Author: Staff

Duke Energy is taking important steps in South Carolina as it faces an extraordinary increase in demand for electricity. This week, South Carolina senators have been actively working on plans to address these changes. The utility company is responding to this pressing need for energy with strategies that aim to ensure a reliable supply for residents and businesses. As demands for electricity grow, Duke Energy’s initiatives will likely play a crucial role in meeting the needs of the community effectively and sustainably.

The NukeGate saga is an expensive reminder of mishaps in South Carolina’s energy sector. This debacle originated in 2017 when two nuclear reactors intended for the V.C. Summer facility in Jenkinsville were abruptly abandoned, leaving many taxpayers and ratepayers in the lurch. Originally, these reactors were designed to generate 2,300 megawatts of energy. Instead, they resulted in a staggering $10 billion in losses, without producing a single watt. For South Carolinians, this has meant increased energy rates and ongoing debt. The collapse of this ambitious project has had lasting repercussions, particularly since the state was in dire need of new…

In recent events, the strife surrounding union strikes has raised concerns over their impact on the economy and local jobs. Harold Daggett, the chief negotiator for the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), made a strong statement, declaring, “I will cripple you,” regarding potential strikes that could have halted significant segments of the U.S. economy. A prolonged strike could have led to thousands of job losses across South Carolina, a state in which its ports contribute a staggering $87 billion to the annual economy and support one in nine jobs. Interestingly, the wages from these port jobs are approximately 23% higher than…

The job market in America has been facing challenges lately, particularly impacting native-born workers. Recent trends show that foreign workers, including those entering the country without legal status, have significantly contributed to job growth. In the last six years, native-born workers have seen no net job growth at all—that’s right, absolutely none. Instead, it’s the undocumented workers who have filled many of these roles. According to research by labor market expert Steve Englander, around half of the job growth in the first half of fiscal year 2024 has come from undocumented immigrants, adding approximately 109,000 jobs every month. Recent reports…

This week, a port strike that could have significantly disrupted operations concluded after just under four days. Dock workers from the International Longshoremen Association (ILA) reached a temporary agreement with shipping companies. Thanks to this deal, about 45,000 dockworkers across east and Gulf Coast ports returned to work on October 4, 2024, helping to avoid serious supply chain issues in the U.S. For the time being, it seems… The current agreement specifically addresses wages, but it does not tackle the ongoing disputes about automation in port operations. According to the ILA, shipping companies are using automated systems, like the one…

In a developing situation, a potential port strike threatens to disrupt America’s supply chain just thirty-five days ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing approximately 45,000 dock workers along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, is prepared to strike at midnight when their current agreement with port managers ends. On Monday, September 30, 2024, the North Bergen, New Jersey-based union stated that it would not return to negotiations before the deadline, adding pressure to the already tense situation. The union claims the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) is obstructing efforts to reach a fair agreement. “The ocean…

In a surprising turn of events, the South Carolina Senate is set to become even more dominated by Republicans. All forty-six seats in this part of the state legislature were contested on Tuesday night. However, many of these races weren’t competitive, largely due to how the political map is drawn in South Carolina. Most elections are decided during the partisan primary elections held in June, especially in the Republican primaries. Before the recent elections, the Senate consisted of 30 Republicans, 15 Democrats, and one independent. By Wednesday morning, the Republican Party had gained four new seats, reinforcing their strong presence…

South Carolina is known for playing a crucial role in selecting presidents. Securing a win in the state’s presidential primary has been essential for candidates in both major parties looking to reach the White House. Notable figures such as Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush can all attest to the importance of this state in their presidential journeys. As the “First in the South” primary approaches, its significance extends beyond just the presidential candidates; it is also a key place for future political leaders looking to make their mark in Washington, D.C. Following Trump’s victory in…

A new record was set for early voting in South Carolina this year, with many voters casting their ballots before the official election day on November 5, 2024. Data from the South Carolina Election Commission shows that between October 21 and November 2, about 1.47 million South Carolinians participated in the early voting process. This means that around 43 percent of the state’s 3.42 million registered voters have already made their choice, which is a significant increase compared to the previous presidential election in 2020. Early voting has allowed voters to share approximately 58.1 percent of the total votes cast…

A professor from the University of South Carolina has stirred some controversy this week after criticizing the results of the recent presidential election. Sueanna Smith believes that the supporters of president-elect Donald Trump are not well-informed and are, in her words, holding the nation “hostage.” On social media platform X, Smith remarked, “There is a reason why educated people vote blue. What we’re seeing is the uneducated population of America holding the rest of the country hostage.” Her comments have gained attention, leading to discussions about how academics view those who disagree with them. In a follow-up post, she clarified…