South Carolina State News

REWATCH: Charleston's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 19:17:46 +0000

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The YWCA of Greater Charleston held its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in downtown Charleston on Monday morning.

The popular parade, which honors Dr. King’s life and legacy, includes myriad marching bands and musical groups, churches, community leaders, and many area businesses and organizations.

David White, Jr., culinary influencer and executive director of R3: Real Talk, Real Action, Real Results, served as grand marshal.

This year’s theme was “Step Up. Advance the Movement.”

The parade began at Burke High School beginning at 10:30 a.m. and came to an end at Emanuel AME Church. The route includes Sumter Street to King Street before turning onto Calhoun Street and ending at the church.

The YWCA of Greater Charleston hosts the parade each year along with myriad other events to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including an MLK Breakfast Summit on Jan. 11 and Ecumenical Service on Jan. 14.

911 caller falsely claims White House fire after series of swatting incidents

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:58:01 +0000

(The Hill) — Emergency responders in Washington, D.C., on Monday were dispatched to a false alarm at the White House after a 911 caller claimed there was a structure fire in the building.

Noah Gray, the chief communications officer for D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, said its units were dispatched to the White House just after 7 a.m. after receiving a call about a fire in the building. He said that in coordination with the Secret Service, responders determined there was no fire emergency.

The issue was resolved by 7:16 a.m., Gray noted. President Biden was in Camp David at the time of the call. He later headed to Philadelphia for a service trip marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

There has been a series of swatting incidents involving public officials and offices over the past month. Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan, special counsel Jack Smith and numerous members of Congress have been recent victims of swatting incidents.

An official familiar with the incident told The Hill they would not describe it as a swatting, but said it was “in the same spirit” of similar incidents involving public officials. The official also said that there was no SWAT team response.

The Secret Service declined to comment on the incident and referred The Hill to D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

Another day of frigid wind chills and brutal cold across much of the U.S.

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:41:09 +0000

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Brutally cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills stayed put across much of the U.S. Monday, promising the coldest temperatures ever for Iowa's presidential nominating contest, holding up travelers, and testing the mettle of NFL fans in Buffalo for a playoff game that was delayed a day by wind-whipped snow.

About 150 million Americans were under a wind chill warning or advisory for dangerous cold and wind, said Zack Taylor, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland, as an Arctic air mass spilled south and eastward across the U.S.

Sunday morning saw temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrienheit (minus 6.7 degree Celsius) to minus 40 F in northern and northeast Montana. Saco, Montana, dropped to minus 51 F (minus 26 C). Subzero lows reached as far south as Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and parts of Indiana, Taylor said.

The Buffalo Bills renewed their call for shovelers at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on Monday morning to help dig out from more than a foot and a half of snow that fell through a blustery weekend that delivered the snow amid wind gusts of 60 mph (97 kph).

Crews had the turf cleared under a sunny sky by midmorning while citizen shovelers who took them up on the offer to earn $20 an hour worked in temperatures in the teens to clear seats for fans ahead of the 4:30 p.m. game.

At first glance it was a daunting task, Bob Isaacs of Buffalo acknowledged a few hours after arriving at 7:30 a.m. But he considered his work his contribution to the team.

“You got to remember you're a Bills fan. It’s all part of the deal," he said.

Neighboring towns saw even higher snow totals, thanks to roving Lake Erie-fed snow bands: 41 inches in Hamburg and Angola and three feet (about 1 meter) in West Seneca, Blasdell and South Buffalo.

Presidential campaigns, meanwhile, were expecting the cold and dangerous travel conditions to hamper turnout for the Iowa caucuses, which are the opening contest in the monthslong Republican presidential primary process. Voting is set to begin Monday night.

Monday also brought another day of delays for air travelers across the country. The flight tracking service FlightAware was reporting about 2,000 cancellations Monday within, into or out of the United States and thousands of delays.

In Utah, where almost four feet (1.2 meters) of snow fell in the mountains over a 24-hour period, a snowmobiler was struck and killed Sunday night by a semitrailer about 70 miles (113 kilometers) southeast of Salt Lake City, according to the Utah Highway Patrol. The person killed — the fifth death nationwide attributed to the Arctic cold — was among four snowmobilers attempting to cross U.S. Highway 40 in the Strawberry Reservoir area.

Swirling snow and avalanche dangers prompted road closures Monday across parts of Utah and Colorado. East of the resort community of Vail, Colorado, officials closed a 20-mile (32-kilometer) stretch of Interstate 70, the primary east-west highway through the state.

Authorities in northern Colorado opened a warming center for stranded motorists in Jackson County after all roads leading out of the county were closed.

Ice jam warnings were issued in Wyoming and Montana, where the bitter cold could cause rivers and streams to lock up with ice and overflow their banks.

Light snow was expected through the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast through Monday and Tuesday, Taylor said, including 2 to 3 inches of snow forecasted for Washington, D.C. — what would be the most snowfall in a day in the nation’s capital in at least two years.

____

Associated Press journalists Julie Walker in New York City, John Wawrow in Orchard Park, New York, Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana, and Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota contributed to this story.

AT&T U-verse TV experiencing outage, company confirms

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:40:01 +0000

CHICAGO (WGN) — Can't access your U-verse TV? You aren't alone — AT&T reports some of its customers are experiencing an outage.

As of Monday morning, AT&T is reporting the outage is nationwide. On its website, the company says it is "working to restore services as quickly as possible."

In response to one post on X, formerly Twitter, an AT&T representative says the outage was "caused by inclement weather."

Some have reported on X that they've been unable to access U-verse TV since Sunday evening. According to a photo posted by one user, when they try watching their U-verse, they're met with a message that reads: "U-verse is not available at this time. Please try again later." The customer is then prompted to restart their receiver, which they said "was not helpful."

DownDetector, which collects user reports regarding services that are unavailable or experiencing problems, shows the most impacted areas have been Portland, Oregon; Chicago; St. Louis; Dallas; Houston; Wichita, Kansas; and Detroit.

When contacted for additional information, AT&T directed Nexstar's WGN to DirecTV, which was also impacted by an outage. A spokesperson for the cable company, co-owned by AT&T, said services had been restored shortly before 11 a.m. CT.

Outage reports on DownDetector for AT&T, most of which were related to U-verse, spiked around 9 a.m. CT Monday. Around 12 p.m. CT, users on X were reporting their outages had been restored, and outage reports on DownDetector had dropped from nearly 3,000 to 660.

You can confirm whether you're in an outage on AT&T's website.

Is the third Monday of January the saddest day of the year? Expert explains

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:27:23 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Infamously known as "Blue Monday," the third Monday of January is regarded as the most depressing day of the year.

The term gained traction in 2005 by a travel company that was capitalizing on the best time for travelers to book getaway trips. Then, a psychologist came up with a formula, using factors like post-holiday blues and failed New Year's resolutions, to define "Blue Monday," Cleveland Clinic explains.

"For a lot of us in the field, there's more skepticism because how do you come up with a formula like that? How do you boil it down to this day for everybody in the world living at different places, dealing with different things," said Dr. Douglas Misquitta, a psychiatrist with Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Still, Misquitta said there could be some truth to the theory.

"I would stress the season over the day and for some, it might persist beyond the season, you know, so maybe takeaways are that depression is a real thing," Misquitta said. "We could take hits, we could feel it this time of year and sadly for many, it's more than a day, could be weeks, it could be longer."

Blue Monday corresponds with "seasonal affective disorder," a type of depression triggered by certain seasons of the year, most often fall or winter. It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may trigger a chemical change in the brain, leading to symptoms of depression.

