A bid for SC's high court tops the weekend wrap

By Jessica Holdman | Reporter

Welcome to the weekend!

“Darline knows what it means to struggle, persevere and keep fighting when life deals you a difficult hand. Those experiences shaped her, and I believe they give her a real understanding of the challenges families across South Carolina face.” - U.S. Rep. Russell Fry on his endorsement of Darline Graham for U.S. Senate.

The South Carolina Supreme Court in Columbia. (Photo by Mary Ann Chastain / Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

Five judges so far file to run for SC Supreme Court seat

By Jessica Holdman

Five judges, so far, have filed to run for a seat on South Carolina’s highest court, including the ex-wife of a late Republican state representative and two sitting Appeals Court judges. Hopefuls still have until Aug. 24 to turn in an application, according to the panel that screens judicial applicants in the state.

‘Inexcusable’: Georgia man to spend nearly 45 years in prison after shooting SC trooper in the face | Skylar Laird

U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, pictured Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, is backing Sen. Darline Graham in the runoff to replace her late brother as the GOP's Senate nominee. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)

U.S. Rep. Russell Fry endorses Sen. Darline Graham in GOP runoff

By Jessica Holdman

U.S. Rep. Russell Fry is backing Sen. Darline Graham in the runoff to replace her late brother as the GOP’s Senate nominee.

Fry, who placed third after receiving 20% of the vote in the special primary earlier this week, endorsed Graham Friday as she prepares for a runoff against 5th District Congressman Ralph Norman on Aug. 25.

Darline Graham and Ralph Norman advance to runoff in special GOP primary | Seanna Adcox
SC candidates for US Senate clash over diversity programs in final days of campaign sprint | Skylar Laird

Second grade students work on math equations at Seven Oaks Global Magnet in Columbia, S.C., on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

SC students improve in math and reading, though less than half meet math benchmarks

By Skylar Laird

Elementary and middle school students posted their best scores yet on end-of-year standardized tests, though more than half still can’t calculate as expected for their age, according to state testing data released Monday.

SC students statewide now eligible for scholarship allowing a debt-free degree | Seanna Adcox

OTHER NEWS FROM THIS WEEK...

Historic plantation among 1,700 acres in conservation projects SC considers buying | Skylar Laird
$15B state spending plan approved with no legislator-requested projects | Skylar Laird

IN COMMENTARY THIS WEEK...

The Jericho Road in SC: Who is my neighbor? | Jessica Kaneft, director of the Sumter Nonprofit Network

MORE FROM OUR AFFILIATES...

Education Department hands more states flexibility with federal dollars | Stateline
US Senate leaves town for recess after passing stopgap spending bill, blocking photo ID for voting | Washington, D.C. bureau

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