Naomi Popa
Reporter/MMJ
Naomi joined the WIS News 10 team in January 2024 as a Reporter/MMJ. She was born in Ann Arbor, Mich. and she does in fact bleed blue and maze. Naomi is also passionate about community involvement and growing as a journalist to better share the stores that you hear every day.
Prior to her quick arrival to the Midlands, Naomi graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Digitial Media. It was here her love for story telling began. She anchored several Liberty directed newscasts and worked on her own as a reporter for much of the downtown area to better get connected with local businesses and community events.
As an intern at WSET ABC13 in Lynchburg, Va., she learned the ins and outs of a newsroom and cultivated a mindset for news as she began writing stories on her own time to better herself as a journalist.
Naomi is eager to get involved in the Midlands and be a part of the WIS News 10 team. If you have a story idea or want to get connected with Naomi, feel free to email her at naomi.popa@wistv.com and follow her on Twitter @NaomipopaWIS10.
A South Carolina man convicted in a series of four murders in two states more than 20 years ago finally learned his fate.
The Lexington Police Department (LPD) continues to investigate the deadly shooting of a Midlands music promoter.
A tale of two cities: West Columbia and Columbia looking to spend $8.5 Million for pedestrian bridge
Columbia and West Columbia are partnering to build a new pedestrian bridge across the Saluda River.
West Columbia was allocated $2.6 million from the recently approved state budget for advancements and renovations to both the riverwalk and the neighboring historic Mill Village.
A development that’s been in the works for the last 10 years is now underway and could bring with it up to 400 new homes.
Planning has started for a new $5 million town hall in Irmo.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged the former chairman of the Lexington County Republican Party after accusing him of stealing thousands of dollars from two organizations he helped lead.
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) announced Wednesday they arrested a man accused of trying to kill two children and a woman by setting a house on fire.
As the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) continues to investigate a deadly shooting, one of the victim’s mom is seeking justice for her son.
A $65 million sports complex could soon be headed to the Midlands.
More than 200 students are looking for a new school with just five weeks until the new year begins.
The Lexington Sheriff’s Department Dive Team has been responsible for scuba diving in murky waters in search of anything, or anyone, who is missing.
The Gilbert Community Club is hosting its annual Lexington County Peach Festival.
The sister of a man who was charged with murdering their mother and dumping her body, spoke with WIS News 10.
WIS took a look at how the state-wide teacher shortage is impacting the five school districts in Lexington County.
More changes are coming to the area surrounding the new Scout Motors plant in Blythewood.
They say it’s the largest fireworks show in the state.
Lexington School District 1 is opening the doors of its newest school in just over 6 weeks.
Lexington Richland school district 5 voted on Monday to approve rezoning plans that could impact where your child goes to school.
The runoff election in Lexington County that’s been garnering the most attention is the race for SC. Senate District 23 between incumbent Sen. Katrina Shealy and Carlisle Kennedy.
A community is mourning the loss of a Richland County School District One principal.
The town of Irmo held a public meeting on Thursday to speak to residents about a newly proposed project named, Water Walk.
Over 40 tow trucks in and out of state joined together in the processional from the funeral home to the burial site.
A long-awaited project in Lexington County could begin as early as next year.
Nine years ago on June 17, Charleston was forever changed by a tragedy that shocked the nation.
A driver was hurt after a high-speed chase through Bowman on Saturday.
WIS heard from the mother and daughter of a Lexington County man who investigators said was killed early Wednesday morning while repossessing a car.
As Senator Katrina Shealy and Carlisle Kennedy look ahead to a run off based on the results from the June 11 primary, WIS spoke with both candidates and it became evident quite quickly they disagree on many issues.
Jay Koon, the current Lexington County sheriff, is facing two challengers for the June 11 primaries. They’re both retired cops who plan to come out of retirement if elected.
The Lexington County Coroner’s Office said no foul play is suspected in the death of a man found last week in the woods.
A neighbor who found a missing man’s body decomposing in the woods spoke with WIS News 10 on Monday.
The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice is celebrating over 1,000 graduates from its Birchwood School District program over the last eight years. The program gives incarcerated teens ― and those recently released ― an opportunity to continue their education and ultimately obtain a diploma or GED.
Jay Koon, the current Lexington County sheriff, is facing two challengers for the June 11 primaries. They’re both retired cops who plan to come out of retirement if elected.
The City of Columbia is looking to make upgrades to its sewage systems.
The city of Forest Acres has seen a 25% increase in shoplifting cases since last year.
Fire Marshal Brian Haley with the Irmo Fire Department tells WIS it’s always the afterthoughts of a fire that lead to new habits.
Boat and swimmer safety is critical now that the weather is getting warmer and kids are about to start summer break.
The Busted Plug sculpture ― one of city’s most known landmarks ― still hasn’t been re-located.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) is asking the public for help in identifying three suspects in a home invasion.
It has been one year since 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton was shot and killed.
The Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Jackson National Cemetery served as an opportunity to pay tribute to South Carolina veterans who have passed.
A press conference held by current Lexington County Council members had an unexpected visitor from one of their challengers.
Just this year, WIS News 10 has reported at least 5 cases of domestic violence, 2 of which involve pregnant women.
Lexington-Richland School District Five board members approved a $240,000 million dollar bond referendum which passed with five-yes, one-no, and one abstained vote.
The City of Cayce passed a hate crime ordinance Wednesday.
Some say they don’t drink coffee to wake up, they wake up to drink coffee.
Scout Motors announced its production center in Blythewood erected the first steel support beams on Wednesday.
An 18-year-old mother of three died after being hit by a car.
According to the University of South Carolina (USC), 122,000 South Carolinians aged 65 and over are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias right now.
Brennan Geller, who pleaded guilty Monday to homicide by child abuse in the death of her newborn baby, was sentenced to 22 years in prison.
