USC tops Clemson in athletics ranking
South Carolina placed in the top 50 in the annual Learfield Director's Cup standings, The State reports. Perhaps most importantly for many Gamecock faithfuls, USC's No. 31 finish put them ahead of archrival Clemson, who finished 42nd. USC ranked seventh among SEC schools.
Benjamin, Columbia receive acclaim from "My Brother's Keeper" initiative
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin will head to the White House to discuss a project, The Post and Courier reports. He will represent Columbia as it receives recognition from the Obama administration for the city's work with the "My Brother's Keeper" initiative. The organization was created by President Obama, and Benjamin became involved early on. It works to provide resources and mentorship to men and boys from low-income minority communities.
Charleston named world's best city
One magazine has named one of South Carolina's most historic cities the best in the world, ABC News 4 reports. Readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine voted the Holy City the world's best in their annual competition. A spread on the city will appear in the August edition of the magazine.