This Just In

Taboo Adult Store Gets Temporary Business License

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:22:21 -0400

As Taboo settles in, the city will decide next week whether to let the controversial adult toy store stay open.

Pass Voter ID: Vitriolic Online Commenters Want it

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:57:22 -0400

Online commenters on newspaper websites helped bolster support for new law.

Dead Wrong? Election Official Disputes Claim That Deceased Voted in S.C.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:28:32 -0400

Elections agency director disputes claim that dead people are voting in South Carolina.

Colbert, Booze to Blame for Poor Turnout at Today's Southern Republican Leadership Conference?

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:36:55 -0400

Conference was billed as blockbuster, turned out a dud.

Debate Day in S.C. Solidifying State

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:54:01 -0400

South Carolina is upholding its reputation as the political minefield of the early nominating contests with just two days to go before the critical first-in-the-South GOP primary

Openly Gay, Jewish GOP White House Hopeful: "I'm Staying In"

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:20:16 -0400

California's Fred Karger is still in the race for presidency.

Hundreds Flock to S.C. Tea Party Convention in Myrtle Beach

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:37:04 -0400

Attending the convention is like being given an all-day pass to a theme park of right-wing America.

Gingrich, Santorum Court Anti-Romney Vote at Upstate Forum

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:34:03 -0400

Non-Romneys urge voters to rally around one of them as the conservative alternative.

Ron Paul on Rise, Foreign Policy at Issue

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:23:01 -0400

Paul runs pro-vet ads, talks foreign policy and gets veteran support in South Carolina.

Huntsman a Hit Among Young Moderates at USC Speech

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:53:40 -0400

Former Utah governor spoke at the USC business school.

Rick Perry at the Barbecue

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:38:04 -0400

Candidate says nothing about the War on Drugs.

It's "Ron Paul, Y'all" at West Columbia Rally

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:09:00 -0400

Ron Paul hits S.C. after second-place finish in New Hampshire.

Gingrich Calls Obama "Food-stamp President" in Call With S.C. Voters

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:25:56 -0400

Former House Speaker doubles down on controversial remark.

Lawmakers Look to Fix S.C. Retirement System This Session

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:20:48 -0400

During workshop for the media, lawmakers said fixing the system could dominate session

Huntsman Daughters to Appear in Columbia on Pub Politics Jan. 5

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:03:31 -0400

@Jon2012girls to appear on an online talk show filmed in a Columbia bar.

S.C. Insurance Chief's Abrupt Resignation Stuns Industry Insiders, Fuels Haley Critics

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:44:50 -0400

"Rats leave sinking ships," says state Democratic Party chairman.

WHOOPS! Bachmann Campaign Touts Democratic Antagonist as Grassroots Supporter

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:29:03 -0400

SC Forward Progress operative ends up on Bachmann email list as a supporter.

Council Delays Walmart Decision

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:45:55 -0400

Columbia City Council won't decide until January whether to sell baseball stadium to developer.

S.C. Tea Party Leaders Blast Bachmann Campaign Tactics, Bachmann Supporters Fire Back

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:58:11 -0400

Letter says Bachmann campaign hurting movement.

Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Occupy Columbia, Against Gov. Nikki Haley

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:03:44 -0400

Occupy Columbia allowed to protest 24/7 until state develops clear, written rules.

S.C. Election Agency Could Run Deficit to Fund Republican Presidential Primary

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:53:12 -0400

Taxpayers on the hook for GOP presidential primary.

How Stephen Colbert Played the S.C. GOP

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:51:45 -0400

South Carolina: peaches and punchlines for Comedy Central satirist.

Solicitor Drops Charges Against 19 Arrested Occupy Columbia Protesters

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:03:32 -0400

Occupiers will hold a news conference at 1:30 p.m. at the State House.

Herman Cain Moving Forward With S.C. Events, Plans Rock Hill Town Hall Dec. 2

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:18:02 -0400

Despite reassessing his campaign, Herman Cain plans to be in Rock Hill on Friday.

Bachmann, Gingrich Begin Bloodsport for Tea Party Banner in S.C.

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:45:33 -0400

Bachmann camp says Gingrich "buying" tea party support; Gingrich camp says Bachmann "desperate."

State House Cop: Mass Arrests at Occupy Columbia an "Order by the Governor"

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:28:50 -0400

About 20 Occupy Columbia members arrested at State House.

City Council Swats Down Food Truck Restrictions

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:10:23 -0400

The city's food trucks dodged some hefty restrictions being pushed by the Columbia Restaurant Association.

