South-Carolina
Ralph Norman criticizes South Carolina Senate over proposal to raise lawmakers’ pay
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — U.S Rep. Ralph Norman, a Republican candidate for governor, criticized members of the South Carolina Senate on Tuesday after a subcommittee advanced a bill that would significantly increase lawmakers’ salaries.
The proposal, Senate Bill 933, would raise legislators’ annual compensation from $22,400 to $47,500, up from the current structure of $10,400 in base pay and $1,000 per month for district expenses. The measure would also allow automatic pay increases every two years after House elections, tied to inflation but capped at 5%.
Norman, who announced his gubernatorial campaign earlier this year, said the pay proposal is disconnected from the financial pressures facing South Carolinians. In a statement, he called for greater accountability and opposed automatic raises for legislators.
“No legislator in Columbia deserves a pay raise,” Norman said. “This is irresponsible and a waste of taxpayer dollars! I am running for governor to Clean Up Columbia and get rid of the waste, fraud, and abuse, and we must begin by stopping these reckless pay raise schemes that are getting little to no attention! Taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability!”
READ MORE | Rep. Ralph Norman files for governor
This stance is nothing new for Norman, who, in his campaign announcement, referred to sitting lawmakers as “crooks who use taxpayer dollars for their own benefit,” a message the representative from South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District has steadfastly committed to.
Supporters of the bill say higher compensation is necessary to reflect inflation and to broaden who can serve in the General Assembly, arguing that current compensation limits participation to those who are retired, independently wealthy or able to maintain outside employment and discourages individuals from diverse economic backgrounds from serving.
Under the proposal, the $47,500 annual compensation would cover both salary and district-related expenses, resulting in a raise of about $25,100 for lawmakers. The committee also voted to adjust how retirement benefits would be calculated under the new compensation structure to avoid unintended consequences.
The legislation follows a failed attempt last year to increase lawmakers’ in-district pay through the state budget. The South Carolina Supreme Court struck down that increase on the basis that lawmakers could not raise their own pay mid-term. The court’s ruling eliminated all in-district compensation because of the way the provision was written. Lawmakers later restored the $1,000 monthly in-district payment for the current fiscal year.
Norman has linked the state debate to a separate lawsuit filed by several current and former members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, DS.C., seeking retroactive pay increases. Norman warned that a successful outcome could lead to additional taxpayer-funded compensation, though the case is unrelated to the state legislation.
Norman, first elected to Congress in 2016, is one of several Republicans expected to compete in South Carolina’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
US Sen. Lindsey Graham’s connection to his hometown, favorite lunch
This longtime Seneca restaurant employee recalls U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham visiting over the years as well as his favorite lunch.
Information on funeral arrangements for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham are starting to come together in South Carolina and in Washington, D.C.
Graham, who died on July 11 due to aortic dissection, will have events take place in the nation’s capital and in his home state in late July, but there has not been much information released about what the events will entail or whether the long-term politician will lie in state in either location.
Here’s what we know about Graham’s funeral arrangements so far.
Will Lindsey Graham be lying in state in Washington, D.C.? South Carolina?
As of Friday, July 17, there has been no plans announced for Graham to lie in state in Washington, D.C., or in South Carolina.
When will a funeral service for Lindsey Graham be in South Carolina?
Taylor Reidy, Graham’s communications director, announced that there will be a service for Graham in Pickens County and Columbia on Wednesday, July 29.
When is the funeral service for Lindsey Graham in Washington, D.C.?
Reidy stated the service for Graham in Washington, D.C., will take place on Tuesday, July 28.
Will the public be able to attend the funeral services for Lindsey Graham?
While the days for services for Graham have been announced, there is no schedule of events available, nor is it clear whether the public will be able to attend as part of the arrangements.
Reidy stated in her social media post that additional details would be forthcoming.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at July 16, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from July 16 drawing
Midday: 9-7-1, FB: 5
Evening: 2-8-0, FB: 4
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from July 16 drawing
Midday: 7-4-2-9, FB: 5
Evening: 2-8-6-1, FB: 4
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from July 16 drawing
Midday: 10
Evening: 07
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from July 16 drawing
06-21-24-38-40
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at July 15, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from July 15 drawing
02-07-18-29-38, Powerball: 16, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from July 15 drawing
Midday: 6-0-9, FB: 9
Evening: 8-8-1, FB: 4
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from July 15 drawing
Midday: 3-8-1-2, FB: 9
Evening: 2-7-9-6, FB: 4
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from July 15 drawing
Midday: 02
Evening: 06
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from July 15 drawing
01-04-17-34-41
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from July 15 drawing
14-15-23-33-42, Powerball: 16
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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