www.abccolumbia.com – Associated Press – 2025-06-18 10:12:00

SUMMARY: Retail sales fell 0.9% in May 2025, following a 0.1% drop in April, as consumers pulled back after a March surge to beat Trump’s new tariffs. Auto sales plunged 3.5%, and home and garden sales dropped 2.7%. Some discretionary spending, like furniture and online sales, increased modestly. Businesses like Picnic Time, Inc. report steep cost increases and lower sales due to tariffs, prompting price hikes and hiring freezes. Consumers are reacting to rising prices by bulk buying, choosing generics, and shopping thrift. Despite soft spending, inflation remains moderate and unemployment low, suggesting cautious but ongoing consumer activity amid tariff uncertainty.

Read the full article

The post Americans turn cautious and retail sales slide after a spring rush to beat tariffs appeared first on www.abccolumbia.com

www.youtube.com – WPDE ABC15 – 2025-06-18 09:15:05

SUMMARY: On the 10-year anniversary of the Charleston church shooting, victims, including Pastor and Senator Clementa Pinckney, were honored at Amazing Grace Park. On June 17, 2015, a white supremacist killed nine people during a Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Pinckney, also a husband, father, and South Carolina representative, left a lasting legacy. His wife and daughter survived and continue to honor his path. The ceremony featured songs, scripture, and fellowship. Programs like the Reverend Pinckney Scholars support Black youth education, reflecting his commitment to service and sacrifice. He is remembered as a beloved leader who inspired many.

Ten years ago was a tragic day, forever etched in American history.

On June 17, 2015, nine church members were killed at Mother Emanuel AME church in Charleston when a white supremacist went into a bible study and started shooting, killing nine innocent people.

They became known as the “Emanuel 9.”

Read more: https://wpde.com/news/local/marion-memorial-held-for-church-members-killed-at-mother-emanuel-ame-church-mother-emanuel-ame-bible-study-god-legacy-lives-lost-left-behind#

_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:

WPDE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WPDEABC15/
WPDE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wpdeabc15
Subscribe to WPDE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn0sxo5Ocp8eSFqr9F1URpg/?sub_confirmation=1

Daily News Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCFE982C7D59E70C1

For more information, visit https://wpde.com/

Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:

Email us: abc15news@wpde.com
Call the Newsroom: 843.487.3001

WPDE is a SC based station and an ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. WWMB is a SC based station and a CW Television affiliate owned and operated by Howard Stirk Holdings and receives certain services from an affiliation of Sinclair Broadcast Group.

#WPDE #ABC15News #ABC15 #WPDE15 #MyrtleBeach #trending #topstories #charleston #charlestonchurch #emanuel9 #motheremanuelame #memorial

Source

www.abccolumbia.com – Associated Press – 2025-06-17 09:19:00

SUMMARY: Israel continued a five-day air campaign targeting Iran’s military and nuclear sites, killing at least 224 people. The IAEA confirmed Israeli strikes damaged Natanz’s underground uranium enrichment halls, a critical part of Iran’s nuclear program. Iran retaliated with over 370 missiles and drones toward Israel, causing 24 deaths. Tehran residents fled amid evacuation warnings from Israel and U.S. President Trump, who dismissed ceasefires and hinted at demanding Iran’s full surrender. Israel claims aerial superiority over Tehran and has destroyed key missile launchers and command centers. Tensions escalated as Trump left the G7 early to address the conflict, rejecting diplomatic peace efforts for now.

Read the full article

The post Israeli strikes damage Iran’s underground nuclear site, agency says as Trump warns Tehran appeared first on www.abccolumbia.com