Charleston Currents

NEWS BRIEFS: Legislature abuzz over private voucher effort by governor

Staff reports | The legislature is abuzz over Gov. Henry McMaster’s move a week ago to allocate $32 million in pandemic relief funds for tuition grants to private schools.

By Wednesday, state Circuit Court Judge Edgar W. Dickson in Orangeburg County issued a temporary block on the plan in response to a lawsuit that said McMaster’s move violated the state’s constitution, which prevents public dollars from directly benefiting private educational institutions.

by Charleston Currents · 07/27/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Good news, News briefs

BRACK: McMaster needs to issue statewide mask order

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | You wouldn’t walk barefoot and bare-chested into a shop, especially if it had a sign on a door that said, “No shoes. No shirt. No service.” To do so would be gross and rude.

So why in the world are people getting all bent out of shape when “No mask” becomes the same kind of societal no-no? At a time when more than 1,000 people in our state are picking up coronavirus every day, not wearing a mask in public is about as smart as walking barefoot on sun-baked pavement on a 100-degree day.

by Andy Brack · 06/29/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views

NEWS BRIEFS: State looks at stockpiling medical equipment again

Staff reports | South Carolina no longer stores medical equipment like masks and gowns, but some in Columbia want to revive a stockpile following the struggle to obtain vital supplies in the pandemic, according to a Friday news item in sister publication Statehouse Report.

by Charleston Currents · 05/25/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Good news, News briefs

BRACK: Politicians need to stop doubletalk, listen to scientists

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | The right mouth of government obviously has no idea what the left mouth is saying. And because government can’t get its message straight, we’re all confused.

On one hand, Gov. Henry McMaster says some businesses can now open in South Carolina, although it’s no clearer why a craft shop or a florist is “essential” in the curious way a gun shop has been for the last few weeks. Grocery stores we understand. But gun shops?

by Andy Brack · 04/27/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views

NEWS BRIEFS: State to have largest surplus in history

South Carolina expects to see its largest surplus in history as revenue projections from last year are off by more than 15 6 percent, or about $567 million more than originally forecasted. While the excess money is rooted in missing the mark on revenue forecasts — something that caused the state to have mid-year cuts at the start of the Great Recession — some lawmakers say they aren’t worried and even expect at least one more surplus adjustment before the end of the fiscal year in June.

by Charleston Currents · 02/17/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Good news, News briefs

9/2, full issue: Dorian resources; Blockbuster 1619 project; Keb’ Mo’

IN THIS EDITION

FOCUS: Resources to help you get ready for Hurricane Dorian
COMMENTARY, Brack: This blockbuster report should change your view of history
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: S.C. Ports Authority
GOOD NEWS:   Blue Jamboree to attract big-name Democrats in October
FEEDBACK: Send us your letters
MYSTERY PHOTO: Kicking back to watch a grand sunset
S.C. ENCYCLOPEDIA:   South Carolina’s Hispanic residents
CALENDAR:   Keb’ Mo’ Solo set for Sept. 19 at Gaillard

by Charleston Currents · 09/02/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Full issue

BRACK: Democrats should lighten up, but GOP shouldn’t be tone-deaf

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | If there ever were someone who understands how something said by a politician was “just a joke,” you’re reading a column by him.

You see, I once worked as the press secretary for former U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings, an outstanding South Carolinian known far and wide for a great wit, biting and otherwise.

by Andy Brack · 09/04/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views

BRACK: Trump on Russia makes S.C. GOP leaders squirm

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | It’s been pretty easy to vote Republican in South Carolina for the last two decades thanks to the recurring mantra about less government and lower taxes.

But now with President Donald Trump’s European Summer Vacation blitzkrieg across Brussels, London, Scotland and Helsinki, mainstream, old-school Republicans are finding support of the Trump GOP to be somewhat uncomfortable.

by Andy Brack · 07/23/2018 · 2 comments · Andy Brack, Views

BRACK: Will the Year of the Woman impact S.C. governor’s race?

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | Strap in. The silly season is creeping up on us.

South Carolina’s primary elections are less than two months away. You’re about to get inundated with campaign literature, commercials, emails and lots of junk, particularly from gubernatorial candidates.

Up until now, the 2018 race for governor has been anything but titillating. In fact, it’s been pretty tame and dull. But that’s expected, in one sense because early campaign time is devoted mostly to raising enough money so candidates can stir up the party faithful later. And that “later” is now beginning.

by Andy Brack · 04/23/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Andy Brack, Views