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WIS News 10 • January 14 2026

Lexington County Council gives initial approval to controversial development ordinance

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - At its Tuesday meeting, the Lexington County Council gave initial approval to a controversial development ordinance in a close 3-2 vote.

WIS News 10 • December 8 2025

Lawsuit against LCSD claims detainee had partial amputation because of deputy’s actions

LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - A lawsuit has been filed in court against the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department after a deputy’s actions allegedly caused a detainee to have a partial amputation.

WIS News 10 • October 16 2025

Newberry postal worker attacked by dog on the job, officials say

NEWBERRY, S.C. (WIS) - Authorities in Newberry County are investigating after a postal worker was recently attacked by a dog while on the job.

WIS News 10 • September 18 2025

DPH orders Bishopville assisted living facility to close, citing multiple violations

BISHOPVILLE, S.C. (WIS) - Over 30 health code violations have caused a Bishopville assisted living facility to close within 45 days.

WIS News 10 • July 23 2025

DPH: Patient’s exposure to deadly brain-eating amoeba happened at Lake Murray

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed Tuesday that the person who died from a brain-eating amoeba was exposed to it at a Midlands lake.

WIS News 10 • July 16 2025

Midlands assisted living facility ordered to close after residents found locked inside

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - State officials ordered a Midlands assisted living facility following an investigation that revealed at least 19 violations of long-term care facility codes.

WIS News 10 • May 16 2025

Historic opera house to close for major renovation

SUMTER, S.C. (WIS) - A cornerstone of local entertainment in the Midlands is preparing to close its doors for a multi-year renovation.

The Daily Gamecock • July 24 2024

New developments in Five Points aim to increase safety, tourism

The Five Points neighborhood has seen a total of $5 million allocated in the past year for new developments that are looking to increase safety and grow tourism in the area.

Local Politics

WIS News 10 • January 6 2026

Columbia City Council passes changes to short-term rental ordinance

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Columbia City Council officially amended its existing short-term rental ordinance following a unanimous vote by the council.

WIS News 10 • December 17 2025

Columbia City Council moves closer toward repealing short-term rental moratorium

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Columbia City Council took the first step at its Tuesday meeting toward repealing the short-term rental moratorium.

WIS News 10 • November 20 2025

SLED investigating newly elected Chapin mayor

CHAPIN, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed Wednesday that it is currently conducting an investigation into newly elected Chapin mayor Bill Mitchell.

WIS News 10 • November 19 2025

Peter Brown wins re-election to Columbia City Council District 4 seat, preliminary results show

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Preliminary results show Brown beat Julie Lumpkin in a runoff election, getting 2,185 votes to Lumpkin’s 1,835 votes.

WIS News 10 • November 19 2025

Sam Johnson defeats incumbent Aditi Bussells for Columbia City Council At-Large seat

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Challenger Sam Johnson defeated incumbent Columbia City Councilwoman Aditi Bussells in a runoff election for the at-large seat.

WIS News 10 • November 12 2025

Columbia city councilwoman claims runoff opponent’s supporters are behind ‘vicious’ online attacks

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Columbia City Councilwoman Aditi Bussells claims her opponent in Tuesday’s runoff election, Sam Johnson, is not addressing alleged hateful messages she claims were sent to her by his supporters.

WIS News 10 • September 17 2025

Columbia City Council defers short-term rental moratorium vote, talks amending ordinance

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - During its Tuesday meeting, the Columbia City Council deferred its vote on repealing the moratorium on short-term rentals for a second time.

WIS News 10 • August 13 2025

Calhoun County ends contract negotiations with Sandy Run Volunteer Fire Department

CALHOUN COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Calhoun County officials say they’ve ended negotiations with a volunteer fire department for a contract allowing the latter to operate in the county.

WIS News 10 • July 30 2025

Blythewood votes to change town’s government format

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Voters in the Town of Blythewood have spoken and have voted to change their town’s form of government.

