Author: Staff

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As the holiday season approaches, local police departments and charitable organizations are eager to help those in need. If you’re feeling generous this holiday season, consider donating to one of the following initiatives: Join the spirit of giving with the Shop with a Cop program. The Irmo Police Department Community Foundation is collecting donations until December 5 to assist families in the community during the holidays. Contributions can be dropped off at the Irmo Police Department located at 1230 Columbia Ave., Irmo, SC 29063. You can also donate online at irmopdcommunityfoundation.org or send donations via mail. Blythewood…

COLUMBIA, SC – The Joseph S. Azar Community Garden at T.S. Martin Neighborhood Park has officially opened its doors to the public. City Councilman Ed McDowell expressed the significance of the garden, stating, “This garden showcases the hard work of both seniors and children. It symbolizes our community and the city as a whole as we continue to grow and thrive together.” The new garden will serve a dual purpose: it will provide fresh vegetables for community members and serve as a hands-on learning space for students from nearby schools, including W.A. Perry Middle School and C.A. Johnson High School.…

Starbucks is getting ready to kick off the holiday season with the return of its beloved red holiday cups on November 7. As part of its annual celebration, the coffee chain will unveil its 2024 holiday menu, bringing back the much-anticipated festive drinkware and an array of seasonal beverages. This year’s holiday theme, “Merrier Together,” reflects warmth and togetherness, featuring colors that blend Starbucks’ signature green and cranberry red with gentle pastel shades reminiscent of holiday treats. The design draws inspiration from vintage ornaments and classic holiday symbols like peppermints. In addition to the familiar red cups, Starbucks is expected…

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann recently shared his vision for Columbia, emphasizing themes of teamwork and unity in the Midlands. Speaking at the launch of the “State of the Midlands” series hosted by the Urban Land Institute South Carolina, he described Columbia as “the land of opportunity” and “the best kept secret in South Carolina.” Rickenmann noted that before his administration, a major issue for the Midlands was the lack of collaboration among local leaders. However, he expressed optimism about improvements made in recent times. He mentioned strengthened relationships with neighboring towns such as West Columbia, Cayce, and Lexington, demonstrating a commitment…

Gov. Henry McMaster announced on September 16, 2024, that Robert M. Kerr, the Director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), will retire on November 1, 2024. Kerr has been in this role for more than three years, having been appointed by McMaster in April 2021 and confirmed unanimously by the South Carolina Senate shortly after. In a statement, Governor McMaster praised Kerr, saying, “Director Robby Kerr is a remarkable leader and devoted public servant. His guidance has been invaluable to governors, lawmakers, and colleagues.” McMaster highlighted Kerr’s significant contributions, particularly his work in transforming and…

With current South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster unable to run for reelection in 2026, an exciting contest is expected to fill his position. The Republican Party is the dominant force in state politics, meaning the crucial decision will occur during the GOP primary in June 2026 when voters choose their candidate for governor. On the other hand, the Democratic Party appears to be losing its impact. The party currently lacks representation in statewide offices and has seen its influence diminish significantly in the South Carolina House and Senate. Both U.S. Senate seats and six out of seven congressional districts are…

A close race in rural South Carolina’s Senate district has become even tighter following a recount. Gerald Malloy, a former state senator from South Carolina and a familiar face in Democratic politics, is weighing the option of formally contesting his recent defeat. Malloy, who marketed himself as a budget-friendly Democrat, lost to Republican candidate JD Chaplin in the hotly contested election for Senate District 29. This district serves all of Marlboro County and parts of Chesterfield, Darlington, Lee, and Sumter counties. Chaplin emerged victorious by a narrow margin, winning by just 278 votes from nearly 50,000 cast, as reported during…

As the Columbia metropolitan area prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2036, it is also commemorating Columbia Business Monthly’s 35 years of service. The city has outlined an ambitious plan called Envision 2036, which aims to redefine the American dream and enhance the community’s growth. Columbia seeks to strengthen its position as a hub for commerce, technology, and education. Key focus areas include attracting and keeping talented individuals, connecting neighborhoods, empowering the local population, encouraging economic prosperity, and improving public spaces. A significant part of this vision includes developing the riverfront, with plans for new parks, roads, and walking…

Starbucks Offers Free Holiday Cups on Red Cup Day This Thursday marks Red Cup Day at Starbucks, a special event eagerly awaited by many coffee lovers. On this day, customers who order selected holiday drinks will receive a complimentary limited-edition red holiday cup designed for a "grande" or 16-ounce beverage, while supplies last. Starbucks has shared that this year’s reusable cup is crafted with 95% recycled materials. It will only be available for a limited time, so fans are encouraged to get theirs quickly. In addition to receiving a free cup, customers who bring back the custom cup or any…

Michaela N. Weaver has joined Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A. as an associate in the family law team based in Greenville. Her legal work centers around family law and litigation, where she handles cases related to divorce, child custody, visitation, and various financial matters. Before joining the firm, Weaver gained experience as a judicial law clerk in the family court of South Carolina’s 7th Judicial Circuit. Additionally, she took on leadership roles as president and co-president of the Family Law Society at the University of Georgia School of Law. Weaver’s achievements have been recognized with several honors, including the Custer-Tuggle Award…