South Carolina

Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class Yu Wei Huo, 33, a dental assistant from Flushing, New York, stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, was found dead near the Broad River Bridge in South Carolina on Sunday, days after being reported missing. The Beaufort County Coroner's Office confirmed the discovery, with an autopsy pending to determine cause of death. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 2, 08:19 PM UTC

Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, won the South Carolina Republican Senate primary runoff on August 25, 2026, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman 52% to 48%. Appointed after Lindsey Graham’s sudden death from an aortic tear, Graham faced criticism for admitting she was uninformed on national security but secured President Trump’s endorsement and nearly $1 million in MAGA Inc. support. She will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November for a full six-year term in the safely Republican seat.

10 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 26, 04:17 AM UTC

Ten candidates, including Darline Graham (Lindsey Graham’s sister and interim appointee), Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, former Gov. Mark Sanford, and businessman Mark Lynch, are vying in a special Republican primary on August 10, 2026, to fill the late senator’s seat. Darline Graham, endorsed by President Trump and backed by the NRSC, is the front-runner, but a crowded field makes a runoff likely. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

24 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 24, 02:08 PM UTC

The Pentagon is renaming Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina to Joint Base Lindsey Graham, honoring the late Republican U.S. Senator who died July 11, 2026, at age 71 from an aortic dissection. Graham served 33 years in the Air Force as a judge advocate and reservist. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink initiated the renaming, citing Graham’s service and his securing of $212 million in base funding. The announcement coincided with Graham’s memorial services at the U.S. Capitol and Washington National Cathedral, where President Donald Trump spoke.

33 reports · 7 sources · Updated Aug 11, 01:38 AM UTC

At the funeral of former Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), President Donald Trump acknowledged that he 'shouldn't have' shared Graham's personal cell phone number during a 2016 Republican primary rally. The incident occurred after Graham had called Trump a 'jackass' in 2015. Trump joked that Graham's phone 'exploded' with calls, prompting Graham to destroy the device on video. Despite the rocky start, Trump described the episode as the 'beginning of a friendship,' noting that Graham called him frequently over the next decade. The article, published by Forbes on July 28, 2026, is a breaking story covering Trump's lightly apologetic remarks at the memorial for the late senator, who later became a close ally.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:49 PM UTC

President Donald Trump, in an interview on Fox and Friends, described the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) as someone who 'liked war' and was 'very strong on the military.' Trump made the remarks ahead of Graham's funeral scheduled for Tuesday. He jokingly stated that Graham 'never saw a war he didn't like,' while acknowledging the seriousness of the topic. The comments highlight Trump's characterization of Graham's hawkish foreign policy stance. The article, published by The Hill, reports on Trump's public reflection on the deceased senator's legacy and his approach to military conflicts.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:38 PM UTC

Boeing reported a larger-than-expected second-quarter net loss of $428 million, driven by a $280 million charge on its delayed Air Force One replacement program due to higher engineering costs. The core loss per share of 76 cents exceeded analyst expectations of a 30-cent loss, though it narrowed from $1.24 per share a year earlier. Despite the loss, Boeing generated $631 million in positive free cash flow, compared to negative $200 million in Q2 2025, aided by higher customer payments. The company maintained its full-year free cash flow guidance of $1-3 billion, which would be its first positive annual result since 2023. Boeing is increasing production of its 737 MAX jets and expanding capabilities for 787 production in South Carolina and military jets in St. Louis. The Air Force One program, under a $3.9 billion fixed-price contract signed in 2018, is now four years behind schedule and over $1 billion over budget, with delivery expected in 2028.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:34 AM UTC

A federal lawsuit filed in the Southern District of California alleges that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) illegally used facial recognition technology, license plate readers, and other surveillance tools to identify individuals observing and protesting immigration enforcement actions during the Trump administration. The plaintiffs, including the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and three individuals from Minnesota, South Carolina, and California, claim DHS retaliated by revoking their TSA PreCheck and Global Entry trusted traveler status. The suit cites incidents in Minneapolis where two observers were killed by federal agents in January 2026. It argues DHS violated the First Amendment, federal privacy law, and the Administrative Procedure Act by targeting peaceful observers and removing a 2023 facial recognition policy from its website without proper process. A DHS spokesperson denied that trusted traveler status is revoked for exercising First Amendment rights, citing low-risk traveler criteria.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:26 PM UTC

