEO. Young Colubmia business owner Shafen Khan agrees.
The city of Columbia is now planning to purchase the Palmetto Compress Warehouse and the surrounding 4.7 acres for $5.65 million, after a 5-2 vote from the Columbia City Council on Tuesday night. The
The city of Columbia plans to purchase the Palmetto Compress building by borrowing up to $7 million. How the former cotton warehouse will be used is still in discussion, but the issue has pitted those with business interests against others advocating for preservation.
Cottle Strawberry Farm hopes to be open for picking by this weekend but it all depends on the weather. High winds and cold have already delayed the picking season by over a month.
Cottle Strawberry Farm should be well into picking season by now, but cold weather and wind have delayed things by more than a month. Staff are taking desperate measures like staying up all night to protect the crops.
The University of South Carolina Women's basketball team lost in the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament last night. The women fell to the Kansas Jayhawks 75-68.
The USC Women's basketball season came to a sudden end Monday night. The Gamecocks lost to the Kansas Jayhawks 75-69 in the second round of the NCAA tournament, one game short of where they finished last year.
By Daniel BoanIt's been four weeks since the announcement of the federal sequester and the effects are already taking its toll on certain sectors of the Columbia economy. USC's Office of Research is
The University of South Carolina's Office of Research is already preparing for expected funding cuts as a result of the federal sequester. The estimated $12 million cut will most likely hit health and science research funding the hardest.
Columbia has replaced its old shuttle car with a new Nissan Leaf that will make the free shuttle service more efficient.
The City of Columbia has replaced the old Jeep Wrangler shuttle with a new, all-electric car. The Nissan Leaf is more a more fuel efficient option that will save the city almost $800 per month.
By: Genelle Williams When most Americans wake up in the morning, they don't have to think twice about how they'll get to work. They'll get into their cars, crank the ignition and sing their favorite tunes
Bus system routes and service cuts have Richland County bus riders wondering when things will get better. The county's Penny Sales Tax Referendum will provide money for transportation changes and improvements.
By: Lauren RountreeStudents at USC participated in Food Justice Week yesterday by setting up tables at the Healthy Carolina Farmers Market on Greene Street. Students like Theresa Krupka marked Food
Most USC students have no idea where their produce comes from. Food Justice Week is encouraging students to buy their produce locally at the Healthy Carolina Farmers Market.
By: Jenni KnightA new store is shaking up the grocery scene in Columbia. Trader Joe's, a grocery chain with an almost cult-like following, opened up Friday on Forest Drive. Shoppers arrived as early as
The long-anticipated Trader Joe's finally opened its doors Friday morning to a crowd of excited customers, ready to shop and save on discounted organic products.
By: Jenna Moore
A new bill could stimulate business for South Carolina breweries, and one senator also thinks it will boost the state from an economic and tourism standpoint.
By: Jenna Moore The American Red Cross is reaching out to help displaced residents after a brush fire in Horry County destroyed about 110 apartment units this past Saturday. The
The American Red Cross is helping residents along the Grand Strand after a brush fire destroyed over one hundred apartment units at Windsor Green Condominiums in the Carolina Forest area.
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The recent government sequester has already begun affecting federal programs, including financial aid and work-study programs. South Carolina colleges and universities say the cuts are minor now, but could become serious down the road.
By: Amit Kumar Data released this week by USC Law Enforcement & Safety shows that the university's emergency call boxes were used to report an emergency only twice in all of 2012. The data also shows
USC students say they would use emergency call boxes located throughout campus if they found themselves in trouble. But data shows that the boxes are rarely activated during an emergency. Includes Video
Story and photos by Zach Fox The sequester controversy could land close to home for some airport travelers in South Carolina if a federal budget deal is not reached by Friday. The Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration said 100 small airports may be forced to close their air traffic control towers if a deal isn't reached by March 1. Affected airports could include Donaldson Field in Greenville, Hilton Head Island Airport, Florence Regional Airport and the Grand Strand Airport in North Myrtle Beach.
By Rachel Dean When people think about domestic violence, they tend to picture a male perpetrator and a female victim, but that is not always the case. Men are a large part of the domestic violence
When people think about domestic violence, they tend to picture a male perpetrator and a female victim, but that is not always the case.