"Definitely say I would experience it, just the lack of sunlight and it being so cloudy, kind of makes it hard to get your day going, have the extra energy and whatnot," central Ohio resident Sara Albertson said.

Seasonal affective disorder can come in waves. Having the winter blues is normal, but Misquitta said it can get worrisome.

"If they're noticing they're not attending to showers or brushing their teeth or getting out of the home very much, they might have less interest in interacting with people," Misquitta said.

About 10 to 20% of Americans may get a milder form of the winter blues while about 5% of adults experience seasonal depression, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

"Of course, I like the spring and the summer time a lot better than the winter, but it doesn’t bother me 'cause it's something that needs to happen," said Wilvur Reed, another central Ohio resident who says they experience seasonal affective disorder.

Misquitta said those who experience seasonal depression need to know that it's okay to seek help.

"I would say, trying to wake up right when the alarm goes off; I have a couple dogs at home so getting them out for a walk kind of gets my day going, things like that," Albertson said.

"This morning I got up pretty early and I got in the tub, took a bath and that kind of got myself together," Reed said. "I was still just about falling asleep in the tub but that kind of woke me up a bit to get moving."

Misquitta says it's important to know that seasonal affective disorder is a real problem. If you're feeling down this time of year, take steps to feel better, whether that means talking with a loved one or seeking professional help.

VP Harris warns of fight ahead in MLK Day speech in SC

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:25:19 +0000

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Vice President Kamala Harris delivered the keynote address today at the NAACP South Carolina State Conference “King Day at the Dome” event. In her remarks, Vice President Harris honored Dr. King's fight for justice.

“A visionary who saw what could be, unburdened by what had been,” Harris described King. “An organizer who moved the minds, the hearts and the feet of the American people.”

The Vice President encouraged Americans to use their voices to continue fighting for justice and against attacks on fundamental freedoms, which Harris connected to her Republican opponents.

“Consider in states across our nation, extremists attack the sacred freedom to vote,” Harris charged. “They pass laws to ban drop boxes, limit early voting and restrict absentee ballots.”

Invoking the words of Dr. King’s wife, Coretta Scott King, Harris ended her speech on a note of optimism.

“With hope and optimism, we will fight. And when we fight, we win,” she concluded.

The Vice President also delivered remarks at a campaign event in South Carolina later in the day, potentially to contrast with the Republican Iowa Caucuses happening in the evening.

MLK Jr. holiday celebrations are planned across the nation, but winter storm is limiting some

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:05:42 +0000

ATLANTA (AP) — Communities across the nation celebrated the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday with events ranging from prayer services to parades, but a dangerously cold winter storm was limiting some planned activities.

In Atlanta, the King Center’s annual commemorative service was being held at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King served as pastor.

King’s daughter Bernice King told the crowd gathered for the 56th commemorative service that her father's legacy of nonviolence taught the world that “we can defeat injustice, ignorance and hold people accountable at the same time without seeking to destroy, diminish, demean or cancel them."

Kingian nonviolence is “a blueprint to make of this old world a new world,” she said. “It is a philosophy and methodology that provides us with the courage, the strategy, the discipline to control our impulsiveness, our need for vindictiveness and vengeance, a philosophy to resist injustice with a love-centered way.”

“Kingian nonviolence delivers humanity from our most base self and calls us up to a higher purpose to destroy injustice without destroying each other with our words and our weaponry,” she added.

King was and is a “beacon of hope,” Bishop Craig Oliver Sr. of Elizabeth Baptist Church said during the invocation at Monday’s service.

“He’s told us through his words and deeds that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Oliver said. “We seek to walk in the path that he illuminated - a path of righteousness, equality and unwavering courage.”

In Washington, Martin Luther King III participated in a wreath-laying event at his father's memorial.

In Philadelphia, President Joe Biden marked the holiday by volunteering at Philabundance, a nonprofit food bank. He stuffed donation boxes with apples and struck up casual chatter with workers at the organization, where he volunteered for the third year in a row to mark the January day of service.

The 29th annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service is billed as the first and largest King day of service in the nation. Volunteer activities included preparing care packages for victims of gun violence and distributing voter information packets.

Also in the city, the Philadelphia MLK Association held its annual tapping of the Liberty Bell on Independence Mall, and the National Constitution Center offered free admission with a slate of civil rights era events and a school supply drive.

Vice President Kamala Harris was scheduled to be in South Carolina to give the keynote address for state NAACP's “King Day at the Dome.” The event started in 2000, drawing thousands who spilled off the Capitol lawn calling for the removal of the Confederate flag from the Statehouse. The rebel banner finally left for good in 2015 after a racist shooting killed nine at a Charleston church.

At the annual Martin Luther King Day pancake breakfast in New Hampshire, Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan told the crowd that “one of most enduring lessons of Martin Luther King’s life is that each of us has the capacity to make a difference."

“Our task is to summon what Dr. King would call, ‘the fierce urgency of now,’ and each – in our own way – do our part to help our democracy,” she said “And in so doing, we can bend the arc closer toward justice, and ensure that the dream lives on.”

Meanwhile, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis announced that it would be closed on Monday because of icy roads but would still hold a virtual celebration in honor of King’s birthday.

Observed federally since 1986, the holiday occurs on the third Monday of January, which this year happens to be King’s actual birthday. Born in 1929, the slain civil rights leader would have been 95. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act and King’s Nobel Peace Prize.

___

Reporter Jeff Martin contributed from Atlanta. Reporter Seung Min Kim contributed from Philadelphia. Reporter Michael Casey contributed from Boston.

Warming center to accept guests Tuesday night

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:03:56 +0000

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A warming shelter will open Tuesday in North Charleston for individuals seeking shelter from expected cold temperatures.

Holy City Missions Warming Shelter, located at Aldersgate Methodist Church, will welcome guests on Tuesday from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

A hot dinner, breakfast, and a grab-and-go lunch bag will be provided to guests along with a hot shower, warm clothes, toiletries, and safe overnight lodging.

There is a 75-person capacity and guests will be welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The shelter will close at 7:00 a.m. the following morning.

Volunteers are also needed to help with various aspects of the warming center. Those interested can reach out to office@holycitymissions.org.

Need a ride? Guests can board CARTA bus route 13 and request the Aldersgate Winter Warming Shelter.

Pets are not allowed.

Man driving moped killed in I-526 crash

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:51:26 +0000

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Police are investigating a deadly Saturday night crash that shut down a portion of I-526 for hours.

An investigation by the North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) revealed the victim was driving a moped illegally on the interstate when he was struck around 10:30 p.m.

The crash happened in the westbound lanes of I-526 between the Montague and Dorchester Road exits, which was shut down until about 5:00 a.m. the following morning.

The victim has not yet been identified; however, officials say the investigation is ongoing.

Fans may find snow-filled seats at Buffalo Bills-Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:45:21 +0000

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) – As the Buffalo Bills continue to dig out from this weekend's severe winter weather and prepare Highmark Stadium for Monday's rescheduled playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they want fans to be aware: many seats will still be full of snow at kickoff.

"It's not pretty out there," Bills Vice President of Operations and Guest Experience Andy Major said Monday on local sports radio WGR 550, adding that he personally had a shovel in his hand this morning.

"It is all hands on deck," Major said. "We actually do have even our full-time staff out here helping. We're still looking for more snow shovelers."

Video captured by Nexstar's WROC shows crews are still working to clear the snow as of 12 p.m. local time.

The game was originally set to kick off on Sunday but was rescheduled due to the significant winter storm set to hit the area.

