South-Carolina
South Carolina apartment complex mourns resident alligator killed following several complaints: ‘We all loved him’
A South Carolina apartment complex is holding vigil for a community alligator named Walter that was killed after several complaints were filed about him.
The gator called the Daniel Island Village’s pond his home for over a decade and could often be found lounging on the grass soaking up the sun’s rays.
Residents at the complex said the reptile never bothered anyone as they struggled to fathom why he was slain after living in the area for so long.
“He was a piece of the community. Even though he was a cold-blooded animal, we all loved him and it tore us all up,” Vigil organizer Rebekah Cole told WCIV-TV.
Walter was frequently celebrated on the complex’s own social media. A final post featuring the alligator before his death was posted February 2024.
“Daylight savings time is coming to an end! It is getting warmer out! Daniel Island Village is on the verge of a beautiful blossom! The proof is in the pudding, WALTER is OUT!!” the post read.
Alligators are a federally protected species, but South Carolina law allows permits to be given to kill or remove them if they threaten people.
In the past decade, at least six people have been killed by alligators in the Palmetto State. The apartment complex management didn’t cite any specific incident as the reason for killing Walter and only noted that several complaints had been filed about his presence.
The complex had a permit for the past two years allowing them to remove an alligator if they deem it to be a nuisance or threat. They were also free to hire a contractor to get rid of Walter, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said in a statement.
Last week, property managers at the Daniel Island Village assured that Walter’s death followed the state law and that “news about his passing can be distressing and (we) sincerely appreciate your understanding.”
“In the future, please continue to abide by posted signage about not feeding wildlife, including alligators. For everyone’s safety, if you observe displaced wildlife in our community, please do not interfere,” the property management added.
With Post wires
South-Carolina
Dawn Staley adds pro player Alicia Tournebize to South Carolina roster for this season
Alicia Tournebize, a 6-foot-4 basketball player from France, is enrolling at South Carolina and will begin playing for coach Dawn Staley this season.
The program announced the news on Dec. 22, explaining that she “will join the team following the holiday break and begin classes at the start of the spring 2026 semester.”
Tournebize, 18, played for Tango Bourges Basket, a professional basketball club in France. She was seen dunking in multiple games, according to social media.
The No. 3 Gamecocks (12-1) have played with at most 10 players but mostly eight or nine this season, battling illness and injuries. Staley lost star forward to an ACL tear Chloe Kitts in September.
South Carolina closes non-conference play on Dec. 28 (noon ET, SEC Network) before opening SEC play against Alabama on Jan. 1 (2 p.m. ET, SEC Network+).
“Alicia has an incredible skill set and basketball IQ,” Staley said in the news release. “She has great touch around the rim, can shoot it out to the 3-point line and is a shot blocker.”
Her mother Isabelle Fijalkowski played at Colorado and was drafted into the WNBA by the Cleveland Rockets where she played from 1997-98 before returning to play in Europe. Fijalkowski is getting inducted in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.
Alicia Tournebize will play for South Carolina, Dawn Staley this season
Staley has been in need of depth long before the season officially started.
Ashlyn Watkins announced in July she’s taking the year off instead of returning and then not long after, Kitts got injured. Kitts enrolled early three years ago, joining the 2022-23 team in December 2022 like Tournebize is doing.
South Carolina signed two recruits out of high school already, Kaeli Wynn and Kelsi Andrews, but Staley said neither will enroll early so it appeared as though she would play a full season with only 10 players until now.
Tournebize will likely work her way into the lineup the same way Adhel Tac and Maryam Dauda have behind starters Madina Okot and Joyce Edwards. Edwards is leading the team with 22 points per game, Okot is averaging 15.6.
South Carolina sits 261st of 359 Division I teams in bench points, averaging 17.0 per game so if Tournebize brings offensive production, it’ll greatly enhance Staley’s depth during conference play.
On her visit, Tournebize went to the South Carolina football game on Nov. 22 with some players and then watched the women’s basketball game on Nov. 23 against Queens.
She sat behind the bench, similar to where Wynn sat during an exhibition game on her visit in October.
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.social
South-Carolina
South Carolina Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for Dec. 21, 2025
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 21, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 21 drawing
Evening: 7-2-5, FB: 4
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 21 drawing
Evening: 3-7-0-4, FB: 4
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 21 drawing
Evening: 14
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 21 drawing
08-15-23-27-33
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
South-Carolina
Former Pa. high school football star, record-setting college QB dies at 52
Former Altoona Area High School multi-sport star Steve Taneyhill died this past week after a battle with cancer. He was 52 years old.
Taneyhill went on to attend the University of South Carolina and played quarterback for the Gamecocks following his impressive high school career.
South Carolina announced Taneyhill’s death Monday morning.
“Gamecock Nation mourns the loss of Steve Taneyhill, a pillar of Gamecock history,” South Carolina posted on X. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Steve.”
Taneyhill played for the Gamecocks from 1992-95, setting numerous school records during that time.
He finished his college career with 8,782 passing yards and 62 passing touchdowns. He was inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.
Steve Taneyhill was named the Freshman of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 1992.
In 1994, he led South Carolina to its first bowl win in program history as the Gamecocks beat West Virginia in the Carquest Bowl.
Taneyhill led South Carolina in passing all four of his college football seasons. He finished his college career with eight 300-yard passing games, including six during his senior year.
Following his playing career, Taneyhill was a successful high school football coach at both Chesterfield High School and Union High School in South Carolina.
Gamecocks fans took to X and shared memories of Taneyhill following his death.
“Gamecock Football wasn’t cool when they entered the SEC. But, Steve Taneyhill made it ok to feel like they belonged,” one fan said. “He was a great, honest guy. Thank you, Steve. Thanks so much, man.”
Former South Carolina assistant coach Justin Stepp added: “Absolutely loved Steve Taneyhill! Was an incredible player and even better person! Praying for his family & those that were close with him!”
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