By: Liz McIntyreA couple beers at Jakes Bar & Grill, a peach tea at Bird Dog, then finish the night off at Pavlovs. A typical night for Jon Sears. But Sears is not just a patron of these bars. He owns
John Sears just opened his third bar in Five Points, The Bird Dog Bar. He says he is working to make this bar nicer and more welcoming than the rest in the area.
At Williams-Brice Stadium, home of Gamecock football, there are 44 maintenance and facilities workers that keep the power on.
At Williams-Brice Stadium, home of Gamecock football, there are 44 maintenance and facilities workers that keep the power on. University-employed electricians work with the athletics department's maintenance staff and the scoreboard team from January until the last game of the season in November.
By Erin Shaw USC School of Journalism Well, you made it this far. It's Opening Day at Carolina Stadium. You are nestled in a glove, the pitcher's fingers placed perpendicular to your seams for a four-seam fastball.
The University of South Carolina baseball team, two-time national champions and runners-up at last year's CWS, go through more than 7,000 baseballs per year – more than most top college teams. A Gamecock baseball starts life in China and ends in the batting cage, but there are many steps in between.
The young woman stands near the door, well behind the circle of men who are discussing the Gamecocks recent win over Tennessee. When the captain walks into the room of the Columbia Officer Selection Office,
Laura Engel is an officer candidate in the United States Marine Corps. She is one of only six women in South Carolina who have chosen to pursue the difficult path of becoming a Marine officer.
Photos and story by Kristyn Winch If you like what you see in the aisles of Whole Foods and in the stands at the farmers market, now you can get up close and personal with that head of lettuce's first
If you like what you see in the aisles of Whole Foods Market and in the stands at the State Farmers Market, you can now get up close and personal with the first home of those carrots or that head of lettuce: the farm.
Older stories from the Carolina Reporter
Story and Photos by Zach FoxThe much-debated issue of Medicaid expansion in South Carolina took a detour from the State House floor to the lieutenant governor's office Thursday. On the latest edition
Republican Rep. Murrell Smith, left, and Democratic Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter appeared Thursday on Lt. Gov. Glenn McConnell's show, This Week in the State House, to debate the issue of expanding Medicaid. The weekly program, a production of S.C. ETV, is broadcast from McConnell's office. They're on the bills in our wallets, and they pass and veto bills on Capitol Hill. But how well do we really know the people who have led our country for more than two centuries?
Banks and many schools are closed, and no mail is delivered on Presidents Day, but the University of South Carolina still holds classes. Some students see a problem with that, saying the day should be a holiday to honor former leaders. But how much do students know about our nation's presidents?
Story and photos by Colin CampbellIt's a relaxed Tuesday evening at the Tin Roof bar in Columbia; a pair of men play Cornhole while dozens of suits from the Statehouse are letting loose, downing $2 draught
At the Tin Roof bar in Columbia, a pair of men play Cornhole while dozens of suits from the State House are letting loose, downing $2 draught beers. At a table near the bar, bright lights and microphones highlight the last of a series of intense, but friendly, debates between two high-profile South Carolina political strategists.
News of a Mississippi newborn supposedly cured of an HIV infection has HIV advocates and researchers in South Carolina hopeful as well as skeptical. The potential for the cure to change the standard
The South has half of all new cases in the United States, although it has only a little more than a third of the country's population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A potential cure found in Mississippi could mean hope.
Morgan Taylor and Patrick Galante of Columbia have been dating ever since they met in high school more than 10 years ago. And now that they're engaged, Taylor's brother and his classmates will plan their
Morgan Taylor and Patrick Galante of Columbia have been dating since they met in high school more than 10 years ago. And now that they're engaged, 66 University of South Carolina students will plan their wedding. Thanks to winning a contest, the couple will have every detail of their big day planned by students from a Wedding Planning and Management course.
By Chloe Gould The flat-rate shipping boxes are next to wide jars of pickled pigs feet, just down the counter from the cash register. South Carolina's first village office opened in Chappells at Horne's
Horne's General Store could be the poster child for the U.S. postal service's effort to position itself inside the smallest businesses of one-stoplight towns. Or, in the case of Chappells, a village of about 500 people where Horne's just started selling beer on Sunday, one stop-sign towns.
Story and photos by Kristyn Winch In a health-conscious world, what's a Girl Scout to do? As they launch their cookie booth sales Friday, troops are adjusting their marketing, using words like "vegan"
As they launch their cookie booth sales Friday, Girl Scout troops are adjusting their marketing, using words like "vegan" and "gluten-free" to entice health-conscious consumers to the Girl Scouts' signature brand of sweet treats. Debuting this year are Mango Cremes, a 60 calorie cookie infused with a vitamin substance called NutriFusion.
