Famed S.C.–GA martial artist receives several international honors in 2026

S.C. Black Belt Hall of Famer Keith Vitali receiving the Martial Arts Royalty Award in the Czech Republic.

Vitali is the only South Carolinian to have ever been inducted into the elite ‘Black Belt’ magazine Hall of Fame, which also includes inductees Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster presenting Vitali the Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest award, in March 2026.

Hollywood star and karate legend Keith Vitali presented S.C.’s highest award this year, also knighted in Italy and honored in the Czech Republic

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, October 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Hall of Famer and 10th-degree black belt Keith Vitali has recently received a number of lofty international honors, adding to his already distinguished career-portfolio which includes

Terminix Service Releases 2026 Rodent Activity Rankings for SC, NC, and Georgia Ahead of Rodent Awareness Week

The Pest Control Company Serving 200,000+ Customers Across SC, NC, and Georgia Reveals the Cities With the Highest Rodent Activity – and Homeowners Can Do

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, October 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As Rodent Awareness Week gets underway, Terminix Service, Inc. is releasing findings from its own 2026 service data to help homeowners across South Carolina, western North Carolina, and CSRA Georgia understand just how active rodent season has become in their communities. The annual observance, organized by the National Pest Management Association, was

Westinghouse and University of South Carolina Partner to Advance Nuclear Workforce Development

Agreement will explore opportunities to build the nuclear workforce needed to support fleet deployment of AP1000® reactors in the U.S. through USC’s planned Nuclear Innovation Center

COLUMBIA, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Westinghouse Electric Company and the University of South Carolina (USC) are partnering to create a multidisciplinary nuclear workforce development program to support U.S. fleet deployment of AP1000® plants. The new program will be centered at the USC Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing’s planned Nuclear Innovation Center.

Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy and Senior Advisor to the Secretary at the U.S.

FAVORABLE FDA PANEL VOTE POINTS TOWARD INCREASED DEMAND FOR PEPTIDE FULFILLMENT SERVICES

Recent voting activity at the FDA strongly suggests that demand for fulfillment of peptides will rise sharply in the coming months.

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, August 24, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- One of the most promising areas of the economy at the moment, particularly in the area of regulated health and wellness, is the production and

CTR Media Network Expands to 13 Channels and 50+ Free Programs, Embracing AI Innovation

CEO of CTR Media Network

CTR Media Network TV Shows catalog

CTR Media Network Podcasters providing media coverage at event.

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Dr Tina J Ramsay Interviewing Sharae Moore

CTR Media Network expands its free media ecosystem with 13 channels and 50+ programs spanning TV, podcasts, AI, education, business and family content.

We’re not just podcasts, and we’re not just television. We’re building a free media ecosystem where technology, education, entertainment and impactful content come together.”

— Dr. Tina J. Ramsay, Founder & CEO

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, August 11, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- CTR Media Network (CTRMN), a family-owned global digital media distribution company, proudly announces the expansion of its growing media ecosystem to 13 dedicated channels featuring

Four East Georgia Branches Officially Transition to Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union After Successful Acquisition

Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union has expanded its footprint into Georgia through the acquisition of former Southern Bank branches.

Aug. 3 marks the first official day of service as four former Southern Bank locations become Palmetto Citizens branches.

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, August 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- East Georgia communities are gaining more than a new financial institution. Beginning Aug. 3, 2026, residents of Waynesboro, Sardis, Gibson and

Optus Financial Corporation and M&F Bancorp Announce Transformative Partnership Creating Premier African-American Bank

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, July 22, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Columbia, South Carolina, based Optus Financial Corporation (“Optus”), parent company of Optus Bank, and Durham, North Carolina, based M&F Bancorp, Inc. (“MFBP”), parent company of Mechanics & Farmers Bank (“M&F Bank”), today announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement that will unite two of the nation’s longest-standing Minority Depository Institutions (“MDIs”).

Under the terms of the agreement, MFBP will merge with and into Optus, and M&F Bank

NACHC Partners with ClearPoint Health to Expand Innovative Health Insurance Solutions to Community Health Centers

NACHC Cares is a benefits program designed to strengthen employee health, improve affordability, and support Community Health Centers nationwide.

New NACHC Cares program gives Community Health Centers access to customizable health plans, clinical support, and innovative funding strategies.

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, June 26, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and ClearPoint Health today announced a strategic partnership to expand access to employer-sponsored health plan options for Community Health Centers (CHCs) nationwide.

NACHC members comprise a CHC workforce

Military Hall of Famer hits elite numbers in run-up to bench press challenge

Col. W. Thomas Smith Jr. hits elite numbers while training for 250 bench press challenge.

RCSD will host the 250 Bench Press Challenge, celebrating America's 250th Birthday, June 28-July 3, 2026.

Marine Infantry leader and stroke survivor reportedly one of the top age-specific bench-pressers in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, June 22, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- W. Thomas Smith Jr. is on track to earning a berth on the list of “bench-press champions” who will have successfully bench-pressed 250 lbs. as part of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s (RCSD) 250 Bench-Press Challenge,

DPH Recommends Steps to Reduce Skin Cancer Risk This Summer

COLUMBIA, S.C.— As summer approaches and people begin spending more time outdoors, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds all South Carolinians to take extra precautions to help protect their skin and prevent skin cancer.

While short-term exposure to sunlight can provide health benefits such as helping produce

SPECTRA EXECUTES LARGE-SCALE MAILING FOR MEDICARE ADVISORY SERVICE

Spectra completed 10,000 Medicare member kits with full HIPAA-compliant handling, ensuring secure, efficient delivery for a major advisory service.

