President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a measure into law making Juneteenth, an annual celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S., take effect immediately. That means today is considered the first Juneteenth federal holiday despite the occasion formally being on Saturday, June 19. The measure received bipartisan support, with only 14 Republicans in Congress voting against it. More: The New York Times, The Post and Courier, The Washington Post
In other headlines:
Executions halted until firing squad option is available. The S.C. Supreme Court on Wednesday blocked the planned executions of two inmates by electrocution, saying they cannot be put to death until they truly have the choice of a firing squad option set out in the state’s newly revised capital punishment law. More: Associated Press, The State
S.C. lawmakers agree on $10.7B spending plan, including raises for teachers, state employees. The state budget compromise legislators agreed to on June 17 provides every K-12 teacher at least a $1,000 pay raise, all state employees a 2.5% raise and law enforcement officers an additional boost. More: The Post and Courier, The State
Scott donates to Charleston’s International African American Museum. Charleston’s International African American Museum is one of nearly 300 organizations that will receive donations from philanthropist billionaire MacKenzie Scott’s latest round of charitable giving. More: Charleston City Paper
Tropical system in Gulf being monitored, likely to produce flash flooding. A heightened risk of flash flooding along the Gulf Coast and in the Carolinas is expected this weekend ahead of the arrival of a subtropical or tropical storm in the southern Gulf of Mexico. More: SC Public Radio, WCSC TV
Charleston community, leaders mark 6th anniversary of Emanuel AME tragedy, commit to memorial. Local clergy, activists and residents gathered in front of Emanuel AME Church in remembrance of the sixth anniversary of the racially-motivated mass shooting that claimed nine lives on June 17, 2015. More: WCSC TV, The Post and courier, The State
- To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
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