5/8 NEWSBREAK: Charleston Co. deputy shot, suspect killed Sunday

A Charleston County deputy is recovering after a Sunday afternoon traffic stop turned into a deadly exchange of gunfire. The deputy was wounded, but a male passenger who opened fire is dead.

Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano told reporters Sunday night that Deputy Evan Cubbage made a traffic stop in the Ravenel area about 3:45 p.m. Sunday and called for backup after a brief discussion with two people in the car. When the second deputy arrived, the passenger reportedly opened fire, striking Cubbage three times. Both deputies fired back, killing the passenger. Cubbage was said to have been released Sunday night.

Meanwhile, gun violence continued across the state and country. Nine died, including a gunman, at a Texas mall Saturday. According to media reports, South Carolina authorities handled deadly shootings over the weekend in North Charleston, Laurens County, Richland County, Little River and Andrews.

CP OPINION, Brack: Disappointing session brought on by radical gerrymandering

“It’s been a fairly disappointing legislative session for many because it’s been all about controlling people or extending privilege, not working collaboratively to benefit all South Carolinians.
“But that was fairly predictable after years of gerrymandering finally resulted in a super-majority in the South Carolina House and a Senate chamber that is more partisan and divided than ever in recent memory.”

In other headlines:

CP NEWS: Abortion said to be back on table in S.C. House this week. S.C. House Republicans this week are expected to upset the political apple cart by again pushing for a six-week abortion ban similar to one ruled unconstitutional earlier this year. Normally in the last week of a session, lawmakers are rushing to finish the budget and a few lagging bills. But this development adds a whole new layer of complexity to the General Assembly’s work.

“Sister senators” block abortion ban in state Senate. Here’s a profile in The New York Times of the five S.C. state senators, including three Republicans, who recently blocked a tough abortion ban in the state Senate.

CP NEWS: PBS series explores Gadsden flag Wednesday. A new public television documentary series that investigates American history through iconic symbols will broadcast a fresh episode Wednesday on the distinctive yellow Gadsden flag that has Charleston patriotic roots.

CP NEWS: Short film sheds light on mental health. Short film Vulnerable follows a young woman played by Caroline McGee as she struggles to figure out how to cope with unsettling news. The plot unfolds through phone conversations, as friends and family talk McGee’s character through emotional turmoil.

CP NEWS: Charleston libraries offer prizes to encourage summer reading. The more you read, the more you win this summer with the Charleston County Public Library and the Charleston County School District summer reading program.

CP PHOTOS: Photo essay of Cultura Festival 2023 in Charleston. A story in pictures about a weekend festival dedicated to hip hop and more.

Summerville man sets record for longest mustache. A Summerville man who hasn’t trimmed his mustache in 30 years has been recognized as setting the Guinness world record for longest mustache.

SC-1: Child labor exploitation stuck in war over immigration. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., is one of the leaders of a bipartisan plan to deal with illegal child labor, but immigration policy is mucking up a call to action. Meanwhile in this story, Mace is said to be on a “lonely GOP island” for being a critic of her party.

Graham speaks at Citadel graduation Saturday. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., spoke about discipline and responsibility in a commencement speech.

4 sites show high levels of stream bacteria. A review of water safety at 20 sites in Charleston County shows four areas have high levels of bacteria.