Author: Charleston Daily

NEW HAVEN, Conn., May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Avelo Airlines announced today that it is extending its Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) flight schedule through Jan. 5, 2027, just in time to start planning winter and holiday travel. Travelers can make reservations at AveloAir.com.

Avelo Airlines Head of Commercial Trevor Yealy said, “It’s time to start planning winter and holiday travel, and we are excited to extend Avelo’s New Haven flight schedule through early-January 2027. With Avelo’s everyday low fares and industry-leading reliability, it’s the perfect time for travelers to get a head start on booking their holiday vacations or weekend getaways to over 25 popular destinations. Avelo offers somewhere for everyone – from award-winning beaches to outdoor adventure destinations, to cultural and entertainment hotspots and more.”

Avelo serves 28 nonstop destinations from HVN, including:

• Atlanta, Ga. (ATL)
• Charleston, S.C. (CHS)
• Charlotte / Concord, N.C. (USA)
• Chicago, Ill. (via ORD)
• Cleveland, Ohio (CLE)
• Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW)
• Daytona Beach, Fla. (DAB)
• Detroit, Mich. (DTW)
• Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (FLL)
• Fort Myers, Fla. (RSW)
• Greenville / Spartanburg, S.C. (GSP)
• Houston, Texas (Hobby) (HOU)
• Indianapolis, Ind. (IND)
• Jacksonville, Fla. (JAX)
• Key West, Fla. (EYW)
• Knoxville, Tenn. (TYS)
• Myrtle Beach, S.C. (MYR)
• Nashville, Tenn. (BNA)
• Orlando, Fla. (MCO)
• Orlando / Lakeland, Fla. (LAL)
• Raleigh / Durham, N.C. (RDU)
• San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
• Sarasota / Bradenton, Fla. (SRQ)
• Savannah, Ga. / Hilton Head, S.C. (SAV)
• Tampa, Fla. (TPA)
• Washington, D.C. / Baltimore, Md. (BWI)
• West Palm Beach, Fla. (PBI)
• Wilmington, N.C. (ILM)

America’s Most Reliable and Convenient Airline
Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown more than 9.5 million Customers on over 75,000 flights. Today Avelo serves 34 destinations spanning 14 states and Puerto Rico.

Avelo has ushered in a new era of convenience, choice and competition by flying to primarily underserved communities nationwide. Most Avelo routes include at least one small, convenient airport, making traveling with Avelo a smoother, easier and more enjoyable experience than contending with the crowds, congestion and long walks at larger airports.

Avelo is distinguished by its industry-leading reliability. In 2025, Avelo ranked in the top three in on-time performance and flight cancellation rate in the U.S. airline industry. These results are provided by Anuvu, a leading aviation data services company also utilized by The Wall Street Journal for the publication’s annual airline ranking. Anuvu’s complete industry results and rankings are available at AveloAir.com.

Avelo also delivers strong Customer satisfaction, reflected in the airline’s Net Promoter Scores (NPS), which consistently rank among the best airlines and most admired brands in the world.

Avelo Airlines launched Avelo PLUS in fall 2025, a new membership program offering travelers exclusive benefits and savings. Members enjoy discounted fares, free priority boarding, special promotions and the ability to share rewards with up to nine others. Designed to add value and convenience, Avelo PLUS enhances the airline’s affordable service with added rewards for loyal customers.

About Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines’ purpose is to Inspire Travel by saving travelers time and money. The airline offers Customers safe, convenient travel, everyday low fares, and a caring travel experience. Avelo stands out as the leading U.S. airline in on-time performance and reliability. The airline currently operates a fleet of Boeing Next Generation 737 aircraft and in 2028, will become the first U.S. airline to fly Embraer 195-E2s, with an order of up to 100 new aircraft. Today Avelo serves more than 30 popular destinations across the United States, including its four bases at Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), the Philadelphia / Delaware Valley region’s Wilmington Airport (ILG), Central Florida’s Lakeland International Airport (LAL) and Charlotte’s Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA). In late 2026, the airline will open a fifth base at North Dallas’s McKinney National Airport (TKI). For more information visit AveloAir.com.