University experts weigh in on what a new pope could mean for the world.
University of South Carolina students and experts weighed in on what a new pope could mean for the world after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. The pope announced he would leave the Vatican on Feb. 28, becoming the first pope to resign since Pope Gregory XII in 1415.
By Erin Shaw It's not every day a 10,000-pound animal walks down your street. Despite morning showers and delays, crowds assembled Tuesday to watch circus elephants and horses march through USC's Greek
Before the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus kicks off this weekend, animal trainers marched five elephants and half a dozen horses from the train tracks by USC's Greek Village to the Colonial Life Arena on Tuesday morning. Coming from Georgia and leaving for Cincinnati, Columbia will be the show's only stop in state.
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A joint venture between USC retail students and Collegiate Tartan Apparel will lead to a signature plaid garnet-and-black pattern for Gamecock merchandise. Voting is under way for all for everyone associated with USC to choose their favorite.
Story and photos by Chloe Gould Hungry customers huddle around short stacks of golden pancakes as busy waiters loop through narrow aisles sporting "Miracle Makers" jerseys. Four-person families and little children
Columbia IHOP customers, including 2-year-old Victor Sanchez donated money to Children's Miracle Network, a hospital that treats children. Breakfast lovers received a free short stack Tuesday as part of National Pancake Day.
He's holding on to the black and gold. Taylor Chambers, a 17-year-old senior at Irmo High School, signed and faxed his official commitment papers to Wake Forest University Wednesday morning, National Signing
Taylor Chambers grew from a handful of Cheerios to a 6-foot-8-inches offensive lineman. Friends, family and teachers describe him as caring and bright with an affinity for felines.
By: Patrick Ryan Kelly Fenzel is suffering from Polysystic Kidney Disease. A genetic disorder where cysts are formed on the surface of the kidney. "Just basically fill up with fluid, and take
Kelly Fenzel has been searching for a kidney donor for over a year after being diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. If she doesn't find a donor in the next few weeks, she will have to go on dialysis. In an attempt to find a donor, the Fenzel family has put up a billboard on Garners Ferry Road.
By Haley WillardPhotos by Kristyn Winch The shelves are lined with Slim Jims, powdered donuts and 2-liter bottles of Coke and Mountain Dew. Down the next aisle, there are cans of green beans and soup,
Employees at The Village Store, an independent convenience store in Lexington, S.C., share their thoughts on DHEC director Catherine Templeton's suggestion that stricter regulations be placed on how South Carolinians can redeem their food stamps. The store began accepting food stamps about a year ago.
On an ordinary day in an ordinary mall, one seventeen year old from Columbia is doing an extraordinary thing. Helen Clay, a student at the Heathwood Hall School, spends one day every month building
17-year-old Helen Clay has spent her life raising money to make stuffed animals for sick children. But her passion is more than just typical charity work. Clay is a cancer survivor, and she strives to deliver comfort to others in her shoes. Includes Video
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Think the Vista is safer than Five Points? Think again. Columbia police say the Vista isn't too far behind. One man shared his story of how an attempted armed robbery gone wrong in the Vista left him fighting for his life. Includes Video
More than 20,000 pets in Columbia are homeless and 17,000 of those animals will be euthanized each year. In the eyes of Pawmetto Lifeline, this number is unacceptable and they've made it their mission to help bring it down.
More than 20,000 pets in Columbia are homeless and 17,000 of those animals will be euthanized each year. In the eyes of one Midlands organization, this number is unacceptable and they've made it their mission to help.
Secular groups from around the state plan to march as a unified block for the first time in this year's Pride Parade on Oct. 20 in downtown Columbia to show support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. "I
Secular groups from around the state plan to march as a unified block for the first time in this year's Pride Parade on Oct. 20 in downtown Columbia to show support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.
By Rachel Dean When Suzy Shealy lost her son, a soldier stationed in Iraq, she turned her personal tragedy into a way to help other military and their families. After Joseph died in Baghdad, Shealy learned
When Suzy Shealy's son died in Iraq, she turned her tragedy into a way to help others. This painting is part of the Iraq series dedicated to her son, Sgt. Joseph Derrick.
