MORNING HEADLINES | Journalists across the state were recognized for news and design excellence on Friday as the S.C. Press Association distributed more than 600 awards at its annual meeting in Columbia.
The Charleston City Paper won more awards in the contest – 31 – than any other weekly newspaper in the state, bringing home a cache of seven first places, eight second places and 16 third place awards. Other area weeklies recognized for excellence were The Berkeley Independent (10 awards), The Daniel Island News (14) and the Summerville Journal-Scene 17).
In dailies, The Post and Courier hauled in more than 90 awards, including best daily newspaper, the top prize for investigative reporting and a new $5,000 prize for overall excellence in reporting to reporter Tony Bartleme. Other big daily winners were The State (39 awards) and The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News (28). The Item of Sumter’s Alaysha Maple was named the daily newspaper journalist of the year, while Charles Swenson of Pawleys Island’s Coastal Observer won weekly newspaper journalist of the year.
THANK YOU:
Best of Charleston 2026 results to be announced in May
Just a quick note to thank the thousands of readers who voted in the 2026 Best of Charleton contest. Results from the 400+ categories will be announced in mid-May. Hold onto your hats – this is going to be a fun year.
In weekend headlines
CP OPINION, Brack: Something a little odd spotted at Statehouse. “Something happened at the Statehouse this week that threw me for a loop. It wasn’t another strange bill that somebody introduced. Or an argument that happened between two irritated politicians. Or even some new salacious scandal that made tongues wag.”
CP PHOTO ESSAY: Thousands flock to Charleston Wine + Food. Sunny days and pleasant weather welcomed thousands to the 20th annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival.
CP WEEK IN REVIEW: South Carolina’s tax paradox: High rates, low bills. For the second time in a year, S.C. lawmakers were caught flat-footed this week by public backlash over the consequences of their still-evolving plan to cut the state’s top income tax rate.
- One-time S.C. political celebrity Alvin Greene dies at 48
- S.C., Maryland lose appeal to try ‘forever chemical’ cases in state courts
WAR: Majority of Americans oppose war with Iran, poll shows. A new poll by NPR, PBS and Marist shows 56% of Americans oppose the war with Iran, now in its second week. The poll also showed 36% approved of how President Donald Trump was handling the war. It also showed 55% thought Iran represented a minor or no threat to the United States.
- Khamenei’s son named Iran’s new supreme leader.
- Classified report says regime change unlikely
- Seventh U.S. service member killed in action
- Oil prices spike to over $100 per barrel
Cuts to LGBTQ resources worry students at College of Charleston. Students say the campus has become less welcoming to LGBTQ students over the past year.
- Charleston nonprofit introduces text-based services for sexual assault survivors
- North Charleston marches for women’s rights on International Women’s Day
Support independent journalism
Keep the City Paper strong with a winter gift. This holiday season, please consider donating $25 — or even $100 — to support free, independent journalism at the Charleston City Paper. Every donation helps keep alive a voice of freedom. Your help is appreciated.
Find lots of cool stuff to do around Charleston
Our online events calendar has scores of events around the Lowcountry every day, making it the most detailed calendar of what’s happening in the area.
Just click on “Events” above at right under the black toolbar. You’ll be amazed at what you find.
- Also sign up today to get relevant newsletters on art, music, food, fun events, statewide news and opinion.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.