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GREENVILLE, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Greenville returned a 10-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Elisa Marie Rosario, 33, and  Jeremy Todd Lark, a/k/a “Jeremy Abdul Wakil Jones,” 42, both of Roebuck, and Kezayvian Lee Campbell, 19, of Greenville, with robbery affecting commerce and conspiracy to do the same, kidnapping resulting in death and conspiracy to do the same, use of a firearm during a crime of violence to cause death, obstruction of justice, interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, destruction of the vehicle, by fire, to prevent its search and seizure by law enforcement and providing false statements to federal agents.

The indictment alleges that beginning on or about June 16, 2025, a Spartanburg County couple and a third man executed a scheme to kidnap and rob M.B.G., a person engaged in a business and activities affecting interstate commerce, of money, jewelry, a cell phone, and a 2025 Hyundai Genesis he rented from Enterprise. The defendants are alleged to have enticed M.B.G. to travel from South Carolina to Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee, North Carolina under the pretense of a date with Rosario. In preparation for their trip to North Carolina, the defendants were in possession of two firearms and other materials they planned to use in the commission of the charged crimes, including latex gloves and masks. 

The indictment also alleges that in the early morning hours of June 17, shortly after he arrived at the casino, Rosario urged the victim to leave. Rosario and the victim then took a quick trip to a nearby convenience store. After a few minutes inside the store, Rosario drove the victim away from the store parking lot and then pulled the car over at a location where Campbell exited Lark’s car and entered the victim’s car. The three defendants, traveling in two cars, then held and transported the victim 12 miles away into Sylva, North Carolina to rob him. According to the indictment, during the robbery, the defendants shot the victim with a firearm, resulting in his death. While traveling, the defendants discarded the victim’s property. Later that evening, authorities in Spartanburg located the victim’s body and his burning rental car in a wooded area near the intersection of Woodburn Road and Pinecrest Road. The victim’s jewelry was found in the defendants’ Roebuck residence.

“The alleged actions of these defendants show a dark and devious scheme that crossed states lines and ultimately resulted in death,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones as we take this step toward justice.”

“This alleged conduct was callous and showed a deliberate disregard for human life,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore. “This multi-count indictment is the result of a thorough, data-driven, and forensically supported investigation conducted jointly by the FBI and the Spartanburg Police Department. The collaboration was instrumental in identifying, building a case against, and apprehending the defendants. We will continue to use every available investigative and judicial resource to pursue justice and ensure that those who commit such crimes are held fully accountable.”

“This case represents the strength and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies working together toward a common goal,” said Major Art Littlejohn of the Spartanburg Police Department. “Through the coordinated efforts of investigators, local, state, and federal partners, justice was pursued for the victim and his family. I want to commend every agency for their dedication and commitment throughout this complex investigation.” 

Each of the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and are currently detained pending a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin F. McDonald.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Spartanburg Police Department, and the Spartanburg Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leesa Washington is prosecuting the case.  

All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: U.S. Attorney General’s Office

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today celebrated Sheria Clarke being confirmed as a U.S. District Court Judge for South Carolina. She was confirmed by a vote of 52 to 38.

“I am very pleased that the Senate has confirmed Sheria Clarke as a U.S. District Court Judge for South Carolina with a bipartisan vote. With extraordinary credentials, an impeccable character and a deep commitment to the rule of law, Ms. Clarke is exactly the kind of person who should be a federal judge,” said Senator Graham. “I am fully confident that Judge Clarke will apply the law fairly to all South Carolinians. Once again, I would like to thank President Trump for making such an outstanding pick.” 

Background on Sheria Clarke’s nomination:

On February 12, President Trump nominated Sheria Clarke to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. Clarke’s many accomplishments include working under former U.S. Congressman Trey Gowdy (R-South Carolina) and serving as a federal prosecutor in South Carolina. 

Throughout this process, Senator Graham was unwavering in his support for Ms. Clarke. As a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he successfully advocated to advance her nomination through the committee.