WIS News 10 • June 3 2025

Richland County becomes first SC county to pass hate intimidation ordinance

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Richland County leaders made history Tuesday night after becoming the first and only county in the state to pass a hate intimidation ordinance.

WIS News 10 • May 19 2025

Columbia City Council to take first vote on proposal to repeal conversion therapy ban

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Columbia City Council will take a first vote Tuesday on a new ordinance that would repeal the city’s ban on conversion therapy.

Lexington County Chronicle • February 11 2025

West Columbia tobacco, smoke, hookah businesses now have more regulations - Lexington County Chronicle

West Columbia City Council approved changes to the ordinance concerning tobacco, smoke and hookah stores in an effort to further regulate them.

Lexington County Chronicle • April 4 2024

Two Lexington County sheriff candidates discuss issues with crime, leadership - Lexington County Chronicle

Two out of the four candidates running for Lexington County sheriff appeared at an event hosted by Lexington County Republicans on Thursday, March 28 to answer questions and hear concerns from local citizens.

State News

WIS News 10 • January 14 2026

Ex-SC Rep. RJ May sentenced to federal prison on child sex abuse material charges

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Former South Carolina state lawmaker RJ May was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison Wednesday on charges linked to child sexual abuse material.

WIS News 10 • January 13 2026

Ex-SC Rep. RJ May asks for less prison time in court filing ahead of Wednesday’s sentencing

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - In court documents released Monday, ex-SC Rep. RJ May is asking the court to serve less time than the federal government recommended in prison, ahead of his sentencing on Wednesday.

WIS News 10 • January 12 2026

Gov. Henry McMaster unveils 2026-27 executive budget

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster unveiled the 2026-27 executive budget during a press conference Monday.

WIS News 10 • January 10 2026

Government requests maximum sentence for ex-SC Rep. guilty of distributing child sex abuse material

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The federal government has recommended the maximum prison sentence for a former state representative guilty of distributing child sexual abuse material.

WIS News 10 • December 30 2025

New year, new laws: Here’s what’s going into effect across South Carolina in 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A new year means that some laws passed in South Carolina will begin going into effect.

WIS News 10 • December 12 2025

AG Alan Wilson announces 12 arrests in the Midlands as a result of Operation ‘Ganjapreneur’

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson held a press conference with state and local law enforcement leaders Friday about a massive coordinated drug bust in the state.

WIS News 10 • December 11 2025

Gov. McMaster, state leaders reveal updated SC water plan

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Gov. Henry McMaster announced updates to South Carolina’s long-term water plan at a press conference Thursday.

WIS News 10 • December 3 2025

McMaster issues executive order halting race-based spending quotas for SC agencies

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order Wednesday ending a requirement for state agencies to spend part of their annual budget through minority-owned businesses.

WIS News 10 • December 1 2025

‘Happy to do it’: Gov. McMaster comments on SC National Guard members returning to DC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster provided more details Monday on his decision to send members of the state’s National Guard back to the nation’s capital.

WIS News 10 • November 13 2025

Full November SNAP benefits issued in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Department of Social Services announced that it will be issuing full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November since the federal government has officially reopened.

WIS News 10 • October 9 2025

SC solicitors call for ‘judicial and mental health reform’ with father of Logan Federico

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A pair of South Carolina solicitors are calling for more judicial and mental health reform alongside the father of a woman killed in Columbia earlier this summer.

WIS News 10 • June 26 2025

South Carolina’s complicated history with abortion ban rulings

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - In recent years, South Carolina has been at the center of rulings and new laws surrounding abortion.

WIS News 10 • May 14 2025

South Carolina Supreme Court rules to ban abortions after 6 weeks

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that nearly all abortions in the state can be banned starting at six weeks after hearing a challenge to the current law from Planned Parenthood that sought to ban abortions after the ninth week of pregnancy.

