The federal government has spent roughly $10 million in taxpayer funds on pro-Trump ads after the president said a super PAC would cover the cost instead. In total, nearly $22 million in public money has gone toward the ads, which the White House characterizes as public service announcements, with about half spent after Trump's funding pledge.

The Justice Department's civil rights division has been significantly reshaped under Harmeet Dhillon, who has pushed out hundreds of longtime attorneys and replaced many with less experienced staff seen as ideological allies. The division's enforcement powers are reportedly now being used to advance the president's political agenda, marking a major shift in a core federal civil rights institution.

Immigration agents searched the home of Rep. Ilhan Omar, a prominent Trump critic in Congress. Omar characterized the search as an attempt to target political enemies and vowed not to be silenced, raising concerns about the use of federal law enforcement against sitting members of Congress.

Candidates vying for South Carolina's U.S. Senate seat met in Columbia for a debate ahead of the upcoming election. The debate gives voters a direct look at where candidates stand on key issues as the race heats up.

Early voting for South Carolina's November midterm elections is set to begin next week. Voters should be aware of key dates and requirements as the window opens for in-person early voting.

New South Carolina school report cards show improvements in both test scores and graduation rates. The data reflects broader trends in the state's K-12 education system heading into the 2026 reporting cycle.

Ukraine is assembling a makeshift ballistic missile defense system using a mix of stockpile transfers, Patriot and Aster missile licenses, and the domestically developed Freyja interceptor. The approach reflects Kyiv's urgent need to protect against Russian missile attacks as winter approaches, but officials say time is running short to build a robust shield. This patchwork strategy highlights the broader challenges Ukraine faces in securing consistent, large-scale air defense support from allies.