South Carolina Public Radio Newscasts

Senator Darlene Graham received a key endorsement from Congressman Russell Frye ahead of the GOP runoff for the U.S. Senate seat. Frye emphasized the need for strong allies in the Senate, framing Graham as a fighter for Republican values.

Alec Murdaugh appeared in shackles for his first pretrial hearing, where the judge ruled on several motions regarding evidence and his previous testimony. The next hearing is set for November 13th, as discussions about a change of venue continue.

Frederick Chambers has been appointed as the new police chief of Myrtle Beach, bringing 26 years of law enforcement experience. His selection follows a thorough process that included public meetings and a competitive application process.

Local governments in South Carolina are grappling with the implications of data center developments, with discussions around financial and environmental impacts intensifying. Kershaw County is considering a moratorium on data centers, while Fairfield County is moving to regulate their development.

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of 17-year-old Jamultran Fair Jr. at a school bus stop in Gaffney. The suspects include two teenagers charged with murder and a juvenile who has been transferred to the State Department of Juvenile Justice. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Silfab is appealing a circuit court decision regarding its zoning, which could impact ongoing civil lawsuits against the company and York County. The appeal hearing is set for August 26, and local groups have been fighting for the plant's relocation due to its proximity to schools.

The Orangeburg County Council is moving forward with a proposal for a 1% local option sales tax, which will be put to a vote in the upcoming November election. This measure aims to generate additional revenue for the county.

Alec Murdoch is set to appear in court for a pretrial hearing where motions regarding his retrial will be discussed. The defense is seeking to move the trial location, while the state aims to use Murdoch's previous testimony against him. A retrial date has been scheduled for April of next year.

Colonel Christopher Williamson of the South Carolina Highway Patrol has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto for his nearly 40 years of service. The honor recognizes his contributions to law enforcement and community programs.

Dominion Energy has finished a multi-year restoration project on the intake towers at Lake Murray Dam, ensuring reliable power supply and water quality. A new safety exclusion zone has been established around the towers for public safety.

Ann Med is making strides in restoring its network following a recent malware attack, allowing patients to access their health records again. While not all features are fully operational, the health system is gradually returning to normal.

The Aiken City Council has unanimously voted to increase the local hospitality tax from 1% to 2%, affecting sales of prepared meals and beverages. The additional revenue is intended for parks and recreation facilities, as well as financing a downtown parking deck. Despite opposition from local business owners, the council believes this tax will primarily burden visitors rather than residents.

Pauley's Island Community Church has announced the closure of its Christian Academy after a convicted sex offender was found to have worked there. This decision follows the arrest of four employees, including a former pastor, for allegedly putting children at risk, leading to several lawsuits against the church. The church aims to review its policies and consider future use of the school building.

Today marks the special Republican primary election in South Carolina to fill the late Senator Lindsey Graham's seat. Voters are choosing among 10 candidates, with the winner set to face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in the general election. Turnout has been reported as low in some areas, particularly Charleston County, where the election coincides with the first day of school.

IEB Americas has announced plans to establish its first major production operation in North America in Charleston County, investing $1.5 million. This facility will focus on production and warehousing, creating 30 new jobs in the area. The investment highlights Charleston's growing role in manufacturing and technology.

Derek Moore, a 47-year-old teacher and coach from Georgia, tragically lost his life while rescuing a girl from a rip current at Myrtle Beach. His body was recovered the day after the incident, which occurred after lifeguards had left for the day.

The chief engineer of a runaway ship that nearly struck the Arthur Ravenel Bridge in Charleston has been sentenced to a $2,000 fine and will return to the Philippines. The ship's operating company faces a $6 million penalty and probation for failing to report a hazardous condition.

Test scores for third through eighth graders in South Carolina showed improvement in both English and math, with significant gains in the younger grades. However, math scores still lag behind English, with less than half of students meeting grade level standards, although rural districts saw notable progress.

After months of negotiations, South Carolina lawmakers have reached a compromise on a $14 billion state budget that includes raises for teachers and state employees, as well as funding for healthcare, environmental preservation, and infrastructure improvements. A smaller property tax expansion for seniors was agreed upon, while discussions on earmarks will continue next month.

Today marks the South Carolina Republican special primary, where voters will select a nominee to challenge Democrat Annie Andrews for an open U.S. Senate seat. Ten candidates are vying for the nomination, and voters must present a photo ID to cast their ballots.