MORNING NEWSBREAK | While Charleston-area residents experienced a total eclipse here in 2017, Monday’s 70% total eclipse proved to be just as powerful of a celestial event for many as the moon crossed the path of the sun.
All across America Monday afternoon, viewers looked up, clapped and sometimes cried as skies briefly darkened in the total eclipse that swept from Texas to Maine. It’s a sight the U.S. won’t see again until 2044.
“Despite the fact that just seven years ago [an eclipse] went through Charleston,” longtime instructor of physics and astronomy Laura Penny told Charleston City Paper last week, “having these two total solar eclipses occur over the continental United States in this short amount of time is very unusual, and it is something that people will remember forever.”
In other recent news:
CP NEWS: IAAM offered different type of college spring break. The International African American Museum last month welcomed students from the College of Charleston, Benedict College and the College of the Holy Cross for its first Alternate Spring Break program, aimed to allow students to engage in social, racial and environmental justice advocacy through direct service, group discussion, experiential learning and individual reflection.
HOMECOMING: Lady Gamecocks get heroes’ welcome in Columbia victory celebration. USC students, faculty and fans welcomed victorious coach Dawn Staley and her team back to Columbia Monday after winning the national title in Cleveland and finishing a perfect 38-0 season.
$23M in federal funding to fuel Charleston International’s next big project. A $23 million federal funding allotment spearheaded by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham is allowing Charleston International Airport to move forward with a plan to add a new six-gate concourse. Meanwhile, JetBlue Airways is introducing its new dual-tiered pricing structure for baggage fees at Charleston International Airport, tacking on an additional $5 to $10.
S.C. Democratic Party won’t certify Charleston Co. sheriff candidate. Former Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Alan Ali filed to run as a Democrat in the Charleston County Sheriff’s race, challenging incumbent Sheriff Kristin Graziano. But the S.C. Democratic Party said in a March 5 letter to the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections that it would not certify Ali for the June primary “because there is a question about his support and allegiance to the Democratic Party and the party’s values.”
CARTA driver honored for longtime service in Charleston. Charles Frasier, A.K.A. “King of Route 20,” was honored by city and transportation officials of Charleston for over 50 years of service with the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority. Over his career, it’s estimated he drove more than 4 million miles.
Work to widen Dorchester Road may not happen until 2028. The task to widen Dorchester Road from four to six lanes is a joint effort between Dorchester and Charleston counties, but both counties are currently in the design phase, dealing with new shopping centers, residential neighborhoods and large facilities to consider for the project.
Charleston ‘setting new standards’ in code rewrite. The city of Charleston is reportedly working on updating its zoning code, which helps guide the city’s growth and development. The code hasn’t been updated since 1966.
Catalytic converter thefts continue in Charleston. Over the last two and a half years, a total of 325 catalytic converters have been stolen from cars, according to the Charleston Police Department.
Minor, moderate flooding forecast for Charleston as king tide rolls in. The National Weather Service predicts Charleston will experience some slight flooding until April 10, when the king tide cycle is expected to end.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No newspaper subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations from downtown to North Charleston to Johns Island to Summerville to Mount Pleasant.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.