MORNING HEADLINES | Starting Saturday, holding your cell phone while driving might cost you $100.
Since September, law enforcement officers across the state have issued thousands of warnings to drivers for violating a new hands-free driving law. But those violations will have teeth starting Feb. 28 as a grace period ends. First-time offenders will have to pay a $100 fine. Get popped twice and the fine is doubled – and you could get two points on your license.
State lawmakers, who failed to approve a distracted driving law for about two decades, last year passed the new law under the threat of losing up to $80 million in federal highway funds. Officials said it was needed to curb about 20,000 vehicle crashes caused in part by distracted driving.
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In recent headlines
CP NEWS: Charleston Wine + Food to return for 20th year. When Charleston Wine + Food (CHSWF) hosted its first festival in 2005, no one could have envisioned its evolution and success over the past two decades. And next week, it will be back.
EPSTEIN: Missing records about woman who made claim against Trump. Some documents related to a woman’s unverified account of being assaulted by Donald Trump appear to be missing from the Epstein files, according to this story. The woman reportedly was a teenager from South Carolina when the assault allegedly happened in the 1980s. A Hilton Head Island teenager in the 1980s is at the center of the new Epstein storm.
S.C. Forum seeks consensus-driven solutions. The new initiative launched Wednesday with legislators of both parties who committed to potentially sponsor ideas from what people say they really want. A former TV star is working on measures to fix politics and boost civic engagement.
- College officials say direct payments to athletes need to stay secret
- S.C. House approves Ten Commandments bill
Charleston schools continue to enhance support for struggling students. A look at how the school district seems to help students who are struggling behaviorally and academically.
Thousands turn to Palmetto Project for helping with health insurance. The nonprofit is the state’s only nonprofit health insurance agency — and it helps people navigate the complicated health insurance market.
Charleston moves forward with e-bike ordinance. A city traffic and transportation committee has approved a draft of an ordinance that requires e-bike users to follow rules of the road.
- Charleston hires new cultural affairs director
- IOP residents could see higher tax bills due to beach renourishment
- Charleston Co. provides $6.6 million for affordable housing
- Goose Creek has plan to address flooding, heat, more
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