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First Lady Fostering the Future

First Lady Fostering the Future

First Lady Melania Trump launches Fostering the Future Accounts, a new financial vehicle for youth in foster care.

Evette supporters criticize Wilson over judicial candidate support, AG responds

A group of conservative South Carolina lawmakers supporting gubernatorial candidate Pamela Evette held a press conference on Thursday.During the press conferen

Officer, suspect shot in West Columbia, SLED investigating

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) - SLED is investigating after an officer and a suspect were shot Wednesday night along North Brown Street.Police were called to the 5

Firefighters battle blaze at vacant business

Firefighters battled a fire at a vacant business off Decker Boulevard on Wednesday night, according to the Columbia Police Department.Authorities say crews resp

Heat index set to reach the low 100s over the next few days

Here comes the heat!

VOTE: Do you think it's appropriate for Trump to host a UFC event at the White House?

Do you think it's appropriate for President Trump to host a UFC event at the White House?

Some student loan borrowers will have to change to another repayment plan next month

The Department of Education will start informing student-loan borrowers who are enrolled in the SAVE plan about their upcoming deadline to change to a new plan.

FBI arrests Minnesota man on agency's "Most Wanted Fraudsters" list

FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Wednesday that a former Deli owner in Minneapolis surrendered to authorities.

2026 FIFA World Cup begins: What to know about the biggest tournament ever

The 2026 tournament, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, expands from 32 to 48 teams.

Preview: Emanuel Nine Memorial nears completion ahead of 2026 opening

More than a decade after the tragic shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church that claimed the lives of nine worshippers during a Bible study gathering, a permanent

'We have the numbers': Johnson looks to be first democratic SC governor in 20+ years

After securing the Democratic nomination in the governor's race, Representative Jermaine Johnson told reporters on Tuesday night he's confident the Democratic P

Local News

SC's DSS recognizes families, nutrition programs and elder abuse

COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) --- South Carolina’s Department of Social Services is bringing awareness to different events that the people of South Carolina need to know

First heat wave of the year arrives late this week

Temperatures continue to heat up as we head deeper through this week.

Evette, Wilson advance to June 23 GOP runoff after close primary results

South Carolina Republicans are headed for a runoff for governor after no candidate secured the 50 percent plus one needed to win outright in Tuesday’s primary.

City of Columbia unveils 'Greetings From Columbia' mural at Finlay Park

The City of Columbia and Keep the Midlands Beautiful unveiled a new "Greetings From Columbia" mural at Finlay Park on Wednesday.The mural, near the park's spira

Columbia Police Department hosting summer block parties to continue community engagement

COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) --- Community policing is a term that's been incorporated into the fabric of the Midlands.Law enforcement agents across our area pride thems

Miss South Carolina competition prepares to dazzle the Palmetto State

COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) --- Preparations are underway as a new Miss South Carolina will be crowned next Saturday in downtown Columbia.The event takes place Saturday

Authorities search for missing 45-year-old woman

Sumter Police are searching for 45-year-old Shayla Barkley after she left her residential care facility around 6 p.m. Tuesday and did not return.Barkley, who li

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Officer, suspect shot in West Columbia, SLED investigating

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) - SLED is investigating after an officer and a suspect were shot Wednesday night along North Brown Street.Police were called to the 5

First heat wave of the year arrives late this week

Temperatures continue to heat up as we head deeper through this week.

City of Columbia unveils 'Greetings From Columbia' mural at Finlay Park

The City of Columbia and Keep the Midlands Beautiful unveiled a new "Greetings From Columbia" mural at Finlay Park on Wednesday.The mural, near the park's spira

Preview: Emanuel Nine Memorial nears completion ahead of 2026 opening

More than a decade after the tragic shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church that claimed the lives of nine worshippers during a Bible study gathering, a permanent

'We have the numbers': Johnson looks to be first democratic SC governor in 20+ years

After securing the Democratic nomination in the governor's race, Representative Jermaine Johnson told reporters on Tuesday night he's confident the Democratic P

Nation & World

Trump threatens Iran oil takeover as US strikes for second straight day

Iran said it retaliated by firing at Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, as it had the day before.

