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Thousands protest Greenville county council over King holiday
An estimated 10,000 people rallied Saturday in Greenville to protest county council's refusal to adopt a paid holiday to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Some 8,000 marched to the courthouse area downtown, only to join another 2,000. It was the largest civil rights gathering in Greenville's history. Greenville News, Sunday.

10,000 expected next year at Hunley funeral
More than 10,000 people are expected next year in Charleston for burial of the crew of the C.S. Hunley submarine. The State/AP, Saturday; WYFF TV.

Lottery proceeds exceed expectations by millions
By Thursday, lottery proceeds for the state's fiscal year were $185.4 million -- more than $12 million higher than projected. By June 30, revenues should be $40 million higher than expected. The State, Saturday.; Spartanburg Herald Journal.

Stage set for record Spoleto Festival sales
Officials won't release numbers yet, but sales of this year's Spoleto Festival USA, which is slated to start this weekend, are expected to be the best ever in its 27-year history. Post and Courier, Sunday.

Awendaw mourns native son killed in Saudi attack
Awendaw native Quincy Knox died in last week's attacks in Saudi Arabia. Post and Courier, Saturday.

White House official discusses Hispanic issues in Greenville
A White House official answered a lot of immigration questions during a forum in Greenville on Saturday. Greenville News, Sunday.

Darlington could lose Labor Day race
But the speedway will keep two other racing events. WBTW TV.

* Lancaster, NC county plan industrial park
Lancaster County and Union County, N.C., are moving ahead with plans to build a joint industrial park. Charlotte Observer.

* RTG invests $2 million in tire recycling facility
A converted Moncks Corner plant is part of a gamble by a New Jersey investor that bought a $50 million company for pennies on the dollar. Post and Courier.

* Putting wireless to the test
Verizon engineers travel throughout the state to ensure its wireless system is working. Charleston Regional Business Journal.

* Charleston law firm works on case that allows foreign workers to sue in state courts
Richardson Patrick law firm in Charleston was part of a national case that went to the Supreme Court that allows foreign workers to sue in state courts. Charleston Regional Business Journal.

Upstate banks to review security
Banks in the Upstate say they'll review security measures following a fatal triple shooting at the Blue Ridge Savings Bank in Greer. Greenville News, Monday.

State Ports Authority is selling Daniel Island property
The SPA took steps last week to sell four pieces of property it bought in the 1990s for port expansion. Critics say the port is making money off the deals. Post and Courier, Sunday.

Spartanburg lawyer sworn is as new SC Bar president
Ken Anthony on Friday became new president of the SC Bar. Spartanburg Herald Journal.

Son of ex-Gov. Campbell betting on Iraq
Mike Campbell, son of former Gov. Carroll Campbell, is trying to get contracts to help rebuild Iraq. The State, Sunday.

Sterling heads to Kentucky
Wayne Sterling, former chief of staff for the SC Department of Commerce, is moving to Paducah, Ky., to head up its economic development efforts. The State, Saturday.

Palmetto AgriBusiness Council announces Super Ag Roundtable; more. The State, Sunday.

Greer lands national tutoring program
A program that's been successful in Fountain Inn and elsewhere will open in June in Greer. Greenville News, Monday.

January's cold could hurt this year's shrimping season
Officials say a cold snap in January could hurt an already hurting shrimp industry. Beaufort Gazette.

* Orangeburg County generating data for land-use plan
Consultants are gathering data for a countywide land use planning project. Orangeburg Times and Democrat.

* North Charleston spends big on cell phones
City employees average $62 per month for cell phone bills, compared to $37 per month in the rest of Charleston County. Post and Courier.

* Cuts in telecommunications franchise fees could cost cities
Instead, cities will be able to charge lower-costing business licenses. Cities are pushing for a legislative change. Sumter Item.

* Coast Guard expands focus
Since Sept. 11, the Coast Guard has vastly expanded its mission, the Savannah station reports. Carolina Morning News.

* Anderson leaders dedicate new museum
The Anderson County Museum -- a new 25,000 square-foot home -- was dedicated over the weekend by community leaders. Anderson Independent Mail.

* This year's Freedom Weekend Aloft will differ
There will be slight changes to the familiar Freedom Weekend Aloft festival in Anderson, such as lower ticket prices. Anderson Independent Mail.

Child support is late in Greenville County
Delinquent child support payments in Greenville County are twice the national average. Greenville News, Monday.