Inside the Clown Car: Meet Michele Bachmann's South Carolina Team

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:00:42 -0400

Bachmann hires controversial S.C. campaign team.

Remembering Bill Wells (1927-2011)

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:50:29 -0400

Wet Willie's Rejects Music Crawl over Hip-Hop Lineup

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:25:34 -0400

On Saturday night, music fans heading to the Vista club Wet Willie's for the 2011 Free Times Music Crawl were greeted with a sign directing them to head to Moda Lounge instead.

Jenny Sanford Has History of Backing Candidate As Sex Scandal Breaks

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 11:45:23 -0400

Sanford endorsed Haley right before affair allegation broke.

Media Not Invited to Bachmann Tea Party Event in S.C.

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:23:29 -0400

Event is not a fundraiser, spokesman says.

Chief NLRB Attorney Named an American Bar Association Lawyer of the Year

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:10:14 -0400

Lafe Solomon filed a complaint against airline maker Boeing in April.

City Puts Brakes on Stadium Sale

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:13:45 -0400

The city slows its move toward the sale of the Capital City Stadium to a developer who wants to put a Walmart supercenter there.

S.C. Congressman: Illegal Immigrants Are Like Animals 'Using My Deodorant'

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:56:20 -0400

Congressman's remarks certainly interesting.

Lexington County GOP Chairman to Challenge Sen. Ronnie Cromer in Primary

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:47:27 -0400

Cromer has served as a Republican in the Senate since 2003.

Happy Haley Halloween: State Paper Puts Gov's Face on Pumpkin

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:56:55 -0400

Haley won "scariest local politician" in 2011 "Best Of Columbia" awards.

Henry McMaster Argues Epic Supreme Court Case About His Rental Properties

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:22:31 -0400

The former GOP attorney general is now fighting for his wife in the High Court.

Andre Bauer: "I'm Probably Going to Run" for S.C. 7

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:56:33 -0400

The 42-year-old real estate developer has been inching toward a decision for the stat's new 7th Congressional District.

This is a 700-Word Process Story About a State Lawmaker's Controversial Comment

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:33:57 -0400

Because it's what we do.

S.C. Mental Health Employee on New Phone Greeting: "Is this a joke?"

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:29:38 -0400

No, it's not, doc.

A Great Day For a Laugh in South Carolina

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:58:27 -0400

State employees must answer the phone, "It's a great day in South Carolina. How can I help you," according to a new rule from the governor's office.

Protest Planned for Perry Campaign HQ Unveiling in S.C

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:39:52 -0400

GOP activists plan protest against Texas Gov. Rick Perry in Columbia.

S.C. Public Safety Mouthpiece Mum on His Alleged Assault of TV Reporter

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:24:16 -0400

DPS spokesman has "no comment" on Sheriff's Office incident report.

Little Girl, Big Misstep: Gov. Haley Makes National News with Swipe at Female Reporter

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 14:50:41 -0400

On little girls, thirsty fellows and wearing sneakers with a business suit.

A Kingmaker's Court at DeMint's Presidential Forum in S.C.

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:53:44 -0400

Five GOP presidential candidates kiss DeMint's ring in Columbia forum.

Nikki Haley, Voter ID and More National News for S.C.: A Timeline

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:26:12 -0400

A timeline of the Voter ID fiasco in South Carolina.

Want Cameras? Raise Taxes, Says City Manager

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:01:15 -0400

City Manager Steve Gantt says City Council must raise taxes if it wants citywide surveillance cameras.

Gergel Will Not Run for Re-Election

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:36:43 -0400

Free Times won't have Belinda Gergel to kick around anymore.

Michele Bachmann's S.C. Director Pushed Right-Wing Agenda With Federal Funds

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:54:18 -0400

Records show Michele Bachmann's S.C. director pulled down more than $2.2 million in federal funds for abstinence-only education.

Aug. 14: Five Points Attackers Washed Off Victim's Blood in Fountain

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:10:48 -0400

Another grisly incident in Five Points caught on tape.

City's Commercial Loans in Bad Shape

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:39:41 -0400

Those suspended federal loan funds are still frozen, and one-third of the city's commercial loans are past due.

New City Law Could Restrict Food Trucks

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:19:23 -0400

A new city law could make it harder for Columbia's food trucks to do business.

Judge Tosses Lawsuit Against Haley, Warns Her Not to Infringe on Union Rights

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:01:48 -0400

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought against the governor by labor unions.

