State lawmakers held public testimony on S.1095, the “Unborn Child Protection Act,” which would significantly overhaul South Carolina’s abortion laws by eliminating existing exceptions. The Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee met to consider the bill, which has drawn strong reactions from both supporters and opponents. The legislation is part of a broader conservative push to tighten restrictions, though critics argue it fails to account for complex medical and personal circumstances. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the bill remains under review.
Paul Dans, a chief architect of Project 2025, has dropped his Republican primary challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham in South Carolina. Dans pulled out Friday, the last day to remove his name from ballots, effectively ending a race that was expected to test the strength of President Trump’s MAGA movement within the state GOP. The move clears the path for Graham, a long-serving incumbent, to seek re-election without a significant intra-party challenge, though the broader implications for conservative alignment with Trump remain a topic of debate.
A yearslong effort by domestic violence advocates to criminalize coercive control is advancing in the state legislature. A Senate Judiciary subcommittee is scheduled to take up S.702, a measure co-sponsored by Republican Sen. Stephen Goldfinch. The bill would define and penalize patterns of psychological, emotional, and financial abuse in intimate relationships, even in the absence of physical violence. Advocates say it would close a critical gap in protections, while opponents have raised concerns about enforceability and due process.
A bill advancing through the South Carolina State Finance Committee would more than double lawmakers’ salaries, from $12,000 to $25,000 annually. Proponents argue the increase is necessary to attract a broader pool of candidates and reduce the financial burden on legislators who often hold other jobs. Critics, including some within the GOP, have pushed back, with one lawmaker stating, “You don't reward bad performance with pay increases.” The debate reflects broader tensions over ethics, accountability, and public trust in state government.
South Carolina Democrats are targeting a six-seat gain in the state House of Representatives to break the Republican supermajority, which allows the GOP to override gubernatorial vetoes. With control of redistricting and key policy decisions at stake, Democrats see the 2026 midterms as a critical opportunity. However, the challenge remains steep in a state where Republicans have dominated for decades. Party leaders are focusing on suburban districts and issues like education funding and infrastructure to appeal to moderate voters.
The Crosstown Expressway at Coming Street in Charleston was closed for several hours due to a fatal collision, according to the Charleston Police Department. The incident occurred around 4:35 p.m. on Monday, prompting a lengthy investigation and significant traffic disruptions. No further details about the victims or cause of the crash were immediately released.
Jovon Perlote, who escaped from law enforcement custody outside the Berkeley County jail on April 2, has turned himself in, police say. The Summerville Police Department had arrested Perlote during an auto break-in investigation. His escape prompted a brief manhunt before he voluntarily surrendered. Authorities are reviewing body camera footage and internal procedures to determine how the escape occurred.
A DUI arrest has been made following the deaths of two children who were struck by a vehicle while riding bicycles on a sidewalk in Spartanburg County. Eri Otoniel Roberto Perez has been charged with felony DUI resulting in death and driving without a license. The crash occurred Sunday afternoon on Asheville Highway near Brock Street. Bond was denied during an emotional hearing, and the community has rallied around the victims’ families.
The Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 28-year-old man after he allegedly shot two victims at DJ’s Lounge in Kingstree on April 3. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues. Deputies responded to a “shots fired” report and found one victim with a gunshot wound. The second victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
A man’s body was discovered inside a burning pickup truck on Park Avenue near Salem Town Hall in Oconee County. Firefighters responded to a 911 call around 11:30 p.m. Saturday and found the vehicle fully engulfed. The Oconee County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the victim’s identity. The cause of the fire and death are under investigation.
The North Charleston Police Department arrested a Charleston man after a vehicle pursuit led to the discovery of a large quantity of narcotics. Officers recovered approximately 85.45 grams of a crystalline substance testing presumptively positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. The suspect faces multiple drug charges, and the investigation is ongoing.
A South Carolina man is facing 125 counts in connection with a sprawling auto fraud scheme dubbed “VINsanity.” Prosecutors allege the suspect used fake dealerships and phantom vehicles to defraud banks across multiple counties. The investigation, which involved Richland, Sumter, and Colleton counties, resulted in the seizure of over $1.4 million in fraudulent auto loans. The case highlights vulnerabilities in the state’s vehicle registration and lending systems.