The latest snow totals from the National Weather Service include a report of 18 inches of snow in Orchard Park. Major said there was 3 feet of snow inside the stadium. The Bills reminded fans in a social media post to "dress appropriately" and wear "waterproof boots and pants."

The field itself will be ready for the 4:30 p.m. kickoff. No new snow is expected this afternoon in Orchard Park as the lake-effect snow band shifts north.

"The biggest thing is the seating area," Major said. "The aisles will be as clear as we can possibly make them, and have tons of salt on them. But the seating area, people will literally be walking into some snow and sitting into some snow on their seats. We just wanted to let everybody know, that's kind of where we are."

Some sections remain impassable as of noon.

(Dan Holland/WIVB)
(Dan Holland/WIVB)
(Dan Holland/WIVB)

The Bills re-upped the call for help on Monday morning, offering fans $20 per hour and food for their assistance. Erie County made an exception to its travel ban for fans heading to shovel out the stadium.

One shoveler spoke with Nexstar's WIVB Monday morning, warning fans to expect to stand.

"The stadium is crazy right now," Bills fan Joe Machina told WIVB's Hope Winter outside the stadium just after 8 a.m. ET. "They got plows trying to get the field ready to get the snow off, and the seats are covered. Most likely, the fans are going to all have to stand."

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz echoed that sentiment: "Many seats/bleachers will be snow covered," he posted online Monday morning.

Shoveling will continue at least until gates open at 2:30 p.m. local time, Major said. The team's parking lots, scheduled to open at 12:25 p.m., "will be pretty good," he added, though not all private lots may be as fortunate. A fan shuttle will be provided from the McKinley Mall near the old Sears location to bring fans to the stadium who can't find parking in their regular spaces.

The struggle to prepare the stadium has only solidified that moving the game from Sunday to Monday was "100%" the right call.

"Honestly, 100%," Major said. "I think everybody agrees with that one. There's no question. There's no way we could've played that game yesterday. It would've been impossible."

The Bills' new stadium, expected to open in 2026, will have an overhang that covers some seats from the elements, but will not have a dome or retractable roof. A study found adding a roof would add approximately $300 million to the cost of construction.

While Monday's game will likely be the snowiest of the NFL's Wild Card Weekend, it won't be the coldest. With a temperature of minus-4 degrees Fahrenheit and a wind chill of minus-27 at kickoff, Saturday night's game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins holds that title. The game, a Chiefs 26-7 victory, stands as the fourth-coldest in NFL history.

The cold likely had an impact on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes' helmet, which cracked after a tackle, and led to frozen beer, according to Nexstar's WDAF.

Tyler Nicole interviews Tybee's MLK parade Grand Marshall

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:40:26 +0000

SAVANNAH, Ga (WSAV)- Tyler Nicole sits down with Tybee Island's Martin Luther King Jr. parade Grand Marshall, Tammy Stokes, on Saturday morning.

See the full interview above.

Tyler Nicole: 'Fitness on Broughton' interview

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:32:56 +0000

SAVANNAH, Ga (WSAV)- The New Year has come, and many resolutions were to get in the gym.

Tyler Nicole took some time out of the morning show to interview, Sean, the owner and personal trainer at "Fitness on Broughton".

See the full interview, along with Tyler Nicole putting in some work above.

Tax season: Tips for filing taxes in 2024

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:04:08 +0000

(NewsNation) — The IRS on Monday announced Jan. 29 as the official start date of the 2024 tax season and expects more than 128.7 million tax returns to be filed by the April 15 tax deadline.

The announcement comes as the agency undergoes a massive overhaul, attempting to improve its technology and customer service processes with tens of billions of dollars allocated to the agency through the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August 2022.

“As our transformation efforts take hold, taxpayers will continue to see marked improvement in IRS operations in the upcoming filing season,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a news release. “IRS employees are working hard to make sure that new funding is used to help taxpayers by making the process of preparing and filing taxes easier.”

IRS tips to help file in 2024

Start preparing now.
Gather these records: Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, Adoption Identification Numbers and this year's Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers (IP PIN).
Plan to report all taxable income and wait to file until you've receive all income-related documents.
Plan to file electronically with direct deposit. This is the fastest and easiest way to file and receive a refund.
Avoid filing paper returns whenever possible.

Agency leadership says this year, more walk-in centers will be open to help taxpayers, enhanced paperless processing will help with IRS correspondence and enhanced individual online accounts will be available for taxpayers.

Additionally, eligible taxpayers will be able to file their 2023 returns online directly with the IRS through a new, electronic direct file pilot. The IRS says it will be rolled out in phases and is expected to be widely available in mid-March.

The IRS expects most refunds to be issued in less than 21 days.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Tax season: Tips for filing taxes in 2024

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:02:09 +0000

(NewsNation) — The IRS on Monday announced Jan. 29 as the official start date of the 2024 tax season and expects more than 128.7 million tax returns to be filed by the April 15 tax deadline.

IRS tips to help file in 2024

Start preparing now.
Gather these records: Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, Adoption Identification Numbers and this year's Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers (IP PIN).
Plan to report all taxable income and wait to file until you've receive all income-related documents.
Plan to file electronically with direct deposit. This is the fastest and easiest way to file and receive a refund.
Avoid filing paper returns whenever possible.

The IRS expects most refunds to be issued in less than 21 days.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Employee dies after being entrapped in NC car wash

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:48:22 +0000

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) - A death investigation is underway in Buncombe County after an employee was found entrapped in a local car wash.

The Weaverville Police Department responded to ZIPS Car Wash at 1 Gill Road Saturday shortly after 6:30 p.m. with the fire department and EMS following a report of a traumatic injury at the location.

Upon arrival, first responders located the employee entrapped in equipment located within the car wash. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators identified the employee as 26-year-old Carolina Franks, of Buncombe County.

The North Carolina Department of Labor OSHA division is the leading agency in the death investigation.

Weird symbols on your T-shirt tag? Your iPhone can decipher them

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:47:18 +0000

(NEXSTAR) — When you buy a new piece of clothing, you’ll likely want it to last. And its lifespan will rely at least partially on how you care for it.

If you’re concerned about washing your clothes as intended, you’ve probably looked at the tag for guidance. If you were unlucky, you were met with a tag like this, found on a hooded sweatshirt from Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour.

The tag, complete with care labeling, from a hooded sweatshirt sold during Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour. (Addy Bink/Nexstar)

Unless you’re versed in the hieroglyphics of laundry care, those symbols may mean next to nothing to you. You’re not alone.

That’s where a bit of technology comes in. Sure, you could search the internet to decipher the language on the tag, but that’s like trying to ask Google about a song you can only vaguely remember.

Instead, as some on TikTok have found out, your iPhone can translate for you. All you have to do is take a picture of the tag.

This feature, offered on Apple devices, is called Visual Look Up. We previously told you about how you can use it to identify plants, landmarks, works of art, and books.

iPhone users have since found that it can help decipher clothing tags as well, as TikTok user @wtfaleisa pointed out in a video that has since amassed more than 3.3 million views.

Here’s how it works.

First, take a picture of the tag found on your shirt, sweater, jeans, or what have you. We’ll use the tag from The Eras Tour hoodie we mentioned before.

Then, open that picture in your Photos app. At the bottom of the screen, you should see what looks like a small washing machine or dryer in a circle, topped with a set of sparkles. You can see that in the photo below.

Once you tap on that icon, you’ll see a prompt to look up “Laundry Care.”

