South-Carolina
A Stronger Rail Network Is a Win for South Carolina’s Economy – FITSNews
“The combined rail system would offer the reliability our business community has been asking for…”
by NATHAN BALLENTINE
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For as long as I’ve served in the South Carolina House, I’ve believed that strong infrastructure is the backbone of a strong economy. Whether talking about roads, bridges, broadband, or freight mobility, our ability to efficiently move people and goods determines how competitive our state will be in the decades ahead. South Carolina continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the country, and with that growth comes a responsibility to ensure our logistics network can meet the demands of modern commerce.
That is why the proposed merger between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) deserves thoughtful consideration, not just at the national level, but here at home. South Carolina’s economic success is directly tied to reliable freight transportation. From advanced manufacturing in the Upstate, to the distribution and warehousing centers in the Midlands, to the countless businesses that depend on steady supply chains, every region of our state relies on a freight system that works smoothly and predictably.
When freight rail is fragmented across multiple networks, bottlenecks and delays become far more common. Businesses, especially those operating with tight production schedules and narrow delivery windows, feel the impacts immediately. A delayed railcar can throw off inventory planning, disrupt operations, and create ripple effects that stretch across an entire supply chain. These unpredictable slowdowns can be enormously costly for the companies that keep South Carolina’s economy moving.
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The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger aims to address many of these longstanding challenges. By creating a unified network connecting more than 50,000 miles of track and linking 43 states with over 100 ports nationwide, the combined rail system would offer something our business community has been asking for: reliability. Studies indicate the merger could generate approximately $1 billion in annual cost savings and improve freight-car velocity by around 10 percent. These aren’t abstract figures, they reflect tangible improvements that would strengthen operations for employers, distributors, retailers, and consumers alike.
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“Economic development teams would also have an even stronger pitch when attracting new employers to South Carolina…”
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A more dependable rail network means companies can plan with greater precision, suppliers can manage logistics with fewer surprises, and transportation partners can commit to schedules with increased confidence. Economic development teams would also have an even stronger pitch when attracting new employers to South Carolina: not just a skilled workforce and business-friendly climate, but a transportation network capable of supporting long-term growth.
Improved rail performance also benefits South Carolina’s infrastructure more broadly. Rail is one of the most efficient ways to move goods long distances. Every shipment that travels by rail instead of truck reduces congestion on our highways, lowers fuel costs, and decreases wear and tear on roads that taxpayers ultimately fund. Better rail capacity complements, rather than replaces, our ongoing efforts to invest in roads and bridges across the state. It allows us to stretch transportation dollars further and focus on the improvements most needed in fast-growing communities.
Another important factor is competitiveness. States across the Southeast are aggressively investing in logistics infrastructure to position themselves as national leaders in manufacturing and distribution. If South Carolina wants to stay ahead, and continue attracting companies that create stable, high-quality jobs, we must support improvements that strengthen the reliability and efficiency of our freight network. The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger presents an opportunity to do just that.
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RELATED | SOURCES: S.C. LAWMAKERS THREATEN SUPREME COURT
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As someone who has spent nearly two decades advocating for responsible, forward-looking growth in our state, I believe that modernizing our freight system is not just a transportation issue, it is an economic necessity. Ensuring that goods can move quickly, safely, and predictably is fundamental to the success of our businesses and the financial well-being of South Carolina families.
Federal regulators will ultimately determine the path forward, and their review should be thorough and transparent. But from where I sit, the potential benefits to our state are clear. A more integrated, efficient rail system will help South Carolina businesses compete, help consumers by keeping costs lower, and help our state maintain the strong economic momentum we’ve built over the past decade.
A stronger rail network means a stronger South Carolina, and that is a future we should fully support.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

Nathan Ballentine represents the citizens of House District 71 in the S.C. General Assembly.
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South-Carolina
South Carolina fugitive showed ‘no remorse’ for ‘execution style’ NYC shooting of ex-girlfriend: victim’s mother
A South Carolina fugitive accused of killing his ex-girlfriend “execution-style” at her Queens home was ordered held without bail during a Thursday court appearance, where the mother of the slain 21-year-old said he showed “no remorse” for the tragic killing.
De’Ovryion Elijha Ray, 23, was arraigned on second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon charges at Queens Supreme Criminal Court for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend, Dashanna Donovan, on Sept. 12, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced in a statement.
Ray pleaded not guilty to the “execution style” killing of Donovan, 21, and was ordered held without bail by Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant, according to prosecutors and court records.
The alleged killer, who hails from Simpsonville, showed “no remorse” during the court hearing, Donovan’s mother, Helena Hypolite, who was inside the courtroom, told The Post.
“He showed no remorse, nothing. It just had me boiling, profusely angry,” Hypolite said.
The grieving mother said Ray exchanged fervent glances with her throughout the proceeding, and nodded to her when she stood up after he was brought into the courtroom.
“When they brought him in, I stood up and he looked at me and nodded. When they were taking him out, he looked at me and nodded again. To me, it’s like he was saying, ‘Now what?” Hypolite said..
“I was full of rage. My blood was boiling,” she added.
Ray was first arrested in South Carolina on Oct. 7 and extradited to New York to face murder charges, authorities said.
