6/5 NEWSBREAK: Haley has what's called "mild" Iowa town hall

Republican presidential candidate and former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley had what is being called a “mild” town hall Sunday in Iowa with voters on CNN. According to The New York Times, while “she drew contrasts with Mr. Trump, she dodged opportunities to make him — or even President Biden — into a political punching bag.”

Analysis also showed she earned praise as being a breath of fresh air, “but that also meant that there were few shoot-out-the-lights moments that could win Ms. Haley headlines and a new look from primary voters, who now face a growing field of Republicans who are in — or soon to enter — the race.” Three more GOP candidates are expected to announce for president this week.

CP OPINION, Brack: Be careful — Covid-19 still lurks

“For the last 40 months, Covid-19 has lurked like the rattlesnake it is, hidden and ready to strike at just the right moment. For 40 months, I avoided that snake by parrying with all of the appropriate protocols to quell its rattlers — wearing masks, washing hands, cleaning surfaces with antiseptic wipes, avoiding crowds, getting vaccinated and then getting boosted. “

In other headlines:

CP NEWS: Sanders calls for $17/hour minimum wage in Charleston rally

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, called Saturday for raising the federal minimum wage to $17 per hour at a labor rally with S.C. Rep. Wendell Gilliard, D-Charleston, and the Rev. William Barber II.

CP ARTS: Latest Piccolo + Spoleto reviews, stories

The Charleston City Paper has published more than 30 stories in the last week about Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto Festival, which ends June 11. Check out the latest.

GUN VIOLENCE: At least six people in South Carolina were shot and one killed since Friday, including a North Charleston shooting Sunday night.

S.C. gas prices go up a penny. While South Carolina gas prices went up slightly, prices nationally dropped almost 4 cents. The price at the pump in S.C. now averages $3.15 per gallon — about $1.28 lower than a year ago.

Companies announce $1+ billion settlement in “forever chemicals” cases. Three companies say they’ll pay more than $1 billion in claims against “forever chemicals” that contaminated public U.S. water systems. The agreement is expected to be finalized later this year in a S.C. federal court.

James Island sewer project could be done in two years. A look at the effort to connect 200 homes to a sewer system. Meanwhile, four Charleston waterways have high bacteria levels.