- The state Senate adjourned late Thursday without reaching a consensus on the issue of Tort Reform. The Tort Reform bill seeks in part to limit liability payouts to persons or companies seeking damages. Its an effort to lower liability insurance rates.
- Two bills advancing in the state Senate would give law enforcement and prosecutors more tools to combat gangs. If enacted, the bills would, for the first time, allow entire gangs to be charged for committing criminal activity.
- Thursday, Gun Safety Advocates rallied at the Statehouse. Along with state lawmakers, they continue to fight for stronger gun violence prevention laws.
- A private donation will help cover costs of a South Carolina taxpayer-funded private school tuition program that the state Supreme Court last year ruled unconstitutional.
- The state's Department of Education’s Instructional Materials Review Committee has voted to remove 10 books from all K-12 public school libraries and classroom collections. The State Board of Education will take a final vote on this recommendation... at its April 1 meeting
- Family, friends and fans will say final goodbyes to award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and Columbia native Angie Stone. Stone was killed in a car crash south of Montgomery, Alabama, March 1. Stones' funeral will take place at Saturday at First Nazareth Baptist Church in Columbia, with a public viewing will from 12 to 2pm. The celebration of life services starts at 2pm.
The Five Points Association will be sponsoring the St. Pat’s in Five Points Race, Parade and Festival on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The festivities will kick off with the Get to the Green 10k, 5k and 1 mile fun run starting at 7:30 a.m., the St. Pat’s Parade is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. and Festival Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. The festival will end at 7:00 p.m.
Roads will remain closed for the duration of the festival and will re-open once the breakdown of the stages, fencing and clean-up has been completed. Columbia Police Department Special Duty officers will assist with traffic control and security for the race, parade and festival.
For more information regarding the events, visit https://stpatscolumbia.com
Road Closures
The 2100 block of Greene Street will be closed from 8:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14 until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, March 15.
The 600 block of Harden, the 700 block of Saluda and the 700 block of Santee will be closed from 6:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14 until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, March 15.
Blossom Street between Pickens Street and Heidt Street will be closed from 2:00 a.m. Saturday, March 15, until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, March 15.
Devine Street between Laurens Street and Hilton Street will be closed from 2:00 a.m. Saturday, March 15, until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, March 15.
Saluda Avenue between Greene Street and Blossom Street will be closed from 2:00 a.m. Saturday, March 15, until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, March 15.
Harden Street between Blossom Street and Pendleton Street will be closed from 2:00 a.m. Saturday, March 15, until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, March 15.
Santee between Blossom Street and Heidt Street will be closed from 2:00 a.m. Saturday, March 15, until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, March 15.
College Street between Laurens Street and Pine Street will be closed from 2:00 a.m.Saturday, March 15, until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, March 15.
Devine Street from Millwood Avenue to Harden Street will be closed March 15, 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. for the parade. Devine Street at Millwood Avenue will be closed earlier for the parade staging area.
South Carolina Morning Headlines
