Jeffrey Collins

A federal judge dismissed Alex Murdaugh’s $600,000 lawsuit against former court clerk Becky Hill, ruling that Hill’s alleged misconduct had no causal connection to the legal fees Murdaugh paid for his murder trial. The South Carolina Supreme Court previously overturned his convictions after finding that Hill improperly influenced jurors. Murdaugh remains imprisoned for separate financial crimes involving roughly $12 million and continues to deny killing his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. His retrial is scheduled for April 5, 2027.

Ten-year-old Nathaniel Rai was rescued from powerful surf at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz after a wave knocked him down and he lost consciousness. Sixteen-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams held onto him through several large waves until a second lifeguard helped bring them both ashore. Nathaniel has little memory of the incident but is recovering from minor breathing difficulties, back soreness and a bruise, while his father said the rescue likely prevented the boy from being swept out to sea.

The Michigan Supreme Court, in a 6-1 decision, ordered regulators to reconsider the permit for Enbridge’s proposed tunnel carrying Line 5 beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The court found that regulators had not adequately considered whether the tunnel would extend the pipeline’s life, environmental impacts on fishing and boating, or alternatives such as rail and trucks. Enbridge said it is reviewing its legal options and argued the tunnel would reduce spill risks and preserve regional energy reliability, while Michigan officials, Indigenous tribes and environmental groups continue to oppose the pipeline because of spill concerns and potential damage to a sacred Great Lakes site.

Lindsey Graham was mourned in South Carolina at a funeral emphasizing his deep connection to the state, political relationships, humor and work ethic. Trey Gowdy and Governor Henry McMaster praised Graham's commitment and described him as a principled peacemaker, while ceremonies included a horse-drawn caisson, military flyover and a large political gathering. Graham died suddenly in Washington after trips to a NATO summit in Turkey and Ukraine. His death has triggered a Republican special primary for his Senate seat, with his sister Darline Graham serving temporarily and competing against candidates including Mark Sanford, Ralph Norman and Russell Fry.

ICE says officer-involved agents fatally shot Mexican construction worker Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston after he failed to stop and allegedly rammed an officer’s vehicle. His family disputes that account, saying unmarked vehicles may have made him think he was being robbed, and argues that he was close to obtaining legal status after 35 years in the United States. ICE has released no video or photographic evidence, while a bystander video shows the aftermath and several detained men. The family and civil rights groups are demanding an independent investigation. Mexico plans criminal complaints over the deaths of Mexican citizens during ICE operations and in detention, while the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general is conducting the current investigation.

Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican construction worker in Houston, was fatally shot by an ICE officer during an immigration enforcement operation. DHS says he ignored commands, rammed an ICE vehicle and attempted to strike an officer, who fired in self-defense; his family disputes that account and says he may not have realized the unmarked vehicles were federal agents. Relatives, civil-rights groups, lawmakers and hundreds of Houston residents are demanding the release of body-camera, surveillance and photographic evidence and an independent investigation. Three other men in the vehicle were detained. Mexico said it was preparing legal measures, while local officials noted that federal authorities have exclusive jurisdiction over the investigation.

Flash flooding and severe storms ended a dangerous heat wave across the Northeast, prompting warnings in New York City, New Jersey and Philadelphia. The heat had set record temperatures and may have contributed to about 25 deaths under investigation in New Jersey. Officials urged residents to take safety precautions, especially those in basement apartments. Storm damage left around 450,000 people without power as the weather system moved east.

The Onion is launching a parody version of Infowars while continuing efforts to acquire the platform, directing initial merchandise proceeds of $100,000 to families of Sandy Hook victims who have yet to receive defamation payments from Alex Jones. The project mocks Infowars’ style and products, while legal representatives note that any future Jones income will be claimed by the families. The initiative aims to repurpose the Infowars brand toward social benefit, with Sandy Hook families supporting the shift from seeking shutdown to pursuing constructive use.

A judge set deadlines and hearing dates for Alex Murdaugh’s retrial after his murder convictions were overturned. Defense attorneys sought civilian clothing for Murdaugh in court, access to a laptop for reviewing extensive evidence, independent DNA testing of material found under his wife's fingernails, and a change of venue due to concerns about jury prejudice. The judge allowed the defense to fund the DNA testing, and the retrial is scheduled for April 5.

