| Last night, Charleston City Council unanimously voted to remove the John C. Calhoun Monument in Marion Square. Mayor Tecklenburg says the resolution to relocate the statue will be discussed during their next meeting on June 30. |
| John C. Calhoun Monument removal | Photo by the CHStoday team
|
The John C. Calhoun Monument
○ The monument was built in May 1896 to honor statesman John C. Calhoun. Since its establishment, the monument has generated controversy within the community. In his statement, Mayor Tecklenburg referred to Calhoun as “both South Carolina’s most prominent national statesman and its most consequential defender of slavery and white supremacy.” Read the monument’s full history here.
○ Over the years, additions to the statue – such as a plaque with more detailed historical context and overview of Calhoun – were advocated for, but never agreed upon.
○ The monument is owned by the city, but sits on privately owned land belonging to the Board of Officers of the Washington Light Infantry and the Sumter Guard.
○ Charleston City Council unanimously voted on its removal during their meeting on June 23.
○ The City Council will discuss the fate of the monument during their meeting next Tuesday (June 30). You can live stream the meeting via the City of Charleston’s YouTube channel.
○ Until a decision is made, the John C. Calhoun Monument will be kept in an undisclosed indoor location.
South Carolina operates under a Heritage Act, which grants the state sole ability to change or remove any monuments or memorials that belong to the state. While the City of Charleston claims this act does not apply to this particular monument since it belongs to the city and sits on privately-owned ground, it is unclear whether the city will end up fighting the state.
Mayor Tecklenubrg expressed his desire for the monument to be relocated to a museum or academic institution where the statue can be observed in full historical context. He stated, “The purpose of this resolution is not to discard any of our past, but to honor our lessons. Not to erase any of that history, but to write a new chapter.” Watch the full meeting here.
The removal process began just before midnight following the City Council meeting. As of Wednesday morning, crews have run into some technical conflicts and are still working to lift the statue. |
| Coronavirus
|
|
○ On Wednesday, DHEC announced 1,291 new cases of coronavirus and 10 additional deaths in SC. That brings the total number of cases in SC of COVID-19 to 27,842, and the total deaths to 683.
○ Of those new cases, 175 were reported in Charleston County, 38 were in Berkeley County, and 32 were in Dorchester County. One reported death occurred in Charleston County.
○ Since opening in March, MUSC Health’s drive-through COVID-19 testing site has expanded from serving around 20 patients to about 500. Chief Operating Officer of MUSC Health, Dr. Tom Crawford, said that the plan they had in place to handle this large influx of testing was inspired by Chick-Fil-A and NASCAR. (WCBD)
○ The FDA warned the public to immediately stop using hand sanitizers that contain methanol — or wood alcohol — as this ingredient can be toxic when absorbed through the skin. Brands with products containing methanol include CleanCare, Saniderm, All Clean + Esk Biochem. See the full list here. (CBS 17)
○ Tuesday night, State Representative Nancy Mace shared on Twitter that she tested positive for COVID-19. She says that she has reached out to each person she may have been in contact with. She has also offered to pay for her staff and volunteers to get tested. (WCIV)
○ Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie announced on Tuesday evening that the town will consider implementing mask requirements in the area after the town’s emergency coordinator compiles COVID-19 numbers. An emergency city council meeting will be held today to further discuss plans. (WCSC)
○ After returning from a trip to Myrtle Beach, 14 high school students from Ohio tested positive for COVID-19. Over 35 cases of coronavirus in West Virginia have also been connected to the popular South Carolina vacation spot. (WYFF 4)
○ On Tuesday, the South Carolina Senate approved a $1.2 billion relief fund for COVID-19, including $500 million in reimbursements for an unemployment benefit trust fund, $225 million for an extra week of school for students + $17 million for protective equipment supply for a future pandemic. (WCIV)
|
| Hey, there. Looking for today’s #MustDo events? In accordance with the
CDC’s recommendations regarding public gatherings, we have decided to postpone public event coverage for the time being. We look forward to bringing you Charleston’s #MustDo events soon (until then, feel free to submit your virtual events
here).
|
| #CHStoday
|
|
|
Sorry y’all – not having weights in the house is no longer an excuse to avoid working out. On the bright side, taking advantage of these dumbbell substitutions will make workouts much more amusing and provide a comical photo op at the very least.
