IJR News

SC to Lead 2028 Democratic Calendar Remains First

Democrats are moving to overhaul the 2028 presidential nominating calendar, likely removing Iowa from the lead and prioritizing more diverse early states such as Nevada and South Carolina to reflect the party’s coalition. The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee will debate and potentially vote on the early-window lineup in coming days, with final approval expected at the August meeting, as races for momentum and coalition-building hinge on which states vote first.

Jul 27, 2026

Crime

Nashville Man Arrested on Rape and Child Exploitation Charges Involving 16-Year-Old

Authorities in several states announced arrests of men accused of sexual exploitation or abuse of minors, tied to online activity, dating-app encounters, or shared images. The cases include Gary Michael Brown in South Carolina charged with second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor; Shaun Medley in Tennessee charged with aggravated statutory rape and aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor; Ricky Kendrick in Kentucky charged with first-degree sexual abuse and unlawful transaction with a minor; and Ian Hallagan in Tennessee charged with sexual exploitation of a minor.

Jul 25, 2026

Theft

Armed Robberies Across Baltimore, Spartanburg, DC

{"summary_text": "Police across several states are investigating multiple armed robberies, with suspects described or identified in Maryland, South Carolina, Washington, D.C., and Texas, and authorities offering rewards for information in some cases. In at least one incident, four suspects were arrested after a chase, while other cases remain under active investigation with descriptions and case numbers released to aid public tips.", "summary_source_titles": []}

Jul 25, 2026

DNC

Democrats eye August vote on 2028 primary calendar

The Democratic Party is poised to finalize the 2028 primary calendar this week to address past chaos and broaden early-state representation as South Carolina seeks to remain first in line, while polling suggests Democrats face a slimmer path to a House majority and several Michigan candidates have dropped out, reshaping August primary contests. Analysts warn the 2028 presidential primary could be make-or-break for the party’s direction, highlighting high-stakes internal dynamics between moderates and progressives.

Jul 24, 2026

Markets

EnerSys plans 1 GWh defense-focused lithium plant

EnerSys has refined its Greenville, South Carolina lithium-ion plant plan to a defense- and aerospace-focused facility with an initial capacity of about 1 gigawatt-hour and a smaller footprint, backed by roughly $150 million in DOE grants and about $200 million in state and local incentives, for a total investment near $500 million and board approval. The project targets FEOC-compliant, U.S.-based production to bolster national security and supply chain resilience, moving away from Verkor technology in favor of its defense-focused supplier network, with construction expected in early FY2028 and production about three years later.

United States U.S. Department of Energy

Jul 23, 2026

US Politics

Sanford Enters SC Senate Race

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford launched a bid for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Lindsey Graham, arguing that tackling the national debt and reforming Washington's finances are essential for future generations. He enters a crowded GOP primary, having converted his old House committee into a Senate campaign account and releasing a YouTube announcement ahead of the July 2026 filing and primary landscape.

Lindsey Graham Mark Sanford

Jul 23, 2026

US Politics

Graham funeral plans set for DC and SC

Memorial plans for Senator Lindsey Graham span Washington, D.C. and South Carolina, beginning with a Capitol arrival ceremony on July 28 carried by an Armed Forces Body Bearer Team, a private Rotunda program, and a 2 p.m. Washington National Cathedral service with a Trump tribute, followed by a state-m courtesy procession and funeral in Columbia with a flyover and public opportunities to pay respects. The events will conclude with South Carolina ceremonies on July 29, including a State House procession and First Baptist Church of Columbia service, with livestreams available for public viewing.

Donald Trump Lindsey Graham

Jul 21, 2026

US Politics

Mace not entering Graham Senate seat

Rep. Nancy Mace said she will not run for the South Carolina Senate seat left by the late Lindsey Graham, citing unfinished business and a focus on issues she’s been fighting for. President Donald Trump endorsed Darline Graham Nordone, the interim senator and front-runner for the August 11 special GOP primary, reinforcing her position as the leading candidate as other contenders weigh their bids.

Jul 20, 2026

SC to Lead 2028 Democratic Calendar Remains First

Nashville Man Arrested on Rape and Child Exploitation Charges Involving 16-Year-Old

Armed Robberies Across Baltimore, Spartanburg, DC

Democrats eye August vote on 2028 primary calendar

EnerSys plans 1 GWh defense-focused lithium plant

Sanford Enters SC Senate Race

Graham funeral plans set for DC and SC

Mace not entering Graham Senate seat

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