A South Carolina court set deadlines and preliminary matters for Alex Murdaugh’s retrial after his earlier murder convictions were overturned due to concerns about jury influence and prejudicial testimony. Defense lawyers sought accommodations including civilian clothing, removal of restraints, access to a laptop, and independent DNA testing, while prosecutors argued for standard security measures. The judge allowed DNA retesting at the defense’s expense and set a new trial date for April 5, with venue change requests still pending. Murdaugh remains imprisoned on extensive state and federal financial crime sentences while maintaining his innocence in the killings of his wife and son.

Alex Murdaugh faces a new pretrial hearing after the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned his murder convictions due to concerns about improper jury influence. He remains imprisoned on separate financial crime sentences while his legal team seeks changes for future proceedings, including civilian clothing, removal of restraints, DNA retesting, expanded evidence access and a venue change for any retrial.

Alex Murdaugh appears in court for a pretrial hearing after the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned his murder convictions due to concerns about improper jury influence and excessive focus on his financial crimes. His legal team seeks changes to how he appears in court, access to DNA evidence, a no‑internet laptop for reviewing materials, and a change of venue. Murdaugh remains incarcerated on lengthy federal and state sentences for financial crimes while preparing for a potential retrial in the killings of his wife and son.

Florida’s temporary immigration detention camp known as “Alligator Alcatraz” has been shut down after widespread reports of unsafe and inhumane conditions, including contaminated food, nonfunctioning toilets and flooded floors. Governor Ron DeSantis said the Everglades facility had fulfilled its purpose once federal detention capacity increased. Immigrant advocates criticized the closure as insufficient, arguing that detainees continue to face prolonged custody and family separation while corporations profited from the emergency-driven expansion. Detainees were quietly transferred to other states before attorneys received location updates. The airstrip hosting the camp will remain in state use.

Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz detention center has been closed less than a year after opening, with Governor Ron DeSantis citing it as a temporary measure until federal detention capacity increased. Advocates and detainees had criticized the facility for unsafe and inhumane conditions, including inadequate sanitation and poor access to legal counsel. Detainees were relocated to other states earlier in the month, and immigration advocates argue that the closure does not address broader harms caused by extended detention. The Florida Immigrant Coalition said only contractors benefited financially from the facility’s operation, while DeSantis maintained it supported statewide deportation efforts.

Screwworm parasites have reemerged in Texas and New Mexico, threatening U.S. cattle herds and prompting a billion‑dollar response from the Department of Agriculture, including a new plant to produce sterile flies for population control. Climate change is enabling the flies to spread north, and livestock trade has already been disrupted in both the U.S. and Mexico. Political leaders are divided over the cause, with Republicans blaming immigration and the Biden administration, while Democrats point to Trump‑era cuts at the USDA. Scientists say the priority is expanding sterile fly programs and restoring containment in Panama as quarantine zones grow across affected regions.

South Carolina’s Senate rejected a Trump-backed effort to cancel ongoing primary voting and implement new congressional districts aimed at unseating Democrat Jim Clyburn. The move came as a federal court in Alabama blocked a Republican-drawn map judged to intentionally discriminate against Black voters. The setbacks complicate a national GOP strategy, encouraged by Donald Trump, to redraw districts ahead of the November elections following a Supreme Court decision weakening Voting Rights Act protections. Democrats welcomed the Alabama ruling while redistricting battles continue in multiple states. Internal Republican divisions in South Carolina have stalled the plan amid concerns that aggressive changes could endanger GOP-held seats.

Court rulings and legislative actions in Missouri, South Carolina, and Louisiana highlight escalating national conflicts over congressional redistricting following a Supreme Court decision that weakened the Voting Rights Act. Missouri’s high court upheld a Republican-drawn map that could add a GOP seat, while South Carolina’s Senate blocked Trump-backed efforts to redraw districts before the November elections. Tensions rose in Louisiana as lawmakers faced public backlash and internal conflict over proposals that would eliminate majority-Black districts. These developments reflect broader partisan maneuvering as both parties seek advantages from newly redrawn maps ahead of the midterms.

Legal and political battles over congressional redistricting intensify nationwide as states respond to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act. The Missouri Supreme Court is reviewing whether new GOP-backed districts comply with constitutional compactness requirements and whether they can remain in place despite a pending referendum challenge. Republican lawmakers in South Carolina, Louisiana, and Alabama weigh strategic redistricting options that could shift partisan balances, with concerns over court challenges, timing of primaries, and potential electoral backfires. The disputes highlight a high-stakes struggle between Republicans seeking additional House seats and Democrats aiming to protect or expand their representation ahead of the midterm elections.