PHOTOS: Behind the scenes of FIFA World Cup preparations

PHOTOS: Behind the scenes of FIFA World Cup preparations

Triumphal Arch construction could be completed in 2-3 years once approved

Construction would take place for 20 hours a day for two to three years straight.

Minnesota lawmaker shooting suspect set to change plea in killing of speaker, husband

Boelter was indicted on July 15, 2025, on six federal counts, including murder, stalking and firearms violations, stemming from the June 14 shootings.

Ivermectin back in the spotlight as new health questions emerge

Start your morning with The National News Desk as Jan Jeffcoat sits down with the President and Chief Medical Officer of IMA Health, Dr. Joseph Varon.

Southern Baptists move closer to formal ban on churches with women pastors

The issue has been debated within the denomination for years.

Judge denies watchdog request to block Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund

A different federal judge in Alexandria, Virginia, has already temporarily blocked the fund's operations.

Sports

Gamecocks hire Kevin Schnall as head baseball coach

The University of South Carolina's Board of Trustees officially approved the contract for Kevin Schnall to be the next Head Baseball Coach at South Carolina.Wed

Carolina Panthers begin mandatory minicamp

The Carolina Panthers kicked on mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.

Joyce Edwards, MiLaysia Fulwiley win 3x3 gold medal for USA

South Carolina sophomore forward Joyce Edwards averaged 4.4 points and 4.1 rebounds to help the United States to its fourth gold medal in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup

Entertainment

Zac Efron is building a $2 million 'hemp house' in the Australian rainforest

Zac Efron is living off the grid, and it’s costing him $2 million.

'Toy Story 5' star Tim Allen opens up about his prison past for cocaine trafficking

Tim Allen had a very important realization during his time in prison.

Ryan Reynolds 'broke every bone' on left side of his body when drunk driver ran him over

Ryan Reynolds thought he was making a wise decision when he opted not to drive home after he had one beer at 18 years old, but things didn’t go to plan.

'Girl Meets World' creator allegedly made Sabrina Carpenter, Rowan Blanchard cry

A producer alleges series creator Michael Jacobs, who also created "Boy Meets World," berated the young stars during their first table read.

Money

Mortgage rates remain above 6.5% as inflation spikes

Mortgage rates rose this week along with inflation, remaining above 6.5%.

Closing costs when selling a house

Selling a house isn’t free — here’s a breakdown of common closing costs for sellers.

HELOCs dip, home equity loan rates tick higher

HELOC rates dipped, while home equity loan rates hit their highest level of the year.

HELOCs dip, home equity loan rates tick higher

HELOC rates rose for the fifth straight week, nearing their highest level of the year.

Mortgage rates dip, but still above 6.5%

Mortgage rates retreated a bit this week but remain above 6.5%.

Homebuyers’ guide: How to choose a real estate agent

When you’re ready to buy a home, choosing the right real estate agent is crucial.

This couple mortgaged 9 properties in under a decade. Here are the financing tips they swear by

The Lupos built a real estate portfolio using these 5 strategies.

Featured Videos

Offbeat

Maine groundhog gets a fire safety lecture after false alarm in Auburn

Crews responded to the call and found no fire or smoke at the scene, just a very confused rodent.

Strangers call 911 to report children selling lemonade, police become paying customers

Someone called 911 to report two brothers who were running a lemonade stand, but their plan backfired when the emergency responders became happy customers.

Woman who banned herself from casino sneaks in, wins jackpot before being kicked out

A woman who banned herself from Pennsylvania casinos for life was escorted out of one last week after she sneaked in and won a slot machine jackpot.

Fan runs onto court during Spurs-Knicks NBA Finals game, tries to take selfie with Wemby

One of the more confusing and talked-about moments of Game 1 of the NBA Finals came when a fan ran onto the court during the second half.

Three found with 51 barracudas hidden in cooler off Key West, FWC says

Florida wildlife officers say three people were caught with dozens of illegally harvested great barracudas during a patrol off Key West.

