Columbia SC News Update 03-17-2011

As a result of an investigation, the commission charged Lt. Gov. Ken Ard with 69 counts of converting campaign funds to personal use and 23 counts of failing to disclose campaign expenditures.

Graham urges confidence in new nuclear reactors

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham The S.C. Republican said that regional electric utility officials are “scared to death” that the failed nuclear power station in Japan will slow or stop construction plans. But he praised the Obama administration for standing behind its program to help utilities replace aging nuclear and coal-fired plants.

Haley addresses ‘hotbed’ issues, statewide concerns

Gov. Nikki Haley’s town hall meeting Wednesday night in Charleston drew hundreds of people and questions on topics such as unemployment insurance, health care, Patriots Point and a rail plan for North Charleston. The meeting was the sixth of seven stops on her statewide “Join the Movement” tour.

James Hammond moves back to Columbia after more than two years as editor of affiliate paper GSA Business in Greenville. He will handle the day-to-day operations of the editorial department, including the Daily Report, the biweekly Business Report and annual publications.

Boeing names new vice president for S.C. operations

Jack Jones will be responsible for the company’s operations in South Carolina. He is replacing Tim Coyle, who is moving to Boeing’s Aviation Technical Services in Everett, Wash., where Jones had worked since 2003.

Nelson Mullins partner recognized for leadership

The Leadership in Law Award spotlights those within the legal community who are working to better the legal profession through mentoring and involvement within their community and who go above and beyond in their everyday job.

Columbia mayor to deliver Meals On Wheels

Mayor Steve Benjamin will deliver a meal to a Columbia resident on Wednesday as part of the nationwide Mayors for Meals campaign. The campaign works to spotlight the issue of hunger among seniors.

Daily Report Poll: USC board of trustees

S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley recently removed philanthropist Darla Moore from the University of South Carolina’s board of trustees and replaced her with Lexington attorney Tommy Cofield. What is your opinion of that move? Take the Daily Report's online survey and weigh in. Results will be published in Monday's Daily Report.