The 2026 SC Attorney General Race

 A Choice Between a Corruption Fighter and a Man Whose Federal Felony Vanished

South Carolina Bulletin

May 26, 2026

By Staff Writer

Early voting in South Carolina’s statewide primaries opens today, Tuesday, May 26 and runs through Friday, June 5, with polls open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at early voting centers in every county. The Republican primary for Attorney General on June 9 has shaped up as the most consequential down ballot contest of the cycle, pitting three candidates with starkly different records against each other in a race that is fundamentally about whether the AG’s office becomes a watchdog or remains an extension of the Statehouse power structure. Stephen Goldfinch leads the money race with approximately $877,000 raised and $651,000 cash on hand, fueled by healthcare systems, PACs, developers, and the institutional GOP apparatus but he carries the dead weight of a federal felony charge from his Caledonia Consulting stem cell operation that was dismissed in 2017 under suspicious circumstances after the FDA admitted destroying its own evidence and the case sat dormant for four years. David Stumbo, the Eighth Circuit Solicitor, is running the traditional law and order lane but is currently under active State Ethics Commission investigation for allegedly paying himself $36,700 in fixed monthly mileage checks from his office account over 35 consecutive months payments no other solicitor in the state reported. David Pascoe, the First Circuit Solicitor who switched from Democrat to Republican in 2025, has raised a respectable $472,000 but is decidedly outgunned financially. However, a recent independent CC News Network poll of over 1,474 verified Republican voters showed him dominating the field with nearly 63% support more than doubling his closest competitor suggesting that grassroots enthusiasm and name recognition from his Probe gate corruption prosecutions which took down the House Speaker, Senate President, two Majority Leaders, and the Judiciary Chairman may outweigh Goldfinch’s institutional money advantage. With early voting now underway, the central question is whether the Republican base will side with the establishment’s well funded candidate who was prepared to plead guilty to a federal felony or the prosecutor who’s already proven he’ll put corrupt politicians in prison, regardless of party.

Here’s what voters need to know before June 9. https://samueleburns.substack.com/p/the-2026-sc-attorney-general-race

The Danger of an Unexamined Status Quo

The significant policy shift recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) regarding the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, advocating for individual-based decision-making. It critiques the push for universal vaccination, explores the implications of this decision for public health, and reflects on the moral and ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals.

1. ACIP Decision:

• The ACIP voted 8-3 on December 4-5, 2025, to move from a universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns to a model that allows parents to make individualized decisions based on their circumstances.

• This decision considers infection risks, such as a household member having hepatitis B or contact with individuals from high-prevalence areas.

2. Arguments Against Universal Vaccination:

• Critics argue that the previous recommendation lacked robust safety evidence, questioning the basis of "universal" use for infants.

• The article references scientist Carl Sagan's admonition against relying solely on authority in science, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evidence and critical inquiry.

• The prior focus on informed consent, which mandates discussion of risks and alternatives in medical decisions, has shifted considerably in recent years.

3. Criticism of Medical Community:

• The medical community and media have criticized the ACIP decision, labeling the hepatitis B vaccine as universally safe and effective without addressing safety concerns adequately.

• The discourse surrounding vaccine safety is complicated by the last few years' events, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when differing views were often not openly debated.

4. Reflections on Medical Ethics:

• Personal anecdotes reflect the author's disillusionment with the medical profession's ethical standards during the pandemic and question whether real moral progress has been made.

• Instances where medical professionals denied alternative treatments during COVID-19 raised concerns about the collective moral compass in healthcare.

5. Historical Context:

• The author draws parallels between the current situation and the themes from A. J. Cronin's novel, The Citadel, which critiques medical ethics and the healthcare system's failings.

• The author expresses hope that the actions of those standing against the status quo can inspire change and accountability.

6. Need for Accountability and Learning:

• There is a call for accountability for those within the health system who enabled harmful practices during the pandemic.

• The text argues for a culture that values critical thinking, moral reasoning, and ethical behavior in healthcare, suggesting that leadership education should be a core part of training for health professionals.

7. Moving Forward:

• The necessity for meaningful change in public health policy is emphasized, particularly the importance of understanding complex systems and learning from past mistakes.

• Suggestions include embracing ongoing evidence-based decision-making and broadening the scope of training for healthcare professionals to include a deeper understanding of ethics and leadership.

The article advocates for a reflective and evidence-based approach to vaccination policies, especially regarding vulnerable populations like newborns. It stresses the importance of maintaining ethical standards in healthcare and highlights the need for accountability among medical professionals. By encouraging informed decision-making and fostering a culture of critical inquiry, the healthcare community can aim to improve trust and public health outcomes moving forward. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/the-danger-of-an-unexamined-status-quo/

China Begins Flooding The Market With DRAM And NAND Memory Chips

 Chinese semiconductor firms, particularly ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), are now supplying DRAM and NAND chips to the market, significantly affecting global memory prices. This move helps lower costs for manufacturers and consumers, while also disrupting the long-standing dominance of major firms like Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix.

