Disgraced S.C. attorney Alex Murdaugh’s defense team called his surviving son Buster to the witness stand Tuesday in what is expected to be the last week of the high-profile double-murder trial.  Alex Murdaugh is accused of killing his wife and younger son in June 2021.

Buster Murdaugh was one of the most anticipated witnesses in the trial, now in its fifth week in Colleton County. He has been in the audience every day, and shared a smile with his father as he took the stand.  He answered questions ranging from how he found out about the killings to his relationship with his brother and father. He also explained points that prosecutors emphasized as “sinister” during the first four weeks of the trial, such as details related to Alex Murdaugh parking behind his mother’s home or not using his cell phone for an hour on the night of the killings.

Defense attorneys are expected to wrap up their case by the end of the week. It is still not clear whether the defense will call the accused to testify.

CP OPINION: Carter’s good works will inspire for generations

“News that former President Jimmy Carter has entered home hospice care should give pause to Americans from Georgia to Hawaii. His shining light for bolstering humanity is dimming, but his remarkable example of generating good for real change will never go away….

“Let’s offer thanks for this gentle giant of a man who has had the longest post-presidential career and who will continue to inspire Americans for generations. Let’s honor his strength, faith and zealous commitment to democratic values as shining examples of what’s still right in America.”

In other headlines:

New funding targets growing Charleston County opioid crisis.Charleston County agencies are forming a new comprehensive approach to combat the area’s growing opioid crisis thanks to substantial extra funding on the way.

Hollings works to restore integrity to Charleston County Deeds office. Shortly after the office’s newly elected leader, Karen Hollings, took over the Charleston County Register of Deeds office on Jan. 3, its backlog of recording real estate transactions has been reduced from months to weeks.

Food, drink options explode on James Island. Once an area full of nationwide chains and fast food joints with a few hidden gems known only to longtime locals, James Island now has lots of yummy options.

Charleston Wine+Food Festival to take over Lowcountry next weekend. The long list of chefs, beverage professionals and musicians who will participate in the 17th Charleston Wine + Food Festival March 1-5, will feature several names that jump off the page.

S.C. leaders launch collaborative to connect rural areas to internet.. South Carolina officials are working across the aisle to soon travel the state in an effort to get every home and business connected to high-speed internet services.  Next week, Vice President Kamala Harris is expected in Columbia to discuss better internet.

Another record-breaking year for S.C. tourism set in 2022. The financial impact of the state tourism industry hit a new high in 2022, climbing more than 11 percent to $29 billion as the hospitality business continued to benefit from pent-up demand after the pandemic.

North Charleston seeking developer for Navy Yard. North Charleston officials are looking for a master developer to plan and own a 70-acre waterfront development on the north end of its former Navy Base.

CCSD board effort to replace controversial curriculum fails.The Charleston County School Board voted against a measure to repeal and replace the controversial EL Education curriculum Tuesday night.

Charleston working to make composting more accessible. The city of Charleston hopes workshops and food-scrap drop sites will make it easier for residents to begin composting to help fight climate change.

More headlines:

Food, drink options explode on James Island

James Island was once an area full of nationwide chains and fast food joints with a few hidden gems known only to longtime locals. Not any more..    Full story >

P!lot finds her trajectory

Charleston soft pop-rock artist Erel Pilo just dropped “Red Dress,” the first single under the artist name P!lot from her aptly named debut EP, Takeoff.   Full story >

Surge magazine energizes activists, artists

Surge: The Lowcountry Climate Magazine aims to connect readers with the fight for climate liberation.   Full story >

Veteran chef Michelle Weaver looks back… and forward

Michelle Weaver wants you to know she’s not getting kicked upstairs at Charleston Grill. And she says that while she will miss cooking every day.   Full story >

Where to find unique margaritas

Charleston has its fair share of unique twists on this classic cocktail, and you can sample them all on Feb. 22, National Margarita Day..   Full story >

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