Monday headlines: Today starts beginning of trial involving 2 murders, millions of dollars, family privilege

Alex Murdaugh, the disbarred Lowcountry lawyer from a Hampton County family of privilege, will be on trial starting today for the double murders of his wife and youngest son in June 2021. While the scion is not on trial this week for more than 100 state charges related to a Ponzi-like financial scheme, finances are expected to be a big part of the prosecution’s foundation of the case — that the murders were a cover-up for the disappearance of millions of dollars.

The case, being called by some as the “trial of the century,” starts today with jury selection, which some say will be tough with all of the pre-trial publicity in newspapers, podcasts, television series and more. Here are five things you need to know.

CP OPINION, Brack: One American story worth reading

“Books like An American Story and the world-class museum coming to Charleston represent new, long-needed efforts to confront our past and help us to move beyond it. We need to stop seeing skin color as a way to divide. Instead, let’s consider it just like we consider the petals of flowers. We love them for their diversity of color — the red in roses, white in magnolias and yellow in Black-eyed Susans. So should it be with humans.”

In other headlines:

Haley, Scott complicating former president’s efforts. With former President Donald Trump’s first campaign swing set for later this week in South Carolina, potential candidacies of Nikki Haley and Tim Scott are causing problems. Meanwhile, this story highlights how Haley is furthering speculation on a presidential bid.

State charter school board votes to dissolve Charleston school’s charter. The South Carolina Public Charter School District (SCPCSD) Board of Trustees voted Thursday to revoke the charter status of Charleston Advancement Academy (CAA), which has campuses in North Charleston and James Island. It’s unclear whether the school will challenge the decision.

Lowcountry’s Hartnett hospitalized. Freshman S.C. Rep. Tom Hartnett, R-Charleston, has been hospitalized over a perforated colon.

Gas prices jump 18 cents in a week. The price of gas has jumped in South Carolina, according to this analysis.

Seven displaced in Dorchester Co. house fire. A Sunday fire displaced seven in Dorchester County.

Where to celebrate Lunar New Year all week in Charleston. A look at places to celebrate the lunar new year, a tradition celebrated in East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. It was Sunday, but is celebrated all week.