James Ernest Hitchcock was executed in Florida for the 1976 murder of his brother’s 13‑year‑old stepdaughter, offering brief final words to a friend before lethal injection. Witnesses observed the procedure, and members of the victim’s family spoke afterward, expressing closure. Hitchcock’s case involved multiple resentencings and final appeals rejected by state and federal courts. Florida led U.S. executions in 2025 under Governor Ron DeSantis, with additional executions scheduled, and another inmate in Texas facing execution the same evening.

Scientists in South Carolina are burning full-scale homes to study how wildfire conditions destroy structures and how to improve building resilience as climate change intensifies fire seasons. The research, conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, demonstrates the protective value of ignition-resistant materials, improved windows, vent mesh, and clearing combustible items near homes. Findings have already influenced California’s fire code. Experts warn that extreme winds can still overwhelm protections. Fire-prevention products for homeowners are becoming a growing industry, and researchers continue expanding testing to hazards such as hail and long‑term roof durability.

South Carolina senators approved a bill expanding protections for nearly all monuments and historical names while banning QR codes on statues, requiring legislative approval for changes and allowing private historical groups to sue over monument treatment. Democrats criticized the measure for preserving racist or Confederate legacies, while Republicans argued historical context should remain unchanged. Related actions in Virginia included ending certain Confederate recognitions under the new governor. The bill now proceeds to the South Carolina House with potential legal and logistical implications for cities like Charleston.

Federal prosecutors requested dismissal of charges against former Louisville officers Joshua Jaynes and Kyle Meany, concluding there is no direct link between inaccuracies in the search warrant and Breonna Taylor’s death. Judges had previously downgraded felony charges to misdemeanors, prompting the decision to drop the case. Reactions included relief from the officers’ attorneys and strong disappointment from Taylor’s mother, who criticized the Trump-era Justice Department for its handling of the case. The article notes broader racial justice context, details the prison sentence of former officer Brett Hankison, and reiterates that no drugs or cash were found in Taylor’s apartment, which led to a significant wrongful death settlement.

Harvard University returned early daguerreotypes of enslaved South Carolinians to the International African American Museum in Charleston after a lengthy legal battle. The images, depicting Renty, his daughter Delia and five others, were originally created for racist research before the Civil War. Descendants, represented by Tamara Lanier, sought their transfer to honor the subjects’ origins. A settlement ended litigation over ownership and lineage disputes. The museum will preserve and display the images as part of an exhibit on the individuals’ lives.

Jesse Jackson is honored in his home state of South Carolina, where he becomes the second Black man to lie in state at the Capitol. The article highlights his early civil rights activism, national leadership following Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, and decades of advocacy through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. It also notes his political influence, including presidential runs and efforts to remove the Confederate flag from the Statehouse grounds. His memorial events span Chicago and South Carolina, with a Washington, D.C. service postponed.

South Carolina places civil rights leader Jesse Jackson in state honor, marking a contrast with his segregated upbringing and reflecting his long career advocating for equality, voting rights, and social justice. His activism began with a 1960 sit‑in that drew Martin Luther King Jr.’s attention, leading to national influence through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and two Democratic presidential campaigns. Jackson remained tied to his home state through efforts such as securing the MLK holiday and pushing for removal of the Confederate flag. He died at 84, with tributes beginning in Chicago and concluding there after the South Carolina observance.

Jesse Jackson will lie in state at the South Carolina Statehouse, with additional services planned in Chicago and Washington. Born in Greenville and known for early civil rights activism, Jackson became a key figure in the movement and later ran for the Democratic presidential nomination. South Carolina officials and organizations are preparing multiple tributes recognizing his legacy and influence.

An 18-year-old man was charged with murder after a marijuana-related drug deal in a South Carolina State University dorm room led to a shooting that killed two people and injured a student. The suspect, previously arrested for possessing a gun on campus, fled the scene but was later identified through new security measures installed after a prior fatal shooting on campus. He was denied bond at his arraignment. The university has tightened visitor access, increased security screening, and is seeking $8 million in state funding for further safety upgrades.

Alex Murdaugh continues to deny killing his wife and son as his appeal reaches the South Carolina Supreme Court, with his defense arguing that trial errors and misconduct undermined fairness. Prosecutors maintain the strength of the evidence, citing his financial troubles, deceit, and a key video placing him at the scene minutes before the murders. Questions about investigative statements and the conduct of former court clerk Becky Hill form core elements of the defense challenge. Regardless of the appeal’s outcome, Murdaugh remains imprisoned due to a separate 40‑year federal sentence for extensive financial crimes.

