MORNING HEADLINES  |  A bill that would have made South Carolina’s abortion ban the strictest nationwide proved to be too extreme for a panel packed with anti-abortion Republican legislators. The proposal failed on a 3-2 vote with four Republicans on the Senate subcommittee declining to vote.  

Dubbed the Unborn Child Protection Act, the bill called for a ban on abortions from the moment a pregnancy is “clinically diagnosable,” elimination of exemptions for rape and incest and a prohibition of abortions in any circumstances except to save the life of the mother.

Three Democrats – Sens. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg; Ronnie Sabb, D-Greeleyville; and Deon Tedder, D-North Charleston – voted against the bill and proposed amendments. 

“The vast, vast, vast majority of South Carolinians are against this,” Hutto said. “We already have one of the strictest bills in the country. To go any further, is just an outright attack on women and doctors.”

Republican Sens. Richard Cash of Anderson, the bill’s chief sponsor, and Tom Fernandez of Summerville voted for the bill. Four Republican senators — co-sponsor Billy Garrett of Greenwood, Tom Corbin of Greenville; Jeff Zell of Sumter and Matt Leber of Johns Island — declined to vote, allowing the Democratic senators to sink the bill. 

In other recent headlines

CP OPINION, Davis: Why the V.C. Summer deal is right for South Carolina. “Nuclear power remains the only reliable, scalable energy source capable of meeting our state’s growing needs. While wind and solar have their place, they cannot provide the around-the-clock baseload power that manufacturers, data centers and households depend on.”

Former S.C. House member arraigned on federal charges of defrauding. Former S.C. State Rep. and North Charleston attorney Marvin Pendarvis, 36, pleaded not guilty in a Tuesday arraignment on 10 federal charges, including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. He was released on a $50,000 unsecured bond.

RUNOFFS: Ford wins House District 98. Greg Ford won the unofficial runoff election for District 98 in the state House of Representatives , defeating Brian Hill with 789 votes to Hill’s 619 votes. District 98 in Dorchester County formerly was held by Chris Murphy, who resigned.

Historic homes in downtown Charleston could see easier path to renovation. A quiet shift in Charleston’s zoning rules may soon make it easier for residents in some of the city’s most historic neighborhoods to update their homes while still preserving the character that defines them.

Authorities to announce arrests in ‘Operation Online Guardian’. Law enforcement officials in Charleston County are expected to announce several arrests connected to an undercover operation that targeted predators on social media.

Trident United Way event celebrates 25 years. Trident United Way’s annual Days of Caring brings 129 volunteer opportunities to nonprofits that need help. Over 1,500 volunteers will transform 65 nonprofits this week, including one that’s been closed since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Event offers utility bill assistance. Palmetto Community Action Partnership, which serves economically disadvantaged residents in the tri-county with self-sufficiency and basic needs, is hosting a “mega rollout” for utility bill assistance at Calvary Church of God in Christ from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Restaurant boasting one of Charleston’s best burgers to close. Herd Provisions, known for its bistro fare and grass-fed meat program, will close after dinner service on Nov. 29.

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