Longtime Democratic state lawmaker John Scott of Columbia died Sunday after reportedly being admitted to the cardiovascular unit of MUSC in Charleston, officials said. He was first elected to the S.C. House in 1990 and won election to the state Senate in 2008.
Tributes poured in for Scott, a graduate of S.C. State University. Its president said Scott was a “vital contributor to the university’s successes, as well as to those of South Carolina’s other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).”
S.C. Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain said, “Senator Scott represented Richland County in the state house and state senate for over 30 years. He used his voice in the General Assembly to fight not only for his district but for all South Carolinians and his life’s work on issues of education, healthcare and economic development will have a lasting impact on our state.”
In the City Paper:
CP OPINION, Brack: Haley, Scott have a lot at stake in August 2024 debate. “Two homegrown presidential candidates have a lot of work to do if they want to break out of single digits in the polls and be serious 2024 contenders….A late July New York Times/Siena College national poll showed just 3% of respondents preferred former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C. — just like former Vice President Mike Pence.”
CP OPINION, Dr. Jane: FAQ on sex therapy. “Unfortunately, there are often other barriers to intimacy that are really hard to talk about. Just learning to use “I messages” isn’t near enough to break the logjam that’s been happening in your bedroom.”
CP NEWS: Liquor liability law threatens small businesses, advocates say. A grassroots movement led by small business owners and other community members across the Palmetto State is looking to undo damage they say was caused by the 2017 passage of new state liquor liability insurance laws.
CP ARTS: “Barbenheimer” has biggest weekend ever for Charleston theater. Upon “Barbenheimer” release day, the local Terrace Theater had its best weekend in its 25 years of business. It was a common sight to see people dressed in hot pink for a day of seeing both Barbie and Oppenheimer, with many viewers standing around talking about the films afterwards.
In other recent headlines:
HEAT: Excessive heat expected across state through Tuesday. Heat indices could approach 115 degrees in the Lowcountry, while there is dangerous, hazardous heat in the Midlands and across the state.
2024: How successful are Scott’s opportunity zones? The State newspaper takes a look at whether U.S. Sen. Tim Scott’s opportunity zones are as successful as they’re being touted. Meanwhile, Scott has qualified for the Aug. 23 presidential debate. And this story looks at what’s happening in former Gov. Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign.
Cost of Charleston pedestrian bridge rockets to $76 million. The cost of the bridge across the Ashley River has tripled since 2019.
Former SCE&G seaside worker perk could become Sullivan’s Island amenity. The oceanfront property could become a $30 million private amenity, mostly for town residents.
S.C. deer season opens Aug. 15. What you need to know.
Unsafe bacteria levels found at six Charleston creeks. A look at water quality results in some routinely monitored Charleston waterways.
- To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
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