The State

POLITICS

The rise of the SC Senate’s far right

Members of the William Wallace Caucus want to nullify federal laws, give tax deductions to parents who send their children to private schools, end abortion and let South Carolinians — except criminals — carry handguns in public without a permit. The caucus is growing in influence.

2 hours ago

GRADUATION PHOTOS & VIDEOS

SNAPSHOTS from Cardinal Newman 2013 graduation

Cardinal Newman Class of 2013 graduates, school marshals, faculty and trustees pose for photos before commencement exercises May 25, 2013, at the Township Auditorium in Columbia.

3 hours ago

GRADUATION PHOTOS & VIDEOS

SNAPSHOTS from Hammond School's 2013 graduation

Hammond School Class of 2013 graduates and faculty members pose for photos before graduation exercises on May 25, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia.

3 hours ago

LOCAL NEWS

EXCLUSIVE: Richland’s new elections chief reports logging long hours at multiple jobs

Howard Jackson apparently works two other jobs in addition to being the current director of the Orangeburg Voter Registration and Elections office. According to federal records and Jackson’s application for his new Richland post, Jackson now works at least 93 hours a week.

1 hour ago

LOCAL PHOTOS & VIDEOS

Veterans honored at SC Train Museum

In honor of Memorial Day, free train rides for veterans at the SC Train Museum in Winnsboro Saturday.

CRIME

‘That’s ridiculous,’ Parker says when asked if he killed his wife

Parker, who has been in jail since his arrest on July 20, testified in his own defense Friday. He spent more than three hours on the witness stand, defending himself against two murder charges in the deaths of his wife and his sports betting clerk, Bryan Capnerhurst.

CRIME

Videos: Brett Parker's testimony

Watch footage of Brett Parker's testimony Friday in his own defense. Parker is accused of killing his wife, Tammy Parker, and friend and clerk, Bryan Capnerhurst.

LOCAL VIDEO

Footage from Brett Parker's testimony

Brett Parker's testifies in his own defense Friday in his double-murder trial.

CLASS OF 2013

Class of 2013: Hammond senior serves her community

School: Hammond

LOCAL NEWS

More carp sought to keep Lake Murray weeds in check

It’s time again to add carp in Lake Murray to keep hydrilla and other weeds in check, according to a study commissioned by SCE&G. But the state Department of Natural Resources, which manages the wildlife in and around the lake, isn’t ready to put more weed-eating fish in the water.