Staff reports | The S.C. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the Heritage Act, which prevents removal or changing of public monuments or names without the legislature’s approval, is legal. However, the same ruling struck down the two-thirds majority needed in the General Assembly to make the removal or name change.
State Sen. Gerald Malloy, the Hartsville Democrat who represented a client in the case, said the reversal of the needed two-thirds vote was a victory because, “The voice of the majority can now be heard.” More: AP News, Spartanburg Herald-Journal, The State, The Orangeburg Times & Democrat, The Post and Courier
The State newspaper said in an editorial that the ruling would hurt home rule in which local governments get to decide local issues: “Unfortunately, thanks to the Heritage Act of 2000, the decision to relocate, remove, disturb or alter those monuments and memorials is still in the hands of the state Legislature, an ongoing blow to the state’s treasured concept of home rule.”
In other news:
S.C. docs tell lawmakers their struggles in treating COVID-19. Hospital systems and doctors told state lawmakers this week that they would increase access to COVID-19 antibodies if they could but the demand is outstripping supply. More: The Post and Courier, The State, Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Meanwhile in South Carolina, health officials on Thursday reported 3,165 total cases of COVID-19 with 2,202 confirmed. A total of 44 new deaths, with 39 confirmed, were also reported Thursday. With 24,310 tests reported, 12.4 percent were confirmed positive.
Medical workers, teachers struggle with COVID issues. More stories are cropping up about pandemic struggles faced by medical workers and teachers as they deal with another surge of COVID-19. Not only is a statewide mask ban at schools interfering with learning as schools may bounce between in-person and virtual classes, but the third surge of the virus is causing pain and frustration as hospitals are packed and more people continue to get the virus. Even worse — people with other medical conditions may not get the care they need because of so many COVID patients in hospitals. More: The State, The Post and Courier, Associated Press, The Washington Post, The New York Times.
FEMA changes to spike cost of insuring waterfront homes. New federal flood insurance rates that better reflect the real risks of climate change are coming. For some homeowners, premiums will rise sharply. More: The New York Times.
S.C. lawyer-legislators receive ‘absolute protection,’ delaying trials. As a result of orders from the top judge in South Carolina, defendants who hire some lawmakers to serve as their defense attorneys could have their trials delayed indefinitely. More: WCSC TV.
Cunningham says he has ‘best chance’ of beating McMaster. Former Congressman Joe Cunningham, the Democratic hopeful for South Carolina governor, didn’t waste time Thursday getting to know Chester County voters. More: The State.
Port volumes remain strong for August. The S.C. Ports Authority handled 114,671 import containers in the month of August. That amount represents an 18% year-over-year increase over last year. More: Charleston Regional Business Journal.
S.C. municipalities face threats from cyberattacks. Cities and towns in South Carolina are facing an increased onslaught of attacks that have shut some of them down as criminals demand monetary payment for a return of services. More: WBTW.
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