The Arena • October 7 2024

Wave of Reoffenders Emerge After GOP Solicitor Scarlett Wilson’s Office Drops 1,100+ Charges

Charleston, SC—Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, a Republican, dismissed over 1,100 criminal charges between July 2020 and June 2024, citing "docket prioritization" as the reason. Wilson, who has held her position since 2007, faces growing scrutiny over the sheer number of dismissed cases, as well as concerns about public safety and her prosecuto…

Charleston, SC—Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, a Republican, dismissed over 1,100 criminal charges between July 2020 and June 2024, c...

The Arena • July 3 2024

The Dark Side of Republican State Representative Matt Leber

Republican nominee for South Carolina’s State Senate District 41 Matt Leber’s website reads: “Rep. Leber is a decorated combat veteran, husband, father, patriot, and limited government constitutional conservative who is dedicated to promoting South Carolina values and helping ordinary Americans thrive.” It should also add that he’s been accused of do…

Republican nominee for South Carolina’s State Senate District 41 Matt Leber’s website reads: “Rep. Leber is a decorated combat veteran, hus...

The Arena • June 12 2024

Sister Senators Fall In SC Primaries

With three out of the five “Sister Senators” facing tough reelection challenges this year after voting against the 2023 abortion ban, voters in their districts, for the most part, rejected them in favor of other candidates. Senators Sandy Senn and Penry Gustafson both lost their primary elections, Senator Katrina Shealy is heading into a runoff election…

With three out of the five “Sister Senators” facing tough reelection challenges this year after voting against the 2023 abortion ban, voters i...

The Daily Gamecock • April 17 2024

Efforts ramp up across South Carolina to ban DEI programs, books in higher education, public K-12 schools

The state of South Carolina has seen a simultaneous effort to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs at higher education institutes as well as books at the K-12 level of education within the past year.

Education

WIS News 10 • December 15 2025

Judge rules Midlands school district broke the law with superintendent separation agreement

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A circuit court judge recently ruled that a Midlands school district broke the law with their superintendent separation agreement.

WIS News 10 • December 9 2025

Richland One superintendent presents findings from 90-day plan

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Richland One superintendent Todd Walker presented the findings and results from his 90-day plan in a community event Monday.

WIS News 10 • December 9 2025

Richland One corrective action plan approved by state Department of Education

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Richland One School District’s corrective action plan was approved by the South Carolina Department of Education, the district announced Monday.

WIS News 10 • September 9 2025

Sumter County School Board postpones decision on rezoning, master plan discussion

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - The Sumter County School Board agreed to postpone decisions on school realignment and its Master Plan.

WIS News 10 • September 8 2025

Judge rules to dismiss NAACP’s federal lawsuit challenging SC curriculum restrictions

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A judge has ruled to dismiss a federal lawsuit filed by the NAACP against South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver and two Midlands school districts.

WIS News 10 • September 1 2025

Clarendon County School District addresses air quality, other repair concerns at Manning schools

MANNING, S.C. (WIS) - The Clarendon County School District says it has addressed community concerns regarding air quality, potential mold growth and other issues at two Manning schools.

WIS News 10 • June 10 2025

Lexington-Richland School District Five gives update about cyberattack at Monday meeting

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The Lexington-Richland School District Five Board of Trustees provided an update to the public about the district’s recent cyberattack.

The Daily Gamecock • April 22 2025

USC Turning Point USA chapter hosts Nancy Mace, generates large audience response

The USC chapter of Turning Point USA held an event featuring Republican South Carolina Congressional Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01) on April 21 in the Russell House Theater.

The Daily Gamecock • July 31 2024

USC College of Education, SC Department of Education seek to alleviate statewide teacher shortage

The state of South Carolina has seen a drastic increase in the number of vacant positions within the field of education in recent years.

The Daily Gamecock • October 5 2023

Reopening of South Caroliniana Library sheds light on centuries of state, university history

The South Caroliniana Library is set to reopen its doors on Oct. 6, and with it, a vast collection of information spanning nearly 400 years will again be available to the public.