Here, you’ll see “Siri Knowledge” results breaking down the icons. Based on those results, our hooded sweatshirt should be washed in a “normal process,” with temperatures not exceeding 85 °F; bleach should not be used; and it can be ironed, but temperatures shouldn’t reach more than 230 °F.

When viewing a picture of the tag in the photos app, you'll notice a laundry machine icon, circled in red here. (Addy Bink/Nexstar)

This popup will appear when you tap on the laundry machine icon. (Addy Bink/Nexstar)

When you tap on "Look Up Laundry Care," you'll see a results page like this. (Addy Bink/Nexstar)

We tried the Visual Look Up feature on a few other items, including a Nike hooded sweatshirt (which had the same guidelines, as well as “do not dry clean” and “tumble dry” with a max temperature of 140 °F) and a pair of Levi jeans (wash normally with temperatures not exceeding 85 °F; “tumble dry” with a max temperature of 140 °F; iron at temperatures less than 230 °F; and bleach only with non-chlorine agents). However, the CEO of Levi may have a different suggestion.

The care instructions found on the tag of a pair of Levi jeans. (Addy Bink/Nexstar)

The care instructions found on the label of a hooded Nike sweatshirt. (Addy Bink/Nexstar)

Why do we even use these symbols if they’re hard to understand?

They’re all part of a rule by the Federal Trade Commission that mandates manufacturers include care instructions on garments. This covers “textile apparel worn to cover or protect the body,” but there are some exceptions — shoes, gloves, and hats, as well as handkerchiefs, belts, suspenders, neckties, and “non-woven garments made for one-time use,” which are considered “excluded.”

That doesn’t mean you'll never find a tag with laundry tips on these "excluded" items. We found the below tag on (or in?) a Carhartt beanie. You’ll notice it even explains what the icons mean.

The care guidelines found on the tag of a Carhartt hat. (Addy Bink/Nexstar)

There are some garments that don’t require a permanent care label, according to the FTC. That includes “products that may be washed, bleached, dried, ironed and dry cleaned by the harshest procedures available,” as long as “wash or dryclean, any normal method,” appears on a temporary label with the product.

The FTC explains that manufacturers and importers must also “provide warnings if the garment cannot be cleaned without harm.” So if your shirt would burn with the use of an iron, the tag must tell you that.

Manufacturers are allowed to use care symbols from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), which are the symbols your iPhone is reviewing. Those symbols can be used in place of words, like we saw on The Eras Tour hoodie. The FTC notes that these icons are similar but not identical to the International Standards Organization and used in many European countries.

There are five elements the FTC outlines that need to be on the tag: whether the item should be washed by hand or by machine; if it can be treated with bleach; how it should be dried; how it should be ironed; and if there is a “care procedure that will harm the product.” These can be specific depending on the item, like the maximum temperature for a wash cycle, or omitted, if that specific care element won’t harm the product. You may also find dry cleaning instructions on a tag.

The basic symbols you’ll see on a tag, seen here in this FTC handout, include a tub with water (washing instructions); a triangle (bleaching); a square, sometimes with a circle (drying); an iron, and a circle (dry cleaning).

Thankfully, you don’t need to memorize all these icons — you can ask your iPhone to identify them instead.

Video: Man wrestles coyote, saves his dog from attack in South Carolina

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:32:33 +0000

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) — A home security camera captured the moment a South Carolina man jumped in to save his dog from a coyote attack.

Timothy Snipe, of Mount Pleasant, said he was letting his dog Roxie outside for a potty break on Friday when the incident happened.

"[Roxie] started barking, and I was like what is she barking at," Snipe recalled to Nexstar's WCBD.

In the woods, Roxie could see what Snipe couldn't at that moment — a coyote ready to attack.

"Instead of running towards me, she ran towards the coyote,” explained Snipe.

It didn't take long before Snipe jumped into action. His heroic efforts were caught on Ring camera.

"The coyote jumped on me and bit me on my leg, and I wrestled it down, I choked him out,” he said.

Snipe got control of the coyote, picking it up by the tail and putting it in a nearby dumpster until he could get help.

He ultimately killed the coyote, he told WCBD. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control collected the animal, which is now being tested for rabies.

Snipe said he received nine rabies shots and is "feeling good."

"I knew I could've been alright, even if I would've gotten bit and gotten rabies or something, but if [Roxie] had gotten bit, it was over," Snipe said, adding that he will now keep a coyote-proof vest on Roxie whenever she goes outside.

Snipe said if he had to, he would do it all over again to keep Roxie safe.

"Once you get a pet, they're automatically a part of the family and this is my girl, this is our girl."

If you do find yourself face-to-face with a coyote, wildlife officials recommend making yourself seem as large and loud as possible, Nexstar's KDVR reports. That means waving your arms and yelling as much as possible. They also advise against feeding a coyote, whether on purpose or indirectly by leaving food outside.

Mount Pleasant man saves dog from coyote attack

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:13:47 +0000

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) - The bond between people and their pets is unbreakable. One man living in Mount Pleasant even risked his life on Friday to save his small pup from a coyote attack.

Timothy Snipe had let his dog, Roxie, outside for a bathroom break when he saw a coyote come out of the woods and come after the small dog.

"She started barking and I was like what is she barking at," Snipe recalled.

In the woods, Roxie could see what Snipe couldn't at that moment, a coyote ready to attack.

"Instead of running towards me she ran towards the coyote,” said Snipe.

However, it didn't take long before Snipe jumped into action. His heroic efforts were caught on Ring camera.

"The coyote jumped on me and bit me on my leg, and I wrestled it down, I choked him out,” he said.

Snipe got control of the coyote, picked him up by the tail, and put him in a nearby dumpster until he could get help.

Snipe said he knew Roxie would not have made it without his help.

"I knew I could've been alright, even if I would've gotten bit and gotten rabies or something, but if she had gotten bit, it was over," Snipe said.

Snipe went to the doctor and got nine rabies shots.

He says he feels good and will now keep a coyote-proof vest on Roxie whenever she goes outside.

Snipe says if he had to, he would do it all over again to keep Roxie safe, "Once you get a pet they're automatically a part of the family and this is my girl, this is our girl."

The coyote was collected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). It is being tested for rabies at their lab.

2024 MLK Parade route

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 13:39:29 +0000

SAVANNAH, Ga (WSAV) - Today is the day we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The native Georgian became a renowned minister and civil rights activist, whose words and wisdom left an indelible mark on our nation's journey towards equality.

The 2024 Martin Luther King Junior Day Parade will kick-off at 10:00 a.m. in downtown Savannah.

The route begins at Liberty and East Broad Streets. The parade will travel north to Broughton Street, then turn west toward MLK Boulevard. Marchers will turn south on MLK Blvd. and proceed to Anderson Street, where the parade ends.

2024 Savannah's MLK Route

Traffic will be closed on the east end of Liberty Street, Harris Street, Macon Street, Charlton Street, Jones Street, Taylor Street, Gordon Street, Gaston Street, Hartridge Street , Huntington Street , Nicoll Street , and Hall Street. East Broad from Hall Street to Liberty Street will also be closed until the parade ends at noon.

Groups to hold inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in North Charleston

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 13:11:52 +0000

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – An inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade will take place Monday afternoon in North Charleston.

The Positive Vibes Ronjanae Smith Center, a nonprofit group working to prevent gun violence, and other various community advocacy groups announced plans to honor the life and legacy of Dr. with a parade and rally in North Charleston.

The parade will begin at 3:00 p.m. and its route includes about a mile stretch of Rivers Avenue beginning at the intersection of Reynolds Avenue to the old K-Mart parking lot (3517 Rivers Ave.) where a short rally will take place.