During President Trump’s first term, Senator Graham worked with him to confirm a record number of federal judges who have upheld the original meaning of the Constitution and our nation’s laws. Graham’s backing of Clarke exemplifies his continued commitment to help President Trump place qualified jurists on the federal bench for life.

Source: Office of Senator Lindsey Graham

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Mace delivers federal dollars for cutting-edge UAS capabilities across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties

CHARLESTON, S.C. (May 19, 2026) – Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) today announced Charleston County and Joint Base Charleston have been awarded $1.9 million through the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs Military Enhancement Fund Grant to expand unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) capabilities across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties.

“This is a major win for the Lowcountry,” said Congresswoman Mace. “UAS and counter-UAS capabilities are a priority for our national defense and domestic security. This investment positions Joint Base Charleston and the tri-county region as leaders in drone technology while strengthening our ability to respond to emergencies, support mutual aid operations, and protect our communities from the ground up.”

The grant will expand Joint Base Charleston’s existing Drone Operations Management System across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties, ensuring interoperable drone programs operate in concert with the U.S. Air Force and the FAA. The investment will strengthen national security, enhance regional emergency response, and support mutual aid operations across shared airspace.

Rep. Mace’s office wrote a letter of support for the application, recognizing UAS and counter-UAS capabilities as a priority for national defense and domestic security.

See Letter Below:

Source: Office of Congresswoman Nancy Mace

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By Mark A. Leon

As the sun begins to dip behind the Charleston skyline and basslines echo across the waterfront, High Tide Music Festival transforms the Lowcountry into one of the Southeast’s most energetic summer celebrations. Known for blending world-class electronic music, immersive art installations, sunset views, and an electric coastal atmosphere, the festival has quickly become a must-attend event for music lovers traveling to Charleston from across the country. From massive main-stage performances to VIP lounges and riverside dancing, High Tide delivers a full weekend experience where music, nightlife, and Charleston’s scenic beauty collide. 

Festival Details

• Festival Dates: June 5–6, 2026 
• Location: Riverfront Park, Charleston, South Carolina 
• Official Website: High Tide Festival Official Site
• Age Requirement: 21+ only 
• Stay connected on Instagram

Tickets & Passes

Festival passes are currently on sale with several experience tiers available:

• General Admission: Access to 50+ DJs across two stages, food truck villages, cocktail gardens, art installations, and interactive activations.
• VIP Passes: Includes expedited entry, exclusive VIP areas, premium bars, front-of-stage viewing, upgraded restrooms, and priority access to afterparties.
• Stage Access Passes: Premium viewing directly from on-stage areas with elevated experiences.
• Super VIP Tables: Concierge service, shaded lounges, premium elevated viewing decks, and private table experiences for groups. 

Featured Artists

The 2026 lineup includes internationally recognized electronic music acts and DJs, highlighted by:

• The Chainsmokers
• Louis The Child

Additional performers and DJs are expected throughout the multi-stage weekend experience. 

VIP Experience

High Tide’s VIP program has become one of the festival’s biggest draws. Guests receive:

• Dedicated VIP lounges
• Fast-track entry lanes
• Premium cocktail bars
• Front-stage viewing access
• Air-conditioned restrooms
• Exclusive sponsor activations
• Priority access to official pre-parties and afterparties 

Why High Tide Stands Out

Unlike many urban music festivals, High Tide combines a large-scale electronic music experience with Charleston’s scenic waterfront backdrop. The festival emphasizes more than just performances — featuring immersive lifestyle activations, silent discos, interactive art, food experiences, and sunset riverside lounging that create a full weekend destination atmosphere. 

For tickets, lineup announcements, hotel packages, and shuttle information, visit:

• Buy High Tide Festival Passes
• Festival Lineup & Info

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By Mark A. Leon

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of independence, Charleston is preparing to become one of the nation’s premier stages for Revolutionary War history. This summer, the city and surrounding Lowcountry will host “Carolina Days & Heritage 250,” a sweeping multi-site celebration filled with reenactments, immersive storytelling, cultural demonstrations, live performances, and tributes to the people and places that shaped the American Revolution.

