MORNING HEADLINES | Gov. Henry McMaster is one of several governors around the country leaving the door open to build something similar to Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz,” according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“We’ve had several other states that are actually using Alligator Alcatraz as a model for how they can partner with us,” Noem said to reporters during a July 12 press conference. “I’m having ongoing conversations with five other governors about facilities that they may have.”
McMaster’s office this week confirmed that South Carolina was part of the conversations.
“South Carolina’s law enforcement and National Guard continue to collaborate and participate with federal officials on illegal immigration enforcement and deportation,” spokesman Brandon Charochak said in a statement published in The Post and Courier. “Governor McMaster has directed state officials to continue exploring how the Palmetto State’s unique assets and resources can be utilized to provide additional and enhanced support in the weeks and months to come.”
Alligator Alcatraz is a controversial Florida holding center for detainees awaiting deportation out of the United States, which has come under scrutiny for its conditions.
In other headlines
CP FOOD: Charleston commercial fishing legend seeks support for repairs. Mark Marhefka of Abundant Seafood and his crew experienced severe, heavy damage to its ship, the Amy Marie. Randi Weinstein, founder of FAB, a conference supporting women in the food industry, and longtime champion of all things Charleston cuisine, quickly jumped into action when she learned what had happened to the Amy Marie.
2026: State’s lieutenant governor becomes 3rd candidate in 2026 GOP governor’s race. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette on Monday officially launched her bid to be South Carolina’s next governor, becoming the third Republican candidate to formally jump into the crowded primary to current Gov. Henry McMaster. The first candidates to announce their bids last month were GOP Attorney General Alan Wilson and Sen. Josh Kimbrell, R-Spartanburg. Other GOP leaders also are looking at running.
2028: Democrats already lining up for 2028 presidential election. Over the span of 10 days in July, three Democratic presidential prospects are scheduled to campaign in South Carolina, an early voting state.
WEATHER: Next tropical system has chance to develop in the Gulf this week. The National Hurricane Center is watching a system of storms off the northeastern coast of Florida that has a chance of tropical development over the Gulf this week.
Charleston plans for new pedestrian bridge on Daniel Island. The city’s Committee on Ways and Means is set to meet on Tuesday to discuss the $1.4 million contract with Blutide Marine Construction for a 1,100 linear foot bicycle and pedestrian path over Nowell Creek.
North Charleston police release new app Crimewatch. Crimewatch can be used to report anonymous tips and crimes, register security cameras, view projects, and receive alerts about crimes to community events.
S.C. Aquarium confused over newborn spoonbills. Three roseate spoonbill chicks have taken up residence at the South Carolina Aquarium, but the birds’ strange appearances are having researchers scratching their heads.
Berkeley Co. detective warns of crypto machines. A Berkeley County Sheriff’s detective is raising concerns as ATM crypto machines have begun popping up in places like vape shops and gas stations across the Lowcountry, citing the ATMs as a consistent scamming technique.
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