Kevin Connaughton 1v4m6l

Digital Content Producer 486l43
1c654k

Regional 375h51
Becky Hill, the former Colleton County Clerk of Court linked to the Alex Murdaugh trial, had a...

Does 2023 interview shed light on Murdaugh trial clerk’s arrest? 3p4h4f

Updated: May 15, 2025 at 4:27 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
Becky Hill is accused of trying to sway Alex Murdaugh's jurors trial to sell copies of her book. She speaks about that book in a 2023 interview.

Regional
Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill is sworn in before giving testimony on alleged...

Former Murdaugh trial clerk arrested in Colleton County 86w52

Updated: May 14, 2025 at 11:01 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
Becky Hill, the former Colleton County Clerk of Court who has become a controversial figure in Alex Murdaugh’s double murder trial, has been arrested in Colleton County.

Regional
Mikal Mahdi

S.C. lawmakers ask for investigation into alleged ‘botched’ execution of death row inmate m2q1h

Updated: May 12, 2025 at 1:14 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
Two state representatives are asking the South Carolina government to launch an investigation into the execution of a death row inmate after his attorneys filed a complaint alleging the process was “botched.”

Regional
The South Carolina House of Representatives voted to a bill they hope would keep South...

Hands-free driving bill es SC House, heads to governor’s desk 1cn6s

Updated: May 8, 2025 at 3:53 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The South Carolina House of Representatives voted to a bill they hope would keep South Carolinians hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Regional
Rutherford County Schools has allegedly removed 18 books from school libraries without going...

S.C. leads nation in school book bans after votes to remove more titles 2t473x

Updated: May 8, 2025 at 9:12 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
Following a vote that removed 10 more books from public schools across the state, South Carolina is now the state with the most state-mandated public school book bans in the United States.

Regional
McMaster staffer appointed State Executive Director for SC Farm Service Agency

McMaster staffer appointed State Executive Director for S.C. Farm Service Agency 5zh2o

Updated: May 5, 2025 at 7:07 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
A staffer for South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is now taking a key position for the state within the United States Department of Agriculture.

Regional
A legacy cemented. The City of Columbia honored USC women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley with...

‘Merely a messenger:’ Dawn Staley’s legacy cemented with statue unveiling 73k1y

Updated: May 1, 2025 at 4:32 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton, Joshua Hemphill and Sam Shapiro
The city of Columbia honored University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball Coach Dawn Staley with a statue on Senate Street on Wednesday afternoon.

Local
O’Brian Grant

Funeral arrangements announced for Claflin University student killed in shooting 70662a

Updated: Apr. 23, 2025 at 3:22 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
A Claflin University student who was killed in a shooting over the weekend will be laid to rest Saturday.

National
A Sumter man has been arrested in connection with the deaths of his wife and his neighbor’s...

‘This is a horrific incident’: Man accused of shooting, killing his wife and an 11-year-old girl a4v22

Updated: Apr. 20, 2025 at 10:22 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton, Nick Neville and Gray News staff
An 80-year-old South Carolina man has been arrested in connection with the deaths of his wife and his neighbor’s 11-year-old child.

Local
Orangeburg County School District breaks ground on new elementary school

Orangeburg County district breaks ground for new school 6e3j3p

Updated: Apr. 7, 2025 at 12:15 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The Orangeburg County School District hosted a groundbreaking for a new elementary school on Monday morning.

Regional
The book is being challenged by a member of the Catawba County Board of Education.

10 challenged books to stay in S.C. school libraries for now 6266

Updated: Apr. 2, 2025 at 6:53 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The South Carolina Board of Education met to discuss the potential removal of 10 books from public school libraries but ultimately postponed the vote.

Regional
According to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, a perimeter has been constructed around...

Statewide burning ban lifted for most S.C. counties 1u6610

Updated: Mar. 31, 2025 at 7:22 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The State Forester’s Burning Ban that was enacted March 21 has been lifted for most counties in the Palmetto State, according to the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC).

Regional
What’s the coolest thing made in SC? Manufacturers want your input

What’s the coolest thing made in S.C.? Manufacturers want your input 11206q

Updated: Mar. 18, 2025 at 12:22 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
Jets, beds, drinks and more are all vying to be crowned the coolest thing made in South Carolina.

Regional
U.S. Navy brings mixed-reality experiences to Richland County high-schoolers

U.S. Navy brings mixed-reality experiences to South Carolina high-schoolers 4zg4t

Updated: Feb. 25, 2025 at 12:18 PM EST
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The U.S. Navy visited a Columbia high school on Monday with new technology in tow.

