Free Times

12/27/2025

The only thing that Amber Mullins loves more than her family and community is a mom and pop restaurant. As the new owner of IceCream Taco with her husband, she’s keeping her and the previous owner’s dream alive.

IceCream Taco’s new owners don’t plan to change much at the West Columbia, South Carolina, shop on Emmanuel Church Rd. with plans to keep its popular chili cheese dogs, ice cream and a community, family-friendly focus.

12/27/2025

The threats of population decline and predators are palpable for the nation's honeybee population. But beekeeping has been sweet for South Carolina entrepreneurs who want to keep their colonies in business.

A York County beekeeper saw his business take off in less than a decade. But the honeybee population is struggling in South Carolina and across the nation.

12/26/2025

From whether VC Summer will be the ‘Lazarus of electricity” to a plea for the city to put Busted Plug in Finlay Park, here are a few of columnist Kevin Fisher’s 2025 takes.

CityWatch columnist Kevin Fisher reflects on his 19th year of writing a local news column, from Scout Motors to USC Gamecocks to Blythewood government drama.

12/26/2025

Gamecock secondary coach Torrian Gray was given a promotion on Dec. 26 while the South Carolina Board of Trustees also confirmed the salary of new assistant coach Deion Barnes.

USC secondary coach Torrian Gray was given a promotion on Dec. 26 while the South Carolina BOT also confirmed the salary of new assistant coach Deion Barnes.

12/26/2025

Despite all the Christmas decorations throughout the Midlands, it didn't feel like a typical winter day.

12/26/2025

The threats of population decline and predators are palpable for the nation's honeybee population. But beekeeping has been sweet for South Carolina entrepreneurs who want to keep their colonies in business.

Read more here: https://trib.al/0cOIcQ6

12/26/2025

The effort to uncover more about what happened at the Battle of Camden, including identifying the soldiers, continues.

The Battle of Camden during the Revolutionary War was one of the state’s most brutal. Hundreds of years later, scientists are working to identify the fallen.

12/26/2025

Adhel Tac and Maryam Dauda are two of the Gamecocks' veterans but receive the least amount of minutes. The Gamecocks want that to change as the season progresses.

Adhel Tac and Maryam Dauda are two Gamecock veterans, but receive the least amount of minutes. The Gamecocks want that to change as the season progresses.

12/26/2025

Downtown Florence’s Carolina Theatre has been largely abandoned for decades. It’s expected to reopen soon after extensive renovations and will have more than just movies.

Historic Carolina Theatre in downtown Florence, SC set to reopen on Dargan Street for the first time since the 1980s. It will host weddings, live music, movies.

12/26/2025

It's the last Friday of the year, and Jordan Lawrence has three things you should know.

For the latest news, visit Free-Times.com and postandcourier.com/columbia

12/25/2025

Lottery tickets have deadlines for claiming prizes. In South Carolina, tens of millions of dollars go unclaimed every year.

Tens of millions in South Carolina lottery prize money goes unclaimed every year. The largest unredeemed winning ticket was for $1 million.

12/25/2025

The six "temporarily" shuttered fast-food locations in South Carolina were operated by a franchisee that the chain alleges owes more than $6 million in fees and other payments.

The Hardee’s website listed six more South Carolina fast-food locations, mostly in the Charleston region, as “temporarily closed,” after the chain sued the franchisee for missed payments.