Task force targets those who scam elderly
By SEANNA ADCOX Associated Press Writer
      COLUMBIA _ Advocates for the elderly hope a task force announced Thursday will stop scams that rob the state's seniors of their hardearned savings. The state Office on Aging will direct scam victims who call an 800 number to agencies that can help them.
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SC Senate gives key approval to 50 cent cigarette tax hike
By JIM DAVENPORT Associated Press Writer
      COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ The South Carolina Senate gave key approval Wednesday to a 50-cent per pack increase to the state's cigarette tax, setting aside much of the new money for health care for low income residents. South Carolina's cigarette tax is currently 7 cents, the lowest in the nation. It ...
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House to take up budget amendment
      COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ The South Carolina House is expected to take up an amendment to the $7 billion state budget the Senate approved last month. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dan Cooper has been writing changes during the past couple of weeks.
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Charleston paper can publish calls made by senator from jail cell
      GREENWOOD, S.C. (AP) _ A judge has ruled a Charleston newspaper can publish recordings of phone calls state Senator Randy Scott made from his jail cell after he was arrested on a driving under the influence charge.
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