The accused murderer was tight-lipped and avoided eye contact as cops escorted him out of the 115th precinct in navy pants, red sneakers, a grey quarter-cip sweatshirt, and handcuffs before his arraignment.
Ray allegedly traveled by bus from Virginia Beach, Virginia to New York City on the day of Donovan’s murder. He then took a subway from Manhattan to Queens and approached Donovan’s East Elmhurst home on 96th Street by roughly 9 p.m., according to prosecutors.
Donovan was in her backyard when a motion light turned on in the alleyway. She looked down the alleyway and appeared to recognize the person walking toward her.
The 21-year-old — who moved to the Big Apple just six months before to escape an abusive relationship with Ray — then screamed and ran into her apartment.
Ray ran around the corner of the house while wielding a gun and pointed it in the direction of Donovan as he entered the home.
Police found her lying near the doorframe of her bathroom with gunshot wounds to her head and torso. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
After gunning down Donovan, Ray fled to Virginia Beach that same night, officials alleged.
“This was a calculated, cold-blooded murder of a young woman who was running for her life when she was gunned down,” DA Katz said in a statement.
“As alleged, the defendant traveled to New York, killed the victim and fled the state mere hours after the murder in a tragic case of domestic violence,” Katz added.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones as we seek justice. My office worked hand in hand with South Carolina officials to ensure that the defendant was extradited to New York to face the indictment charges.”
If convicted, Ray faces up to 25 years to life in prison, prosecutors said.
He will return to court on March 6.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
South-Carolina
No. 4 Texas faces No. 2 South Carolina in juggernaut rematch
The No. 4 Texas Longhorns (18-1, 3-1) women’s basketball team travel to Columbia, S.C. on Thursday to face the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks (17-1, 4-0) for the second time in the 2025-26 season. The Gamecocks lead the series 5-4 against the Longhorns, but earlier in the season, the two juggernauts clashed in the Players Era Championship final in Las Vegas with the Longhorns beating the Gamecocks in a tight matchup with a game-winning shot, 66-64.
Head coach Dawn Staley leads the Gamecocks with a defense that continues to be the difference for the program. South Carolina ranks 13th in the nation in points allowed with 53.6 and third in field-goal percentage allowing .319. South Carolina leads the SEC in scoring defense (55.25) and is second in field-goal percentage defense (.325). The Gamecocks rank 23rd in the nation with a .366 three-point field-goal percentage and have shot 41.3 percent against ranked opponents in addition to ranking fourteenth in nation in scoring (20.7 ppg) and twelfth in field goal percentage (.606).
Senior guard Ta’Niya Latson leads the Gamecocks with the most efficient season of her career, shooting 50.9 percent from the field, including 41.0 percent from 3-point range, and scoring 1.09 points per possession and 1.22 points per shot attempt. Latson is 10th in the SEC scoring 16.3 points per game and 13th in the conference with 3.9 assists per game recently bringing points per game average to 9.0 points per game meaning she has her hands on 27.3 percent of the team’s total offense.
Senior guard Raven Johnson sits nineteenth shooting 14.5 points per lin conference play and is 19th-best in the SEC while hitting .550 field goal percentage putting her third in conference. Senior Madina Okot leads the nation with 13 double doubles and eighth in rebounds per game (11.3), 11th in field goal percentage (.609) and 14th in offensive rebounds per game (4.2). Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards cleans the boards averaging 3.5 offensive rebounds while handing out 2.5 assists per game and defensively is ninth in the SEC with 1.4 blocks per game and 14th in steals per game at 1.9.
Head coach Vic Schaefer stands at the helm for the No. 4 Longhorns averaging 90.3 points per game making them third in the NCAA while holding their opponents to 53.2 points per game. Madison Booker leads Texas, averaging 19.2 points per game while shooting 52.0 percent percent from the field with 7.3 boards per game and 76 assists, 48 steals, and 13 blocks. Guard Rori Harmon lends a hand aiding the Longhorns by tossing out 140 assists and has turned the ball over only 26 times in the 2025-26 season to lead the country in assist-to-turnover ratio while snagging 56 steals. Sophomore guard Jordan Lee has averaged 14.8 points per game averaging 43.3 percent from the field along side junior forward Breya Cunningham who has been hitting 60 percent from the field, averaging 5.4 rebounds, and 21 blocks.. Off the bench, senior center Kyla Oldacre comes off the bench to hold the paint down averaging 12.3 points per game, knocking 66.9 percent from the field, and with 21 blocks for Texas. The Longhorns rank twelfth in the nation averaging 27 bench points per game.
Tip at Colonial Life Arena is at 6 pm. Central on ESPN2.
South-Carolina
South Carolina Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for Jan. 14, 2026
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 Jan. 14, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 14 drawing
06-24-39-43-51, Powerball: 02, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Jan. 14 drawing
Midday: 2-3-6, FB: 4
Evening: 2-5-5, FB: 4
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Jan. 14 drawing
Midday: 7-4-3-3, FB: 4
Evening: 5-6-1-7, FB: 4
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Jan. 14 drawing
Midday: 08
Evening: 02
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Jan. 14 drawing
19-29-33-34-41
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 14 drawing
06-20-28-47-48, Powerball: 03
Check Powerball Double Play 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.
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