South Carolina’s capital, political crossroads, and the seat of Richland County
Dozens of federal and local officers have raided Burnstein von Seelen Precision Castings in Abbeville, arresting a plant manager and HR director as part of a state-backed investigation into identity theft and illegal hiring. ICE is detaining 48 workers while authorities review immigration statuses and pursue indictments for those involved in creating and selling fake IDs.
The United States marks 250 years since independence amid tensions with allies, domestic political divisions, and concerns over civil rights and freedom of expression. Public sentiment ranges from cynicism to cautious optimism as the nation reflects on its future.
Darline Graham Nordone has been appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to fill the late Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat for the remainder of the term, with a special election to determine a longer-term successor. President Trump has publicly endorsed the appointment, highlighting family ties as observers question democracy implications. The appointment will last until January 2027.
Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s sister, has been appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to complete the late senator’s term, making history as the state’s first woman in the Senate. A special primary will determine the nominee for the November election.
Trump Media & Technology has unveiled Truth API, a paid low‑latency feed that will deliver real‑time posts from the platform’s top 10 accounts from Aug. 1. Executives discussed charging institutional customers up to $100,000 a month (or $60,000 on three‑year deals). Lawmakers, regulators and market participants have warned it will let traders profit from presidential posts and raise conflict‑of‑interest and market‑manipulation concerns.
Darline Graham, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, has sworn in to finish his final months in the Senate. A developing race for the full term is under way as potential candidates weigh bids. Funeral services for Lindsey Graham are planned, and the filing window for a special primary opens soon.
Benjamin Netanyahu has met President Donald Trump in a closed-door Oval Office meeting during a Washington visit for Senator Lindsey Graham's memorial. The leaders have discussed Iran, coordination on regional security and the Abraham Accords; White House officials have declined to release a readout while both sides have stressed continued cooperation despite recent tensions.
The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee has moved to overhaul the 2028 primary calendar, with South Carolina and Nevada contending to start the nomination process. The full DNC will review in August; Republicans are expected to keep Iowa and New Hampshire as the opening contests. The decision aims to better reflect the party’s diverse coalition.
Funeral services for Senator Lindsey Graham have taken place in Washington and South Carolina after his sudden death on July 11. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have attended memorials that have highlighted Graham’s influence on U.S. foreign policy and set off a scramble for his Senate seat in South Carolina.
Two Columbia police officers responded to a domestic dispute in a city park. One officer has died; another is in stable condition. The suspect, a 33-year-old man with a lengthy criminal record, is also dead. Investigators say the incident began with a restraining-order case and escalated into a gunfight.
Flash floods in Bright Angel Creek have forced evacuations at Phantom Ranch and surrounding areas in Grand Canyon National Park. Officials report multiple missing persons may be unaccounted for as debris and rising water alter trails and infrastructure. Evacuations continue; closures remain in place as weather officials warn of more storms.