MORNING HEADLINES | With $50 million in federal highway funds on the line, the S.C. House on Wednesday passed a bill to require hands-free cell phone use while driving.
State Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, has pushed for the measure for eight years because of the number of distracted drivers in the state.
“They’re driving blind,” he said. “They are not looking at the road. They are six times more dangerous than a drunken driver. That has to stop.”
The bill will now move to the state Senate, which has overwhelmingly passed the proposal in past years.
House lawmakers voted 85-25 to approve the legislation. Only South Carolina and North Carolina allow drivers to hold cell phones, according to the Associated Press.
In other headlines:
CP OPINION, Dr. Jane: Frustrated wife wants advice on low-libido husband. “There are lots of reasons why your husband may be experiencing low libido. Libido is influenced by a combination of physical, psychological and lifestyle factors.”
Two Charleston billionaires make Forbes’ list of world’s richest. InterTech’s’s Anita Zucker and Greystar’s Robert Faith, both of Charleston, made Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s richest people.
Law firms investigating Dockside evacuation. Attorneys with two area law firms say they’re investigating the sudden evacuation of the Dockside condominium building in Charleston after an independent engineer’s report in February showed major structural damage.
S.C.-1: Mace holds surprise telephone town hall. Under fire for not answering constituents’ questions, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace of Charleston held an unannounced telephone town hall Tuesday night. During the 30 minute event, she took a total of five questions from callers.
Federal corruption probe leaves North Charleston district without representation. Indicted North Charleston Councilman Mike Brown has refused to resign, despite his removal by Gov. Henry McMaster while his corruption case moves through the courts. As a result, District 1 residents may not have a representative until 2027.
Charleston police open Lowcountry’s first DNA lab. The Charleston Police Department has opened the Lowcountry’s first DNA lab, promising faster turnarounds on critical tests. “
Isle of Palms looks at replacing $60 seasonal parking pass with $100 weekly charge. For now, the popular and affordable season-long parking pass is done, town officials made clear. But they say they may consider bringing it back in some form in the future.
New miniature golf course could be coming to Folly Road. Developers have submitted a plan to the city of Charleston to bring a miniature golf course and restaurant to Folly Road on James Island. The location is currently an empty lot surrounded by a chain link fence.
In-state students may be protected against future tuition increases. The S.C. Senate Finance Committee has rejected a House budget proposal that could lead to higher tuition costs for future in-state students at state colleges and universities. The disagreement will have to be worked out between the House and Senate during the budget reconciliation process later this year.
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