Our Work
We partner with SC media outlets to produce watchdog stories.
With thousands on waitlist, Columbia’s Housing Authority has 100+ empty homes
While families wait years for affordable homes in Richland County, an agency charged with providing that housing owns more than 100 houses that sit empty.
Published in partnership with The State Media Co.
Why did LLCs donate more than half of SC House budget chair’s ’25 campaign cash?
Who is behind donations to South Carolina’s most powerful lawmakers, all of whom are up for reelection? We explore in a new series, Follow the Money.
Published in partnership with The State Media Co.
Dominion rate hike would raise customers’ bills while allowing higher profits
A proposed rate increase by one of the Midlands’ biggest power utilities would raise customer bills by about $20 a month – and increase what the company is allowed to earn.
‘Just no one picked up’: 23% of Columbia-Richland 911 calls disconnected before answer in 2025
One in five callers dialed 911 during emergencies. But no operator answered.
Published in partnership with The State Media Co.
SC lawmakers keep naming roads for living politicians — despite a history of scandals
While efforts to name interstates for President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama have drawn attention, quieter proposals would honor several S.C. public officials. It’s caused problems in the past.
Are those ‘We Buy Houses’ businesses around SC regulated — or worth it? Here’s what we found
SC lawmakers passed a law that significantly restricted real estate wholesaling. But companies are finding ways around it.
Hundreds of clothing bins are scattered through the SC Midlands. Not all of them are charitable
What many Midlands residents believe is a convenient way to give to charity may instead benefit for-profit companies that resell the donated items for a profit. Items that can’t be sold can end up in landfills.