Regional
SC lawmakers look to combat school book removal efforts with ‘Freedom to Read’ bill

S.C. lawmakers combat book removal efforts in schools 2t1035

Updated: Feb. 20, 2025 at 5:49 AM EST
|
By Kevin Connaughton
Several Democratic State House representatives discussed a bill focused on access to books in public school libraries across South Carolina.

Regional
Santee Cooper officials are submitting their required three-year update to their long energy...

Officials push for utility choice after study of S.C. power grid 51623

Updated: Feb. 18, 2025 at 7:01 PM EST
|
By Kevin Connaughton
Lawmakers and manufacturing advocates pushed for retail choice after discussing an independent study Tuesday morning.

Regional
Charleston Police say they are investigating rape allegations against reality TV star and...

Former S.C. treasurer, ‘Southern Charm’ star running for governor dz3p

Updated: Feb. 7, 2025 at 4:26 PM EST
|
By Kevin Connaughton
Former state treasurer and Bravo reality TV star Thomas Ravenel announced he’s running for governor.

Regional
Cannabis Capitol Rally returns to the S.C. State House

Cannabis Capitol Rally returns to the S.C. State House 2h2l14

Updated: Feb. 3, 2025 at 7:08 AM EST
|
By Kevin Connaughton and Sam Shapiro
Last year, a bill to merge several agencies fell apart just short of reaching the governor’s desk. Now lawmakers are reviving that proposal.

Regional
Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary Nominee

Senate confirms S.C. native Scott Bessent as Treasury secretary 15166

Updated: Jan. 28, 2025 at 9:41 PM EST
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The U.S. Senate voted Monday to confirm hedge fund manager and South Carolina native Scott Bessent as the 79th Secretary of the Treasury.

Regional
Pile of Money

S.C. officials face backlash from lawmakers over $1.8B error 6zp64

Updated: Jan. 16, 2025 at 7:13 PM EST
|
By Kevin Connaughton
Opinions are split at the South Carolina State House over what consequences should result from a report one top lawmaker says displays “incompetence.”

News
South Carolina State House

S.C. lawmaker quits just 3 days into legislative session 3z2w53

Updated: Jan. 16, 2025 at 5:19 PM EST
|
By Kevin Connaughton
South Carolina State Representative Will Wheeler announced his resignation from office Thursday morning, only three days into the new legislative session.

Regional
Charles Austin, director of the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety (ODPS), said a child is...

1 in custody after 14-year-old killed in Orangeburg shooting 2i7365

Updated: Nov. 22, 2024 at 2:27 PM EST
|
By Sam Shapiro and Kevin Connaughton
Authorities are announcing an update in the investigation into the shooting death of 14-year-old Zaquan Corbett Jr.

Regional
Sexual assault evidence collection kit, or rape kit, from the SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

Report calls S.C. sexual assault kit tracking system ‘inefficient’ a5u1x

Updated: Nov. 4, 2024 at 12:16 PM EST
|
By Kevin Connaughton and Cynthia Beasley
The South Carolina General Assembly’s Legislative Audit Council conducted an audit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s sexual assault kit tracking system and found that improvements need to be made.

Regional
The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles faces a lawsuit accusing it of denying voter...

Over 730K cast ballots in first week of S.C. early voting 5t3z58

Updated: Oct. 28, 2024 at 4:05 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The South Carolina Election Commission announced Monday that around 735,400 South Carolinians have cast their ballots so far in early voting.

Regional
S.C. no vote

S.C. teens won’t get to vote after glitch blocked registration 3c3n5o

Updated: Oct. 26, 2024 at 4:14 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The American Civil Liberties Union and its South Carolina chapter have filed a lawsuit against South Carolina’s Department of Motor Vehicles and Election Commission.

News
The relief applies to all 46 counties through the Palmetto State and will be automatically...

Tax relief issued for South Carolinians after Hurricane Helene nl60

Updated: Oct. 8, 2024 at 8:31 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) announced Monday they are issuing relief to taxpayers in South Carolina after Hurricane Helene devastated the state.

Regional

Plans for ‘comedy roast’ of Harris at USC are raising eyebrows 5c2337

Updated: Sep. 10, 2024 at 4:57 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
After news about a controversial event at the University of South Carolina gained national attention, several public figures have taken time to respond.

