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On October 4, the South Carolina home of Judge Diane Goodstein, who recently ruled against President Trump, was destroyed by fire. Judge Goodstein was unharmed, but her husband and two others were hospitalized with injuries after the blaze. Although initial reports suggested an explosion, investigators have since stated that they have not found any evidence of arson or a pre-fire explosion. Judge Goodstein’s ruling against the Trump administration and the recent threats she received, have raised suspicions, while investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
The home of South Carolina Judge Diane Goodstein was destroyed by a fire on Saturday, resulting in three hospitalizations, including her husband. Authorities, including the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), are investigating the cause of the blaze, which remains undetermined. The incident has drawn attention due to the judge’s recent ruling against the Trump administration and subsequent online criticism, although there is currently no evidence of arson. The investigation is ongoing, and SLED has stated that more information may become available as it progresses.
South Carolina State University experienced two shootings on Saturday night during its Homecoming celebration, prompting a campus lockdown. The incidents occurred at Hugine Suites, resulting in one fatality, a female guest, and two other injuries. The university’s Homecoming concert was canceled, and officials have requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to investigate. Counseling services are available for students as the investigation continues and the campus remains secured.
South Carolina health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak in the Upstate region, with eight cases reported as of Wednesday, five of which are part of a newly identified outbreak. The outbreak is defined as three or more linked cases, and the individuals involved are unvaccinated. Health officials are concerned about the rapid spread of the highly contagious disease in communities with low immunization rates, as the source of some cases is unknown, indicating unrecognized community spread. To prevent further spread, officials urge those feeling ill to stay home, notify healthcare providers, and cooperate with investigations, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
Former South Carolina Representative RJ May will plead guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material. Using the screen name “joebidennnn69”, May exchanged 220 files of child sexual abuse content on the Kik social media network. The plea agreement includes five counts, each carrying a five to 20-year prison sentence, as well as sex offender registration and potential fines. May, who was acting as his own attorney, resigned earlier this year and was previously incarcerated.
RJ May, a former South Carolina state lawmaker, has agreed to plead guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material, after allegedly exchanging over 200 explicit files. May resigned from the South Carolina House of Representatives last month and faces up to 20 years in prison on each of five counts, along with sex offender registration and a potential $250,000 fine. The former lawmaker was using the screen name “joebidennnn69” and was also acting as his own attorney. May has been in custody since June after being arrested while serving his third term in the South Carolina House.
South Carolina House member RJ May, under the screen name “joebidennnn69,” has agreed to plead guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material. The former Republican, who resigned earlier this year, is accused of exchanging 220 files of child sexual abuse content on Kik. Facing up to 20 years in prison per count, May will also be required to register as a sex offender and could be fined $250,000. May, who acted as his own attorney, is scheduled to formally change his plea in federal court.
Alan Hovorka is a breaking news and courts reporter currently working for The Post & Courier. Before joining the team, he honed his reporting skills covering government and education. Hovorka, a graduate of Ball State University in Indiana, spent five years working in central Wisconsin. He later relocated to the Lowcountry to continue his career.
GOP Rep. Nancy Mace faced an embarrassing setback when a scheduled speech to Moms for Liberty was canceled due to a meager turnout of only eight attendees. The event, which organizers hoped would draw 100 people, forced Mace to retreat backstage before eventually addressing those present and fielding media questions. This incident adds to a series of public missteps for Mace, who is currently vying for South Carolina’s governorship and has been attempting to align herself with Donald Trump and MAGA ideology. Notably, Mace has faced criticism for her comments and actions, including an incident where she lost her composure with a reporter and a controversial statement about watching ICE deportation raids.
John Q. Hosedrinker