South-Carolina
What Shane Beamer hopes everyone takes away from South Carolina's time at SEC Media Days
There’s only so many true ways to really judge a football team. That’s through wins and losses and the product shown on the field.
But there are also other opportunities, not only limited to game action, where teams can show what they’re about.
After a 5-7 season last year, not everyone is super high on South Carolina in 2024. Not as much as they were heading into last season after the Gamecocks won eight games in 2022. The media picked them to finish 13th in the SEC standings for this upcoming season.
[GamecockCentral for $1: In-depth coverage and a great community]
From his vantage point, Shane Beamer knows last year was a disappointment. But more than a week removed from speaking at SEC Media Days in Dallas, he hopes people can see the potential in what the Gamecocks can bring to the table.
“I would hope that the message that came out from myself and the three players that were with me in Dallas last week is just the confidence we have right now in this team, the hunger that this team has, the joy that a lot of these guys have about being a part of this program, and how eager we are to get started,” said the fourth-year head coach at his annual Birdies with Beamer event on Thursday.
While in Dallas last week, Beamer fielded many questions about what’s going to change this year. He recognized why some aren’t bought into South Carolina in 2024. But that doesn’t really impact his thinking on what his team could do.
“I think that event’s always tough because I see you guys pretty much every week,” Beamer said. “But there’s a lot of guys that have not heard a thing that I’ve said since January, or really probably since November in a lot of ways. So it’s more of just kind of an update and here’s what’s going on in Columbia.”
[On3 App: Get South Carolina push notifications from GamecockCentral]
For 2024, Las Vegas has set the over/under for South Carolina wins at 5.5. The schedule is certainly tough, but it always is, especially in the SEC and with Oklahoma and Texas joining the conference.
Regardless of how anyone views South Carolina, Beamer still believes he has the team in place to get the job done. He harped on this last week in Dallas and continues to do so as the season approaches.
“We don’t base our decisions and our narrative based on what anyone on the outside thinks,” Beamer said. “There’s a confidence and hunger in our building. I think our guys are very eager to get to work and get out there and start competing on Aug. 1.”
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.
-
Iowa5 days agoAddy Brown motivated to step up in Audi Crooks’ absence vs. UNI
-
Iowa7 days agoHow much snow did Iowa get? See Iowa’s latest snowfall totals
-
Maine4 days agoElementary-aged student killed in school bus crash in southern Maine
-
Maryland5 days agoFrigid temperatures to start the week in Maryland
-
Technology1 week agoThe Game Awards are losing their luster
-
South Dakota6 days agoNature: Snow in South Dakota
-
New Mexico4 days agoFamily clarifies why they believe missing New Mexico man is dead
-
Nebraska1 week agoNebraska lands commitment from DL Jayden Travers adding to early Top 5 recruiting class