Topic: Columbia (South Carolina)

Tyler Bray, Marcus Lattimore show opposite emotions of 2013 NFL Draft (+video)

The fortunes of Tyler Bray and Marcus Lattimore showed the ups and downs of what was a historic 2013 NFL Draft for the Southeastern Conference.

Key Republicans say Chuck Hagel now likely to be confirmed

Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham have led the opposition to Chuck Hagel's nomination to be secretary of defense. Now, both say former Sen. Hagel is likely to be confirmed.

Opinion: Long history of US school shootings means Obama is right, NRA is wrong

Gun advocates say the cause of mass-casualty school shootings isn't guns but eroding values. But America has a long history of school shootings. The toll is worse now because of the weapons available. President Obama and his allies in Congress are right to seek a ban on assault weapons.

HMS Bounty: Search for missing captain continues (+video)

HMS Bounty Capt. Robin Walbridge was wearing a survival suit and the waters off North Carolina are warm. The US Coast Guard continues to search for Walbridge, three days after the sinking of the Bounty.

Tea party claims 'seat at the table' with Romney's Paul Ryan pick for VP

Tea party activists expected to be snubbed at the GOP convention. But tea partyers say they're very encouraged by Mitt Romney's selection of Rep. Paul Ryan – a leader among fiscal conservatives – to be his vice presidential running mate.

Saving Money America's most popular zoos, and 7 ways to save

A visit to the animal kingdom can be a memorable family outing. Some of America's most popular zoos are in places you would least expect -- here's where to go and how to save some serious dough once you get there.

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.

Opinion: 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