Gas prices continue to fall
In Greenville and Rock Hill, gas prices are hovering around $2.35 per gallon, which has prompted some folks to pull out larger cars to drive around again in.
Across the state, the average is about $2.43, according to AAA Carolinas. In the last 10 days, the price has dropped about 30 cents per gallon.
Reasons for the falling prices: A lower demand because school is back in session, healthy supplies and falling crude oil prices.
Schools having some successes
"Our graduation rate is indeed the worst in the nation, and it’s getting worse; there is absolutely no excuse for that, and it turns out that even what we had thought were partial explanations don’t explain the problem.
"But that’s only half the story: The other half is that our students already score at or above the national average on several measures, and they’re on track to reach the national average within eight years on all significant measures of achievement.
"None of that is new, although it continues to come as a shock to far too many people. What’s new, as of last month, is who’s saying our schools are making steady improvement."
Tax records illuminate Miss SC pageant
Tax records show the Miss South Carolina organization paid out less than half of its scholarships since 1996 while billing itself as a major scholarship organization.
Gas prices falling
Prices are far cheaper than a year ago with unleaded regular at $2.35 in the Greenville area.
Motorists head to gas stations
Pittman case heads to state Supreme Court
The murder appeal of Christopher Pittman, the SC boy who was 12 at the time his parents were killed, will be heard next week by the state Supreme Court.
Services across state honor 9/11 victims, heroes
A look at various activities across the state Monday that honored victims and heroes of the Sept. 11 tragedy.
Union remembers 5 years later
Sumter honors 9/11 heroes
Anderson commemorates attacks
Day of Caring also marks 9/11 in Charleston
A look at Spartanburg remembering 9/11
Adjutant general describes 9/11 experiences to students
Anniversary marked with Greenville ceremony
Coastal students view 9/11 slide show
How Greenville observed 9/11
NCAA grants waiver for Clemson player to care for brother
A Clemson football player has been granted a waiver from the NCAA to be able to care for his brother in a story that has attracted state and national attention.
Ray Ray given green light to help brother
Clemson player allowed to help brother
Nobel laureate Wiesel to speak today in Columbia
Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel will speak today about what's happening in Darfur.
Barrett, others honor Upstate heroes
U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett and others honored firefighters and other heroes in Clemson Monday.
White gets top NAACP post
The Rev. Charles White of Hollywood has gotten a major post at the NAACP.
Hutto says med malpractice reform ahead
State Sen. Brad Hutto says two issues remain on dealing with medical malpractice reform: birth injuries and inflation.
Rainey-Ravenel rhetoric flares up again
The public spat between BEA Chair John Rainey and Treasurer candidate Thomas Ravenel has flared again over the cost of a public TV debate.
Graham says terror trial bill flawed
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham says he thinks a flawed terror trial bill won't pass the U.S. Senate.
Graham critic Tancredo pushes for tougher laws
Graham may have political problem in SC
Graham has postponed high tariff move on China
The trade surplus with China has hit a new record.
Graham says US screwed up in Iraq
Lawmakers to look at liquor distribution
Eight months after big bottles were allowed in bars, state lawmakers will take a look at the liquor distribution system to possibly tweak it.
Spratt says Norman's ask for 14 debates is impractical
A request by GOP candidate Ralph Norman for 14 debates isn't practical, said his Democratic opponent, John Spratt.
House Dems rewriting caucus rules
Norman wants more debates
Spratt says 6 debates is enough
Home sales forecast lowered
Major industry looking at Cherokee County
An industry that could employ thousands is reportedly looking at Cherokee County as a home.
Major economic announcement today in Pickens Co.
Significant jobs announcement set for Pickens
Advance America has major stock buyback
Advance America shelled out $150 million in two transactions to buy back stock.
Movie to be filmed in Florence
A movie starring Liv Tyler will be filmed in Florence next month.
TV pilot set for Charleston filming
Seneca chosen to be part of movie trilogy
"Army Wives" pilot to be filmed in Charleston
TV pilot to be shot in Charleston
2 new newspapers debut in Greer, Pickens
The Greenville News opens two new community newspapers to expand area coverage.
Greer to get big Nissan dealer
MB bank ranks 20th in country
Myrtle Beach's Coastal Financial Corp., parent of Coastal Federal Bank, ranks 20th in the country among publicly-traded banks, U.S. Banker magazine says.
New USC ticketing system causes problems
Students say a new ticketing system at USC's Williams Brice stadium caused a lot of problems.
Bishopville charter school owes money
The charter school in Lee County owes $19,000 for mobile classrooms.
Florence mayor's coalition offers after-school program
A look at a Florence after-school program that appears to be working.
3 Greenville PTAs try to curb teen drinking
Teen drinking is a problem three PTAs are trying to impact.
Furman to host environmental conference
Furman University will host a major environmental conference from Sept. 25-27 with former U.S. Sen. John Glenn as a keynote speaker.
Mobile technology embraced in Greenville schools
Nearly $3 million is being spent on mobile technology.
School football fields going more commercial
Businesses increasingly are putting up banners at school football fields.
Clemson career fair to be held today
More than 250 employers are expected at the school career fair today.