Investigators Seek Reporter's Audio Recording in Ken Ard Case

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:01:01 -0400

Investigators are collecting evidence this week as a criminal case involving South Carolina's Republican lieutenant governor, Ken Ard, moves to a state grand jury that will convene soon, Free Times has learned.

County Defends No-Bid Contract, Pope

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:00:25 -0400

Refuting accusations that Richland County Administrator Milton Pope took liberties by signing a no-bid contract with American Engineering Consultants -- a company co-owned by S.C. House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham -- County Council Chairman Paul Livingston has released a public letter saying "there has been a tremendous amount of innuendo and mistruths" regarding the issue.

Benjamin Endorses Runyan for At-Large City Seat

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:06:16 -0400

Mayor Steve Benjamin formally endorsed the City Council candidacy of Cameron Runyan today, saying Runyan is "the right person for the job."

Richland County Administrator Draws Fire Over No-Bid Contract

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:40:29 -0400

Council members and business leaders are questioning Richland County Administrator Milton Pope over a July 2010 no-bid contract with a company co-owned by House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham.

S.C. Dem Chair: Is State GOP a Political Party or Criminal Enterprise?

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:36:24 -0400

South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Dick Harpootlian is "perturbed" that a review of Republican Lt. Gov. Ken Ard is taking so long.

Democrats Dig up More Dirt on Ard

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:31:00 -0400

A woman whose name shows up as a financial donor to Ard's campaign has confirmed that she never gave him any money.

Rickenmann Won't Run Again for City Council

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:28:08 -0400

Columbia City Councilman Daniel Rickenmann will not run for a third term in the April 2012 city election, he announced today.

Richland County Solicitor is Monitoring Ard Case 'Very Closely'

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:57:24 -0400

Ard is under the 5th circuit solicitor's jurisdiction.

Free Times Details Ethics Investigation Into S.C. Lieutenant Governor Ken Ard

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:25:22 -0400

Updates on the State Ethics Commission's investigation into South Carolina's Republican lieutenant governor for improper campaign spending.

Ken Ard Settles Ethics Charges, Democrats Say He Got Off Easy

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:14:12 -0400

State's lieutenant governor pays around $72,000 after facing 106 ethics charges.

Michele Bachmann in Lexington, S.C.: Go Gamecocks

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:51:33 -0400

Michele Bachmann visited Lexington as she campaigns for the GOP presidential nomination.

City Passes Emergency Curfew After Beating

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:05:17 -0400

Starting today, June 28, nobody under 17 is allowed in Columbia's Five Points or its surrounding parks between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

City Seeks Criminal Investigation of Community Development

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:44:39 -0400

The Columbia Police Department wants to know whether city officials told a loan officer to break the law.

Huntsman Joins 2012 Race, Visits S.C.

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:03:26 -0400

Former U.S. Ambassador to China Jon Hunstman visited the state after officially announcing as a candidate for the Republican nomination for president in 2012.

City Loan Fund Frozen

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:58:07 -0400

Former Community Development director Tony Lawton's reassignment followed more problems with the city's use of federal money.

Board Member Resigns Over Lawton's Move

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:15:31 -0400

Rhett Anders resigns from the Eau Claire Development Corporation after city names Tony Lawton the new executive director.

City Ousts Lawton from Key Post

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:55:16 -0400

The embattled Tony Lawton has been reassigned to a job where he won't manage federal funds.

Poll Finds Haley at 42 Percent, A Quarter of Voters Wishing South Won Civil War

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:09:26 -0400

A new poll by Public Policy Polling shows a quarter of South Carolina votes wish the Confederacy had won the Civil War.

S.C. GOP Redistricting Plan Aims to Squeeze out Sheheen, Other Dems

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:49:53 -0400

The once-a-decade redistricting plan by the South Carolina GOP looks to redden currently blood-red state.

Nikki Haley Makes National News, Alvin Greene Returns to Headlines

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:40:18 -0400

Both political figures are national news ... again.

Downtown Arts Center Loan Gets Narrow Approval

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 10:24:20 -0400

In a 4-3 vote, a city board approved a controversial loan for an arts center in the Tapp's building on Main Steet.

Sudden Resignation of S.C.'s First Inspector General Raises Questions

Tue, 31 May 2011 21:08:05 -0400

Haley's inpector general resigned in late April without announcing it.

White House Hopeful Robert Haines Arrested in South Carolina

Wed, 25 May 2011 22:27:18 -0400

New Hampshire Republican arrested for disorderly conduct in Columbia.