A special prosecutor will take over the case involving allegations that members of the Word of Faith Fellowship assaulted former member Matthew Fenner in 2013. The handover follows Fenner’s attempts to remove District Attorney Ted Bell, whom he accused of favoring the church, though an independent investigator found no evidence of special treatment. The case, originally ending in a 2017 mistrial, has faced years of delays linked to court backlogs and attorney issues. Disputes over plea negotiations and handling of evidence further complicated the proceedings. The timeline for a new trial remains unclear as Fenner maintains his push for accountability and timely justice.

Freezing rain threatens widespread power outages across the southeastern United States, where most homes rely on electric heating, raising risks for millions. Utilities warn that ice-laden trees and power lines could cause prolonged disruptions, especially in vulnerable communities that historically face longer and more frequent outages. Experts cite lessons from Winter Storm Uri, noting improved grid weatherization but continued risks to transmission lines. Energy burdens may rise as households increase heating use, potentially worsening existing financial strains. Utilities across the region have mobilized thousands of workers and invested heavily in weatherization measures to reduce the impact of expected ice storms.

Prosecutors seek a 20‑year federal prison sentence for former South Carolina state representative RJ May, who pleaded guilty to distributing over 200 child sexual abuse videos during a five‑day period in 2024. They argue his conduct was especially egregious because he publicly supported legislation protecting children. May requests a five‑year sentence, citing addiction, personal hardship, and family trauma, and submitted letters from relatives asking for leniency. Victim statements describe lasting harm from continued circulation of the videos. Sentencing guidelines recommend 17 to 22 years. May faces lifelong sex‑offender registration, restitution payments, and loss of civil rights following his conviction.

Jim Beam will halt bourbon production at its Clermont, Kentucky, distillery for at least a year beginning in 2026, while keeping its bottling, warehouse, visitor center and restaurant operations open. The company says the pause will allow improvements and help align production with consumer demand, though potential layoffs or other workforce reductions remain under discussion. The decision comes amid excess bourbon inventories, falling U.S. consumption and tariff disputes affecting exports, particularly to Canada, where American spirits exports plunged 85% year over year in the second quarter of 2025. The downturn threatens an industry that supports more than 23,000 Kentucky jobs and generates approximately $2.2 billion for the state.

Jim Beam will pause bourbon production at its Clermont, Kentucky distillery for at least a year beginning in 2026 to allow for facility improvements amid declining U.S. spirits demand and disrupted exports caused by tariffs and political tensions. Its Boston, Kentucky site will remain operational, while the company works with union representatives on potential workforce impacts. Industry data show sharp drops in American spirits exports—especially to Canada—as well as long-term declines in domestic alcohol consumption, even as bourbon inventories in Kentucky continue to expand.

Matthew Fenner seeks to remove District Attorney Ted Bell from the long-delayed retrial involving Word of Faith Fellowship, alleging the prosecutor is biased in favor of the influential religious group. Fenner claims Bell ignored evidence, discouraged pursuing the case, and scheduled trial dates to his disadvantage. The case centers on accusations that church members assaulted Fenner during a so‑called “blasting” prayer session. The retrial of church leader Brooke Covington, whose previous trial ended in mistrial, has been postponed pending review of Fenner’s request. Word of Faith has long faced allegations of abuse, which the church denies.

Wrongful death lawsuits filed after a UPS MD-11 cargo plane crash in Kentucky allege the company kept aging aircraft in service without increased maintenance, prioritizing cost savings over safety. Investigators found cracks where an engine detached during takeoff, prompting the grounding of all similar aircraft used by UPS, FedEx and Western Global. The lawsuits also target General Electric, Boeing and VT San Antonio Aerospace, citing structural issues and maintenance histories. Victims’ families are represented by attorneys who argue the crash reflects increasing risks from extending aircraft lifespans. Package carriers may need to replace MD-11 fleets if extensive repairs are required.

Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C., resulting in the death of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critical injury of Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. State and local communities held vigils and honored their service, while officials praised their dedication and called for statewide remembrance. Tributes highlighted Beckstrom’s commitment and Wolfe’s contributions both in the military and civilian roles, as prayers and support continued for his recovery.

South Carolina lawmakers are reviewing a bill that would impose the nation’s most severe abortion restrictions, including prison sentences of up to 30 years for women who obtain abortions and those who assist them. The proposal would ban nearly all abortions and could also restrict the use of IUDs and IVF by targeting contraception that prevents implantation. Despite acknowledgement of issues within the bill, its sponsor, Senator Richard Cash, has not indicated what changes might be supported. Anti-abortion groups are divided, with South Carolina Citizens for Life opposing penalties for women and Equal Protection South Carolina supporting the measure as treating abortion as murder.