Centered around historic landmarks such as Middleton Place and Marion Square, the commemoration transforms Charleston into a living history experience where visitors can step directly into the sights, sounds, and stories of the 18th century.

From June 28 through July 5, 2026, the citywide activation known as “The Revolutionary City” will feature coordinated programming across Charleston’s historic sites, museums, and public spaces. Organizers describe the event as an immersive Revolutionary-era landscape designed to encourage residents and visitors alike to explore multiple locations throughout the week. 

At the heart of the celebration will be Heritage 250 at Marion Square, where one of Charleston’s most historic public spaces will become a vibrant living museum. Daily programming includes Revolutionary War reenactments, traditional arts and craft demonstrations, theatrical performances, music, dance, and educational discussions focused on Charleston’s role in America’s fight for independence. 

Meanwhile, Middleton Place will host a series of themed Carolina Days events celebrating South Carolina’s Revolutionary heritage. Highlights include:

• June 28, 2026 — Carolina Day: commemorating the pivotal Battle of Sullivan’s Island.
• July 1, 2026 — Our Carolina Story: featuring art, music, and theater presentations.
• July 2, 2026 — Made in Carolina: spotlighting South Carolina-made goods and traditions.
• July 4, 2026 — Independence Day: honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 

Additional commemorative events will take place at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, where living history demonstrations and ceremonies will honor the Battle of Sullivan’s Island — one of the earliest and most significant Patriot victories of the Revolutionary War. 

Charleston’s deep Revolutionary roots make it a fitting centerpiece for America’s semiquincentennial celebrations. More battles of the Revolutionary War were fought in South Carolina than in any other colony, and the Charleston region played a defining role in shaping the nation’s early fight for freedom. 

For visitors, Carolina Days & Heritage 250 offers far more than a history lesson. It is an immersive journey into the people, traditions, music, craftsmanship, and culture of Revolutionary-era Charleston — all set against the backdrop of one of America’s most historic cities.

Additional event information and updates can be found through:

• SC250 Charleston
• Middleton Place Events
• Explore Charleston Event Calendar

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By Kristina Thacker

A report released Thursday, May 14, 2026, by the South Carolina Office of the Inspector General (SCOIG) details the 13 month long investigation. It found the State Treasurer’s Office (STO) approved a $31 million loan to the State Election Commission for new voting machines.

Part of the loan agreement? A near 214% compounding late fee that the report says caused a cycle of debt.

The report also found the voting machine purchase violated state procurement laws. Separate reporting errors shifted $65 million away from the state’s general fund.

The report did not find evidence of criminal misconduct or fraud.

Treasurer Loftis denied fault in a statement and instead blamed the issues on the state’s former elections chief.

“The STO’s master lease program did not cause or contribute to the missteps of the State Election Commission related to the acquisition and management of its voting machines,” said Loftis. “The Election Commission and its former staff are under investigation based on numerous allegations of wrongdoing and criminal activity.”

Loftis is seeking reelection for state treasurer in November. While he disagrees with some of the report’s findings, Loftis maintains the SCOIG’s report is evidence of his innocence when it comes to criminal allegations.

“Today’s Inspector General report confirms an important truth: there was no finding of fraud, theft, personal enrichment, criminal misconduct or malfeasance by me or my office,” Loftis said.

Source: South Carolina Public Radio

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A new law discriminates against trans students in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities

COLUMBIA – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has signed into law House Bill 4756, which will require transgender students in South Carolina public schools and universities to use restrooms and changing facilities that do not match their gender.

ACLU of South Carolina Executive Director Jace Woodrum, who is the first transgender director of a state ACLU affiliate, gave the following statement:

“We all care about safety and privacy for students; this law isn’t about that. This law is about making life harder for a small group of students who already face higher risks of bullying, harassment, and violence.