GOP Presidential Candidate Robert Haines Causes Stir at S.C. State House

Wed, 18 May 2011 14:32:46 -0400

Robert Haines disturbs a House session at the State House in Columbia.

The Joe Wilson "You Lie" Assault Weapon Gun Part is Back

Tue, 10 May 2011 16:26:14 -0400

It's baaaaaack.

South Carolina Democrats Get Aggressive, Form Hit Squad Against GOP

Tue, 03 May 2011 15:45:22 -0400

Democratic operatives have formed an opposition hit squad to take on the slate of Republican presidential contenders and the SCGOP.

County Councilman Will Resign from Transportation Board

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:28:00 -0400

Richland County Councilman Kelvin Washington is giving up a committee position that the attorney general's office said violated the state law against dual office holding.

S.C. House Rejects Amazon Incentives

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 22:37:16 -0400

The South Carolina House has rejected an exemption that would have allowed an Amazon distribution center to operate in Lexington Count

City Could Remove Security from 2 a.m. Bar Close Law

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:37:11 -0400

Columbia might make it easier for local bars to comply with the 2 a.m. bar close law by removing a requirement that they hire private security.

The Tax Day Tea Party Rally Speech Nikki Haley Might Not Have Wanted You To Hear

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:18:51 -0400

Read State Treasurer Curtis Loftis's Tax Day Tea Party Rally speech.

Troubled USC Law School Looks Inward for New Dean

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:38:41 -0400

Rob Wilcox, currently the associate dean, is tasked with turning around the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Cornel West Challenges Students to "Unsettle Yourself"

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:15:39 -0400

Cornel West told USC students a "deep education" is necessary to overcome the superficiality, greed and ignorance that dominate contemporary American culture.

Taco Cart Redux: One Year Later

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:26:51 -0400

It's been a year since David Roberts delayed his request to put a taco cart at Main and Gervais -- and ran up against some powerful downtown forces. On Tuesday it's time for a rematch.

Darla Moore: Thanks, and Here's $5 Million for an Aerospace Center

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:03:40 -0400

Ousted USC board member and billionaire philanthropist Darla Moore thanked her supporters, decried "policies that would dumb us down" -- and announced a huge new donation.

Darla Moore Out at USC Board, Replaced by Haley Donor

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:26:21 -0400

Moore will be replaced by a campaign contributor to Republican Gov. Nikki Haley

S.C. Lawmakers Push Bill to Grade Governor

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:57:56 -0400

Democrats introduced legislation to grade Republican Gov. Nikki Haley on her accomplishments.

Councilman is Violating State Law, Says AG

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:22:36 -0400

Richland County Councilman Kelvin Washington is likely violating the state ban on dual office holding, according to the state attorney general.

Is That Really Alvin Greene's Twitter Account? Do the Media Even Care?

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:25:47 -0400

Who is @GreeneForSenate?

County Paving Plan Faces Practical, Legal Problems

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:00:13 -0400

Richland County Councilman Kelvin Washington's alternate paving plan has council members worried about control of the dirt road agenda and Washington's role.

Momentum Builds Among S.C. Lawmakers to Abolish Leadership PACs

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:50:22 -0400

State House news conference scheduled for 12 p.m., March 1, looks to abolish "cancer on the body politic."

S.C. Dem Senators: Anti-Health Care Reform State Officials Should Drop Government-Subsidized Plans

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:08:37 -0400

S.C. Senate Democrats held a news conference at the State House in Columbia today.

Alvin Greene Comes in Fourth, Still Gets Headline

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:11:37 -0400

Greene gets less than 50 votes in S.C. House race out of thousands cast.

Recording of Ard Remarks Released

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:49:07 -0400

Free Times releases recording of Jan. 31 phone conversation with S.C. Lt. Gov. Ken Ard who told the Associated Press that he was quoted inaccurately.

Ard Has History of Ethics Problems

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:39:38 -0400

Ethics Commission documents show repeated violations from when S.C. Lt. Gov. Ken Ard served on the Florence County Council

First OK on bar closing law is a victory for Gergel

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:24:50 -0400

The real story of yesterday's vote to restrict bar hours was the way Councilwoman Belinda Gergel played it.

S.C. Ethics Commission Wants Answers From New Lt. Gov. Ard

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:30:47 -0400

The S.C. State Ethics Commission wants to know why GOP Lt. Gov. Ard spent about $25k in campaign money after the election ended.