Appropriations bill includes $800,000 earmarked for city

Money would be used for Internationl African-American Museum

The city of Charleston would receive more than $800,000 to start designing the International African-American Museum and to provide mental health services to firefighters under a U.S. House spending bill passed Wednesday. South Carolina would reap some $35 million for nearly 30 infrastructure, education, law enforcement and other projects as part of the proposed $410 billion spending plan aimed at keeping the federal government running for the remainder of the year. Read More

Passengers not amused by pilot's Hudson River joke

When the voice of the United Airlines pilot boomed over the cabin loudspeakers after takeoff Tuesday evening, passengers expected the usual greeting and weather update. Instead, the pilot attempted a joke — a poor one, according to a South Carolina native aboard the flight from Washington D.C. to London.

Resolution pushed to study early child care

Longtime proponent works for improvements

Shannon Erickson strives to maintain quality and affordability at her three child care centers in Beaufort because she believes they contribute to South Carolina's economic and social health. As a second-year House member, the former school teacher is now in a position to push for improvements in early childhood education across the entire state. Read More

Parking measure clears Senate

Bill aims to stop misuse of handicapped placards

A bill that would tighten rules for people who apply for handicapped parking privileges and strengthen penalties for those who abuse them has cleared the Senate and now moves to the House, where it has withered twice before. Read More

Soldiers wage war on drugs

Guardsmen assist law enforcement to nab narcotics

When Charleston County investigators intercepted a marijuana-stuffed package mailed to a Hollywood home last May, they decided to let the shipment through and then nab the dealers who retrieved it. Read More

SC National Guard may expand role

Members of the state's Congressional delegation have asked U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to back the creation of a specialized unit to target major drug traffickers and the terrorist networks who may feed off the illicit profits. Read More

Relapse triggered thefts, man says

Steven Wayne Wilkinson Jr. said he recently did some "ruinous things" after a relapse from drug addiction. Wilkinson, who is suspected in a rash of vehicle break-ins, appeared in bond court Saturday on charges of assaulting a police officer, breaking and entering, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under suspension. His total bail was set at $37,105 for multiple charges from Charleston and North Charleston police. Read More

Gas sparks evacuation

SCE&G, police, firefighters work on ruptured main that caused road collapse

The stinking odor of rotten eggs hung in the air around several blocks of downtown Charleston most of the afternoon Saturday after an underground natural gas line ruptured, blowing a hole in the pavement near Coming and Carolina streets and prompting the temporary evacuation of several homes. Read More

Woman found dead after fire

A woman was found dead in a Cottageville home destroyed by fire Friday. She was identified as Jannie Rhodes North, 98, according to Colleton County Coroner Richard Harvey. The cause of death is still pending, he said. Read More

S.C. becomes focal point to track funds for gangs, narcotics

On a mission

South Carolina's political and military leaders fear that U.S. street gangs are conspiring with international terrorists, an alarming scenario they said highlights the need for a specialized unit that targets major drug runners and their bankrollers. And they want the South Carolina National Guard to run the federally-funded pilot program. Read More