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Federal report finds 68K guns were illegally trafficked through unlicensed dealers over 5 years

WASHINGTON - More than 68,000 illegally trafficked firearms in the U.S. came through unlicensed dealers who aren't required to perform background checks over a five-year period, according to new data released Thursday by the Bureau of Alcohol, … more

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER
Associated Press | 4/6/24 06:00 AM

Saturday-Tuesday, April 6-9, 2024

4/6/24 06:00 AM

Alaysha Maple named Next Gen news editor for Sumter Item

The Sumter Item is looking to the future, and it is doing so through the eyes of one of its own. Alaysha Maple has been named Next Gen news editor for the 129-year-old newspaper and multimedia local news company. In the role, she will continue … more

Staff report | 4/6/24 06:00 AM

Men's Final Four serves up usual menu of fun stories - UConn looks to snuff them all out

GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Final Four this week delivers the last entry in college basketball's heartwarming yearbook, an annual assortment of legendary longshots, coaches looking for hugs and magic oozing from every corner of the bracket. Only … more

By EDDIE PELLS
Associated Press | 4/6/24 06:00 AM

ACC wants to turn March Madness wins into future tournament bids

GLENDALE, Ariz. - No one expected North Carolina State to be in the Final Four after needing a miracle run through the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament to even make the NCAA Tournament. It's no surprise, however, to see the ACC here based on … more

By AARON BEARD
Associated Press | 4/6/24 06:00 AM

'Inhale spring' at annual Mary Hinson Flower Show at Sumter Gallery of Art

If you're looking for a chance to experience subtle, sweet scents of our local and migrant flora to caress your nose and fill you with the feeling of spring, the Council of Garden Clubs of Sumter and Sumter County Gallery of Art have the perfect … more

BY ALAYSHA MAPLE
alaysha@theitem.com | 4/6/24 06:00 AM

SAFE Federal Credit Union CEO wins Sumter Chamber's Business Person of the Year award at annual gala

Spirits were high at the 2024 Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala. Each year, the gala celebrates locals who are business professionals and difference-makers in the Sumter area. Notable people from across a variety of careers … more

BY BRYN EDDY
bryn@theitem.com | 4/6/24 06:00 AM

Here are South Carolina and Sumter names that will be on ballot this year

Here are some of the South Carolina state and local Sumter elections in 2024 with current elected officials and candidates who have filed for those seats below each current elected official (this is the most recent information shown on the state's … more

BY BRYN EDDY bryn@theitem.com | 4/6/24 06:00 AM

Judge denies Florida State's request to dismiss ACC's lawsuit against the school

A judge in North Carolina on Thursday denied Florida State's request to dismiss the Atlantic Coast Conference's lawsuit against the school, which is trying to sue its way out of the league with a complaint in its home state. A little less than … more

By RALPH D. RUSSO
Associated Press | 4/6/24 06:00 AM

Central Carolina Technical College denies district extension on property

After granting Sumter School District use of property for six years to construct a technical high school with no results, Central Carolina Technical College has decided to now keep the property for its own options. The college's Area Commission … more

BY BRUCE MILLS
bruce@theitem.com | 4/6/24 06:00 AM

Public agenda: Saturday, April 6, 2024

To correct any information or to make a submission to Public Agenda, email pressrelease@theitem.com with Public Agenda in subject line. CLARENDON COUNTY COUNCIL Monday, April 8, 6 p.m., Administration Building, Council Chambers, 411 Sunset … more

4/6/24 06:00 AM

Around Town: Saturday, April 6, 2024

Wateree Community Actions Inc. Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving low-income, disabled, homeless and foster children birth to 5 years old in Clarendon, Lee, Kershaw and Sumter counties is accepting applications for enrollment in Head … more

4/6/24 06:00 AM

Sumter children's center to honor 3 slain siblings with Heart2Heart event

Durant Children's Center is preparing for Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, and this year's annual event will be dedicated in memory of Sumter's Angels. The annual event to recognize and spread awareness during Child Abuse Prevention … more

BY ALAYSHA MAPLE
alaysha@theitem.com | 4/6/24 06:00 AM

Sumter County cannot maintain private roads, but some officials are trying to change that

There's a red-dirt road running half a mile into the woods where water gathers in every crevice after rainfall, mud congeals over stones, lethargic-looking trees stretch their limbs over it, poking one another, and pregnant cats find haven amid the … more

BY BRYN EDDY
bryn@theitem.com | 4/6/24 06:00 AM

What to know about the $30 million cash heist in Los Angeles

A brazen Los Angeles cash heist on Easter weekend in which thieves cracked a safe and got away with as much as $30 million is believed to be one of the largest such heists in U.S. history. The heist … more

By SEAN MURPHY
Associated Press | 4/6/24 06:00 AM