The Daily Gamecock • September 20 2023

Amiridis looking to future at State of the University Address: 'The University of South Carolina is in great shape'

President Michael Amiridis took to the stage Tuesday in the Russell House Ballroom to highlight the university's accomplishments and announce upcoming projects during his first State of the University Address.

The Johnsonian • April 13 2022

Winthrop faculty talks about position cuts

Recently, Winthrop University announced to most faculty and staff that due to budgetary concerns and lower enrollment numbers, there would be a reduction in the number of adjunct and non-tenure track positions.

Crime

WIS News 10 • December 4 2025

New report details alleged assault involving Chapin mayor

CHAPIN, S.C. (WIS) - A new police report obtained by WIS is providing more details on an alleged assault involving Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell.

WIS News 10 • November 26 2025

SC state trooper accused of sexual assault by caregiver during rehab

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A Midlands state trooper who was seriously injured while on the job earlier this year has been accused of sexual assault by one of his caregivers.

WIS News 10 • November 21 2025

Sheriff: Richland County man charged after entering mosque armed with AR-15

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A man is facing charges in Richland County after allegedly entering a local mosque armed with a rifle.

WIS News 10 • November 19 2025

Irmo charter school employee accused of sexually abusing children asks for bond

IRMO, S.C. (WIS) — A former Irmo charter school employee accused of sexually abusing at least eight children asked a judge for bond on Wednesday.

WIS News 10 • November 5 2025

Judge denies immunity for ex-Columbia gas station owner charged in teen’s shooting death

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A judge on Wednesday denied an immunity claim for a former Columbia gas station owner charged in the May 2023 shooting death of a 14-year-old boy.

WIS News 10 • November 3 2025

Woman claims Blythewood mayor, town employees held her against her will in lawsuit

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. (WIS) - A woman is now suing the Town of Blythewood after she claims she was held against her will by the town’s mayor and employees at Doko Manor.

WIS News 10 • October 20 2025

Former CPD officer receives additional charges related to alleged sexual misconduct from SLED

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A former Columbia Police Department officer has received additional charges related to alleged criminal sexual misconduct while on the job, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

WIS News 10 • October 6 2025

Kershaw County man arrested after stealing camera, unknowingly photographing himself

KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - A Camden resident was arrested Saturday after allegedly stealing a camera from a storage facility and unknowingly photographing himself.

WIS News 10 • October 2 2025

SC AG wants death penalty for suspect in Logan Federico case, assigns senior attorney to assist

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson is urging the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s office to seek the death penalty for the man accused of murdering a 22-year-old woman in Columbia earlier this summer.

WIS News 10 • September 24 2025

Judge delays decision on changing ex-SC Rep. RJ May’s trial venue, other government filings

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - In a pre-trial hearing Wednesday, a judge ruled to delay decisions regarding multiple filings made by ex-SC Rep. RJ May and the government ahead of May’s October trial.

WIS News 10 • September 10 2025

Police search for missing Columbia woman now treated ‘similar to a homicide investigation’

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The Columbia Police Department’s search for a missing woman last heard from two weeks ago is now being treated like a homicide investigation.

WIS News 10 • August 11 2025

Deputies investigating case of bodies found in Sumter County as double homicide

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that it would be investigating the recent discovery of two bodies as a double homicide.

Sports

WIS News 10 • December 22 2025

LaNorris Sellers returning to South Carolina for 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers will be back for the Gamecocks in 2026.

The Johnsonian • October 6 2021

Men’s soccer earns first win at home

The Winthrop men’s soccer team soared to victory last Tuesday at Eagle Field, beating Mercer University with a final score of 3-1.

WIS News 10 • December 3 2025

Newberry College prepares to take on Albany State in quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs

NEWBERRY, S.C. (WIS) - The Newberry College Wolves are preparing to take on the Albany State Golden Rams in the NCAA Division II football quarterfinals.

WIS News 10 • November 2 2025

Gamecock offense struggles in 30-14 loss to Ole Miss

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The Gamecocks continued its SEC skid as its offense struggled against Ole Miss in its 30-14 loss on Saturday.

