Topic: Columbia (South Carolina)

Michelle Obama booed. Has that happened to first ladies before?

Michelle Obama and Jill Biden were lately booed at a NASCAR event. Mrs. Obama is not the first first lady to get a rude reception. The most serious episode dates from the civil rights era.

Immigration law: Another state cracks down on illegal workers

Immigration law signed by South Carolina governor, despite expected legal challenges. New immigration law would make it a felony to create fake photo IDs.

Air conditioning theft? South Carolina passes new law.

Air conditioning units and farm irrigation systems are being targeted by thieves for their copper. South Carolina governor signs new law that prohibits recyclers from buying copper for cash.

Two years after end of Great Recession, how are we doing?

The Great Recession officially ended in June 2009. That's apparent on Wall Street, less so on Main Street. But the economic recovery is gradually being felt in places like Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Fort Sumter cannons sound again: the Civil War 150 years later

Fort Sumter marked the start of the Civil War, with Confederates shelling it on April 12, 1861. Today, the cannon rolls still reverberate in a country that remains at peace, but torn by ideological divides.

How to grow and cook asparagus

A gardener and a chef team up with advice on growing and cooking asparagus.

New research: If you love your town, prosperity follows

When people are passionate about the place they live, the local economy blossoms, according to a Gallup survey of 26 US cities.

Death of mixed martial arts fighter another black eye for the sport

Michael Kirkham is the second mixed martial arts fighter in 2-1/2 years to die of injuries sustained in a state-sanctioned fight. As critics denounce MMA as barbaric, defenders say it's no more dangerous than some other sports.

Voters choose fall matchups, decide fates of Blanche Lincoln and Bill Halter

Lincoln is in a runoff against Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, who is being supported by labor unions and liberal groups.

Online friends can be lifelines for the unemployed

Web networking among the unemployed is surging, but experts stress that human contact matters as much as online friends.

Unemployment benefits: Jim Bunning relents, Senate passes extension

When Sen. Jim Bunning lifted his block, the Senate approved a 30-day extension of federal unemployment benefits. More than 200,000 unemployed Americans were set to lose benefits, half of whom already had stopped receiving unemployment checks.

Do you really know if your doctor -- or child's teacher -- is doing a good job?

In education and healthcare, job performance data are lacking – but that's changing.

Louisiana interracial marriage case revives southern stereotypes

The pace has only picked up after the election of Barack Obama, whose skin color has revealed a usually hidden strain of racism that remains present in the South.

Which airports have the least delays?

Airport delays are down. Thanks to the recession, fewer people are flying. But weather and location also play a part in which airports have the most on-time flights.

Seven cities that surprised in recession

Akron, Ohio, and Pittsburgh have done unexpectedly well, according to a new ranking of the best and worst performing cities. One lesson: There's more to economic activity than housing.

Out of work? This week's most intriguing job offers

Is Sanford too lovesick to govern?

Pressure to resign mounts as the Republican South Carolina governor's emotional outpourings raise doubts among his own party.

Why didn’t S.C. paper publish Sanford’s love letters sooner?

The State received the governor’s missives to his Argentine lover in an anonymous e-mail in December.

Uncertain NASA gets familiar former astronaut boss

Retired General Charles Bolden gets high praise from those who've flown with him.

Obama "slights" the South in picking his team

Regional rivalries may no longer count, especially in tough times like these.

Battle over Confederate flag hits highways

Huge displays along interstates raise old debates over the history of war and slavery.

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