By Skylar Laird | Reporter
Happy Halloween! Today is your last day to vote early. Polls are open until 6 p.m.
“I think the statute has serious problems, but frankly, I think the General Assembly can fix it.” - U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel, on the state’s abortion ban.
South Carolina's abortion ban could be vague enough to be unconstitutional, a federal judge said Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, during a trial in Charleston, S.C. (File/Photo by Getty Images)
By Skylar Laird
I spent two days this week in federal court in Charleston listening to arguments on whether the state’s abortion ban is unconstitutionally vague. As arguments wrapped up Friday afternoon, District Judge Richard Gergel pointed to serious concerns he had with the law being too vague for doctors to understand and police to enforce.
MORE IN CRIME AND COURTS…
President Donald Trump gestures to U.S. Sen. Darline Graham as she speaks during a campaign rally on Oct. 29, 2026 in Rock Hill. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
By Katharine Wilson
President Donald Trump returned to South Carolina for the second time in two weeks to rally support for Republicans. Specifically, Trump is campaigning for U.S. Sen. Darline Graham, who is facing off against Democrat Annie Andrews. Trump, who’s on a nationwide campaign tour, acknowledged the president’s party usually loses the midterm elections but asked voters not to let that happen.
MORE IN POLITICS…
Republicans make plea for unity following ‘hurt feelings’ in US Senate contest | By Katharine Wilson
Early voting in SC sets new midterm record | By Seanna Adcox
President Trump to return to SC days ahead of midterms | By Skylar Laird
Here are the 2 candidates running to be SC’s next chief accountant | By Katharine Wilson
Santee Cooper CEO Jimmy Stanton pictured at a legislative hearing in the state House office building. (Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)
By Jessica Holdman
Santee Cooper customers should expect to pay more for utilities over the next two years. The state-owned utility’s board agreed Friday to increase rates by 9% over that time. That money will help cover the costs of a new 2,200-megawatt natural gas power plant.
MORE IN BUSINESS…
Auto seat maker opening $30M manufacturing plant at Scout Motors site | By Jessica Holdman
OTHER NEWS FROM THIS WEEK...
IN COMMENTARY THIS WEEK...
Americans over 60 lose billions to cybercrime. Here’s what to do if a loved one has been scammed. | By Angela Ramos, cybersecurity educator at the University of Tampa
Building a stronger, more resilient water system for SC | By Craig Sorensen, president of South Carolina Water Utilities
MORE FROM OUR AFFILIATES...
Where are the tightest races for US House control right now? Here’s the rundown. | By Jennifer Shutt
Time for change? Permanent daylight saving time bill awaiting US Senate action | By David Lightman
Federal regulators crack down on organ donation groups | From Stateline
Thanks for reading Gazette Weekly. Did you know our daily morning newsletter is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.