“By highlighting the life of Dr King, we hope that his tireless efforts to promote social change will inspire our citizens to actively and intentionally get involved in creating a more inclusive, safe, harmonious society,” organizers said in a news release.

The groups hope that by holding the parade in the afternoon, attendees will be able to also attend the YWCA’s annual parade in downtown Charleston as well.

“Although we will continue to support the annual parade in downtown Charleston, now is the time for North Charleston’s children and its citizens to see that we have so much to be proud of within our own city boundaries,” said organizers.

At the rally, organizers say guests will hear from motivational youth speakers, and community speakers, and hear “civil rights-themed music.”

CPD announces road closures for MLK Day Parade

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 11:37:59 +0000

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - The Charleston Police Department has issued a traffic alert due to Charleston's annual MLK Day Parade on Monday.

Officers announced several streets downtown will be temporarily closed to traffic and urged drivers to find alternative routes if they travel through the following areas.

Fishbourne St. between Hagwood Ave. and Ashley Ave. will be closed starting at 8 a.m.
Ashley Ave.
Sumter St.
King St.
Calhoun St.

Courtesy of CPD

The parade route will close at 10:30 a.m. and is planned to reopen around 1 p.m.

Legislation targets books in public school libraries with ratings system

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 10:30:00 +0000

Two bills would create movie-like rating systems for books in public school libraries.

Multiple agencies battle large junkyard fire off Ogeechee and Dean Forest Roads

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:22:06 +0000

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga (WSAV) -- Crews across Chatham and Effingham counties fought to contain a large junkyard fire off Ogeechee and Dean Forest Roads, Sunday morning.

Around 9 a.m. Sunday, Chatham Emergency Services received a call for a large open area fire. News 3 spoke with Chatham Emergency Services Fire Chief, James Vickers, on the scene.

“Personnel got here and found a bus that was on fire but the interesting thing about it is, it was in the middle of a car junkyard,” Chief Vickers said. “We have probably about 250 feet by probably a half a mile… maybe a little bit less than that of cars that are stacked three and four high.”

Chief Vickers went on to say they immediately cleared the site after arriving.

“There’s been a few homeless that have been ran out of here,” he said. “We’ve not been able to get in there to do an investigation yet. We did clear the bus, so there should not be anybody in there. We have not seen anybody else here. We have to contain the fire to get anything any further.”

Multiple agencies were on the scene, offering mutual aid. Chief Vickers told us the fire was just too big to contain without help.

“We established a water shuttle,” he said. “So, we need to call in multiple agencies to do that. We have Garden City, Pooler, Effingham, ourselves, and the city of Savannah is going to come in and help with manpower. All of them have been great. Wouldn’t be able to do a large fire like this without them because we just don’t have the resources to handle this much. Most agencies don’t.”

Around 11 a.m., crews were able to contain the flames. Chief Vickers said the next step is to further investigate to the best of their abilities. However, he said certain factors could set the investigation back.

“A lot of times with large fires like this, it gets hot, and all the evidence is burned away,” he continued. “But we try our best every single time.”

1 person injured in Hinesville shooting incident

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 22:44:22 +0000

HINESVILLE, Ga (WSAV)- The Hinesville Police are investigating a Sunday afternoon shooting incident that left one person wounded in a Hinesville shooting.

Police arrived on the scene that took place shortly before 2 pm, Sunday.

According to Hinesville Police Department Lt. Douglas Snider, a man was wounded outside a residence on the 1000 block of Bacon Road when a vehicle drove up and fired once.

The shooting appears to have stemmed the night before at a local Hinesville nightclub and spilled onto social media. The suspect went to the residence in defense of a female companion when he encountered the victim, according to officials.

The suspect struck the victim with a handgun and while the victim was lying on the ground, the suspect then fired a shot but the victim was not struck by a bullet.

The victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was transported to Liberty Regional Medical Center in Hinesville, where he is expected to be okay.

No further information has been released.

This is an ongoing investigation.

It could happen to anyone, SC man says after winning lottery game’s grand prize

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:32:59 +0000

The odds of winning the six-figure jackpot were 1-in-720,000.

MLK Day at the International African American Museum

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 19:15:48 +0000

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - The International African American Museum (IAAM) will host a public celebration of Martin Luther King on-site that will feature complimentary admission to the museum and more.

On Monday, Jan. 15 the museum will showcase a variety of vendors, food trucks, music and activities for the youth. The event will be from 12 - 5 p.m. at 14 Wharfside Street in Charleston.

Registration is required to attend and it includes access to the IAAM during pre-selected time slots and the outside celebration at IAAM's West Yard. The link to register can be accessed here.

Metered parking is available on Concord Street and paid parking is available at the South Carolina Aquarium located at 24 Calhoun Street.

Driver killed when minivan flips over and crashes into tree, SC Highway Patrol says

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 18:47:02 +0000

The victim died at the scene, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

SFD: Structure fire on Mosley St.

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 17:04:45 +0000

SAVANNAH, Ga (WSAV)- The Savannah Fire Department (SFD) is investigating an early Sunday morning fire.

Around 4:30 a.m., SFD responded to a house fire on Mosley Street.

According to officials, two firefighters suffered non-life-threatening burns and were transported to a local hospital where they are expected to be okay.

The home was vacant at the time.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is under investigation.

Charlotte couple pushes for SC hate crime bill after neighbor burned cross outside their Myrtle Beach home

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 16:12:16 +0000

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- "Afraid, intimidated, confused.”

Monica Williams says those were just a few things she felt after seeing her neighbor burn a cross about 8 feet from her fence.

"Something that we've read, something that we have seen depicted on television, and all of a sudden we're actually seeing this up close and personal,” said Williams’ husband Shawn. “That was really disheartening.”

The Charlotte couple bought a retirement home in Myrtle Beach in the Summer of 2021. They've used it for vacations and holidays to spend time with family and friends.

They were happy with their purchase until their next-door neighbors started harassing them about the property line. Things worsened when the Williams installed a fence, in hopes of ending the dispute.

That's when they saw the cross... burning.

"We just were astonished that you even know how to do something like that,” Monica said. “You know, it's just so it's just so played out. Like who burns crosses? So, you've obviously got the information from some form of history. You know what it means. You know what it signifies and that's why you did it... To get us out of there.”

Two suspects were charges: 28-year-old Worden Butler and 27-year-old Alexis Hartnett -- who are both white -- with second-degree harassment, a misdemeanor. Because South Carolina doesn't have a hate crime bill, they weren't given a harsher punishment.

Freshman Sen. Tameika Isaac Devine says it's at the top of her priority list to get one finally passed. She represents District 19 in Richland County.

"I think a lot of the things I'm hearing are hate crime legislation won't,” Devine said. “Can't legislate morality or it's not really going to affect or stop people from doing things like that. But I think what it will do is, number one, it can deter people when they know that there are potentially higher penalties. And then number two, I think it sends a message that intolerance, hate will not be accepted here in South Carolina.”

The Williams say they plan to do whatever it takes to help push the legislation through.

They're working with the NAACP and National Action Network to not only spread the word about their incident. But they’re pushing lawmakers to make sure everyone regardless of race, gender or religion feels safe in South Carolina.

"The madness has to stop, it's not cool at all," Shawn said.

The FBI is investigating the crimes.

While there is a federal hate crime law, South Carolina is one of two states without one.

A state law has been in the works for several years, passed in 2023 in the House but stalled out in the Senate.

The couple plans to be part of a group organizing at the Capitol in Columbia to bring awareness to the hate crime bill push at the end of January.

