By Jessica Holdman | Reporter
Happy Labor Day everyone!
“What Lindsey Graham was really good at was reading the political tea leaves” - Gibbs Knotts, provost and professor of political science at Coastal Carolina University.
Students walk on the grounds of the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia, S.C. , on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. (Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA)
By Jessica Holdman
Over the past decade and a half, more than 60% of South Carolina college graduates went to work in the Palmetto State in the year after receiving their diploma. But by year three, that drops 10 percentage points, and by year five less than half of those same graduates are still working in the state, according to a new study by the state’s employment agency.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on March 3, 2026. Graham died on July 11, 2026, according to a statement from his office. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)
By Jessica Holdman
The unexpected death of Sen. Lindsey Graham renewed questions over what happens to candidates’ campaign dollars when they die or drop out of a race. As Sen. Darline Graham prepares to take on Democrat Annie Andrews in November to keep the seat for the next six years, she’ll do so having inherited much of her late brother’s well-funded political machine.
Legislators came to an agreement not to send money directly to nonprofits during the upcoming budget cycle, but that doesn't mean money won't still go to certain organizations. (Photo by Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA)
ICYMI
By Skylar Laird
When legislators passed a $350 million spending deal, they announced an agreement to change how the funding is doled out next year, including not sending money directly to nonprofits. The Senate’s spending this year is an example of how that might look.
MORE FROM OUR AFFILIATES...
NCAA eligibility lawsuit pits Louisiana, Southern elected leaders against each other | Louisiana Illuminator
MORE FROM STATES NEWSROOM’S D.C. DESK…
Thanks for reading Gazette to Go. Did you know our weekend digest 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.