1. Market Dynamics:

• High commodity prices often lead to increased production, which subsequently drives prices down.

• Historically, when China begins producing a commodity, earlier price hikes tend to plummet as competition increases.

2. Chinese DRAM Production:

• CXMT has started making memory chips, including DDR5 modules, which are now being used by companies like Corsair in their products.

• Corsair, traditionally relying on major players like Micron, has turned to CXMT due to high prices and supply shortages.

3. Consumer Alternatives:

• CXMT's DDR5 sticks offer competitive specs, with the possibility of lower prices compared to established brands.

• These products are certified for compatibility with leading systems, making them viable options for consumers.

4. Production Expansion:

• CXMT is rapidly increasing production capacity and has major customers lined up, including HP and Qualcomm.

• The company has plans for an IPO, marking significant growth and profitability.

5. Market Share Shift:

• Currently, CXMT holds about 7.7% of the global DRAM market.

• There is potential for CXMT to gain more ground as other manufacturers deal with high demand and existing contracts.

6. Price Competitiveness:

• If CXMT can sell chips at lower prices while maintaining quality, it could significantly affect the memory industry landscape and lower overall consumer prices.

7. Political and Economic Factors:

• There is a risk associated with CXMT if further trade restrictions are implemented by the US government.

• Despite being on a blacklist, Chinese manufacturers are pushing forward with domestic production.

8. Future Prospects:

• As CXMT and other firms expand, they plan to produce even more advanced memory options, putting more pressure on established companies.

• The ongoing developments indicate a potential shift in the global market for semiconductor chips, with price cuts likely to follow.

With the entrance of CXMT into the memory chip market, consumers can expect decreased prices and more options. As Chinese firms ramp up production, they are challenging the traditional market leaders and may drive prices down across the board. This change not only signifies a shift in consumer choice but also highlights the ongoing evolution in global semiconductor production dynamics.

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/china-begins-flooding-market-dram-and-nand-chips

How The Deep State Weaponizes AI To Control The Narrative

The Deep State has shifted from traditional fact-checkers to using artificial intelligence (AI) for controlling narratives online. It highlights the implications of this shift for information dissemination and public discourse.

• AI Implementation: The Deep State utilizes AI to quickly flood online spaces with varied responses, undermining emerging narratives before they gain traction.

• Manipulation Tactics: Unlike previous human fact-checkers, AI operates without clear paper trails, making it easier to manipulate information without accountability.

• Algorithmic Control: AI systems can analyze individual writing styles and information sources, shaping public sentiment without overt censorship.

• Black Box Problem: AI's decision-making processes lack transparency, allowing the narrative to define what is considered credible or not.

• Concerns About Independence: The narrative aims to discredit certain ideas as unthinkable, promoting a singular viewpoint while dismissing opposing views.

• Call to Action: Individuals are encouraged to think independently, support alternative platforms, and critically assess the information presented by mainstream sources.

The article warns against the uncritical acceptance of AI-driven narratives, urging readers to remain vigilant and question the information they consume. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/ai/how-deep-state-weaponizes-ai-control-narrative

Progressives Use Marxist Communication Techniques To Keep Power

 The modern progressives utilize communication strategies similar to those of historical Marxists to maintain their influence and power in society. It argues that despite changing labels, the underlying tactics remain consistent.

• Continuity of Tactics: Political strategies evolve but do not fundamentally change. By studying how ideas are framed and dissent is marginalized, one can see a persistent structure in political movements.

• Information Control: Success in politics often comes from controlling narratives rather than physical power, similar to strategies outlined in Sun Tzu's "The Art of War."

• Narrative Dominance: Political battles are primarily fought in shaping narratives and public perceptions before votes are cast. Those in power redefine language, frame opponents as immoral, and capture institutions to reward conformity.

• Social Penalties: Enforcing speech norms through social or professional consequences discourages dissenting opinions and fosters a manufactured consensus, thereby shaping public behavior and policy.

• Strategic Actions: These tactics are deliberate and not accidental, aiming to make certain arguments unthinkable, which in turn consolidates power within specific groups.

The article calls for a proactive defense of institutions promoting genuine debate, an insistence on clear language, and a revival of the art of persuasion. It emphasizes recognizing the ongoing struggle for power and control, reinforcing the need for intellectual courage and open discourse in society.