Free MLK memorial concert with the Lowcountry Voices choir

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 14:55:24 +0000

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is sponsoring the annual Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative concert by Lowcountry Voices on Saturday.

The concert titled The Dream Lives On will take place at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church located at 7396 Rivers Avenue in North Charleston. Admission is free and the concert will start at 5 p.m.

"The free concert will pay tribute to the memory and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his vision for a more just and inclusive society," said the press release. "Musical selections will honor Dr. King himself and provide strength and encouragement to those who are still striving to make his dream a reality."

Lowcountry Voices is a choir of singers that ranges from high school students to seasoned vocalists. The choir has performed across South Carolina, as well as across the U.S. and abroad.

MLK Community Giveback Day in North Charleston

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 14:45:31 +0000

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - The Community Resource Center North Charleston will be hosting a Community Giveback Day in honor of Martin Luther King on Monday.

The Community Resource Center and community partners will be distributing 1,000 bags of groceries, 10,000 diapers and baby needs, 1,000 backpacks and school supplies and 1,500 pieces of winter clothing at the event. The center will also accept applications for free heaters and air conditioners.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was all about uplifting our community," said Louis L. Smith, Community Resource Center Executive Director. "We are honored to continue his life mission."

The event will start at 11 a.m. and run until supplies last. The Community Resource Center is located at 3947 Whipper Barony Lane in North Charleston.

NCPD: 1 man dead following crash on I-526

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 14:43:48 +0000

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - The North Charleston Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on I-526 westbound Saturday night between the Montague and Dorchester Road exits.

Officials have reported that it was a male victim killed in the crash.

Officers closed that section of the interstate for several hours and reopened it around 5 a.m. Sunday morning.

CCSO: Pursuit ends in collision near I-26

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 21:16:24 +0000

Update: CCSO announced all roadways reopened around 3:52 p.m.

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) - The Charleston County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) issued a traffic alert following a pursuit that ended in a collision at Hwy 78 and Shipley Street.

Deputies said they were in pursuit of a suspect when the collision occurred.

CCSO announced traffic is backed up toward I-26 and drivers should find an alternative route.

This story is developing. Count on 2 for more updates.

Taste of Folly food festival returns next weekend

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 19:48:05 +0000

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) - The fun is set to begin next weekend when Folly Beach hosts its most delicious celebration of the year - Taste of Folly!

Friday, Jan. 19 will kick off the weekend with a cocktail competition where Folly's best establishments will compete to create the most unique and delicious cocktail. Locals are invited to try them all and vote for the winner. The competition will take place at Tides Pavilion Ballroom from 6 - 9 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door, it includes samples of all cocktails plus appetizers.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, family and friends are invited to Folly's Savory Saturday street closure event from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Restaurants, bars and vendors will be taking over Center Street to showcase food, drinks and cooking skills through live demonstrations. Taste of Folly will also feature contests, a chili cook-off, live music and a kids' area. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free and Folly residents with proof of residence are free.

Center Street will be closed to all auto traffic between Huron Ave and Arctic Ave at 7 a.m. and reopen at 6 p.m.

For more information about the Taste of Folly festival or to purchase tickets go to VisitFolly.com.

Discovering gems of the Golden Isles: The history of beach globes

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 02:49:34 +0000

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) — The Jekyll Island Authority is working to increase tourism.

"People are very excited you will hear people screaming"

According to the Jekyll Island Authority, in the 1900s fishermen marked their nets with colorful glass globes that would break loose and wash ashore for beachcombers to then find their own treasure.

Jekyll Island Tourism officials were inspired by history to bring in tourism during the off-season by creating a scavenger hunt for these very globes.

"We were gonna walk around anyway right but now we have something to look for–a goal," one couple said.

We asked Kathryn Hearn, marketing communications manager for the Jekyll Island Authority: These are the plastic globes that you can find, correct? So where exactly are they hidden on the island?

"So they're going to be on paths, our beach village, our historic district, and this is definitely one of the ones you could find when you find it. It's going to have a congratulations note in there and it will tell you exactly where to redeem your island treasure. So you can find these under a tree, at the base of a plant, off one of our bike paths we have 24 miles of bike paths, anywhere in our historic district here so these are very coveted"

So we asked: If you do find these is this the real treasure?

"This is not the real treasure as one of our real treasures is going to be this…," Hearn said holding up one of the globes that can be found around the island that can later be exchanged for a special glass-blown piece of artwork that can be found at the guest information center on the causeway.

Two to five of these treasures are placed each day by volunteers called "beach buddies."

There are over 200 total globes to be found from January to March 10, each is created by handpicked artists across the country and is also embossed with the year on the bottom.

"They come here with their friend, their family each year and they just enjoy the treasure hunt and what they find on the way," Claud and Joyce told News 3.

They continued, "Even when you don't find something I know that people get excited just about the treasures they do find on the island."

"And even though we didn't run across any globes we found that the real treasure was the island itself"

Stepping onto Jekyll is almost like going back in time or being in a movie.

"It exceeded my expectation certainly I didn't know there was that much to do here"

Soak up the sun, or in our case stroll the paths on a cloudy day

the beauty of nature here is captivating to the eye, Driftwood Beach is my favorite part of the island. It feels like another world out there.

Eroded weathered trees from years in the making of all shapes sizes and textures.

Almost like a photograph, it's an unforgettable experience.

"There's a lot to explore here that you may have not seen before"

TSA: South Carolina sees record year for firearms discovered in carry-on luggage

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 02:29:12 +0000

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that 2023 was a record year for South Carolina travelers’ stowing firearms in their carry-on luggage.

TSA found 87 firearms in South Carolina carry-on baggage in 2023, with Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport clocking the highest amount at 32.

Charleston International Airport came in second with TSA discovering 27 firearms. In addition, Myrtle Beach International Airport set a local record with 17 firearms found.

One gun was found for every 127,447 travelers screened nationwide in 2023. This statistic was raised in South Carolina, with one gun found for every 84,349 travelers screened.

TSA notifies the local airport law enforcement agency when a firearm is discovered. The airport law enforcement officer determines what comes next for the weapon and the traveler.

Typically, a firearm violation leads to arrest, criminal citations, and/or civil penalties such as a fine.

Several factors go into deciding the civil penalty costs, such as whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was ammunition nearby. Based on factors, civil penalties can reach up to $15,000.

To carry a firearm when traveling, it must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided case, and entered as checked baggage.

Once at the airport, the traveler must declare the firearm, ammunition, and any firearm parts at the airline ticket counter.

If a traveler is found violating TSA rules, airport officials will revoke TSA PreCheck eligibility for up to five years and enhanced screening in future travels.

American Red Cross holds emergency conference due to critical shortage on blood supply

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 01:04:36 +0000

CHARLESTON S.C. (WCBD)-- Friday morning, the American Red Cross and doctors at the Medical University of South Carolina held an emergency conference about the critically low blood supply.

“This has been a steady decline. At one point, 8 million people around the country were donating blood. Now that’s 6.6 million, so this is a stark decline in the number of people that are giving, and that’s why we’re trying to raise awareness with the public of how important and vital resource blood is,” said Mandy McMahon, The regional communications director of American Red Cross of South Carolina.

The decline has been steady over the past two decades, with donors dropping by 40%. The shortage is forcing doctors to change how they operate.

Blood transfusions are necessary for lifesaving procedures like transplants, but without an entire supply, doctors have to ration the supply. It’s a problem one doctor said he was dealing with recently as this morning.

