Wednesday headlines: SC high court hears arguments on school mask mandates

The South Carolina Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in two challenges to a state rule limiting the ability of school districts to require masks for students and educators. Media reports say the court attempted to set aside politics and the policy of the mask debate to determine whether local requirements violate state law. A decision is expected soon.

Meanwhile, South Carolina health officials reported 4,343 total cases of COVID-19 Aug. 31, with 3,631 confirmed. A total of 37 new deaths, with 29 confirmed, were reported Tuesday, after a dramatic drop in numbers from Monday compared to days prior. With 30,203 tests reported, 15.8 percent were confirmed positive. Also, a CDC simulation shows 75 percent of children under 12 could be infected without masks and testing. More: Charleston City Paper, Associated Press, WCSC TV, The Post and Courier, The State, WCBD TV

In other headlines:

S.C. state report card for 2020-21 school year shows students falling behind. South Carolina student assessment scores have nose-dived since the start of the pandemic, according to the just-released state report card. More: WCBD TV, Greenwood Index-Journal, The State, The Post and Courier,

Charleston school, nonprofit form Homeless Justice Legal Clinic. Charleston School of Law students and One80 Place have teamed up to create the Homeless Justice Legal Clinic to provide legal services for the shelter’s population. More: Charleston Business Journal

Charleston to proclaim September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month. September is recognized as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease. More: WCBD TV

Charleston airport receiving millions in FDA grants to promote safety, sustainability. Charleston International Airport will receive almost $2 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to put toward making the airport safer and more sustainable. More: Charleston Business Journal