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Whooping cough cases surged in Greenville County, SC, in 2025, with 24 cases reported by late July, making it one of the hardest-hit areas in the Upstate, second only to Spartanburg County. The Upstate, including Greenville, saw significant activity, prompting health officials to emphasize vaccination and hygiene as cases rose statewide and nationally, with a substantial increase compared to 2024, said the SC Department of Health. Whooping cough is a highly contagious respira

Clemson is now helping impaired students excel. Intellectual impairment refers to limitations in mental functioning and adaptive skills. No wonder his peers have named Joseph Ryan the Class of ’39 Award of Excellence. Imagine a major university finding ways to incorporate practical lessons for people with impairments. Ryan is the Sue Stanzione Distinguished Professor at Clemson University’s College of Education. He is the founder and executive director of the ClemsonLIFE™ (Le

After years of coursework, research, and dissertation writing, Greenville native Christine Brockman recently earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from Oklahoma State University (OSU), which is not an HBCU, even though many Black women overwhelmingly earn their doctorates from such institutions. More on that later. Brockman earned her BS at Georgia Tech. Dr. Brockman says it was intimidating to stand before her Ph.D. committee and defend her research, fielding q

Greenville (SC) native, Billy “Alan” Thompson was born in Greenville, SC. He played as a defensive cornerback and safety for the Denver Broncos from 1969 to 1981. Thompson was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 1987. He set an NFL record (since tied) for the most fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns in a career. Also, a Greenville native and legend, John Whiteside, well remembers how talented Thompson was during his f

The SC Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends the measles vaccine. As of December 30, there are 176 measles cases in Spartanburg, despite the availability of the vaccine. There are 3 other cases reported in the state, says DPH. The outbreak, linked to declining vaccine rates, has triggered the surge, leading to hospitalizations and hundreds of quarantines. Most patients are unvaccinated, the DPH said. These numbers are high. For comparison, this year, New York state has

Seasonal influenza continues to surge, as in past seasons, but the severity remains low, the SC Department of Public Health (SCDH) said in its weekly report. But the influenza spread is expected to continue. According to the CDC, three pediatric flu-related deaths have been reported. The influenza A viruses are the most frequently reported this season. The SCDH reports seven flu-related deaths and 742 flu-associated hospitalizations. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months

Leona Theron, a judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, will be the keynote speaker at Furman University’s 2026 MLK Community Breakfast.  The breakfast begins at 8 a.m. on Jan. 16 in the Younts Conference Center on Furman’s campus. The program features rousing songs, with remarks from Furman President Elizabeth Davis, Joseph Vaughn Scholar and health sciences major Amiya Young 2026, and Director of Community Relations, Outreach and Impact Chandra Dillard.  Each yea

Confusing talk can be concerning. Especially talk that links popular holidays with increasing suicide rates. Can we get to the bottom of this rumor? Enters Kathleen Hall Jamieson. Who is she? A renowned American communication scholar, professor at UPenn’s Wallenberg School, and Director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, known for her research on political communication, misinformation, and the media’s role in democracy, co-founded FactCheck.org , and authored influential

The Hispanic Federation, a national organization, earmarks $1.4 million to address gaps left by SNAP benefit cuts and ongoing food insecurity, says its website. The Hispanic Federation (HF) was founded in 1990 by a group of visionary Latino leaders in New York, growing from a small collective into a national force. Its current leadership includes President and CEO Frankie Miranda, who took the helm in 2019 and continues to build on its legacy of empowering Latino communities,

Just as you think you have seen it all, then painted puppies, an endangered wild dog species, arrive at the Greenville Zoo. Meet Bailey and Parker, not twins but sisters. Bailey takes the lead, and Parker dutifully follows. These colorful dogs are not just dazzling eye candy; they are also known for their intelligence. These wild African dogs arrived in Greenville this year from a safari park in Ohio. Happily, they can now be seen at Greenville’s very own Mary H. Huse African

