Public housing debacle: The aftermath of the Allen-Benedict closure
When emergency officials arrived at a Columbia public housing project on January 17, 2019, they found two men dead of carbon monoxide poisoning. The deaths of Calvin Witherspoon Jr., 62, and Derrick Caldwell Roper, 31, in separate units of the post-World War II-era complex prompted emergency evacuation of the 26-building complex and spawned lawsuits and investigations that are ongoing. The city was also forced to find emergency housing for displaced families even as they faced questions about ongoing problems at the aging complex.
Reporters Mary Ramsey and Shayla Nidiver explore the impact of the crisis on families and a city that is still grappling with finding homes for the community’s most vulnerable citizens.
Beep! Beep! Food trucks coming through
The food truck industry has expanded in size and revenue – in South Carolina and nationally.
A passion for fashion that gives back
German designer Diko Pekdemir-Lewis’ quality brand pushes Colombia’s fashion opportunities forward.
Free fitness classes bring crowds to revitalized Finlay Park
Participants gathered at Finlay Park for a high energy Zumba class as part of a new, free fitness class series.
The stigma is still there. USC wants students to come in anyway
USC provides resources for students struggling with mental health and depression.
What’s it like running a refugee podcast in troubled times?
The USC student-run Seeking Refuge podcast highlights the stories of refugees and experts in the field.
Former USC quarterback now focused on mentoring children for the future
Former USC quarterback Jay Urich is not finished giving back to the Midlands through Original Design.
Are there enough Columbia venues for small bands?
For small bands, finding a venue can be a challenge, but small venues and a busy DIY scene are helping out.
Adulting 101 gives USC students a crash course in life
Adulting 101 courses teach life skills to University of South Carolina students.
Red, ripe, ready: Local strawberry farm is open for spring
Cottle Strawberry Farm on Garners Ferry Road opened in late March.
Off Off Broadway celebrates all majors with ‘9 to 5: The Musical’
Even for non-theatre majors, the show must go on.
