South Carolina Focus

His voice sounds excited, yet hesitant. Brian Wynne has just learned the Environmental Protection Agency will take action on a proposed ban from the Obama administration that would keep a potentially deadly chemical from being used in paint strippers commonly found on store shelves. He met with the EPA chief two days ago, sharing the story of his younger brother from Charleston who died after being exposed to that very chemical, methylene chloride.

May 6-12 is national Drinking Water Week, a time to appreciate the high quality water found throughout most of the Palmetto State. Jennifer Satterthwaite, communications coordinator for the Columbia Water Works, says while the city has two excellent sources of water, Lake Murray and the Columbia Canal, many people don’t realize that what they use on land, such as use certain fertilizers, automobile oil or pet waste, can find its way via stormwater runoff into the water supply. Fortunately, Water

Professor Anne Gutshall teaches psychology courses to future educators at the College of Charleston. Her students have a lot on their minds. From teacher walkouts nationwide over low pay to deadly mass shootings at schools, it’s a wonder they want to teach at all. But they do. They really do. “There are problems and concerns,” said Gutshall. “But they want to make a difference. They want to do something powerful and bigger than themselves. It’s humbling and energizing. Professor Gutshall has

A scaled replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is on display at Historic Camden. Its called the Wall That Heals and features all the names of the 58,318 who served and died in Vietnam. South Carolina Public Radio spoke with students, teachers, veterans and community members during a recent visit to the exhibit. Each year the exhibit travels across the country to give visitors a better understanding of the legacy of The Wall and educate about the impact of the Vietnam War. This year, the

Automation has been increasing in the Palmetto State’s factories for a long time, bringing with it fears of job losses for people whose jobs are vulnerable to being replaced by machines. But Roger Varin of Staubli Robotics, which makes robots for industry, says jobs are changing, but not necessarily vanishing. In fact, he asserts, automation creates jobs in some areas. Peter Brews, dean of USC’s Moore School of Business, agreed. He said what must happen to assure employment in the future is that

For the past two years, South Carolina has been in recovery mode. Long-term recovery for families, business and municipalities, following the historic rain event and flood of October 2015, is seen in almost every county. Recently, during National Community Development Week, Richland County celebrated the first home in its flood recovery program given to a flood survivor. The event marked a major milestone in the County’s recovery program and also presented a second chance at recovery for those

It’s that time again. Spring is in full swing, and so are preparations for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season. The National Weather Service is preparing to recognize National Hurricane Preparedness Week in early May, and will partner with the state’s Emergency Management Division to sponsor South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness week beginning May 27. But, as the state encourages citizen preparedness, how can individuals gauge the state’s success in responding to these disasters? One metric

May is National Elder Law Month, a time lawyers endeavor to spread the word that their specialty provides legal advocacy, guidance, and services to enhance the lives of seniors and people with disabilities. Columbia elder law attorney Lauren Wasson says there are three basic financial documents that should be in place for every senior citizen: a will, a durable power of attorney and a health care power of attorney, which assigns a trusted person to speak for the elderly client if he/she is

Both have historic homes, waterfront parks and battery walls, as well as reputations for hospitality. Charleston was named the best southern city this year by Southern Living Magazine. Last year, Beaufort was awarded best small town. But that’s not all these two Lowcountry communities have in common. “We’re sort of like brothers,” said Beaufort Mayor Keyserling. He’s referring to his life-long, family friendship with Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg. Their cities may be 70 miles apart, but the

For the past nine years, South Carolina native Mignon Clyburn has served as commissioner with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). She was sworn into office, on August 3, 2009 at the Matthew J. Perry, Jr. Courthouse in Columbia and since then has become a strong supporter of net neutrality, media ownership reform and lowering prison phone rates. This month, Clyburn announced she was leaving the agency. She talks with South Carolina Public Radio about why now is the right time for her to