So, grab a baby, a bottle of wine + a yoga mat and join in on one of The Works' virtual workout classes.
|
| #DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #CHStoday on social media.
|
| News Notes
|
|
|
Weather
○ 84º | Scattered thunderstorms | 40% chance of rain
Tide
○ Low: 5:51 a.m. + 5:56 p.m.
○ High: 11:53 a.m. + 12:07 a.m.
Civic
○ The Charleston City Council is considering applying for two grants that would aid two large drainage projects: one in West Ashley and one on James Island. The first grant would be for $250,000, and the second for $125,000. Both would require a match from the city. (WCSC)
Announced
○ Fam’s Brewing Co. (1291 Folly Rd., James Island) decided to close its dining rooms and patios to customers in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases. The restaurant will be offering carryout + delivery indefinitely. (WCBD)
Biz
○ Owner of Coconut Joe’s, Joe Petro, announced his retirement after 23 years of serving the Lowcountry at the Isle of Palms dive. Petro claims he has faith in the new buyer’s commitment to maintaining the restaurant’s distinct concept. (WCBD)
Holiday
○ This year’s tentative schedule for the 11th annual Salute From the Shore on July 4 has been released. See fly-over times here. (WCBD)
Cause
○ Dunkin Donuts recently donated dozens of donuts and coffee to workers at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. CEO of Coastal Franchising, George Ross, says they are proud to support a hospital that does so much to keep our community safe and healthy. (Holy City Sinner)
DYK
○ Nearly half of people in the U.S. say the coronavirus pandemic has negatively affected their mental health. Here are 4 wellness tips to help you combat the coronavirus blues. Ⓟ
Arts
○ The artwork from the 2017 Colour of Music Festival poster has become a symbol of national solidarity throughout the U.S. and around the globe. The Black classical musicians festival created commemorative posters and official t-shirts, which you can order here.
Edu
○ The Lucy Garrett Beckham High School football team officially started the first week of pre-season workouts. This upcoming season will be the first time the Bengals will be on the field. (Count on 2)
Drink
○ It’s Thursday. It’s summertime. Here’s an easy recipe for sangria. Cheers.🍷 Ⓟ
Celebrate
○ This one goes out to Terry Fisher: “Happiest of birthdays, dear friend! With love, Lisa & Alan.” Happy birthday from our team at CHStoday, too! Ⓟ
|
| #TheBuy
|
|
|
| Photo provided by Nothing New
|
Save the planet in style. Nothing New sneakers are comfy, eco-friendly footwear made from recycled water bottles. The uppers are crafted from a canvas material that is both sustainable + durable, while true stitch construction creates a flexible bond without the need for harmful chemicals or sulfur emissions.
Esquire even said they “might be the most sustainable (and stylish) sneakers on the planet.”
Bonus: Free shipping + returns (in eco-friendly packaging, of course). Ⓟ
|
| #Shareworthy
|
|
|
| The Wrap
|
|
|
Answered: Yesterday, we asked you what your go-to plural for the word “you” is. 76.9% said they prefer the Southern term “y’all,” and I’m right there with y’all.
🔄 Catch up on any newsletters you may have missed here.
💭 Say Hello: What do you want to know about your city?
✏️️ Want to write an article for us? Find out how here.
👀 Want your business featured in our newsletter? Learn more about advertising opportunities here. |
| Did a friend forward this to you?
|
| It can be in your inbox tomorrow a.m. |
|
|
| @CHStoday
|
Follow us.
|
#CHStoday
|
|
|
|
| Let us know if we've missed anything and say hello@thechstoday.com
|
|
Disclaimer: Content marked with a Ⓟ is representative of our advertising partners.
|
Want to receive CHStoday once a week instead? Update your preferences here.
Never want to hear from us again? Break our hearts by unsubscribing here.
Copyright © 6AM City, LLC, all rights reserved. Legal.
Greenville, SC 29602
|
|