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, May 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Spectra is a fulfillment and print services provider based in South Carolina, offering 3PL services to organizations of all types and sizes throughout the United States. With a print facility that is

Sheffield SC Homeowners Propose Digital Safety System to Protect Walkers, Joggers, and Drivers

Poor Visibility Conditions in Sheffield Raise Questions About Neighborhood Safety

Dark Entry Areas in Sheffield Demonstrate Need for Improved Safety Measures

Unmonitored Access Points in Sheffield Increase Concerns Over Community Security

Main Access Area in Sheffield Reflects Need for Modern Safety Improvements

Low-Visibility Road Conditions Impact Safety for Drivers and Pedestrians in Sheffield

Safety is not a luxury. It is a basic responsibility of every homeowner and resident in this community”

— Sheffield Community Representative

SHEFFIELD COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, March 30, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Residents of the Sheffield community are proposing a modern digital pedestrian safety system to improve visibility and reduce risk for both pedestrians and drivers throughout the neighborhood.

The proposed system would utilize smart

S.C. Black Belt Hall of Fame recognizes Texas Sheriff

Tarrant County (Texas) Sheriff Bill Waybourn and Richland County (S.C.) Sheriff Leon Lott.

The S.C. Black Belt Hall of Fame presented Sheriff Bill E. Waybourn with the LEON LOTT – FIRST THROUGH THE DOOR AWARD, March 6, 2026.

Award is the namesake of 2021 National Sheriff of the Year Leon Lott

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, March 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The S.C. Black Belt Hall of Fame (SCBBHOF) presented Tarrant County (Texas) Sheriff Bill E. Waybourn with the prestigious LEON LOTT – FIRST THROUGH THE DOOR AWARD during an awards dinner held in Arlington, Texas, Friday evening March 6, 2026.

The award, named after Richland County

Jāderloon Greenhouse Company Celebrates 50 Years

Jaderloon Greenhouse Company Celebrates 50th Anniversary

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, March 13, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Jāderloon, also known as The Greenhouse Company, is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. What began as a small, proof-of-concept buildout has

A force of faith

Sheriff Leon Lott, Chief Maria Yturria, Chaplain Marty Wells, and Chaplain Bryan Walker

RCSD fields approximately 34 chaplains representing all faiths, and they are all unpaid volunteers.

A group of RCSD chaplains are pictured in front of the department's Denny Terrace substation.

Richland County Sheriff’s Department Chaplains play key role within the department and throughout the community

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, February 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) has for decades maintained a viable corps of chaplains, officially the RCSD

Huwell US Inc. selects Cherokee County for first US operation

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Huwell US Inc. (Huwell), a cosmetics and hair care products manufacturer, today announced it selects Cherokee County for its first U.S. operation. The company’s $11.6 million investment will create 25 new jobs. 

Headquartered in Italy, Huwell has produced hair products for more than 60 years. The company is a private label manufacturer of lighteners and is one of the world’s leading

SCDNR Director receives rare recognition in Boston

SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin aboard the frigate USS CONSTITUTION, January 15, 2026.

SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin (center) is flanked by an escorting U.S. Navy sailor (L) and Commander Crystal L. Schaefer (R) aboard USS CONSTITUTION, January 15, 2026.

The American frigate USS CONSTITUTION has never lost an engagement in her illustrious history stretching back to 1797.

Dr. Thomas Stowe Mullikin honored aboard the oldest still-serving warship in the United States Navy

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, January 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), received a rare honor during a break in meetings in Boston, Massachusetts, last week.

While touring Boston’s historic Charlestown

The non-profit S.C. Military Veterans Hall of Fame enables online funding

The S.C. Military Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes, honors, and celebrates distinguished military leaders, heroes, and heroines from the Palmetto State.

The S.C. Military Veterans Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Elite military hall of fame announces new easy-to-access online sponsorship feature

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, January 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Supporters and sponsors of the South Carolina Military Veterans Hall of Fame (SCMVHOF) now have an easy online option when it comes to making

Lizard’s Thicket Continues Southern Tradition with New Year’s Day Meal Serving Over 10,000 Across the Midlands

Local family owned restaurant serves more than 10,000 people on New Year's Day

Serving this traditional New Year’s Day meal is our way of honoring our roots and wishing our customers abundance and good fortune in the year ahead.”

— Sara Krisnow, Community Relations Manager of Lizard’s Thicket

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, December 31, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Lizard’s Thicket, a family-owned and operated restaurant rooted in Southern tradition, will once again ring in the New Year by serving the traditional Southern New Year’s Day meal: pork chops, collard greens, and black-eyed peas—a combination long believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and wealth in the year ahead.

On New Year’s Day, the restaurant expects to serve more than 10,000 people across the

Stanton Optical Grand Opening in Charleston, SC

Stanton Optical Charleston Staff Celebrating Grand Opening Ceremony

Stanton Optical: We Make Eye Care Easy, Accessible, and Affordable for All

Meet Stan the Penguin, Stanton Optical's Brand Ambassador – Discover Unbeatable Offers at Stanton Optical Charleston Store Before They're Gone!

With over 1,000 frames to choose from, Stanton Optical is the one-stop shop for all your eye care needs

Easy and affordable eye care is now available at 1662 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

We’ve helped millions of people get the vision care they deserve, and we’re excited to once again bring that same trusted experience to the Charleston community.”

— Lukana Justin

CHARLESTON, SC, UNITED STATES, December 19, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Stanton Optical, a leading provider of affordable and accessible eye care, is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Charleston, South Carolina at 1662 Savannah Hwy. This is Stanton Optical’s 13th location in South Carolina, reinforcing its commitment to Making Eye Care Easy across 300+ locations nationwide.

Fast, Affordable Eye Care for the Whole