Regional
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Danville 1963

S.C. public high schools will get MLK-inspired civics curriculum 651n5s

Updated: Aug. 30, 2024 at 6:38 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The South Carolina Department of Education announced that public high schools across the state will be receiving free civics educational resources.

Regional
All of these comments will be reviewed and included in the project record.

SCDOT asks Orangeburg residents to comment on S-77 bridge replacement project 593d10

Updated: Aug. 27, 2024 at 8:53 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is asking for the public to provide input on a proposed project in Orangeburg County.

Regional
MARENGO, IA - JULY 12: Chickens are prepared for judging at the Iowa County Fair on July 12,...

Hundreds of dead chickens found in river near Aiken County line 6f3of

Updated: Aug. 22, 2024 at 11:19 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton and Jordyn Markhoff
Hundreds of rotting chicken carcasses in feed bags were left near a bridge at the North Fork area of the Edisto River near the Aiken County line.

Regional
Vaccination

S.C. health officials address public to stress importance of vaccinations 464w2w

Updated: Aug. 19, 2024 at 2:57 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
Health officials are seeking to raise awareness about the importance of the human papillomavirus vaccine and other immunizations like shingles, tetanus, pneumococcal and more.

Regional
Orangeburg County Animal Shelter seeks homes for 23 dogs displaced by Tropical Storm Debby

Orangeburg County shelter seeks homes for dogs displaced by Debby 6gfp

Updated: Aug. 15, 2024 at 11:38 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The Orangeburg County Animal Shelter and Pawmetto Lifeline are asking the public to help find homes for 23 large-breed dogs.

Regional
Orangeburg County School District office

Orangeburg County district gets $40M for elementary school 72v4g

Updated: Aug. 14, 2024 at 12:58 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
South Carolina Superintendent Ellen Weaver announced a grant at a school board meeting as part of a broader initiative to fund projects statewide.

Regional
The federal government claims South Carolina owes nearly half-a-billion dollars to its only...

S.C. State works on housing crunch as students arrive 3d5n71

Updated: Aug. 13, 2024 at 8:46 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
South Carolina State University has limited beds in on-campus residence halls and off-campus space leased by the SC State Housing Foundation.

Regional
Sandbags can be an effective way to prevent or reduce flood water damage.

Orangeburg County offers sandbag pickup ahead of Hurricane Debby 71175e

Updated: Aug. 6, 2024 at 6:16 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton and Jordyn Markhoff
Orangeburg County officials announced they are offering sandbag pickup at various locations across the county ahead of Hurricane Debby.

Regional
Lee Correctional Institution corrpution

Inmates, guards charged in S.C. prison system crime crackdown 5d299

Updated: Jul. 31, 2024 at 4:49 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that multiple investigations into several state prisons have led to charges against both inmates and correctional officers.

National
A signal systems specialist, Baker was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters...

US soldier stationed in South Korea killed in car crash, officials say 22543

Updated: Jul. 21, 2024 at 6:13 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton, Tiffany Sarvis and Andrew McMunn
Staff Sgt. Dorian Baker died after a crash involving a single car in Pyeongtaek on June 29.

Regional
From left: Terrance Jackson and Lloyd Fulton

Orangeburg pair accused of pulling guns on dad, 11-year-old 3v3e23

Updated: Jul. 16, 2024 at 11:20 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office said two men have been arrested in connection with a robbery on Interstate 26.

Regional
The three students were all less than 20 years old when they were killed not far from where...

Orangeburg nonprofit holds march during youth mentoring program 44av

Updated: Jul. 12, 2024 at 10:23 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton and Jalen Tart
An Orangeburg nonprofit that has spent the summer mentoring kids held a Day of Service Campus March at South Carolina State University.

Regional
Interim director of new SC Department of Environmental Services introduces agency after DHEC...

Other agencies take over S.C. duties as DHEC shuts down 1i196w

Updated: Jul. 1, 2024 at 2:41 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The interim director of the new South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, Myra Reece, spoke to launch the agency and explain its roles and responsibilities.

Regional
This is the fifth year in a row the school has decided to keep tuition flat for in-state...

USC freezes in-state tuition for 5th consecutive year while raising prices for out-of-state students 1v584e

Updated: Jun. 28, 2024 at 7:48 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
The University of South Carolina (USC) announced Sunday they are freezing tuition for in-state students for the 2024-2025 school year while raising it for non-residents.