The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to make South Carolina the first presidential primary state for the 2028 election cycle, scheduling its primary for January 22. The decision marks a significant shift from past schedules, prioritizing a state with a large Black voting bloc amid concerns over Supreme Court restrictions on the Voting Rights Act. South Carolina edged out Nevada, partly due to concerns about Nevada's ability to process election results quickly. The early calendar also includes Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia. Michigan replaced Iowa as the Midwest's early state, a notable departure from decades of tradition. The vote became tense when New Mexico was scheduled before Michigan, breaking a regional representation plan. The full DNC will vote on the proposed calendar in August. The new order elevates the South and Southwest while weakening Northeast and Midwest voices, significantly shaping the 2028 nomination race.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:26 PM UTC

The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted on July 24, 2026, to make South Carolina the first presidential primary state for the 2028 election cycle, marking a major shift from past schedules. South Carolina edged out Nevada, partly due to concerns about Nevada's ability to process election results quickly. Democrats also cited a desire to strengthen Black voting power in the South after the Supreme Court significantly restricted the Voting Rights Act earlier in 2026, triggering redistricting efforts. Michigan beat Iowa to become the Midwest's early state, ending Iowa's decades-long lead role. New Hampshire, traditionally second in the calendar, finished a distant third in the vote for first primary state.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 05:26 PM UTC

Former U.S. Representative Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) announced on Thursday morning his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Sanford cited the nation's fiscal crisis as his primary motivation, stating that the country is at a 'financial tipping point' and that he cannot remain idle while the federal government adds a trillion dollars to the national debt every 100 days. The announcement marks Sanford's return to electoral politics after his previous tenure in the House of Representatives. The race is expected to draw significant attention in South Carolina's Republican primary.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:11 PM UTC

Former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Representative Mark Sanford has entered the Republican special election primary for the late Senator Lindsey Graham's seat. Sanford, who briefly ran for his old House seat earlier this year before dropping out to focus on national debt issues, announced his candidacy on July 23, 2026. He joins a growing field of GOP candidates including Darline Graham (Graham's sister, appointed to fill the seat and endorsed by President Trump), House members Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, businessman Mark Lynch, and attorney Duke Buckner. Sanford's campaign emphasizes fiscal conservatism and addressing government spending and inflation, positioning him apart from Trump-aligned MAGA candidates. The filing period ends July 28, with a primary on August 11 and a potential runoff on August 25. The Republican nominee will face Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews in the November general election.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:20 PM UTC

The sudden death of four-term Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has upended the 2026 midterm campaign. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as interim senator. A special GOP primary is set for August 11, with potential candidates including Rep. Nancy Mace, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and others. President Trump hinted at a preferred candidate but declined to name them. The seat remains solidly Republican.

41 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:20 PM UTC

Former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Representative Mark Sanford has entered the Republican special election primary for the late Senator Lindsey Graham's seat. Sanford, who previously ran for his old House seat before dropping out to focus on national debt issues, launched his campaign citing rising government spending and inflation as key motivators. He joins a crowded GOP field that includes Darline Graham (Graham's sister and current appointee, endorsed by President Trump), House members Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, businessman Mark Lynch, and attorney Duke Buckner. The filing period closes on July 28, the same day as Graham's funeral. The primary is set for August 11, with a potential runoff on August 25. The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November. Sanford positions himself as a fiscal conservative distinct from the MAGA-aligned candidates in the race.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:20 PM UTC

Global packaging supplier Detpak has opened a new manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, marking a significant step in its global expansion and reinforcing its commitment to the North American market. The facility will produce paper-based packaging solutions for major Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) customers, including McDonald's, KFC, Starbucks, and Wendy's. The multi-million dollar, 175,000-square-foot plant initially employs over 50 local workers and is currently undergoing equipment commissioning, with full production expected to begin in August 2026. CEO Sascha Detmold Cox stated that the facility will improve supply chain reliability, reduce lead times, and provide greater operational flexibility for U.S. customers. Detpak sells in 45 countries and operates manufacturing facilities in eight countries.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 11:58 AM UTC

The Trump administration has canceled 53 out of 67 federal grants totaling $68 million for teen pregnancy prevention programs, affecting organizations in over two dozen states. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health stated the funding did not align with priorities that prohibit content 'encouraging, normalizing or promoting sexual activity for minors.' The administration specifically accused South Carolina nonprofit Fact Forward of including lessons on condom use and normalizing pornography, which the organization's director, Rena Dixon, denied. Other program directors also claimed the government distorted their materials, noting that grants required using federally approved, age-appropriate curricula. The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, established in 2010, had been credited with accelerating declines in teen birth rates. This mirrors Trump's 2017 attempt to cancel similar grants, which was overturned in court by then-District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who ruled HHS violated its own regulations. The legal viability of the current cancellations remains uncertain.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:38 PM UTC

Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton has publicly advocated for South Carolina to remain the first state in the Democratic presidential primary calendar for the 2028 election. In a press release issued by the South Carolina Democratic Party, Sharpton emphasized that Black voters have consistently supported the Democratic Party and that South Carolina's diverse electorate provides a crucial early test for candidates. The push comes as the Democratic National Committee considers potential changes to the primary schedule following the 2024 cycle, where South Carolina was moved to the front of the lineup. Sharpton argues that maintaining this order ensures the voices of Black voters, a key Democratic constituency, are heard early in the nominating process. The statement underscores ongoing internal party debates about representation and electoral strategy ahead of the next presidential race.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:33 PM UTC

A new poll from Republican-aligned firm Peak Insights shows former Rep. Trey Gowdy leading a crowded GOP field for the South Carolina special election to fill the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat, despite Gowdy repeatedly stating he is not interested. Gowdy draws 38% support, far ahead of declared candidates like Rep. Ralph Norman (13%), Rep. Russell Fry (9%), and Trump-endorsed Sen. Darline Graham (9%). Even when respondents are informed of Trump's endorsement for Graham, her support rises only to 16%, while Gowdy drops to 35%. Sen. Tim Scott, a longtime friend of Gowdy and chair of the NRSC, is actively recruiting Gowdy to run. The election is seen as a test of Trump's influence in South Carolina, as multiple candidates tout loyalty to the president despite lacking his formal backing.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:47 PM UTC

A new poll from Republican-aligned firm Peak Insights shows former Rep. Trey Gowdy leading a crowded field of potential and declared GOP candidates for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's South Carolina Senate seat, despite Gowdy repeatedly stating he is not interested in running. Gowdy draws 38% support, far ahead of Rep. Ralph Norman (13%), Rep. Russell Fry (9%), and Trump-endorsed Sen. Darline Graham (9%). Even when respondents are informed of Trump's endorsement, Graham's support only rises to 16%, while Gowdy remains at 35%. Sen. Tim Scott, a close friend of Gowdy and chair of the NRSC, is actively recruiting Gowdy to enter the race, praising him as the best representative of South Carolina. The special election is seen as a test of Trump's political influence in the state.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:47 PM UTC

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) endorsed fellow Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), publicly breaking with President Trump. Mace praised Norman as a 'tried and true conservative' who 'doesn't bend, doesn't back down,' appearing with him on the steps of the Capitol. The endorsement signals a rift within the South Carolina Republican delegation, as Trump had reportedly favored a different candidate for the Senate seat. The move highlights ongoing intraparty tensions ahead of the special election to fill Graham's vacancy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:16 PM UTC

A decade-long, $10 million conservation effort involving 35 organizations across 16 states has led to a 45% increase in American oystercatcher populations along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The birds, which were largely wiped out in New England by 1900 due to hunting and egg collecting, are now recovering through measures including fencing off nesting sites, trapping predators like skunks and raccoons, and educating beachgoers. Biologists recently banded chicks at Rhode Island's Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge as part of the nationwide restoration. The effort, led by Manomet Conservation Sciences and the American Oystercatcher Working Group, focused on improving chick survival rates. The recovery is notable given that most North American shorebird populations are declining, and demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted conservation before species become endangered.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:33 PM UTC

This article from Washington Monthly recounts the 1856 caning of anti-slavery Senator Charles Sumner by pro-slavery Representative Preston Brooks on the U.S. Senate floor. Sumner had delivered a fiery speech, 'Crime Against Kansas,' attacking Southern senators and slavery, including personal insults against Senator Andrew Butler. Brooks, Butler's cousin, retaliated by ambushing Sumner and beating him with a metal-tipped cane, causing severe injuries that took three years to recover from. The article frames this event as a key step toward the Civil War, illustrating the violent divide over slavery. It also reviews Paul Quigley's book 'The Man Behind the Cane,' which examines Brooks's motivations and the culture of Southern 'chivalry' and violence. The piece draws parallels to contemporary political violence in the United States.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:00 AM UTC

This article from Washington Monthly recounts the 1856 caning of anti-slavery Senator Charles Sumner by pro-slavery Representative Preston Brooks on the U.S. Senate floor. Sumner had delivered a provocative speech, 'Crime Against Kansas,' attacking Southern senators and their 'doughface' allies for the Kansas-Nebraska Act. He personally insulted Senator Andrew Butler, implying he had fathered children with a slave and comparing him to Don Quixote with 'the harlot Slavery' as his mistress. Brooks, Butler's cousin, retaliated by ambushing Sumner from behind with a metal-tipped cane, beating him until the cane broke. Sumner suffered traumatic brain injury and took three years to recover. The article frames the attack as a step toward the Civil War, illustrating the violent chasm between slaveholding and free states. It also reviews Paul Quigley's book 'The Man Behind the Cane,' which examines Brooks's motivations and the culture of Southern 'chivalry.' The piece draws parallels to contemporary political violence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:00 AM UTC