“It was an extensive surgery, and normally, they require several platelets to help the clotting. After that procedure, we only had seven platelets in this entire complex. At that time, we notified the Red Cross, and they emergently sent platelets down to supplement the hub down here in Charleston from Columbia. We worked out all those logistics, and the patient got what they needed,” said Dr. Jerry Squires, the medical director of Transfusion Services.

While officials know donations typically drop over the holidays due to illnesses, travel, and busy schedules, they’re urging anyone who can donate blood to do it because you might save a life.

“We also ask that you think about not just giving when there’s an emergency, but you make this a part of your routine. You can give blood every 56 days, and as Dr. Squires mentioned, it is a perishable resource, so we need people to come in as often as you can,” said McMahon.

For more information or ways to donate, head over to American Red Cross | Help Those Affected by Disasters

Yolanda Renee King, only granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., following in family footsteps with activism, new book

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 22:36:30 +0000

ATLANTA – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired millions of people around the world, and now his only granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King, aims to pick up where he left off with a message of hope for a new generation.

The 15-year-old has released a new picture book titled “We Dream A World” that is a tribute to her celebrated grandparents.

"I am ready to keep my eyes on the prize that you set out before us with the power of your vision,” the teen read. “Yes, Grandma Coretta. Yes, Granddaddy Martin, I am ready.”

The book was released right before what would have been Dr. King’s 95th birthday. Yolanda said that she was inspired, like her grandparents before her, to reach out to those who will be building the future.

"I think that for a very long time, you've needed a message to the world of what type of world we can have,” she explained. “And I think that if you look at movements, it's led by young people."

The socially engaged 15-year-old has been sharing her message to large crowds for years, including one not long ago at the March on Washington with her mom and dad, Marting Luther King III. When asked if she enjoys speaking in front of large crowds, Yolanda was quick to say she has always been a talker.

"It's so funny that you ask, because actually, if you ask my parents, I've always loved talking. I've always had something to say," she said.

Yolanda is saying it with passion and conviction. Speaking last year at an MLK program at Clemson University, she took on tough issues like violence and homelessness, echoing the speeches made by her grandfather.

"I think I've always had a concern about these issues, and I've always heard his speeches playing around the house," she said.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 24: Yolanda Renee King and Jaclyn Corin speak onstage at March For Our Lives on March 24, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for March For Our Lives)
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA - AUGUST 28: Arndrea Waters King, Yolanda Renee King, Martin Luther King III, Rev. Al Sharpton and thousands march during the âMarch On For Voting Rightsâ demonstration to heighten awareness about voter suppression in many parts of the country, on August, 28, 2021 in Washington D.C., USA. Since January, 48 states have introduced bills, many of which have become law according to the rally organization website, which are designed to suppress voter turnout by â banning ballot drop boxes, mail-in voting, reducing early voting days and hours as well as criminalizing the distribution of water to voters in long linesâ (Photo by John Lamparski/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Arndrea Waters King (R) and Martin Luther King III listen to their daughter Yolanda Renee King speak following the Peace Walk in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Washington, DC on January 17, 2022. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - JANUARY 17: Martin Luther King III, the eldest son of the late civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., his wife Arndrea Waters King and daughter Yolanda Renee King take part in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk on the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge on Monday. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s son, Martin Luther King III, his wife Arndrea Waters King and their daughter Yolanda Renee King visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, 2020 in Washington, DC. First observed 34 years ago, Martin Luther King day is a national holiday that marks the birthday of the civil rights icon and is a way to remember all that he accomplished. (Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images)

In listening to those speeches, Yoland said she feels her grandfather left messages for work that still needs to be done.

"He left us behind homework,” she explained. “And I feel like we've been procrastinating on that homework."

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 15: Arndrea Waters helps her daughter Yolanda Renee King sit on a statue to her grandfather after a wreath laying ceremony at the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial on the National Mall January 15, 2012 in Washington, DC. Martin Luther King III and others joined to lay a wreath at the memorial to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to honor the 83rd birthday of the American Civil Rights leader who was assassinated in 1968. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA - AUGUST 28: Arndrea Waters King, Yolanda Renee King, Martin Luther King III pose as thousands march during the âMarch On For Voting Rightsâ demonstration to heighten awareness about voter suppression in many parts of the country, on August, 28, 2021 in Washington D.C., USA. Since January, 48 states have introduced bills, many of which have become law according to the rally organization website, which are designed to suppress voter turnout by â banning ballot drop boxes, mail-in voting, reducing early voting days and hours as well as criminalizing the distribution of water to voters in long linesâ (Photo by John Lamparski/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
SPD/SWAT investigates reported barricade

No arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or submit a tip online.

This story is developing. Stick with WSAV for updates.

WATCH: 2024 MLK Observance Day Association Parade

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 21:27:17 +0000

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The 2024 MLK Observance Day Association Parade kicks off Monday in Savannah.

WSAV News 3 will bring you live coverage on-air and on this page.

Our coverage begins at 10 a.m. featuring Kim Gusby, Edward Moody and Ben Katko as well as former Savannah Mayor Dr. Otis Johnson.

The parade starts at Liberty and East Broad streets and then travels to Broughton Street and MLK Boulevard.

MLK Day, a federal holiday, marks the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, he would have been 95 years old.

President Biden to speak at First-in-the-Nation Celebration Dinner week before SC primary

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 13:33:57 +0000

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – President Joe Biden will return to South Carolina for an event scheduled for later this month.

The South Carolina Democratic Party announced Friday that the president will deliver remarks at the party’s First in the Nation Celebration and dinner, which is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 27.

Voters in South Carolina will head to the polls on Feb. 3 to cast their ballot in the first-in-the-nation Democratic presidential preference primary where Biden will appear along with two other candidates seeking the party’s nomination.

It would mark President Biden’s second visit to the Palmetto State this month. He traveled to Charleston on Monday and spoke to supporters at Emanuel AME Church before visiting Hannibal’s Soul Kitchen in Charleston’s Eastside neighborhood.

“We are so proud and excited to welcome President Biden to the Palmetto State a week before South Carolina Democrats head to the polls on February 3 and make history in our *first* first-in-the-nation primary. The President recognizes that South Carolina voters matter. Black voters matter. And Southern voters matter,” said South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain and South Carolina Executive Director Jay Parmley in a joint statement released early Friday morning.

The pair went on to say, “We are grateful to him for honoring his commitment to our state and to our party by coming back to the place that started his road to the White House. For the first time ever, the backbone of the Democratic Party – Black voters – will choose who they want in the White House first. This dinner will be a night of celebration for the historic role the Palmetto State now plays in our party’s nominating process.”

Leaders with the SC Democratic Party say they have held a dinner with candidates, national figures, local elected officials, and community members during every primary season.

The dinner will also feature Congressman James Clyburn, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, and other community leaders.

Presidential candidates Marianne Williamson and Congressman Dean Phillips have also been invited.

College leaders collaborate on new statewide college transfer agreement

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 23:50:48 +0000

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – A new transfer agreement will make transferring to instate colleges easier for South Carolina college students.

The partnership is between the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS), Clemson University, and the University of South Carolina.

The agreement aims to reduce the amount of credits lost in the transfer process.

This collaboration between statewide colleges “strengthen(s) the seamless transfer of credits from technical colleges to public research universities within the state,” said the SC House of Representatives.