Local
KKTV

Company in Aiken getting $124K federal clean energy grant 436i1c

Updated: Jun. 27, 2024 at 1:53 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
An Aiken business is getting a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, part of more than $600,000 coming to South Carolina clean energy projects.

Regional
The fire occurred on Garden Hill Drive in the Summit neighborhood early Tuesday morning at...

Thanks to late-night video games, S.C. teen was awake to save family 6t4n71

Updated: Jun. 26, 2024 at 2:22 PM EDT
|
By Jalen Tart and Kevin Connaughton
Avante Weeks was playing video games with his friends when he heard popping noises, thinking his neighbors were enjoying an outside fire. It was actually a house fire.

Regional
Graduation cap and money

Court blocks student loan forgiveness plan for South Carolina p3s6y

Updated: Jun. 26, 2024 at 11:37 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
A U.S. district judge granted South Carolina’s request to temporarily block President Joe Biden’s student loan repayment plan, according to South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.

National
Police in South Carolina are investigating after a 5-year-old child was found unresponsive at...

5-year-old dies after being found unresponsive at apartment pool, police say 3r156s

Updated: Jun. 2, 2024 at 8:15 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton and Gray News staff
A child was found unresponsive in the pool area of a Columbia, South Carolina apartment last week.

Regional
The investigation is ongoing.

Suspect in Cordova double-murder stabbed twice in Orangeburg jail 4fu3w

Updated: May 16, 2024 at 3:04 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
A man accused of shooting and killing two people was stabbed twice while detained at the Orangeburg County Detention Center.

Local
Meter Infrastructure and Dispatch Manager Larry Yonce, Manager of Operations Marty Silvers and...

Aiken Electric gets federal assistance to boost infrastructure 6m5fc

Updated: May 15, 2024 at 8:26 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
Aiken Electric Cooperative is receiving a portion of $257 million headed to South Carolina for electric infrastructure to serve rural communities.

Traffic
FIRST ALERT TRAFFIC: Columbia Road in Orangeburg closed due to traffic incident

4 dead in multi-vehicle crash in Orangeburg, troopers say 243z4w

Updated: May 14, 2024 at 9:22 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton, Joshua Hemphill and Mayra Parrilla Guerrero
The Orangeburg County Fire District (OCFD) announced Tuesday morning that Columbia Road has been blocked due to a traffic incident.

Regional
The Poultry Festival said the event now exceeds over 100,000 guests.

SC Poultry Festival returns to Batesburg-Leesville 3x575s

Updated: May 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
It’s time to flap your wings and fly over to Batesburg-Leesville because the South Carolina Poultry Festival has returned to the Midlands!

Regional
Rep. Jim Clyburn

Clyburn among 19 awarded with Presidential Medal of Freedom 3r5v22

Updated: May 3, 2024 at 2:02 PM EDT
|
By Kevin Connaughton
President Joe Biden announced he is awarding South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Latest News 5h5t1t

Crews deal with damage after a storm blew through on the night of June 7, 2025.
Deadly storm leaves a path of damage through CSRA 1s26b
Former Braves first-round pick Cameron Caminiti shines in Greenjackets season debut
Former Braves first-round pick Cameron Caminiti shines in Greenjackets debut 493i51
Nicolas Kirchner-Prola
After multi-state manhunt, double-murder suspect arrested in CSRA 5v651f
James Fredrick Smith Jr. was last seen driving a red Ford pickup truck a Georgia tag RKF2349...
Have you seen this missing Burke County man? 2e60j
In honor of Gun Violence Awareness month, Jeremiah’s Sports Foundation held the Youth Fun...
Youth Fun Festival brings awareness to gun violence in Aiken 5q135h

Latest News 5h5t1t

The Mayor’s Office collaborated with the sheriff’s office and other city departments in the...
Operation City Clean-up initiative helps beautify Augusta 5a83t
Three men are wanted by the Richmond County Sheriff's Office on separate aggravated assault...
Deputies searching for 3 men wanted on separate aggravated assault charges 44a3h
The coroner’s office says 60-year-old Lisa Lazier, of Thomson, died in the crash, which...
Victim ID’d in deadly crash in McDuffie County 6ed5v
Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced the arrest of three suspects after an...
3 suspects arrested in big Orangeburg County drug bust 6k1g5h
Taylor Brown was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare blood disorder, and this week marks...
Evans 16-year-old donates music therapy cart to Children’s Health Care of Atlanta 2l1w2u
The Sandersville Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to Sunrise...
One person shot at apartment complex in Washington County, officials say 374d5u