HEAT
Dangerous temperatures are expected to continue across the state today, followed by an evening threat for dangerous thunderstorms. South Carolina Emergency Information Network Meteorologist Megan Borowski explains high pressure will keep the heat and humidity overhead through much of the day, with afternoon heat index values surpassing the 100-degree mark. She says an upper-level disturbance is going to track toward our area from the southeast. The overlap of this upper disturbance with extreme heat and humidity on the ground is what’s going to prime the pump for severe weather. Damaging straight line gusts could be widespread as well as large hail. Keep in mind too that frequent lightning will be possible.
GREYSTAR REALESTATE
The U.S. Justice Department announced Tuesday, a Charleston based real-estate company must pay $1.4 Million dollars for allegedly charging military members illegal fees.
The federal agency says Greystar Real Estate imposed those fees when military personnel were forced to terminate their leases, because of mandatory relocation orders.
Greystar Real Estate is The nation’s largest property management company; it will have to repay those charges and also shell out a civil penalty as well. South Carolina Public Radio… has reached out to Greystar for comment… and are waiting to hear back.
REDISTRICTING
The State Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on a challenge to the state’s current congressional district map.
The League of Women Voters of South Carolina asked the high-court to “throw-out” the current map, claiming the Republican controlled legislature intentionally drew district lines to increase the number of GOP districts.
South Carolina Public Radio’s Russ McKinney reports lawyers for the League of Women Voters argued that the partisan gerrymandering violates the state constitution by intentionally diluting the impact of a large group of voters in the sixth district.
McKinney says attorneys for the legislature and the Governor argued that the constitution gives the legislature the sole right to decide the congressional districts.
Cielo Digital
It’s being described as the largest investment in Cherokee County history. Florida-based Cielo Digital Infrastructure reportedly will locate a $2.1 Billion dollar computing data center at a site near Gaffney and close to the Broad River.
The giant, technology facility is expected to be operational by 2028 and employ about 30 workers. Cherokee County on Monday formally approved tax-breaks for the project
Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer called the planned $2 Billion dollar-plus investment “a transformative moment” for Cherokee County.
CONVERSION THERAPY
In an effort to keep state funding, Columbia City Council held its second and final vote to repeal the state's only conversion therapy ban for LGBTQ+ minors.
Late Tuesday night, the council voted 4 to 3 to repeal the ban, despite the community urging them to keep the ordinance in place. The repeal follows passage of the state budget that starts next week, includes a measure to prohibit state aid for local governments with conversion therapy bans.
Overturning the ban gives the city of Columbia access again to 3.7 million dollars in state aid. The repeal took effect last night.
Berk. Co. CDBG Awards
And Berkeley County Awards $1 million dollars to local organizations
The Community Development Block Grants are going to 26 local agencies and nonprofit organizations. Much of the funds are going to help with facility expansion and remodeling projects to community centers, organizations that provide education and housing programs, as well as food pantries and local fire stations.
CONSOLIDATED HEALTH AGENCY
Tuesday, at the state’s new health campus in Cayce, Statehouse leaders and Governor McMaster celebrated a new law that consolidates three health care-related agencies into one.
The new Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities will be made up of the departments of mental health, disability services, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse services. McMaster has not yet nominated a director…that person will have to be vetted and confirmed by the state Senate.
CYBER ATTACK WARNING
And The ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment across the US… According to a June 22nd bulletin from Homeland Security, low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely. The agency also says cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against US networks.
The South Carolina Department of Administration’s (Admin) Division of Information Security (DIS) is advising to be aware of an increased risk of phishing attacks. These types of attacks use fraudulent emails, text messages, phone calls or websites to trick people into sharing sensitive data, downloading malware or otherwise exposing themselves to cybercrime.
Officials say these attacks may target state government entities. They say threat actors often exploit global events to craft convincing, emotionally charged messages designed to trick individuals into clicking malicious links, disclosing sensitive information or compromising your log-in credentials.
Experts offer these tips:
- Be cautious with emails referencing the conflict — especially those urging urgent action or claiming to offer breaking news, donations or official updates.
- Verify senders before clicking links or downloading attachments, even if the email appears legitimate.
- If there are any links, full URLs or words with an underline, DO NOT CLICK. Review where it is directing you by hovering over the link and reviewing the destination.
- Attachments should be reviewed and identified for unfamiliar name and filetype.
- Report suspicious messages immediately.
