One month down for 2023, y’all. Our first few weeks of the new year brought cold weather, soup and hot sandwiches. (Check out food writer Michael Pham’s article on how gourmet sandwiches are trending in the Charleston food scene, one of our top 10 stories in January.)

Over the past month, City Paper readers were interested in the distorted reality of locally filmed TV shows Southern Charm and Southern Hospitality, new details on the Alex Murdaugh double-murder case and Thomas Ravenel’s tribute article to his late father and former U.S. congressman, Arthur Ravenel Jr.

Top three stories of the month:

The distorted reality of Southern Charm and Southern Hospitality
Writer Dustin Waters examines how the Holy City is portrayed on TV, specifically, the manufactured reality that is being sold on these two reality series — and how it impacts Charleston’s reputation.

Opinion: Arthur Ravenel Jr was S.C.’s last true character
Former state treasurer and local businessman, Thomas Ravenel writes a touching tribute in our opinion section to his father, former Congressman and state Sen. Arthur Ravenel Jr., a public servant for 60 years. He died Jan. 16. 

State: Murder weapon known but can’t be found in Murdaugh case
The South Carolina Public Charter School District (SCPCSD) Board of Trustees voted to revoke the charter status of Charleston Advancement Academy (CAA), which has campuses in North Charleston and James Island, after weeks of disruption.

Social media posts of the month:


Top comments of the month:

“My favorite? Black Sesame! Divine!” — Annette on a profile of Kelly Chu, owner of Cirsea Craft Ice Cream and Red Orchid China Bistro

Ooh, I’ve read both books she has written and they are excellent thrillers! I didn’t [know] she was from Charleston! She is getting quite a reputation in the literary world!” — Nicholle on Stacy Willingham’s newest novel release


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