Briefs: Greenville school gets two grants
A Greenville High School teacher has received two DonorsChoose grants; more.
Richland 1 track proposal angers residents
Some Columbia residents are angry about a proposal to build a track near Owens Field Park.
Energy Dept. to take control of monitoring
The Energy Department will take control of an environmental monitoring program at Savannah River Site that has been done by a citizens group.
Hurricane Florence impacting local weather
High tides and other weather-related occurrences are being blamed on Hurricane Florence, still 1,000 miles away.
Callawassie Island couple's yard may be on TV show
A Callawassie Island couple's yard may be featured on Animal Planet's Backyard Wildlife Habitat show.
Cities ramp up anti-smoking efforts
Even though a lawsuit was filed last week to protest the first municipal anti-smoking ordinance, cities are ramping up efforts to get tougher on smoking.
Deficit leads to less open days at Edisto health center
A $2 million deficit has caused the Edisto Savannah Public Health District to reduce the number of open days at its North and Elloree locations.
Work underway at new Columbia medical park
A $35 million medical park is being built in the Columbia area.
Looking at Anderson's downtown
A study is going on to determine exactly what should be considered downtown Anderson.
Folly Beach commission rejects new subdivision
A Folly Beach planning commission has rejected a new call for a subdivision on Long Island.
Racism alleged in keying clash
A charge of racism has arisen in a clash in North Charleston in which a councilman's car was "keyed."
Greer's downtown catches magazine's eye
Southern Living magazine will take a look soon at Greer's downtown.
Surplus may address Greenville public safety concerns
A $5 million surplus may be able to fund sheriff deputy raises and new ambulances in Greenville County.
Myrtle Beach to consider parking meters
The city will consider meters on Broadway to encourage parking turnover downtown.
Horry public safety eyes casino boat tax
A $1.7 million kitty raised from casino boat taxes could be used for public safety purposes, Horry officials said.
Calhoun council OKs new zoning rules
New building codes and regulations have been approved in Calhoun County.
Florence pays $51K to settle suit with anti-abortion group
The city of Florence has settled a lawsuit for $51,000 with an anti-abortion group over its right to protest.
Pro-lifers, Florence settle suit
Briefs: 2 SC natives chosen for NAACP posts
Two South Carolinians have been chosen to fill national NAACP posts. Other news: State AME officials meet; Rainey-Ravenel debate cost $4,000.
Car taxes could rise in Richland Co.
To keep the area bus system afloat, car taxes could rise in Richland County.
Conway passes half-cent accommodations tax
Holocaust reflections
A Columbia College professor born after World War II reflects on the meaning of the Holocaust.
FOIA law comes into question in Oconee
"However, the issue today is whether the Oconee County Assessor has done the right thing by requiring some researchers to file Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Without hesitation we say he has."
Affordable housing gets more expensive
"Many local residents lament the Charleston area's intensifying shortage of "affordable housing." But before feeling too sorry for ourselves over soaring property values, we should consider the plight of those trying to make mortgage payments in Santa Barbara, Calif."
Expert testimony ruling is appropriate
"The S.C. Supreme Court took a step for clarity last month when it temporarily suspended a law requiring out-of-state doctors to obtain a temporary medical license before offering expert testimony in state courts. Now it's the S.C. General Assembly's turn to clarify the issue by giving it a complete airing when the House and Senate return in January."
Welfare needs more reform
"States across the nation are struggling to shrink their welfare rolls to meet federal standards, a situation that shows that the job of welfare reform isn't finished."
Reed: Greenville should reduce secondhand smoke
"Unfortunately, what is often overlooked when discussing the detrimental health impact of smoking are the negative health implications for non-smokers."
Upstate voters head to polls on Smith's seat
"Both Democrats and Republicans go to the polls next week as the first step in the process to find a replacement for long-time state Sen. Verne Smith. He announced just about two months ago that illness had taken its toll and he would not be able to serve the remaining two years of his term."
Developer with clout is added bonus
"Normally, we would look with concern on plans to develop 3,500 acres along Lake Wateree, but if someone is going to create a residential community along the Catawba, it's best that it be a firm with a good track record."
Strand may be pricing area out of tourism market
"Is the Grand Strand pricing itself out of the mass tourism market? You have to wonder, given our resort's lackluster summer season. Our tourism mainstays - restaurants, attractions and accommodations - report that they did no better profitwise this year than last. And last year wasn't all that great."
The impact of 9/11
"Monday was a day of tributes as America remembered the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. From Ground Zero in New York to small towns across America, people observed in formal and informal ways a day that will live forever as one of the most horrific in the nation’s history."
Scoppe: Chamber joins with voucher group on taxes
"January’s lofty notion of carefully studying the tax system before making rash changes is replaced by overheated rhetoric about the need to impose cookie-cutter spending limits on cities, counties and school boards that have “never missed an opportunity to raise taxes” — even though we haven’t had time to see what effect a new law will have that limits how much they can raise taxes, starting next year."
Mizzell: Time to take action on Richland public transit
"Picture a community with higher unemployment rates, gridlocked streets and poor air quality. This is what’s at stake if the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority is forced to cut bus service by up to 85 percent in January."