Highlights of the agreement are below:

Thirty or more established credit hours of guaranteed acceptance and applicability to the student’s major designed to reduce credit loss at the time of transfer.
Maintenance of the acceptance of a minimum of 50 credit hours for students completing the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science, per state policy.
A reverse transfer credit option that enables credits earned at a university to be transferred back to the South Carolina Technical College for associate degree completion.
Established annual data sharing to highlight successes and opportunities for further collaboration to increase transfer student success.
A commitment to ongoing, regular collaboration through facilitating faculty and staff convenings to promote better advising, pedagogy, and resources.

House Speaker Murrell Smith joined Governor Henry McMaster, President of the SC Senate Thomas Alexander, Senator Greg Hembree, Representative Shannon Erickson, SC Technical College System President Dr. Tim Hardee, along with all 16 South Carolina Technical College Presidents, University of South Carolina President Dr. Michael Amiridis, University of South Carolina Provost Donna Arnett, Clemson University President Jim Clements, and Clemson University Provost Bob Jones came together Thursday morning to celebrate this new agreement.

“At a time when workforce development is crucial to the future prosperity of our state, the Statewide Transfer Agreement will make college more affordable and accessible, further encouraging South Carolinians to pursue a degree in high-demand career fields,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “I thank the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and the South Carolina Technical College System for their collaboration on this important initiative that will greatly benefit our people and state.”

Charleston, Berkeley among South Carolina counties with most human trafficking cases in 2023

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 21:28:12 +0000

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)- Two Lowcountry counties had among the most human trafficking cases opened in the state last year, according to new data from the South Carolina Attorney General's Office (SCAG).

SCAG released its annual human trafficking report Thursday, which details the number of cases reported to the national hotline, the counties in which these crimes are being reported, and steps the state is taking to combat human trafficking.

According to the report, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division opened 357 investigations into sex and labor trafficking across the state in 2023 with 498 potential victims.

The counties with the most cases were Richland with 43, Greenville with 34, Horry and Aiken with 24 each, Berkeley with 23, and Charleston, Spartanburg and Lexington with 21 each. There were only six counties that did not report any cases of human trafficking last year.

Data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which tracked 2022 reports, showed that there were 90 human trafficking incidents reported to the hotline with 194 possible victims.

Greenville and Horry counties ranked number one followed by Charleston County in second place. Richland and Spartanburg counties tied for third, Aiken County ranked fourth, and Lexington and Orangeburg tied for fifth.

"That doesn't mean that there's more human trafficking occurring in those eight counties," Attorney General Alan Wilson said. "That just means that's where people are seeing and identifying and making calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline."

Wilson, who chairs the state's Human Trafficking Task Force, said that the majority of reported cases reported in 2023 involved minors being sex trafficked.

To combat this, Wilson said his office is asking for nearly $10 million from the S.C. General Assembly to fund a grant program that would provide additional shelters for minor victims, of which there is currently only one in the state.

"As we look to the future, we intend to increase the number of shelters available to child human trafficking victims," he continued. "These shelters will provide much-needed safety and care and provide services to both the children and their families."

Part of those efforts included the launch of TraffickProofSC, a statewide prevention education initiative. The curriculum, created in partnership with SCETV, educates middle and high school students on sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and the use of social media.

The social media portion includes education on sexual extortion or 'sextortion,' a tool often used by traffickers to target victims online. Governor Henry McMaster signed a bill into law in May 2023 that makes the crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison if the victim is a minor, vulnerable adult, or suffers bodily injury or death directly related to the crime.

"Human traffickers are mostly targeting vulnerable children and youth in our state," Task Force Director Kathryn Moorehead said. "Our goal is to ultimately prevent the crime while we work to develop much-needed services to help victims."

The report also highlighted data from the court system which found that 46 new charges of trafficking were opened in state courts last year involving 21 separate defendants. There are currently 31 defendants with charges pending for human trafficking in South Carolina courts.

You can report an incident of human trafficking or find resources by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. The hotline is confidential and open 24/7.

Democrat Dick Harpootlian to seek re-election to South Carolina Senate

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 17:04:50 +0000

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)- State Sen. Dick Harpootlian (D-Richland) announced Thursday that he is seeking another term in office.

Harpootlian, who has gained national attention as convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh's defense attorney, is running for re-election in Senate District 26.

"I've challenged the status quo and changed the way business is done at the State House," Harpootlian wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "I've asked hard questions and didn't accept a system that doesn't work for the people of my district."

The announcement comes just one day after the current longest-serving state senator in the U.S., Democratic Rep. Nikki Setzler, said he would not run for office again.

Setzler and Harpootlian were put into the same district, which covers parts of Richland, Lexington, and Calhoun counties, as a result of redistricting after the 2020 census.

Harpootlian won a seat in the Senate in a special election in 2018 and then went on to win a full term in 2020.

WATCH: Video shows EF-2 tornado moving through South Carolina city

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:44:08 +0000

BAMBERG, S.C. (WBTW) -- A video released Thursday by South Carolina emergency management officials shows the moment a confirmed EF-2 tornado touched down Tuesday in the city of Bamberg.

According to the Associated Press, the tornado knocked down several old brick storefronts in the city's downtown area and blocked the city's main intersection.

Thousands of bricks blocked Highway 301 in the area and about 40 homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed, said Democratic Rep. Justin Bamberg, who represents the area.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division posted the video taken by Anthony Hurley Thursday morning on X, formerly Twitter.

The city of Bamberg is about about 60 miles south of Columbia.

Outlook uncertain for baby right whale born off South Carolina coast last winter

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:06:11 +0000

EDISTO, S.C. (WSAV) — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking boaters to be aware of an injured North Atlantic right whale calf off the coast of South Carolina.

According to officials, the baby whale appears to have injuries on its head consistent with being struck by the sharp propellor of a boat. Fishermen saw the injured whale in the waters of South Carolina's South Edisto River inlet with its mother on Jan. 3. As the anglers approached, the baby sat still and they were able to get a better look at its wounds. According to experts, the injuries appear to be serious and possibly life-threatening. These injuries are not fresh and experts are estimating that the wounds are a few days old. They say that the most concerning part about the injuries is whether the baby will be able to properly nurse from its mother.

The calf and its mother, Juno, were first seen swimming in North Atlantic waters on Nov. 28. The duo was the first mother-baby right whale pair spotted this year. Juno is believed to be at least 38 years old and the calf was only a week old when it was initially seen in November.

Photo credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, taken under NOAA permit 20556

According to Georgia DNR, Juno's calf was one of nine documented pairs seen in the Southeast this winter. Georgia DNR captured the then-healthy duo off Sapelo Island on Dec. 4 on camera.

Now, Georgia DNR asks that, if you spot the baby whale, please report the sighting to 877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) or via the U.S. Coast Guard on marine VHF channel 16. You can also download the Whale Alert app to send instant reports to rescuers, researchers and mariners.

Officials say that there are less than 350 right whales left in their natural environment making the animal the world's most endangered large whale.

Experts say it's important to practice safety around right whales and observe these animals from a distance of at least 500 feet. In addition, never pursue or follow the whales.

Officers charge suspects following largest drug bust in department history

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 13:12:00 +0000

Young officer slain in Harlem joined to help ‘chaotic city’

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 04:59:54 +0000

The shooting is the latest in a string of crimes that have unnerved the nation’s largest city.

Mental Health Awareness event coming to Wren High School on Monday

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 04:36:00 +0000

As a way to try and help the school, the #SameHere Schools Program is coming to Wren High on Monday.

All 100 lab monkeys accounted for after several escape crash

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 04:03:00 +0000

DANVILLE, Pa. (AP) — The last of the escaped monkeys from the crash of a truck towing a trailer load of 100 of the animals was accounted for by late Saturday, a day after the pickup collided with a dump…