The International African American Museum in Charleston takes another step toward opening in January with today’s blessing of the grounds.

IAAM President and CEO Tonya Matthews told reporters that the blessing of the grounds is intended to reclaim the site of Gadsden’s Wharf where the museum is built.  The wharf served as part of the Atlantic Passage through which thousands of enslaved Africans entered Charleston.  According to news reports, Matthews also said that during the blessing, officials will “walk the grounds, pray and have a moment of quiet- not only with the trauma but with the resilience and love that had to come out of the space to get them where they are today.”

Also on tap today: A pre-opening worship service in North Charleston featuring the top Episcopal Church bishop in the U.S.

CP OPINION: Build greenway overpass to boost safety on Charleston road

“Charleston needs to be proactive about how people on the West Ashley Greenway get across Folly Road as the city prepares for a new walk-bike bridge over the Ashley River. But if nothing is done to allow people to cross the intersection safely and get out of the way of buzzing lanes of vehicular traffic, this intersection is a tragedy waiting to happen.”

In other headlines:

Charleston musicians win City Paper Music Awards. Read profiles of the newspaper’s annual local music award winners.

LOTS OF POLITICS: On Trump, U.S. House, more. Drama, revenge and maneuvering filled the nation’s political space Tuesday as former President Donald Trump announced he would make a third bid to be president and Republican GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy won a first battle to be new speaker — if Republicans take control of the U.S. House. And they only need to pick up one more seat to take over. Meanwhile, Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell faces a challenge to keep control of his party’s caucus in the Senate.

State begins issuing 2022 tax rebates. The state Department of Revenue has started issuing tax rebates of up to $800 to eligible South Carolinians.

Prominent Charleston lawyer shouldn’t face sanctions, his lawyer says. An attorney for Charleston lawyer David Aylor says he shouldn’t face sanctions after sealed records were posted online.

Charleston Co. school board authorizes purchases of weapons detectors. The board approved buying weapon detectors to improve school safety.

New Berkeley Co. school board fires superintendent, more. The newly-elected board fired Superintendent Deon Jackson in a surprise move by a 6-3 vote. It names Anthony Dixon, chief of schools at Charleston County School District, to be its new superintendent.  The new board also voted to ban critical race theory.

Human error caused toxic gas release in May in Charleston. A toxic gas release in May at the Lanxess chemical plant in Charleston was caused by human error, a company spokesman confirmed.

Eight teams to vie for Charleston Classic crown. Four Carolinas basketball teams and four others from Pennsylvania to Colorado will vie this week for the 2022 Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic crown that people across the country will view on ESPN.  Read a 16-page guide to the Charleston Classic.

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