Ex-Williamston clerk found guilty of embezzling, conspiracy
The former clerk will spend 45 weekends in jail for embezzling less than $5,000. Greenville News, Saturday; WYFF TV; WSPA TV.

Feldman takes the Fifth in libel lawsuit
Former WCSC news director Don Feldman invoked the Fifth Amendment in a defamation lawsuit by a Charleston lawyer against him and his former station. Post and Courier, Saturday.

* Ridgeland faces raising taxes; Hardeeville faced similar situation last year. Carolina Morning News.

* Beaufort County Council looks at its budget and schools' budget. Carolina Morning News.

* Darlington County could increase annual budget slightly. Florence Morning News.

Last chance to be heard on two-cent rise in hospitality tax in Florence
Businesses and restaurateurs will have one last chance today to be heard on a proposed two-cent hospitality tax increase in Florence. WBTW TV; * Florence Morning News.

Hilton Head Island celebrates 20 years as town, eyes future
Future growth in outlying areas will strain the area's transportation system and cause other challenges. Hilton Head Island Packet.

Old attitudes remain at League of South store in Abbeville
From Confederate flags to books of Little Black Sambo, old attitudes remain at the League of the South store in Abbeville. The State, Sunday.

Rock Hill names first black police chief
John Gregory III, assistant police chief in High Point, N.C., will become Rock Hill's new chief. The State/AP, Sunday.; * Rock Hill Herald.

Cutting teachers will hurt state
"There's little doubt that the General Assembly's budget cuts will hurt public education in South Carolina. With state lawmakers gutting basic education funding, school districts have little choice but to cut teaching positions, expand class size and cut some courses. The result will be a narrower curriculum and less time for teachers to grade assignments, communicate with parents and work with students on an individual basis. " Greenville News, Monday.

Lawmakers should stop ignoring state's problems
"For two weeks, the Senate has been playing partisan games and engaging in petty bickering. Democrats and Republicans alike seem focused on scoring political points -- trying to back the other guys into casting votes that can be taken out of context and used against them in the next election -- rather than trying to come up with a way to meet the state's needs." The State, Sunday.

* Higher ed in South Carolina is broken
"It probably won't hurt administrators at Horry-Georgetown Technical College to teach a class or two to save the college $589,000. But this development, much like Coastal Carolina University trustees' decision this month to raise in-state tuition by 19 percent, is another indicator that higher-education financing in South Carolina is broken." Myrtle Beach Sun News.

* Legislators need to speed action on state budget
"The Legislature has its own problems, of course, but what it does and doesn’t do creates many more problems for those who must wait for the budget to be approved before they can do anything. That alone should convince lawmakers that time, as they say, is of the essence and they need to act accordingly." Greenwood Index Journal.

A difficult but correct veto on law officers' memorial
"As Gov. Sanford explained, with the Department of Public Safety and the State Law Enforcement Division struggling to make ends meet, at this point that $500,000 would be better spent on helping the police who are still alive than on honoring those police who made the final sacrifice to protect and serve." Post and Courier, Saturday.

Endorse the governor's tax plan
"The state Senate should reconsider a proposal for a cigarette tax hike to help offset the budget shortfall and begin to reduce the state's relatively high rate of income tax. An additional cigarette tax of 53 cents recommended by Gov. Mark Sanford offers a realistic plan to ensure that South Carolina can fund its vital Medicaid program." Post and Courier, Saturday.

Bauer should do furlough, not waiver
"Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, facing some of the same budget problems as state government in general, is expected to furlough employees unless he can obtain a waiver from the state Budget and Control Board to operate at a deficit. The lieutenant governor should recognize the part-time nature of his office, and authorize the 3-1/2-week furlough." Post and Courier, Saturday.

Keeping the arts alive
"The Peace Center and two individuals with Upstate ties recently received the state's top accolade for the arts, the Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Awards." Greenville News, Sunday.

Legislature must stop ignoring transportation
"Three local organizations that called for a hike in the state gasoline tax last week have the facts on their side. It is a shame that facts fall on deaf ears in the General Assembly." Hilton Head Island Packet.

Changes ahead at DMV
" The DMV, with its long lines, is one of the most frustrating examples of a government agency that doesn't work. Gov. Sanford's DMV reforms should reduce lines and improve customer service, but any reforms must be accompanied by a careful analysis of how new initiatives will improve — or hurt — public safety. " Greenville News, Saturday.

