The South Carolina Supreme Court has rejected two appeals to halt the execution of Freddie Owens, slated to be the state’s first execution in 13 years. Owens is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on September 20 at Broad River Correctional Institution. His lawyers claimed new evidence emerged involving a co-defendant’s secret deal and a juror’s remark on Owens’ stun belt. However, the justices ruled these did not meet the “exceptional circumstances” required for another appeal.

Owens was sentenced to death for the 1997 murder of convenience store clerk Irene Graves in Greenville. Co-defendant Steven Golden’s testimony significantly contributed to Owens’ conviction, although prosecutors did not present the murder weapon or clear video evidence. Recent claims allege Golden struck a side deal with prosecutors, but the Supreme Court deemed this insufficient to postpone Owens’ execution, emphasizing his participation in the armed robbery that preceded Graves’ murder showed a “reckless disregard for human life.”

Gov. Henry McMaster holds the power to commute Owens’ death sentence to life imprisonment. McMaster, following tradition, has delayed his decision until just before the execution. Despite pressure from anti-death penalty advocates, including Rev. Hillary Taylor and Rev. David Kennedy, McMaster has expressed respect for jury verdicts and court decisions. Advocates highlight Owens’ youth at the time of the crime and racial disparities in execution rates, but McMaster stresses adherence to the rule of law. (This story was generated by Newser’s AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

The state of South Carolina evokes living history and natural beauty with its small towns and unique charm. The Palmetto State, amidst all the splendor of the Civil War heritage, a scenic coastline, and Southern hospitality, contains within itself a few pretty unique destinations packed with scenic landscapes and well-preserved landmarks. Despite the usual attachment to their historical roots, these communities possess modern amenities while preserving their aesthetic. There’s a place everyone can enjoy in South Carolina’s prettiest small towns below.

Beaufort

Beaufort is set along tranquil Port Royal Sound and blends history and waterfront beauty. Start with the Beaufort Historic District, where homes like the John Mark Verdier House will recall you to the antebellum era. Take a boat tour from Downtown Marinaas as close to the waters and coastal wildlife. Visit Hunting Island State Park for its pristine beaches, and climb the Hunting Island Lighthouse for its panoramic views of the Atlantic. In addition, pay a visit to St. Helena Island, the site of the historic Penn Center, one of the first schools for freed slaves. In addition, visitors will enjoy Parris Island, where they can explore the museum and learn about the region’s military history. For more history, tour the Chapel of Ease Ruins.

Aiken

Aiken is a Southern town that takes its love of horses very seriously. As such, why not start the trip with the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in Hopelands Gardens, which offers a peek into the equestrian history of the town? To take in more beautiful nature, enjoy an easy walk on the Aiken Arboretum Trail, a walking path lined on either side with over 100 species of trees. The country’s largest urban forest, Hitchcock Woods, offers 70 miles of trails perfect for hiking or horseback riding. Stop in and check out the Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site and tour this pretty antebellum plantation home and its grounds. For art lovers, The Aiken Center for the Arts is among one of the local exhibition and class hubs.

Georgetown

Georgetown is packed with must-see spots for history lovers. Visit the Georgetown County Museum and delve into this area’s rich past; second, visit the Kaminski House Museum, the impressive, exquisitely restored mansion of the 18th century. Follow the Harborwalk, a walking boardwalk with shops and restaurants overlooking the Sampit River. History lovers take note—Hopsewee Plantation sits on the site of a former rice plantation from before the American Revolution. The garden hosts some of the loveliest sculptures and a zoo set amidst historic landscapes and is outside of town. Other attractions include the Georgetown Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the US, which is still operational on North Island.

Camden

Camden is a town of historic wonders the entire family can enjoy. At the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, there are guided tours available around battlefields and historic houses. The Camden Archives and Museum is rich in local artifacts, everything from Civil War memorabilia to early settler documents. Goodale State Park offers more outdoorsy activities: kayak or hike through this scenic wetland and admire the pretty surroundings. Visitors who adore the arts and diversity will enjoy the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, which features art exhibitions, live performances, and cultural programs. Also, visit Goodale State Park, where nature and history intertwine beautifully for a peaceful and serene stroll.

Bluffton

Old Town Bluffton has just about everything you might want to see, including historic architecture and coastal Lowcountry scenery. Start with the Heyward House Museum, a stunningly well-preserved 19th-century home. Next, head to the Garvin-Garvey House, one of a handful of remaining freedmen’s cottages from Reconstruction. Take a leisurely walk along the Bluffton Oyster Factory Park for serene views of the May River. Visit it and enjoy the life of luxury at Palmetto Bluff with its meandering nature trails, marina, and perfectly preserved nature scenes. The other must-see places include the Church of the Cross, a masterwork of Gothic Revival perched high above the May River, and several galleries and shops of the Old Town Bluffton.

Summerville

The town, referred to as the “Flowertown in the Pines,” has been synonymous with colorful gardens and historic charm. Azalea Park is the place to begin; a beautiful place of color when these azaleas bloom, along with reflections across peaceful ponds. Begin at the Summerville Dorchester Museum to glimpse the town’s past, then head to the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site and explore the astonishingly well-preserved remnants of a pre-Revolutionary village. Middleton Place, nearby, has America’s oldest landscaped gardens, while Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, one of the oldest plantations in the South, has spectacular gardens and historic house tours. Drive to Summerville’s Historic Downtown District, which is lined with charming shops and restaurants.

Mount Pleasant

Across the river from Charleston, Mount Pleasant provides historic attractions and stunning waterfront views. Take a tour at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, where you go aboard the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. Check out Boone Hall Plantation, famous for its pretty avenue lined with oaks and its well-preserved slave cabins. For some outdoor prettiness, look at Shem Creek Park, where you will find a boardwalk lined with shrimp boats bringing in that day’s catch. Not to be missed is Mt. Pleasant’s Old Village where historic homes line the streets as well as boutique shops, and the nearby Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, which preserves the Estate of one of the Constitution’s founders.

Counties throughout South Carolina maintain an ideal balance of history, natural beauty, and pulsating culture. Whether it is the leisurely strolls down shaded streets in Beaufort or going to Summerville in the spring for its blooming azaleas, these towns serve as gateways to the storied past and prettiness of the region. From Aiken’s horse farms to Georgetown’s coastal charm, each town is a feast for the eyes.

ESPN’s College GameDay will bring on reigning NCAA women’s basketball champion coach Dawn Staley as this week’s guest picker.

The popular ESPN show will travel to South Carolina’s campus as LSU faces the Gamecocks in an SEC showdown. Staley will speak with the hosts and make picks for the biggest games in college football this weekend. South Carolina plays the Tigers at 12 p.m. ET in Columbia, S.C.

Staley’s national championship-winning women’s basketball team will sign autographs for fans ahead of her appearance on College GameDay. The national champions will also be honored on the field during halftime of the football game.

It’s the first time GameDay has returned to South Carolina’s campus since the 2014 season.

Staley has coached the Gamecocks women’s basketball team since the 2008 season. She’s led them to three national titles—in 2017, ’22 and ’24. Staley has been named the Naismith Coach of the Year each of the past three seasons.

South Carolina will tip off its 2024–25 season on Monday, Nov. 4 against Michigan.