MORNING HEADLINES | Since its peak less than three years ago, opioid overdose deaths dropped nearly by half across the nation as of October, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, analyzed by Stateline. In South Carolina, opioid overdose deaths dropped 52%, according to the data.
The state first saw a decrease in fentanyl overdose deaths in 2023, with a reported 2,157 drug overdose deaths in the state, which was a 6.1% decrease from the 2,296 drug overdose deaths in 2022.
Since then, the number has continued to trend downward, as fentanyl supply weakens across the nation and treatment becomes more widely available.
As of October, the CDC predicted 1,261 deaths in South Carolina, according to recent data released March 1.
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In recent headlines
Mace officially files for gubernatorial primary. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., has officially filed on Monday for the 2026 gubernatorial election. Mace joins Republicans Alan Wilson, Rom Reddy, and Ralph Norman in the race, with primaries slated to take place on June 9. Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, who previously announced her campaign, has yet to file, as has state senator Josh Kimbrell.
S.C. Senate advances bill for SCDOT to add toll lanes. Senators want to step on the gas for roadbuilding, they said in advancing a bill that would allow toll lanes and have South Carolina take over the environmental permitting process.
- S.C. lawmakers propose temporary suspension of state gas tax
- S.C. lawmakers to vote on state song
- Bill would make some Lexington school board races partisan
- S.C. sees rising insurance rates
Three Lowcountry events to bring thousands to the Lowcountry. The Cooper River Bridge Run, Flowertown festival and Credit One Charleston Open will bring thousands to the Lowcountry this weekend.
North Charleston to discuss possible railroad overpass study. The proposed project is a railroad overpass study at Azalea Drive and Stromboli Avenue and Virginia Avenue and Noisette Boulevard in North Charleston with an estimated cost of $5 million. The study will assess train traffic and decide whether an overpass over the railroad is feasible and the best option forward.
The Citadel announces a new president. The Board of Visitors announced today that it has selected Gen. Frank McKenzie, USMC (Ret.), ’79, as the 21st president of The Citadel.
Breeze says Charleston jet accident cost more than $6.5M. Breeze Airways is suing a Japanese airline for negligence after one of the U.S. carrier’s jets was struck while parked on the tarmac at Charleston International Airport last summer.
Summerville officials consider pay raise to keep officers in town. Many officers who live in Summerville currently commute 30 to 45 minutes to work in Charleston and surrounding areas because those agencies pay more. Under the proposal, every police officer would receive a $6,000 raise, from the newest recruit to the chief.
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