12/11 NEWSBREAK: S.C. gas prices drop 9 cents to average of $2.80 per gallon

The average cost of a gallon of gas in South Carolina dropped 8.8 cents from last week to $2.80, according to a new GasBuddy survey. That’s about 9 cents lower than a month ago and 8 cents lower than a year ago.

Nationally since last week, the price per gallon dropped by 9.6 cents to $3.11, the survey showed.

“For the 12th straight week, or three straight months, the national average has continued to decline, now at its lowest level of 2023 heading into the prime of the holiday season as oil prices continue to struggle amidst cooling demand,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

“With nearly 80,000 gas stations in the U.S. now priced below $3 per gallon, and 23 states also seeing average prices of $2.99 or less, motorists are getting substantial relief at the pump in time for the holidays. The trend is likely to continue in most states this week, while the national average could soon fall below $3.05 per gallon, the lowest since 2021. The good news may continue into 2024.”

Also in the Charleston City Paper:

CP NEWS: S.C. has some of nation’s worst drivers, ranking 8th among states. The Palmetto State has previously been home to some of the country’s worst drivers — and a new 2023 report said this year was no exception. South Carolina ranked eighth worst among states.

CP NEWS: Charleston Animal Society reveals 2023 spokespets. Charleston Animal Society (CAS) on Saturday declared a spirited tabby and a dashing Bernedoodle to be the 2023 winners of its fourth annual Rescue Brew contest.

CP OPINION: Brack: Trump is exactly who he says he is. “So when Donald Trump says he’ll be a dictator for a day if he is elected to a second term as president, he’s not pussyfooting around. He’s telling America – the land of democracy, not autocracy – that he will be a dictator. That Hitlerian world view is real, not something that he will be able to turn off like a water spigot.”

CP OPINION, Deford: Family tragedy fuels belief in woman’s right to choose. ” For me, protecting a woman’s right to choose is not just a matter of political ideology; it is deeply personal and rooted in a family tragedy that altered the course of my family. “

In other news:

Rents punishing families of modest means. This New York Times reporter, who has covered poverty for three decades, spent a few weeks in Charleston observing families affected by problems making rent payments, sometimes spending half of earnings on shelter. It’s a tough story to read.

S.C. political leaders support Jewish community at Chanukah event. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, Gov. Henry McMaster and Charleston County leaders joined the 16th annual Chanukah in the Square event Sunday. It’s one of the state’s largest Jewish celebrations — and takes on a particular significance this year with the war in Gaza. In related news, weather concerns canceled the Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade.

Haley looks beyond rivals’ attacks. In her first presidential candidate appearance in Iowa after last week’s debate, former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley stuck to campaign themes, not criticisms that she has characterized as not “worth my time.” She’s hoping for a strong bump in Iowa. Meanwhile, The Post and Courier writes a story on whether Haley threatens Trump, even with a bump.

S.C. jury convicts inmate connected to death in 2018 Lee Co. prison riot. It took jurors less than an hour Friday to convict an inmate of assault, weapon possession and conspiracy charges for what was called the deadliest U.S. prison riot in the past quarter-century. Seven prisoners died in the 2018 riot.

Source: Washington Post/AP

Forever chemical lawsuit deadline is today in Charleston. Utilities in national litigation against manufacturers of forever chemicals have until today to decide whether to be part of a federal settlement being handled in Charleston.

Lowcountry podcast gets worldwide fans through grandmother’s diaries. A look at how a Lowcountry podcasting team is gaining acclaim for talking about the life of a woman with a decade of diaries.