WIS News 10 • November 2 2025

Gamecocks fire offensive coordinator Mike Shula after fourth straight SEC loss

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Gamecocks have fired their offensive coordinator, Mike Shula.

WIS News 10 • November 2 2025

FOOTBALL FRIDAY: First-round games for the 2025 playoffs are set!

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - It’s officially playoff time for high school football teams across South Carolina. The matchups for the first round of playoffs featuring Midland high schools can be found below.

WIS News 10 • August 25 2025

Gamecocks RB Rahsul Faison ruled eligible to play this season

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Gamecocks will get a massive boost on offense as they kick off the season this weekend.

WIS News 10 • August 16 2025

Midlands high school football teams kick off their season with scrimmages, jamborees

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Ahead of the official start of the high school football season next week, many Midlands high schools prepared with scrimmages and jamborees.

WIS News 10 • June 24 2025

Gamecock basketball player first from the program to head to NBA Draft green room

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - One University of South Carolina men’s basketball player will make program history by being the first player to attend the NBA Draft’s green room.

WIS News 10 • May 23 2025

South Carolina softball beats UCLA in Game 1 of Super Regional, 9-2

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Gamecocks softball team came out swinging Friday, beating the UCLA Bruins 9-2 in the first game of the Super Regional series at Carolina Softball Stadium.

WIS News 10 • May 16 2025

9 South Carolina women’s basketball players make WNBA rosters for 2025 season

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina women’s basketball program will see nine of its former players on WNBA teams for the 2025 season.

The Daily Gamecock • April 8 2024

Students return to fountain for 3rd women’s basketball title celebration: It's a 'once in a lifetime college memory’

The buzzer sounded, signifying the end of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game, and the Thomas Cooper Library fountain became a sea of garnet and black.

The Johnsonian • November 3 2021

Winthrop Volleyball wins twice

After losing four of its last six games, the Winthrop volleyball team was hungry for a win — and it got that win twice this weekend.

National/International News

WIS News 10 • January 14 2026

SC travelers without REAL ID will have to pay fee starting in February

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - TSA announced Wednesday that all South Carolina travelers without a REAL ID will have to pay a fee, starting in February.

WIS News 10 • January 7 2026

SC officials still waiting on guidance from federal government after childcare freeze announcement

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Officials with the South Carolina Department of Social Services are still waiting for more information after the federal government announced a freeze on childcare funds for all 50 states.

WIS News 10 • January 6 2026

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn speaks on fifth anniversary of January 6 attack

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIS/AP) - U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn took to the floor of the House of Representatives Tuesday to speak on the fifth anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

WIS News 10 • July 3 2025

What comes next after Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was found guilty on two counts?

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Wednesday afternoon, a jury found rapper and media mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs not guilty on three serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.

The Daily Gamecock • January 29 2024

Biden speaks at SC's First in the Nation dinner ahead of upcoming presidential primary election

President Joe Biden headlined the First in the Nation Democratic Party celebration dinner on Saturday at the state fairgrounds in Columbia.

The Daily Gamecock • January 16 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on voting, social justice at King Day at the Dome

Vice President Kamala Harris visited Columbia alongside Congressmen James E. Clyburn and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Monday for Columbia's 24th annual King Day at the Dome.

The Daily Gamecock • November 10 2023

Students, faculty show support of Palestine in walkout: ‘We are here to stand for peace'

Student organizations across campus staged a walkout on the Russell House Patio Thursday in order to continue showing their support for Palestine amid ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The Daily Gamecock • October 18 2023

Conflict in Gaza Strip hits close to home for members of USC community: 'It’s an overwhelming time'

USC faculty, staff and students said they have felt a lack of support from the university amid the ongoing fighting in the Gaza strip.

The Daily Gamecock • October 18 2023

USC, Columbia Jewish community hold vigil for Israel

Various Israeli and Jewish student organizations held a vigil on the grounds of the Anne Frank Center on Tuesday to honor the people who have died in recent attacks on the Gaza strip.