* Move along DMV reform
"South Carolinians have long heard promises of reforms that would make the state Division of Motor Vehicles a more efficient operation. Many of those repeatedly forced to wait in line for protracted periods at DMV offices have grown understandably wary of such pledges." Post and Courier.

DMV reforms won't happen unless General Assembly moves ahead
"Gov. Mark Sanford announced a comprehensive package of reforms last week aimed at restoring customer service to the Division of Motor Vehicles. But those reforms won't happen unless the Senate passes legislation to restructure the DMV, pulling it out of the Department of Public Safety and putting it in the governor's Cabinet." Spartanburg Herald Journal.

Local governments must use new tax responsibly
"This seems hardly the time to be increasing taxes on food people buy at restaurants by 40 percent. However, the councils think differently. We hope they spend the money in a proper manner. Otherwise, they simply will have created another slush fund." The State, Monday.

Reject any efforts to thwart comprehensive Charleston land use plan
"Charleston County's Comprehensive Plan and its accompanying zoning ordinance have been key in the effort to limit suburban sprawl and to preserve farm and forest land. Those protections remain essential to counter development pressure. The Charleston County Planning Commission and County Council should reject attempts to compromise the plan." Post and Courier, Sunday.

Water for Iraq can help spread peace, health
"A Charleston-based Christian nonprofit organization called Water Missions International is working in partnership with another group to bring safe water and medical services to the beleaguered people of Iraq." The State, Monday.

Prosecutors reminded not to cut corners
"The State Supreme Court's recent reprimand of a local solicitor should send an important message to all prosecutors that it will not look the other way if they cut corners in the name of winning convictions." The State, Saturday.

Federal jobs training bill includes religious component
"The bill faces strong opposition in the Senate, but lawmakers shouldn't interfere with the ability of religious-based agencies to offer job services so desperately needed in South Carolina and throughout the nation." Greenville News, Monday.

Bell-McDowell: Politicians have forgotten their commitment to education
"Last fall politicians canvassed South Carolina. Each person running for office said, "Education is a priority" and "Education is important." Many of these people were elected. Unfortunately for South Carolina's public school students, many of these politicians are suffering from amnesia. Education was a priority for them only as long as they were running for office." The State, Sunday.

Eldridge: Mega-schools should end
"Small neighborhood schools could be making a comeback in South Carolina if a bipartisan coalition of legislators, including several from the Upstate, has anything to do with it." Spartanburg Herald Journal.

Wyche: Spartanburg County faces serious sprawl issues
"Growth represents the greatest challenge that Spartanburg County faces in trying to maintain and improve the quality of life for its residents." Spartanburg Herald Journal.

Jackson: Balancing growth and protection of resources
"Unless we take measures to change the status quo, South Carolina stands to compromise those very assets that define our quality of life." Spartanburg Herald Journal.

Barnes: Join Click it or Ticket campaign to save lives
"Let's observe Memorial Day the way it was intended: mourning the loss of those who served in our armed forces, not by mourning the unnecessary losses of those who didn't take a few short seconds to buckle up." Greenville News, Monday.

Foley: Healthy Medicaid funding will help avert care crisis
"No one likes a tax increase. However, a cigarette tax is a reasonable solution to ensure appropriate Medicaid funding in South Carolina. Properly funding Medicaid is just too important to our quality of life in Greenville County and indeed the entire state. I hope the members of the Senate will work together to find a solution to this health-care crisis that ultimately affects every South Carolina citizen. " Greenville News, Sunday.

Warthen: Sanford reveals thought processes in obsessions on bills
"Dr. Carter has learned that to his boss, there are no small issues. "Every piece of legislation that comes down here is a very consequential piece of legislation in the mind of Mark Sanford," he said." The State, Sunday.

Padgett: Spam is killing us
"Some solutions short of federal legislation include better e-mail filtering devices that can block most spam, and better cooperation from Internet service providers to block commercial e-mail that's not from a legitimate or certified source. And, of course, e-mail recipients need to develop a finger well-trained in hitting the delete button." Greenville News, Sunday.

Baralles: President's tax-cut plan will help
"The president's jobs and growth package is the right economic plan for South Carolina. It will help ensure that America's economic recovery is both long-term and sustainable. The president will not rest until every American who wants a job can find a job." Greenville News, Saturday.

Brack: Budget pushes state more toward two Carolinas
"Nobody's talking much about it, but deep cuts to the state budget likely mean a widening gap between the two Carolinas - - poorer, rural South Carolina and the state's growing urban sector." S.C. Statehouse Report.; Hilton Head Island Packet.