Stephen Bryant, convicted of murdering three people in 2004, was executed by firing squad in South Carolina after choosing the method over lethal injection or the electric chair. He declined to make a final statement and was pronounced dead at 6:05 p.m. His final meal included seafood stir-fry, fried fish over rice, egg rolls, stuffed shrimp, candy bars and German chocolate cake. Lawyers highlighted his genetic disorder, history of abuse and brain damage while arguing aspects of his case.

South Carolina executed Stephen Bryant by firing squad for three 2004 murders, marking the state’s third use of the method this year amid ongoing shortages of lethal injection drugs. Bryant declined to give a final statement, and witnesses observed the procedure as carried out by three prison staff with live rounds. The governor denied clemency, continuing the state’s recent increase in executions after a long pause. Bryant’s lawyer highlighted his history of abuse and impairment, while officials detailed his prior admissions to the killings. The article places the execution within the broader national context of firing squad use and the challenges states face obtaining lethal injection drugs.

Stephen Bryant, convicted of killing three people in 2004, is scheduled for execution by firing squad in South Carolina, a method revived after difficulties obtaining lethal injection drugs. His last remaining option is clemency from the governor, though none has been granted since 1976. The planned procedure involves three volunteer prison employees using high‑powered rifles, with past legal challenges raising concerns about accuracy and potential pain.

Stephen Bryant, convicted of three murders in South Carolina in 2004, is scheduled to be executed by firing squad amid the state's renewed use of alternative execution methods following drug shortages. His clemency request awaits a final decision from the governor, though no South Carolina governor has granted clemency since 1976. The article outlines Bryant’s crimes, the state’s history with execution methods, and the procedure for firing squad executions, while noting concerns raised after a previous firing squad execution.

South Carolina’s Supreme Court rejected Stephen Bryant’s final appeal, allowing his execution by firing squad to proceed. His attorneys argued that fetal alcohol–related brain damage and childhood abuse were not fully presented during sentencing, but the court ruled this would not have altered the death penalty outcome. Bryant was convicted of three murders committed in 2004, characterized by prosecutors as calculated rather than impulsive. He may still seek clemency from the governor, though none has been granted in the modern era. His execution would be the state’s third by firing squad this year, following resumed executions after a long pause caused by lethal injection drug shortages.

Lawyers for death row inmate Stephen Bryant argue his fetal alcohol spectrum disorder was not considered at sentencing and are seeking to halt his scheduled execution in South Carolina. Prosecutors counter that his 2004 killings were calculated acts rather than impulsive behavior caused by brain damage. The state Supreme Court is reviewing the final appeal, while clemency remains an option, though no modern South Carolina governor has granted it. Bryant is set to be executed by firing squad, a method reinstated after drug shortages halted lethal injections for over a decade.

A South Carolina death row inmate, Stephen Bryant, has chosen execution by firing squad, prompting expected legal challenges due to concerns raised after the previous execution by shooting. Attorneys for Mikal Mahdi, the most recent inmate executed by firing squad, argued that the shooters nearly missed his heart, causing prolonged suffering, and questioned inconsistencies in the autopsy. State officials maintained the execution was properly conducted. South Carolina revived firing squad executions after difficulty obtaining lethal injection drugs, and Bryant will be the third inmate this year to be executed by this method. Bryant was convicted of killing three men in 2004, with prosecutors detailing gruesome crime scene evidence and his troubled mental state leading up to the killings. The execution will mark South Carolina’s 50th since reinstating the death penalty four decades ago.

Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright is set to plead guilty to federal charges that include stealing from a benevolence fund and illegally obtaining pain medication. Prosecutors say he misused funds meant to aid deputies in financial distress and took drugs collected for disposal while struggling with addiction. Wright also allegedly used a county-issued credit card for personal expenses totaling more than $50,000. He faces up to 30 years in prison, though a lighter sentence is expected, and will owe at least $440,000 in restitution.

Authorities charged Wellington Delano Dickens III with murder after he told 911 operators he had killed four children and deputies discovered multiple long‑deceased bodies in his garage. A three‑year‑old child was found unharmed in the home near Zebulon, North Carolina. Investigators believe the victims include Dickens’ three biological children and his 18‑year‑old stepchild, with further charges expected pending identification of the remains. Dickens appeared in court and is held without bond, while details from family estate records note prior family deaths and the household’s composition.

