MORNING NEWSBREAK  |  Donald Trump became the first former president convicted of a felony Thursday. A New York jury found him guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal that threatened his ascent to the White House in 2016.

Many of Trump’s GOP allies, including several S.C. leaders, quickly responded to the verdict, lining up behind Trump as he’s likely to continue to be the party’s Republican nominee for November’s presidential election. 

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., whose name has been touted as a possible running mate, called the trial a “sham” and “absolute injustice” on X. “You cannot silence the American people,” he added. “You cannot stop us from voting for change. Joe Biden — you’re fired. We the People stand with Donald J. Trump.”

On the other end of the political spectrum, U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., responded to the trial simply with, “The jury has spoken. Justice has prevailed,” on X. 

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., who has a primary June 11 against two GOP rivals in the First Congressional District, said on X, “This is a VERY dark day for American democracy when the law is weaponized against its own citizens. Now, it is in the hands of the American people to fix it.” 

Other S.C. leaders such as Gov. Henry McMaster, Attorney General Alan Wilson and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham also responded to the verdict, accusing the trial of being an attack on the former president and criticizing the judicial system. Trump is expected to appeal the verdict. 

In other recent headlines:

CP OPINION: Yes, just who is Matt Leber? Vote for Senn on June 11

“First, to be clear, the Charleston City Paper wholeheartedly endorses incumbent S.C. Sen. Sandy Senn in the June 11 Republican primary. Why? Because she’s the kind of public servant that South Carolina needs more of.”

CP FOCUS:  Sasha Velour brings the magic of drag to Spoleto. World-famous drag performer Sasha Velour describes  The Big Reveal Live Show in this year’s Spoleto Festival USA as an immersive evening of storytelling through “gesture, costume and a little magic.”

CP ARTS: Celebrate pride! June is Pride Month, a dedicated celebration of love, diversity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month offers a time to reflect on the progress that has been made towards acceptance and rights, as well as recognize ongoing struggles and work that still needs to be done. Don’t miss out on the fun to be had at these local events, parades and artistic offerings. 

Lowcountry towing companies charging more than ordinance allows. The City of Charleston has a maximum charge for non-consensual towing ordinance, but some area towing companies are charging more than the city ordinance allows, according to this story.

Historically Black North Charleston neighborhood looks to return to glory days. Historic Black community Liberty Hill is entering the second phase of its revitalization plan, with a focus to bring back local shops to the business corridor.

Charleston lawyer, former senator arrested again. Former South Carolina senator John Kuhn was arrested in March for a hit-and-run charge. Kuhn was arrested again May 21 after an argument resulted in Kuhn slapping a victim.

Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing on Johns Island. Sea Island Habitat for Humanity is taking on its first affordable home neighborhood on Johns Island for first-time buyers currently renting and living on or near the island with a plan to build 50 new homes.

Charleston water issues warning to Williamsburg Co. facility. The Charleston Water System has warned a sludge recycling facility in Williamsburg County that it will cut ties if the facility fails to fix issues discovered by inspectors last month.

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