Students at the University of South Carolina in Columbia will pay 3.46 percent more in tuition next school year, and school officials blamed the increase on the state not contributing enough money for higher education.

Tee Hooper’s low-key leadership, BMW in the Upstate turns 25, more fun and games on Main Street, and more.

The National Association of Rail Passengers has scheduled a Rally for Trains event from 10 a.m. to noon at the Greenville Amtrak Station at 1120 Washington St. to protest the White House’s proposed budget that cuts funding for long-distance passenger rail travel.

Spoiler alert: They are adorable.

The map allows users to locate bus stops, parks, educational institutions, affordable housing, health centers, and more throughout Greenville County.

Residents who join the program are expected to monitor water quality in the streams and rivers around the state and report evidence of illegal discharges.

I am not against such a partnership. I am also not against empowering GHS to have the legal authority to enter into this partnership. However, I believe GHS currently does not have the ability to legally enter into a contract of this nature.

From where I sit — first and foremost as a patient, and second, as someone who regularly hears about the impacts of health care on our business community — I see this partnership as a win-win for the Upstate and Midlands communities.

Every Thursday, we give you a list of 10 events happening this weekend in the Upstate.

In partnership with First Citizens Bank and Teen Cancer America, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System announced Wednesday plans to open a new inpatient Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer unit at its downtown Greenville facility.

Highlights in your community this week.

You’ve already got a 2016 College Football National Championship T-shirt and the commemorative Coke cans.

What about wine?

Calling on all bakers in the Upstate. OnlyonAugusta is hosting a Tomato Pie Contest this weekend, June 17.

Traditional tacos, along with vegetarian and gluten free options, will be available.

Don’t waste time researching dining options.

Ice, Ice, Baby

How a Ukrainian from Greer vacationing in Hawaii turned his newfound love of sushi into a 300-plus sushi bar business.

Last weekend, 87 artists participated in the Metropolitan Art Council’s “Flat Out Under Pressure,” a 24-hour two-dimensional art competition whose winners have their work reproduced on recycling bins.

Death becomes her.

What about wine?

Please rise for the visual and vocal artistry of Joe Everson.

Raw deal.

Live shows this weekend.

Battle of the bugs.

Following a global career and a lifetime of living in other people’s often bland spaces, Len and Marlene Rubin’s custom-build in the Reserve at Lake Keowee brims with personality.

A well-designed (and organized) pantry is well worth the effort.

An Upstate team of builders, architects, and decorators bring a beautiful blend of rustic and contemporary to this Mountain Park home.

Intentional architecture showcases modern design in a vacation home’s kid rooms.

The greater the distance, the sweeter the homecoming.