The race to fill the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat in South Carolina has become a new test of Donald Trump's political influence. Sen. Darline Graham, appointed to fill her brother's term, announced she will seek a full term with Trump's endorsement. However, a crowded field of Republican opponents, including Rep. Russell Fry, Rep. Ralph Norman, businessman Mark Lynch, and potential candidates like former Gov. Mark Sanford and Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, have not been deterred. This signals that challenging a Trump-backed candidate may no longer be a career-ender within the party. Trump's recent endorsement setbacks in Iowa and Georgia gubernatorial races, along with Evette's loss despite his backing, have emboldened challengers. All candidates are running as staunch Trump supporters, competing to prove their loyalty to the MAGA agenda.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:45 AM UTC

Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) announced on Monday that she will not run for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). In a statement, Mace explained that her decision is not due to a lack of resolve but because she has 'unfinished business' in the House of Representatives. She emphasized that the fight she is currently engaged in matters and requires her continued focus. The announcement clarifies the upcoming Senate race in South Carolina, removing a potential high-profile candidate from the contest.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:04 PM UTC

A tattoo business, Tiny Zaps, and two South Carolina residents have filed a lawsuit against state officials, arguing that two South Carolina laws violate the First and 14th Amendments. The laws prohibit tattoo parlors within 1,000 feet of churches, schools, or playgrounds, and ban tattoos on the head, face, and neck. The plaintiffs claim these restrictions are not health-based but regulate artistic expression and where willing adults can receive tattoos. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to stop enforcement. The state's tattoo laws have been previously challenged, with the South Carolina Supreme Court ruling in 2002 that tattooing is not protected speech. The current case is represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:59 PM UTC

A New York-based tattoo company, Tiny Zaps, along with South Carolina residents Joshua and Stephanie McDonald, has filed a federal lawsuit against South Carolina's health director and attorney general. The lawsuit challenges two state laws: a ban on tattoo parlors within 1,000 feet of churches, schools, or playgrounds, and a prohibition on tattoos above the shoulders (face, neck, head). The plaintiffs argue these restrictions violate the First Amendment right to artistic expression and the 14th Amendment. They note that body piercing facilities are not subject to similar restrictions. The Pacific Legal Foundation represents the plaintiffs, seeking an injunction to stop enforcement. The lawsuit references a 2002 South Carolina Supreme Court ruling that upheld the state's tattoo ban, which the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review. Legal experts quoted in the article argue that tattooing should be protected as artistic expression, comparing it to printing the Declaration of Independence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:59 PM UTC

A decade-long, $10 million conservation effort involving 35 coastal organizations across 16 U.S. states has led to a significant recovery of the American Oystercatcher bird population. From 2008 to 2023, numbers increased by 45% along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, a notable success given that most North American shorebird populations are declining. The campaign focused on educating beachgoers, protecting ground nesting sites from predators and pets, and implementing tailored plans for different sites addressing threats like recreational disturbance, predators, and sea level rise. Key measures included seasonal fencing, signage, predator control, and leveraging federal protections for the threatened piping plover, which shares nesting habitats. The recovery demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated, sustained conservation partnerships.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:45 PM UTC

This analysis from The Week examines the political career of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly from a ruptured aorta. It highlights his transformation from a principled, bipartisan senator and close ally of John McCain to a fawning supporter of Donald Trump. Initially a vocal critic of Trump in 2016, Graham later became his key Senate ally, abandoning his earlier 'idealistic patriotism' for political relevance. The article draws on multiple sources, including The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and Politico, to explore whether Graham's shift was a cynical adaptation to the new GOP or a genuine change. It notes that Graham used his proximity to Trump to advance long-standing policy goals, such as bombing Iran. The piece concludes by questioning whether the trade-off was worth it, leaving judgment to Trump's remaining time in office.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:23 PM UTC

This analysis examines the political legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly from a ruptured aorta. It traces his transformation from a principled, bipartisan hawk in the John McCain mold—who once called Donald Trump a 'race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot'—into Trump's most important Senate ally. The article highlights Graham's 'head-spinning transformation' after Trump's 2016 victory, driven by a craving for influence and relevance. It notes that Graham abandoned his earlier 'idealistic patriotism' to become an opportunistic collaborator, enabling him to advance long-standing policy goals like bombing Iran. The piece concludes by questioning whether the trade-off was worth it, leaving judgment to Trump's remaining time in office.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:23 PM UTC