South Carolina’s state-owned utility Santee Cooper has entered negotiations with Brookfield Asset Management to potentially revive two abandoned nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer site, a project that previously collapsed after costing more than $9 billion and resulting in criminal convictions for former executives. Brookfield would assume construction risk and be able to sell most of the generated power, with rising national energy demand and a recent executive order promoting nuclear expansion cited as drivers of renewed interest. Significant regulatory, structural and cost hurdles remain, and watchdog groups warn the project may still be unfeasible after eight years of deterioration and the need to restart permitting from scratch.

South Carolina’s Supreme Court issued an execution warrant for inmate Stephen Bryant, convicted of multiple killings including the murder of Willard Tietjen, whose blood was used to taunt authorities. Bryant must choose his execution method by the end of October. His case follows the state’s resumption of executions after acquiring lethal injection drugs, with attorneys raising concerns about the humanity of both firing squad and injection protocols. Recent executions and ongoing legal challenges highlight broader national activity surrounding capital punishment as additional executions are scheduled across the United States.

Four people were killed and 16 injured in a mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island in South Carolina, where investigators cite a lack of witness cooperation among the roughly 700 attendees. Sheriff P.J. Tanner said the shooting resulted from a dispute among a small group and emphasized that evidence analysis, including DNA, ballistics, and video enhancement conducted with FBI assistance, is underway to build a strong case. The victims were identified as Kashawn Glaze, Chiraad Smalls, Amos Gary, and A’shan’tek Milledge, while authorities continue to seek information from the community amid concerns about retaliation.

South Carolina’s Election Commission is investigating how a $28 million contract for ballot scanners ended with an unexplained $4 million overrun, resulting in the firing of the agency’s executive director and deputy. Chairman Dennis Shedd said multiple state agencies are examining the spending discrepancy and other internal misconduct, including the discovery of a hidden recording device. Shedd denied that the firings were tied to ongoing negotiations with the U.S. Department of Justice over voter data requests, emphasizing the need for strict security agreements to protect sensitive information. Several states are resisting similar federal requests, with some facing lawsuits for noncompliance.

Dalton Stevens, known as the Button King, gained national attention in the 1980s for his button-covered folk art and television appearances, including a breakout moment on Johnny Carson’s show. His extensive button creations, from suits to vehicles, are preserved in the S.C. Button Museum, a shed on his South Carolina property that remains open to visitors. After his death in 2016, his son J.D. Stevens maintained the museum, where a steady stream of visitors continues to view the collection much as Stevens left it.

A South Carolina prosecutor plans to seek the death penalty against Brandon Council after President Joe Biden commuted his federal death sentence to life imprisonment. State charges previously dropped after his federal conviction have been reinstated, enabling a new trial. The move follows anger from victims’ families and officials over Biden’s decision to reduce sentences for dozens of federal inmates. The article recounts Council’s crime, reactions from relatives and prosecutors, and notes other cases affected by the commutations, while highlighting that three inmates remain on federal death row.

Former South Carolina representative RJ May pleaded guilty to distributing hundreds of child sexual abuse videos, admitting to sharing 220 files over several days in 2024 using a social media alias. Evidence from his laptop and phone showed he exchanged the videos while performing work tasks. May faces five to 20 years in prison on each of five counts, must register as a sex offender and loses rights including voting and holding office. Prosecutors also highlighted additional concerns, including his use of a fake name during trips to Colombia. May changed his plea shortly after failing in a bid to suppress search warrants and other evidence.

Former South Carolina legislator RJ May pleaded guilty to distributing hundreds of child sex abuse videos, admitting to a multiday spree involving 220 files shared through the Kik platform. Evidence showed he uploaded and downloaded the videos while performing regular work tasks, and prosecutors highlighted the most severe material in five felony counts carrying five‑to‑20‑year sentences each. May also acknowledged traveling to Colombia under a fake name amid allegations involving underage girls. His conviction bars him from voting, holding office, or possessing firearms, and sentencing is scheduled for January 2026.

South Carolina Republican lawmaker RJ May agreed to plead guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material after prosecutors detailed evidence showing he exchanged more than 200 files using the screen name “joebidennnn69.” May faces five to 20 years in prison on each of five counts and will be required to register as a sex offender. Investigators linked him to the uploads through activity on his work devices, and prosecutors also raised questions about his travel to Colombia and alleged encounters with underage women. May had represented himself and attempted to challenge search warrants before deciding to change his plea.

Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright agreed to plead guilty to stealing from a benevolence fund and illegally obtaining painkillers, alongside related fraud and misuse of county resources revealed through prior reporting. Two associates, Amos Durham and Lawson Watson, also agreed to plead guilty for their roles in financial misconduct and fraudulent employment. Wright faces significant potential penalties and restitution obligations amid ongoing state and federal investigations.