Dorchester School District 2 (DD2) is projecting a significant financial gap in fiscal year 2027, with expenses expected to exceed generated revenue by $6.6 million. The district’s proposed revenue is roughly $307 million, but rising costs in personnel, transportation, and special education are straining resources. The board of trustees is prioritizing core programs while leaving others out of the budget request, sparking concern among parents and staff about potential cuts to extracurriculars and support services.
Starting in August, middle school students in Anderson School District 5 will have the option to enroll in A5 Connect, a new hybrid learning program that combines online instruction with in-person classes. The initiative aims to provide families with greater flexibility while maintaining student engagement with their school communities. District leaders say the program responds to growing demand for alternative education models post-pandemic.
Construction is underway on new tennis courts at Whitmire Community School, which previously lacked a home court. The team was forced to play all matches away last season, creating logistical and financial challenges. The new courts are expected to be completed soon, allowing the team to host matches and build a stronger local presence.
South Carolina women’s basketball seniors Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, and Madina Okot were selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Johnson was picked No. 10 overall by the Indiana Fever, Okot went No. 13 to the Atlanta Dream, and Latson was taken No. 15 by the Los Angeles Sparks. The selections highlight the program’s continued success in developing elite talent under head coach Dawn Staley.
UConn guard Azzi Fudd was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA Draft, marking a historic moment under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. Fudd will earn a $500,000 rookie salary—nearly seven times the previous top salary—signaling a new era of investment in women’s basketball. UCLA made history by having five players selected in the first round, including Lauren Betts (No. 4), Gabriela Jaquez (No. 5), and Kiki Rice (No. 6), setting a new record for most first-round picks from a single school.
Weeks after verbally committing to the Gamecocks, Oceanside wide receiver Jaiden Kelly-Murray has decommitted from South Carolina. The in-state recruit, ranked as the top prospect in South Carolina by some services, is now expected to flip to Virginia Tech. The decision is a setback for the Gamecocks’ 2027 recruiting class, which is already dealing with another in-state decommitment.
With no rain in the seven-day forecast, drought conditions are expected to intensify across South Carolina. The South Carolina State Drought Committee unanimously declared the entire state in a moderate drought (Level 2 of 4) last Thursday. Local and state experts are preparing for potential water restrictions and agricultural impacts, particularly in the Upstate and Midlands regions.
Nine South Carolina welcome centers have been designated as Certified Autism Centers, a move aimed at improving accessibility and inclusion for travelers with autism spectrum disorder. The certification requires staff training, sensory-friendly environments, and specialized resources. The initiative reflects the state’s broader commitment to making public spaces more welcoming for neurodiverse individuals.
The Folly Beach Turtle Watch Program reported a rare sighting of two leatherback sea turtles less than a mile off the Folly Beach Pier. While loggerheads and green sea turtles are common in the area, leatherbacks are seldom seen this far north. The sighting is being celebrated as a sign of healthy marine ecosystems, though officials caution against approaching the animals.
South Carolinians lost more than $264 million to online crime in 2025, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. The 2025 Internet Crime Report, based on over one million complaints nationwide, shows a 26% increase in reported losses from 2024. Phishing, business email compromise, and investment scams were the most common. State officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
South Carolina gas prices continue to climb, averaging $3.79 per gallon, up 1.6 cents from the previous week. The increase follows the U.S. military’s announcement of a blockade on Iranian ports, which has driven global oil prices above $100 a barrel. President Trump has suggested prices could go “maybe a little higher” by the midterms, raising concerns about inflation and economic strain on low- and middle-income families.
The North Charleston Police Department has realigned enforcement efforts to increase visibility in the Chicora/Cherokee community, aiming to deter crime and improve safety. The Southern region, classified as zones one through four, has seen a rise in violent incidents, prompting the department to boost patrols and community engagement. Officials say the strategy is proactive, not reactive, and is designed to build trust while reducing criminal activity.
A State investigation reveals that a South Carolina environmental agency was aware of contaminated farms for years but failed to stop the use of noxious sludge as fertilizer. The sludge, derived from industrial and municipal waste, contained high levels of heavy metals and other toxins. Despite internal warnings, the practice continued, raising concerns about public health, soil quality, and regulatory oversight. Advocates are calling for stricter controls and accountability.