The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District has named William Petty as the new Chief of Police. Petty assumed his post on December 8, following a national search. Dave Edwards, president and CEO of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District, said that Petty will be an asset to the team. “His extensive management experience and collaborative leadership style will enable the District to continue advancing programs that strengthen safety and security for the millions of passeng

The investigation continues today into the shooting that occurred at Unity Park last night. The adult female victim was shot and treated at the hospital and has since been released.   The victim was near the playground area at the time of the incident, which occurred between two parties near the Unity Park sign. Detectives have determined the victim was not involved in the altercation and is considered an innocent bystander. No arrests have been reported.   The police are ask

Greer City Councilman Karuiam Booker, a long-time admirer of Congressman Jim Clyburn, attended the seminar/book-signing in Sumter. BOOKER AND CLYBURN Sumter native Clyburn, 86,  started  his book tour in Sumter on Sunday, Nov. 16, as part of his statewide tour to promote his new book, "The First Eight.” The event was held at Patriot Hall, with the program presentation, followed by a book signing and reception. According to Booker, an excited audience of about 150 people stron

Allen Smith, President and CEO of OneSpartanburg, Inc., said the county has invested more than $250,000 in road improvements over the past year. ALLEN SMITH Funds are coming from the new penny tax, which started about a year ago. Many shoddy roads have already been paved, painted, and repaired, Smith said. Sloan Grove Rd. and Zion Hill Rd., one of the most dangerous intersections in the county is now being made into a round-about, he said. According to Smith, Spartanburg main

The First Eight: A History of the eight Black Congressmen from South Carolina. Jim Clyburn is the ninth. The Civil War started in South Carolina. So did Jim Crow, the overthrow of Reconstruction, and a long and cruel history of suppression and tyranny against Blacks. Therefore, it is remarkable that nine congressmen have been elected against this backdrop. South Carolina is the state that gave rise to the Civil War. Three days after Abraham Lincoln was elected president, its

Archie Means, though multi-talented, has cut hair for a lifetime and still maintains shop hours at his location on Kennedy Street, where he has been since 1983. Means,“ Speedster”, has been a bowling champion, a second baseman for the Spartanburg Sluggers of the Negro League, a truck driver, and a husband and beloved father of productive children. MAYOR JEROME & SHAY RICE His daughter, Shay, is married to Spartanburg Mayor Jerome Rice. Aubrey Lee Means is an executive for an

On December 12, the Greenville Police Department reported a juvenile stabbing accident, pending further investigation. The incident occurred in the area of 102 S. Main St. Police found the victim with lacerations to his torso. The minor was transported to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment. No arrest has been made, and the investigation remains active. Although this incident occurred before the curfew, police remind parents and guardians of the importanc

Greenville native, John Whiteside, lived during the period of the Black Baseball League.  As a kid, his heroes were like big brothers. He stays in touch with them to this day. Whiteside’s encyclopedic knowledge of the epoch has become the basis for a book called the “Voices of Meadowbrook” by local writer Mike Chibbaro. You will agree that such a repository of history can easily justify a series on the Black Baseball League. We start with a brief overview of the historic peri

A new Spartanburg restaurant had its pre-grand opening bash Thursday night. Chamber members were welcomed to Rigsby’s Classic Rock Cafe for a meet-and-greet occasion and an introduction to the new restaurant. First-class decor, tasty food, good music, ambiance blend and exudes a party atmosphere and palatable sense of good times. For the moment, no other place exists. Strong vibes resounded that these folks are serious about hospitality, service, entertainment, and teamwork.

First, the facts on the ground, according to public health records. Ke Details (as of Dec 9-10, 2025) Total Cases (Spartanburg/SC):  ~111 in Spartanburg (114 statewide). Latest Increase:  27 new cases reported Dec 9, the largest single surge. Exposure Sources:  Way of Truth Church (Inman), Inman Intermediate, other schools (Rainbow Lake, Fairforest, Dorman), households, healthcare settings, airport (GSP). Public Health Response:  Monitoring (update pages), encouraging MMR vac