Sponsored Content

City of Columbia working to keep waterways clean, and residents can help

Columbia residents can help protect the Broad, Saluda and Congaree Rivers by volunteering to mark storm drains and prevent pollution.

When is it time for assisted living? 7 signs families should watch for

For many families, the conversation starts with a small concern. A parent misses a dose of medication. A spouse has a fall. Meals become less regular.

Assisted living vs. nursing home: How families can compare care options

When an aging parent or spouse needs more support, families are often faced with difficult questions about care.

Emergency funds: How much to save and how to start

You never know when life will put a strain on your finances. That’s why emergency savings funds are so vital.

What is the 50/30/20 budgeting rule? A simple way to plan your paycheck

SAFE Federal Credit Union says the 50/30/20 rule is a straightforward method for practically dividing your income into three categories that you use regularly.

The next step: Understanding the transition from independent living to a care setting

Learn how older adults and families in Columbia and Lexington, SC, can recognize when it may be time to explore assisted living.

What maintenance-free senior living means in Columbia and Lexington, SC

Explore how maintenance-free senior living can help older adults in Columbia and Lexington, SC, enjoy life at Still Hopes.

What percentage of motorcycle riders are involved in accidents?

Motorcycles make up a small share of vehicles on the road, but safety experts have long warned that riders face higher risks in crashes.

Should you take the first offer in a South Carolina car accident settlement?

After a car accident in South Carolina, it is common for the other driver’s insurance company to contact you quickly with a settlement offer. On the surface, th

One-day hardwood floor refresh can boost value and cut downtime

In many Midlands listings, floors set the tone before anything else. That is why this story begins with the solution, not the problem: ReCoat Revolution.

Hurricane season: What homeowners need to know about roof safety and repairs

Are homeowners ready for hurricane season? Prepare with these tips.

Back to school safety tips for Columbia-area families

As students across South Carolina prepare to head back to school, it’s essential to prioritize safety — not just in the classroom but during the daily commute.

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Shopping

Cozy to Crafty: 10 gifts for Mother's Day for every kind of mom

Slippers for the Cozy Mom? A Ninja SLUSHi for the Frozen-Drink-Loving Mom? A digital camera for the Techy Mom? We've got you!

Shield Your Skin: 10 sun protection products to snag for summer

The weather is getting warmer, and protecting your precious face from UV rays is so important.

13 products to get you started baking sourdough

Making sourdough starter from scratch? Not the easiest. Getting started making sourdough with this guide? Easy!

10 products that are 50% off or more for Amazon's Big Spring Sale

You can save big on home, decor, tech, beauty, fashion, and more.

Welcome to Aries Season: 10 gifts for the Aries in your life

Welcome to Aries Season, the sign full of bold energy, confidence, and fiery spark.

10 viral products we wish we bought sooner

From stress cubes to fabric shavers and spray for on-the-go, these 10 products are popular for a reason.

Add a pop of green to your life with these 7 cute finds

No one's getting pinched on our watch.

10 Father's Day gifts he will actually use

From heating pads to beard trimmers and LEGO sets, happy shopping!

Hello, June! Get ready for summer with these 8 essentials

Summer is right around the corner. Are you prepared for these hot, fun-filled months?

9 gadgets to create the ultimate cozy reading environment

Imagine this: you are bundled up in a cozy, soft blanket, lost in a book. These items are a must for any book lover.

10 trendy beauty deals worth shopping this Memorial Day

From lip stains to Korean skincare and serums, here are 10 products on sale for Memorial Day.

10 audiobooks to get you out of that reading slump

Right now, you can try Audible for 30 days free!

10 home and garden gadgets you'll be using a lot this season

'Tis the season for tinkering around your home and garden.From spring cleaning to meals on the grill or finally getting those tomatoes to grow, we've got you c

7 sentimental gifts that should still arrive before Mother's Day

Here are 7 gift ideas that balance heartfelt and fast shipping for a Happy Mother's Day!