South Carolina banker Russell Laffitte pleaded guilty to eight state charges for helping Alex Murdaugh conceal stolen settlement funds and will serve overlapping state and federal prison sentences expected to keep him incarcerated until around May 2027. He has already paid $3.5 million in restitution and received credit for time under house arrest. The case follows an overturned federal conviction due to a juror issue, with final sentencing scheduled in Charleston. Investigators say Laffitte exploited his position at Palmetto State Bank to siphon money from vulnerable clients while funneling funds to Murdaugh, who is serving a life sentence for murder and appealing his convictions.

A South Carolina judge ruled that Steven Bixby, convicted of killing two police officers in 2003, is mentally competent for execution despite his extreme beliefs about the Constitution and property rights. Expert testimony indicated that although he refuses to abandon these views and is prepared to die if appeals fail, he understands the legal process and the role of his attorneys. The decision allows the state to proceed with execution efforts while Bixby’s lawyers may still appeal. A handwritten motion from Bixby reiterated his claims of innocence and accusations of treason against officials involved in the case.

A Black man who survived a racially motivated shooting in South Carolina is urging the state to adopt hate crime legislation, highlighting that it is one of only two states without such a law. Despite support from business leaders, survivors of the 2015 Charleston church massacre and some Republicans, the proposal has repeatedly stalled in the state Senate. Local governments have passed their own limited ordinances, but they carry only misdemeanor penalties. Supporters argue the absence of a state law emboldens white supremacists, while opponents say existing laws provide sufficient punishment and warn against assessing motivation. The case has renewed frustration among advocates who say the state’s inaction fails to protect vulnerable communities.

South Carolina death row inmate Steven Bixby argues that his execution should be halted because his anti‑government and conspiratorial beliefs prevent effective communication with his attorneys, a requirement under state law. The state Supreme Court paused the execution and ordered a lower court to assess his competency. During hearings, defense experts said his isolation has deepened his beliefs, while prosecutors countered that his views are common among anti‑government groups and do not impede his understanding of the case. Bixby submitted additional handwritten filings asserting innocence, criticizing mental health experts, and accusing authorities of treason. He was convicted of killing two law enforcement officers during a 2003 standoff related to a property dispute.

South Carolina’s Attorney General’s Office issued an opinion stating that state law on paid family leave should cover stillbirths, noting the statute refers to “birth” rather than “live birth” and that other state laws define viable fetuses as persons. The guidance follows reports that some school districts denied paid leave to teachers after stillbirths. Rep. Neal Collins, who sponsored the original legislation, intends to introduce a bill in 2026 to clarify coverage, citing broad legislative support.

Cape Verde hurricanes originate from thunderstorms moving off West Africa and often become the strongest Atlantic storms due to long development time over warm waters and light upper‑level winds. While they account for most major hurricanes, only a small share ultimately reach the United States, with many curving out to sea. Forecasters note that dry, dusty air from the Sahara can inhibit their formation, and researchers continue studying why some systems intensify while others do not. Historically, several of the most destructive U.S. hurricanes, including Galveston in 1900 and Irma in 2017, were Cape Verde storms, though only one or two such hurricanes typically form each year.

Massive waves generated by Hurricane Erin are expected to inundate vulnerable dunes along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, likely destroying sections of NC 12 and isolating Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Officials have ordered evacuations despite the storm remaining offshore due to the high risk of washouts. The region’s geography and low elevation make it particularly vulnerable to erosion and sea-level rise, with recent storms already cutting inlets and destroying homes. Residents accustomed to isolation describe strong community ties and a deep attachment to the area, while the state continues costly efforts to maintain infrastructure vital to its multibillion‑dollar tourism economy.

A South Carolina state trooper, Dennis Ricks, died three days after being struck by a box truck during a nighttime traffic stop on Interstate 26 near Orangeburg. The truck driver, previously charged with driving under suspension, may face additional charges. Ricks was the first trooper in the state to die in the line of duty since 2017. State officials expressed condolences, and his wife described him as a kind and devoted husband in an online fundraiser.

A South Carolina Republican legislator, RJ May, resigned from the state House while jailed awaiting trial on 10 charges of distributing child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors allege he exchanged more than 200 illicit files using the Kik messaging app under a sexually explicit username linked to his home network and cellphone. His attorney suggested others may have accessed his Wi-Fi password. The resignation followed near-unanimous calls from lawmakers and an ethics investigation that could have led to his removal. His departure allows a special election to fill the seat before the next legislative session.