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/05/progressives_use_marxist_communication_techniques_to_keep_power.html

SCOTUS Case Makes Freight Brokers Responsible For Crashes Caused By Commercial Immigrant Drivers

 Recent changes in U. S. law regarding freight brokers and trucking companies have significant implications for highway safety and the trucking industry. A Supreme Court ruling allows freight brokers to be held legally responsible for hiring unsafe trucking companies. This stems from concerns about crashes involving foreign and non-compliant drivers, which have resulted in fatalities.

1. Trucking Crashes and Casualties:

• In 2025, 30 deaths occurred from crashes involving noncitizen commercial truck drivers.

• Tracking the immigration status of drivers was previously not standard in accident reporting.

2. Role of Freight Brokers:

• Freight brokers manage freight logistics by hiring motor carriers (trucking companies) to transport goods.

• They profit by keeping the difference between what shippers pay them and what they pay the trucking companies.

• Prior to the recent Supreme Court ruling, brokers faced no liability for hiring unsafe companies.

3. Supreme Court Ruling:

• The unanimous ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC determined that freight brokers can be liable for negligently hiring unsafe trucking firms.

• This ruling standardizes the liability across states and allows victims of accidents to pursue justice against brokers, previously an impossible feat in some regions.

4. Legal Practices Prior to Ruling:

• Negligent hiring claims varied by circuit, often leaving victims without legal recourse.

• Brokers could disregard the trucking companies' safety records since the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) did not require thorough vetting.

5. Impact of Foreign Truck Drivers:

• An influx of foreign-operated trucking companies, often hiring non-compliant drivers, has contributed to road dangers.

• These companies have been able to operate cheaply by neglecting safety measures, thus undercutting safe carriers.

6. Industry Response and Future Outlook:

• There are concerns that increased liability for brokers will lead to fewer trucks available in the market, driving up shipping costs for consumers.

• However, the idea behind the ruling is to promote better vetting practices, resulting in safer trucking and reducing the presence of unsafe operators.

• In the long run, legitimate and safe trucking companies are expected to benefit, as brokers will be incentivized to avoid high-risk carriers.

The Supreme Court's decision marks a pivotal shift in freight brokerage and trucking industry operations, aiming to enhance safety on U. S. highways by holding brokers accountable for their hiring choices. While initial challenges may arise, the potential for improved vetting and accountability sets a foundation for reduced risks associated with trucking operations in the future.

https://thefederalist.com/2026/05/25/scotus-case-makes-freight-brokers-responsible-for-crashes-caused-by-commercial-immigrant-drivers/

Key Biden DOJ official raised red flags about FBI’s Mar-a-Lago raid, memo shows

 A recent disclosure reveals that a top official in the Biden Justice Department, Patty Stemler, expressed legal concerns regarding the FBI's raid on former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in August 2022. This situation raises questions about the authority of the President to declassify documents and the ethical obligations of prosecutors.

1. Concerns from DOJ Official:

• Patty Stemler, a senior DOJ attorney, emailed a colleague shortly after the raid, noting concerns about whether Trump had declassified the documents taken.

• She questioned if the President, as Commander in Chief, is bound by the usual declassification procedures.

2. Legal Authority of the President:

• Trump and his legal team asserted that he had the authority to declassify documents during his presidency.

• Trump's office claimed that he followed a "standing order" permitting him to declassify documents anytime.

3. Previous Doubts within the FBI:

• FBI Director Kash Patel indicated that some agents felt the legal standards for the raid were not met.

4. Prosecutorial Ethics:

• Stemler raised concerns about the ethical limits for prosecutors regarding the disclosure of seized documents, particularly regarding fairness in a potential trial.

5. Praise for Stemler's Reputation:

• Patty Stemler is recognized as a "discreet and publicity-shy problem solver" within the DOJ, having been consulted on various high-stakes legal matters over her career.

6. Responses from Trump's Legal Team:

• Trump's lawyer Evan Corcoran argued that the President's declassification authority is absolute and does not require bureaucratic approval.

• Other Trump officials claimed he declassified a wide array of materials before departing the White House.

7. Judicial Considerations:

• A judge granted a special master to review documents seized during the raid, highlighting ongoing legal debates over the classification and declassification of materials in possession of a former president.

8. Ongoing Legal Challenges:

• Trump has faced multiple indictments related to the handling of classified documents, leading to ongoing legal scrutiny and court rulings that have impacted the status of those cases.

The revelations of legal concerns regarding the FBI's raid on Mar-a-Lago, particularly from a senior DOJ official, emphasize the complex legal context surrounding the authority of the President regarding document classification. This situation continues to evolve, reflecting broader debates on prosecutorial ethics, executive power, and the legal frameworks governing classified information.

https://justthenews.com/government/courts-law/biden-doj-official-had-concerns-trump-declassified-documents-seized-fbis-mar