South-Carolina
'Border Patrol' shirts worn by staff spark controversy, lead to multiple firings at South Carolina school
An elementary school in South Carolina is facing backlash after pictures of staff in “Border Patrol” T-shirts surfaced on the district’s Facebook page.
The Royall Elementary School staff who were featured in the photos have since been fired or placed on administrative leave, according to a letter sent out by Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard O’Malley.
Florence 1 Schools posted the images, which have since been taken down, with two staff members wearing gray “Border Patrol” T-shirts during a Hispanic heritage celebration event held on Wednesday.
Another image posted on the school’s social media page showed staff members wearing sombreros and other attire and standing in front of a red brick wall with a “Royall Cantina” sign.
SOUTH CAROLINA MAN DIES AFTER LIGHTING FIREWORK ON TOP OF HIS HEAD TO ‘SHOW OFF’
An “insensitive” social media post from Royall Elementary School in South Carolina, which has since been deleted, led to several employees no longer being employed at the school, as well as school leadership changes, according to a release from district administrators. (WPDE)
O’Malley acknowledged the controversial photo and issued a statement saying that an investigation into the situation was underway.
“I was notified by my staff of an inappropriate social media post on one of our school’s Facebook accounts. What was posted, and the conduct of the staff involved, is inexcusable and not a representation of the school, its students and staff, or of our district as a whole,” O’Malley wrote.
“Today this matter has been thoroughly investigated and those who contributed to this event have been held accountable for their decision-making and actions. There is no room for anything of this nature in our schools and I will not tolerate it in our school district.” — Dr. Richard O’Malley, Superintendent, Florence 1 Schools
O’Malley also issued a letter to all parents of the school district and shared it with Fox News Digital.
NYU NURSE FIRED AFTER SPEECH DECRYING ‘GENOCIDE IN GAZA’
An unknown number of Royall Elementary employees have either been fired or placed on administrative leave after an “inappropriate” picture taken during a Hispanic heritage celebration was posted to its Facebook page, Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Richard O’Malley said Friday. (WPDE)
“Dear Royall Parents and Guardians, As you may be aware, an inappropriate event occurred Wednesday morning during a Professional Development day at Royall, prior to the first day of school. Subsequently, pictures of the event were posted on the school’s Facebook page. I wanted to inform you that, due to the serious nature of this incident, several employees are no longer employed by the district or have been placed on leave by the district’s administration. As superintendent, I will not tolerate anything of this nature in our school district,” the letter reads.
O’Malley added that the district’s assistant superintendent of elementary education and its STEM director would serve as “acting administrators.”
An image on the school’s social media page showed staff members at Royall Elementary School wearing sombreros and other attire. (WPDE)
Royall Elementary School issued its own statement, acknowledging the images and apologizing for the “insensitivity.”
“It is with regret that we acknowledge that a picture that was posted on our Facebook page yesterday showed an insensitive disregard for the current challenges our Hispanic population faces. At Royall, we take great pride in our long-standing tradition of embracing and supporting every student who walks through the doors of our building. Our staff is unanimously committed to celebrating the diversity of our families and ensuring that each and every student at Royall is successful, happy, and recognized for his or her unique culture and abilities. We apologize for our insensitivity but look forward to fostering relationships as we begin a new school year.” — Royall Elementary School
The comments have been turned off on the school’s apology post on Facebook.
South-Carolina
South Carolina pastor indicted, accused of cyberstalking estranged wife Mica Miller before her death
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WTVD) — A South Carolina pastor has been federally indicted, accused of cyberstalking his wife and posting a nude photo of her online before her death by suicide last year.
John-Paul Miller, 46, of Myrtle Beach, faces charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
His estranged wife, Mica Miller, 30, was found dead at Lumber River State Park on April 27, 2024. Her death was ruled a suicide, but the case gained national attention amid allegations that John-Paul had abused her before her death.
Online records show that Mica and John-Paul were in the process of getting a divorce at the time of her death. Police documents indicate that Mica “was afraid for her life” in the month leading up to her death.
SEE ALSO: Mica Miller’s husband says he’s not to blame in her death: ‘I did everything I could to protect her’
Prosecutors claim that from November 2022 until her death, he sent “unwanted and harassing communications” to Mica, including posting a nude photo of her online without her consent and contacting her over 50 times in a single day.
The indictment also alleges that John-Paul interfered with her finances and daily activities, damaged her vehicle tires, and lied to investigators about his actions. Despite purchasing a tire deflation device online and discussing the victim’s vehicle with others, he denied damaging her tires when questioned.
If convicted, John-Paul could face up to five years in prison for cyberstalking and two years for making false statements, along with a fine of up to $250,000. His arraignment is set for January 12, 2026, in Florence.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide — free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988.
Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
South-Carolina
South Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for Dec. 19, 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. 19, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
01-11-27-39-59, Mega Ball: 18
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
Midday: 8-0-3, FB: 2
Evening: 1-0-0, FB: 6
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
Midday: 1-7-3-9, FB: 2
Evening: 7-1-9-3, FB: 6
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
Midday: 01
Evening: 14
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
07-18-20-25-41
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
Teacher salaries could increase under proposed South Carolina budget plan
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Teacher salaries across South Carolina could rise under a new state education funding plan approved this week, as lawmakers are urged to spend more money on pay raises and rethink how teacher recruitment programs are working.
The S.C. Education Oversight Committee voted to approve its Education Improvement Act (EIA) budget recommendations for fiscal years 2026–27, which direct how money from the state’s one-cent education sales tax should be used.
The plan now goes to the General Assembly for consideration during budget talks.
A major focus of the proposal is increasing teacher pay. The committee recommended a $650,454 raise for teachers at special schools, with remaining new funds directed to the statewide EIA line that helps fund teacher salaries.
The plan also boosts the Teaching Fellows scholarship program, which members said is one of the few recruitment efforts producing results.
The committee approved a $640,000 increase to add 20 new four-year scholarships and another $1.76 million to raise the scholarship amount by $4,000, bringing the total award for juniors and seniors to $10,000.
At the same time, the committee cut $5 million in recurring funding from the National Board program, citing a drop in participation.
EIA-funded programs collectively asked for about $210 million in new funding, but available money is limited. The state has about $98.9 million in new recurring EIA funds and $84.1 million in nonrecurring funds to work with.
The committee recommended spending most recurring funds on classroom support, including $77.5 million for instructional support and $10 million for instructional materials.
Other recurring funding includes $1.4 million for the Teacher Career Ladder, $250,000 for Project Read and $150,000 for the S.C. Council on Economics. Nonrecurring funds include $5 million for school safety.
Members also approved changes to rules tied to the Teacher Loan Program and asked that districts in the state’s 4K waitlist pilot not be required to complete a student survey.
During the meetings, committee members raised concerns about the low number of teachers produced by most EIA-funded recruitment programs.
Teaching Fellows was highlighted as an exception, producing 177 teachers last fiscal year.
Members also questioned continued funding for SC Youth Challenge and incentives tied to the Rural Teacher Recruitment program.
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