Eight Republican presidential hopefuls will spar on Wednesday night in Milwaukee without former President Donald Trump, the party’s dominant front-runner, on the stage. Included among the candidates in the debate are South Carolina’s former governor, Nikki Haley, and one of its U.S. senators, Tim Scott. Some media outlets say they and others may gain from Trump’s absence.
Scott has risen to third place in some polling in Iowa, including a Des Moines Register/NBC News survey this week. But ads have not helped him catch up to Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis, let alone Trump. Haley has sought to find middle ground, arguing the party needs to move past the former president. But she has done so without being overly critical of an administration in which she once served as United Nations ambassador.
Trump’s opting to skip the debate entirely has shifted much of the attention to DeSantis, who has steadily polled in second place despite some early campaign struggles.
Meanwhile Trump, who said he would turn himself in on Thursday to Georgia authorities after last week’s 2020 election-related indictment, was told Monday not to intimidate or threaten any witnesses or co-defendants in the case. Bail was set at $200,000.
In other news:
CP ARTS: Queer Liberty group debuts with burlesque performance. New local LGBTQ performance group Queer Liberty celebrated queer identity during its debut burlesque performance Aug. 8 at the Tin Roof — which set the tone for the kind of themes the group aims to celebrate to make space for the local LGBTQ community and queer artists.
Early voting for Senate District 42 begins. Eligible registered voters can now vote in a special primary election for the seat in Senate District 42 to decide who moves on to the November special election.
5 candidates confirmed to take on Charleston mayor. The ballot for Charleston’s mayoral race is set, with six candidates in the mix — five of whom will try to unseat the two-time incumbent John Tecklenburg. Meanwhile, the North Charleston mayoral ballot is set for Nov. election.
Mace addresses concerns surrounding Veterans at town hall. S.C. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Charleston, and the Concerned Veterans of America hosted a town hall meeting Monday night to address the challenges Veterans face in America, including healthcare wait times, getting the proper care, PTSD and depression among those who have served.
Doctors report rise in Covid-19 cases. According to a consultant with the state Department of Health, the week of Aug. 5 saw 150 Covid-19 hospitalizations. At the beginning of July there were just 74.
S.C. Ports Authority starts fiscal year off strong. South Carolina Ports enters fiscal year 2024 with numbers that continue to reflect a vigorous port operation as well as strength in the regional economy.
Inside Charleston school district’s fight to raise teacher pay. Low pay and long hours had always plagued the education field, but post-pandemic, the applicant pool dried up. Now, a group of educators are banding together to help raise the wages of teachers to increase interest and retention.
Palmetto Artisans program offers mentorship, business skills to young adults. The City of Charleston has partnered with a community organization for the past two years to run a mentorship program centered around the Palmetto Rose at the Charleston City Market.
- To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
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