A 12-year-old boy from South Carolina died after contracting the rare but deadly amoeba Naegleria fowleri while swimming in Lake Murray, prompting concerns from his family over the lack of public reporting and water testing requirements. The infection, which enters through the nose and rapidly causes fatal brain swelling, remains extremely rare despite the organism being common in warm freshwater. Health officials note that preventive steps such as keeping the head above water or using nose clips can reduce risk. The article also highlights additional hazards found in lakes and rivers, including harmful bacteria like E. coli and toxin-producing algae.

A 12-year-old boy from Columbia, South Carolina, died from a rare Naegleria fowleri infection contracted while swimming in Lake Murray over the July Fourth holiday. His parents, unaware the amoeba existed in the lake, are calling for stronger reporting requirements and public warnings after learning the state does not mandate disclosure of such infections. The amoeba, commonly found in warm freshwater, causes a nearly always fatal brain infection, with only four known U.S. survivors since 1962. Health officials note cases remain extremely rare, though rising temperatures have led to isolated infections farther north. Jaysen Carr’s parents hope increased awareness will help prevent future deaths.

Bhagavan 'Doc' Antle, known from the Netflix series Tiger King, received a sentence of one year and one day in federal prison and a $55,000 fine after pleading guilty to wildlife trafficking and money laundering. Prosecutors detailed his role in illegally trading endangered animals and laundering over $500,000. Additional individuals involved in his schemes received probation or short prison sentences. Antle, who owns Myrtle Beach Safari, has faced multiple legal cases, including a previous conviction in Virginia related to wildlife trafficking. Authorities cited his use of cash-based transactions and involvement in the black-market exotic animal trade, while supporters testified to his conservation efforts.

South Carolina’s Supreme Court halted monthly in‑district compensation payments to lawmakers while it considers a lawsuit claiming an $18,000 annual increase violates the state constitution. Senator Wes Climer argues the raise is an unlawful per diem hike, while legislative attorneys contend it is a permissible reimbursement drawn from existing chamber funds. The suspension pauses payments for at least two months, with justices expecting final legal filings by early September. Lawmakers could receive back pay if the raise is upheld. The stipend, unchanged for about 30 years, was proposed by Senator Shane Martin to address inflation, though more than 40 Republican legislators declined the increase.

Faith leaders and survivors gathered at Mother Emanuel AME Church to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Charleston massacre, expressing frustration that racism and gun violence remain entrenched in the United States. Rabbi Jeff Myers and Sen. Mark Kelly warned that hate paired with firearms continues to endanger society. While the attack prompted the removal of the Confederate flag from South Carolina’s Statehouse grounds, efforts such as enacting a state hate crime law have stalled. Speakers emphasized remembrance, forgiveness, and unity, honoring the Emanuel Nine while calling for renewed commitment to justice and societal change.

South Carolina plans to execute Stephen Stanko, who received two death sentences for separate 2005 murders, marking the state's sixth execution in nine months. Stanko chose lethal injection after concerns about the firing squad method. His remaining appeals include a request to the U.S. Supreme Court and potential clemency from the governor, though no South Carolina governor has granted clemency in nearly 50 years. Officials outline the lethal injection procedure, while Stanko’s past crimes and prosecution are recounted, along with the legal and legislative backdrop that shaped the state’s current execution methods.

Attorneys for death row inmate Stephen Stanko are seeking to halt his execution, arguing that South Carolina’s lethal injection and firing squad procedures cause unnecessary pain. They cite alleged issues with recent executions, including improper drug use, inadequate oversight of IV placement, and suspicions of mis-aimed shots during Mikal Mahdi’s firing squad death. State officials dispute the claims, noting previous court rejections and maintaining that no evidence shows excessive suffering. Experts supporting Stanko criticize both the firing squad process and insufficient autopsy documentation in Mahdi’s case. Lawyers request a delay to investigate further and to ensure firing squad members affirm proper intent in carrying out executions.

A newly implemented US travel ban blocks Afghans and citizens of a dozen other countries from entering the country, closing off a South Carolina family’s plans to bring their young niece to safety and education. Mohammad and Nuriya Sharafoddin, former Afghan refugees, worry the ban will trap their niece under Taliban restrictions that bar girls from studying. The order, signed by Donald Trump, cites security concerns and visa overstays and excludes extended-family reunification. Local volunteers assisting Afghan refugees warn the ban will deepen suffering for families separated across borders, while Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada condemns the policy as oppressive.