Special Election Filing Closes for Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat
Tuesday marks the final filing deadline for the special Republican primary to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. As of Tuesday morning, 10 candidates have officially filed, including interim Sen. Darline Graham. The winner of the primary will secure a spot on the November ballot. Memorial services for Graham are scheduled for Tuesday in Washington and Wednesday in Columbia, featuring an F-16 flyover and a State House procession.
South Carolina Set as First 2028 Democratic Primary Site
A national Democratic committee has officially selected South Carolina as the site of the party’s first presidential primary for the 2028 cycle. The decision ensures the state will see early and frequent visits from national candidates over the next two years, cementing its role as a critical early-voting gatekeeper for the party.
Mark Sanford Returns to South Carolina Ballot
Former Governor and Congressman Mark Sanford has filed to run for office again, appearing on the upcoming ballot. Sanford’s return to the political arena follows a history of high-profile campaigns and a previous tenure as a prominent fiscal conservative in the state.
Mt. Holly Aluminum Smelter Reaches Full Capacity
Century Aluminum’s Mt. Holly smelter in Goose Creek is operating at full production for the first time in over a decade. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick joined state leaders Monday to announce the expansion, which increases domestic primary aluminum production by 10%. The facility’s workforce is expected to grow to more than 600 employees.
Santee Cooper Proposes 3% Rate Increase
State-owned utility Santee Cooper is holding public meetings this week to discuss a proposed 3% rate increase over the next two years. If approved, this would be the second rate hike for customers since 2017. Utility officials cite the need for a new billing system and infrastructure investments as primary drivers for the adjustment.
Charleston County Advances School Sales Tax Referendum
The Charleston County School District Board of Trustees voted to place a referendum on the November ballot to extend the 1% Education Capital Improvements Sales and Use Tax through 2034. The revenue is used for district-wide facility upgrades and capital projects.
GSP Airport and I-26 Face Significant Disruptions
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport has scheduled overnight and weekend closures for a major runway rehabilitation project. Meanwhile, a tractor-trailer crash on I-26 in Calhoun County caused severe congestion and hours-long delays for commuters between Columbia and the Lowcountry on Monday.
AnMed Health Hit by Cybersecurity Disruption
Upstate healthcare provider AnMed announced the closure of multiple services on Monday following a cybersecurity incident that disabled phone and internet systems across its locations. The provider is working to restore connectivity while managing patient care under manual protocols.
First Conviction Under 2025 Fentanyl-Induced Homicide Law
A Lexington County man has been sentenced in South Carolina’s first conviction under the 2025 fentanyl-induced homicide statute. The landmark case marks a shift in how the state prosecutes drug distribution resulting in fatal overdoses, allowing for more severe sentencing.
Laurens County "Street Takeover" Leads to 29 Arrests
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29 individuals following an illegal street takeover promoted on social media. Deputies intervened as participants shut down roads near Mountville to perform drag racing and stunts.
Measles Outbreak Reaches 43 States
The CDC reports that measles has now spread to 43 states, surpassing previous public health benchmarks for 2026. Health officials are urging vaccinations as the virus continues to show high contagion rates across the country.
Richland County Rejects Park Funding Boost
Richland County Council narrowly defeated a proposal for a $3 million funding increase for the Recreation Commission. Opponents of the measure cited concerns over taxpayer impact and a lack of transparency regarding how the additional funds would be utilized.
Federal Lawsuit Challenges South Carolina Tattoo Restrictions
A tattoo parlor has filed a federal lawsuit against a 22-year-old South Carolina law that prohibits such businesses from operating near churches or schools. The suit argues the distance requirements violate First Amendment rights to self-expression.
Aiken Debates Hospitality Tax Increase
A proposed 1% increase to Aiken’s hospitality tax has divided the local community. Supporters argue the funds are necessary for recreational improvements to drive tourism, while business owners express concern over the impact on consumer costs and the specific allocation of the revenue.