7 fun rugs that will add some personality to your home

These rugs refuse to be boring.

Crisis in the classroom

California school district's LGBTQ+ guide raises parental concerns over content and intent

The San Francisco United School District sent students home with a guide over the Winter break that has sparked concerns.

Majority of college graduates believe education was worth the cost despite some regrets

Thirty-five percent of college graduates regret their college major.

Schools are facing a nursing shortage; why it may get worse come September

Summer vacation may be getting underway, but some schools may find themselves in a nursing shortage come the fall.

Chronic absenteeism rising across the nation as parents say there are other concerns

Chronic absenteeism is a challenge facing schools across the nation.

3 former Oconto Falls students sue district, alleging years of staff sexual misconduct

Three specific students are identified as plaintiffs: Amanda Watzka, Brooke LaCount and Grace Williams. They allege incidents occurred from 2010 to 2018.

Should phones be allowed in school? Over 10,000 people think so

A petition by a high schooler to allow cell phones in public schools secured over 10,000 signatures in three days.

Pandemic learning loss impacts developmental growth. How parents can help this summer

A new survey says pandemic learning loss has impacted students' basic developmental skills.

'Unbelievable statement': School board chair resigns after controversial Facebook post

A school board chair in Maine has resigned over something she posted on Facebook.

Georgia is giving $6,500 vouchers to parents of students in underperforming schools

The state of Georgia is planning on paying parents to either home-school their children or send them to private schools.

School apologizes for assignment asking 5th grader to 'pretend to be a white slave master'

Two Somerset County parents say they were surprised to find what they say is an "alarming assignment" brought home by their fifth-grade daughter last week.

Students denied wearing cultural regalia at graduation, ACLU says CCSD is violating laws

A state law passed last year allows students to wear cultural and religious regalia. But some families say the law is not being honored.

Teachers union slams Texas Governor over special education aide's tragic death

Fingers are being pointed at Texas Governor Greg Abbott after an instructional assistant died from a blunt force head injury during a classroom incident.

Officials investigating if 'incredibly disturbing' video filmed in school library

School officials in Oklahoma are investigating whether a graphic sexual video was filmed inside an elementary school library.

School district report cards released: How our area schools scored

The Florida Department of Education released school grades for the 2022-2023 school year and this year they are using a whole new system.

Parents angered, frustrated after 44 students sickened at elementary school; cause unknown

Parents in California are frustrated over the lack of communication from their children's elementary school after 44 students were sickened.

SportsZone

Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson named SEC Defensive Player of the Year

Raven Johnson’s value to No. 3 South Carolina has often started on the defensive end. Now it comes with a conference honor.

Record crowd witnesses Jax State's triumph over Kennesaw State in CUSA clash

A record-breaking crowd of 24,166 fans at AmFirst Stadium watched Jacksonville State assert its dominance against Kennesaw State.

Former Gamecock QB Connor Shaw in stable condition after collapsing

Former South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw was hospitalized Wednesday night after collapsing while coaching his son’s football game.

Friday Night Rivals

Bearcats outlast Eagles in season finale

WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) --

Best of TNL and FNR for Week 10

WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) --

McCree serves up Scholar Athlete nomination

WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) -- Throughout this Friday Night Rivals season, the South Carolina National Guard will recognize an exceptional student athlete from eac

Sturkie shines as Scholar Athlete nominee

WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) -- Throughout this Friday Night Rivals season, the South Carolina National Guard will recognize an exceptional student athlete from eac

Connect to Congress

Epstein’s lawyer, accountant say they weren’t interviewed in federal probes

Jeffrey Epstein’s lawyer and accountant told House lawmakers they were never interviewed in the federal investigations into the late sex offender.

Senate effort builds to curb insider trading on prediction markets

Momentum is building in the Senate to restrict lawmakers and other officials with insider access from trading on emerging prediction markets.

Top 10 moments from Bill and Hillary Clinton's depositions on Jeffrey Epstein

The House Oversight Committee released videos from their hours of questioning Bill and Hillary Clinton last week in its investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.