“Transgender people have always been a part of our communities. For decades, educators have ensured the safety and privacy of all students without banishing transgender young people. Just ten years ago, the state’s Republican leaders considered laws like this to be unnecessary and harmful. Today, transgender people are an obsession for politicians who’d rather target vulnerable kids than solve the real problems we face.

“Our lawmakers have a responsibility to protect all students, including transgender youth. If our legislators were really worried about privacy and safety, they’d invest in stalls, privacy screens, and single-user facilities. Instead, they want to treat transgender youth like outcasts and force them to use portable toilets outside.

“These callous acts by our state lawmakers do not reflect the values and priorities of South Carolinians who believe that all students, including transgender students, should have a fair chance to succeed. To transgender South Carolinians who are feeling despair, know this: we are still here, and we will never stop fighting alongside you.”

Gov. McMaster signed the bill into law on Friday, May 15. In the course of advancing the bill, the South Carolina Senate amended H. 4756 so that schools can install a temporary outdoor facility for transgender students — in other words, a porta-potty. The bill signed by the governor includes that amendment.

The new law affects both children and adults. It threatens to cut 25% of state operations funding to any school district, college, or university found to be in violation. The law also enables people to file lawsuits against schools if they believe a person has entered the “wrong” facility.

Source: ACLU South Carolina

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COLUMBIA— The South Carolina Department of Public Safety seeks to maintain the standards of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). In order to meet and exceed these standards, SCDPS is asking the public for input about the agency. 

From now until July 17, 2026, SCDPS encourages the public to submit feedback about the agency and any of its law enforcement divisions, which includes the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the South Carolina State Transport Police, and the South Carolina Bureau of Protective Services. 

Public comments can be submitted at the CALEA Public Portal here.

Comments may include feedback of all kinds, including concerns or praise, and should be submitted at the CALEA portal link. Please note that any public feedback found on SCDPS social media platforms or sent to any SCDPS inbox will NOT be submitted to the CALEA portal.

The purpose of the public comment period is to allow SCDPS to receive feedback regarding compliance with CALEA standards and continuously strengthen the agency’s relations with the communities we serve. The overall intent of the process is to gather public feedback and information to support continuous improvement and foster our pursuit of professional excellence.

Read more about CALEA accreditation and find the public comment portal link on our website here – CALEA Accreditation | SCDPS.

IMPORTANT: CALEA is not an investigatory body; subsequently, the public portal should not be used to submit information for investigative purposes. Additionally, there will be no response other than an acknowledgment of submissions. However, the information will be considered in context to its relevancy to compliance with the standards and tenets of CALEA Accreditation. Standard titles may be viewed on the CALEA website.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, and the Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.

Mace pushes to protect South Carolina ratepayers from Big Tech’s energy grab

CHARLESTON, S.C. (May 18, 2026) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) called for a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in South Carolina, putting Big Tech on notice: South Carolina families will not foot the bill for their massive energy demands.

“South Carolina is not Big Tech’s personal power grid,” said Congresswoman Mace. “These companies are planting massive data centers across our state, driving up energy demand, and leaving families and small businesses to pick up the tab. South Carolinians are already stretched thin. The last thing they need is a higher electricity bill subsidizing Big Tech’s bottom line.”

Reports say South Carolina has become a destination for data centers over the years and more are expected to come. Every new facility brings with it surging energy demand, costly grid upgrades, and growing pressure on utility companies to recover those expenses from ratepayers. South Carolina families cannot afford to keep picking up the tab.

A one-year moratorium gives lawmakers the time needed to put real protections in place. Any framework moving forward must require data centers to fully cover the cost of the energy they consume and any grid upgrades their operations demand. South Carolina families and small businesses should not pay a dime of it.

“A one-year moratorium gives South Carolina the chance to get this right,” added Mace. “When it is over, the rules are simple: data centers pay their own way or they do not come here. We don’t want to see eminent domain like what’s happening in Georgia, either.”

Congresswoman Mace’s push to protect South Carolina ratepayers is part of her broader cost-of-living agenda for the First District and the state.

Source: Office of Congresswoman Nancy Mace

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