Avianca Airlines: Tackling the Illegal Wildlife Trade

David Hucks
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Avianca Airlines: Tackling the Illegal Wildlife Trade

In commemoration of World Environment Day, Avianca and WCS announced the extension of their alliance in Colombia to include Ecuador, featuring a new commemorative design on one of the airline’s planes with the message: “Together for Biodiversity.”

BOGOTÁ, June 11, 2023 – As part of the agreement signed in June 2023 between Avianca and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), these two organizations have significantly advanced their joint efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and promote biodiversity conservation. This agreement supports Avianca’s implementation of international commitments to prevent wildlife trafficking, such as the 2016 Buckingham Palace Declaration.

Wildlife trafficking represents a severe threat to global biodiversity. Especially in biodiverse countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia—where vast, difficult-to-monitor areas facilitate illegal extraction and transportation of wildlife—wildlife trafficking threatens priority species in the region such as jaguars, tortoises, freshwater turtles, amphibians, and macaws. According to official data on wildlife confiscations in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia for the period from 2010 to 2018, nearly 60,000 confiscation events were documented. These events represented more than 900 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. From 2010 to 2018, more than 28,000 live individuals were confiscated at major airports in the above-mentioned countries.

To date, and within the framework of the Together for Conservation project, an alliance with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and WCS aimed at strengthening civil society organizations to prevent environmental crimes, Avianca’s internal policies in Colombia have been reviewed to improve the detection and reporting of wildlife trafficking cases to the relevant authorities. Additionally, staff has been trained on the company’s commitments and policies against wildlife trafficking, as well as on detecting and preventing this crime. WCS and Avianca have also promoted communication activities to highlight the importance of wildlife conservation.

As a result of this successful collaboration and in commemoration of World Environment Day, Avianca and WCS announced the extension of their alliance to Ecuador, with a new commemorative design on one of the airline’s planes, carrying the message: “United for Biodiversity.” This reaffirms their joint commitment to the protection and conservation of species and ecosystems in Latin America. The aircraft with this design was presented during the launch of Avianca’s 2023 Sustainability Report, led by Federico Pedreira, CEO of Avianca.

For José Luis Gómez, Regional WCS Regional Director, the collaboration with the private sector is essential to achieve tangible results and scale the impact of WCS’s actions for wildlife protection. “Our alliance with Avianca is a critical step in disrupting the pernicious trafficking that is devastating wildlife populations in Latin America,” emphasizes Gomez.

Felipe Andrés Gómez Vivas, Director of Institutional Relations and Sustainability at Avianca, noted, “We want to spread the message of our commitment to wildlife throughout the Americas because we seek to raise awareness within our target public on the importance of protecting biodiversity. Our alliance with WCS has allowed us to train about 20 employees to become protectors of our species.”

Said Dino Delgado, USAID/Amazon Regional Environmental Governance Team Leader, “By working with strategic private stakeholders, we aim to reduce the enabling environments that facilitate the supply, transportation, and demand for unsustainable and illegal Amazon goods and services. USAID strives to support a healthy and resilient Amazon basin that is valued by society, ensures human well-being, and safeguards our global climate.”

Through this alliance, WCS will continue working with Avianca on the review and strengthening of internal processes for detecting potential cases of wildlife trafficking and the training of teams in the prevention and handling of this crime within the airline’s operations at a regional level.

T-Mobile Offering Complimentary Myrtle Beach Pelicans Tickets

David Hucks
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T-Mobile Offering Complimentary Myrtle Beach Pelicans Tickets

Pop Into a Designated T-Mobile Store in Myrtle Beach to claim Myrtle Beach Pelicans tickets (customers and non T Mobile Customers) 

T-Mobile is now offering complimentary Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball tickets while supplies last. The tickets will be provided to T Mobile customers, as well as, non customers.

WHAT:  

The summer baseball season is now in full swing, and T-Mobile couldn’t be more excited to offer fans complimentary tickets! Beginning June 15, Myrtle Beach Pelicans fans can visit a designated T-Mobile store to receive up to four tickets to a game of their choice during the 2024 season. The offer is open to everyone and is good while supplies last. 

    

“The Pelicans are pleased to partner with T-Mobile as a part of Minor League Baseball’s league-wide initiative,” said Kristin Call, General Manager, Myrtle Beach Pelicans. “We look forward to welcoming T-Mobile and non-T-Mobile customers into Pelicans Ballpark for a night of baseball and fun!” 

T-Mobile, the Official Wireless Partner of Major League Baseball (MLB), Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and Little League Baseball and Softball, has a proven track record of bringing fans closer to the game with things like T-Mobile 5G BP at the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, free season long MLB.TV subscriptions for customers and more. As T-Mobile continues to expand its partnerships with MiLB, fans can expect to see more from the Un-carrier at stadiums across the country this summer. For more information about T-Mobile’s partnership with MLB and MiLB visit, https://www.t-mobile.com/benefits/mlb. 

  

WHEN:  

Beginning Saturday, June 15 

WHO:  

Open to everyone (T-Mobile and non-T-Mobile customers)!  

  

WHERE:  

Stop by T-Mobile’s Retail Store located at: 358 Seaboard Street Myrtle Beach SC, 29577 

HOW: 

Visit the designated T-Mobile store in Myrtle Beach to receive up to four magenta vouchers. Each voucher can be redeemed at the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Box Office (at the Ballpark) for a ticket to any game of their choice in the 2024 season, while supplies last.  

The man behind S.C. politics has curious night

David Hucks
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The man behind S.C. politics has curious night

Walter Whetsell, of Starboard Communications Political Consultants, is clearly the most powerful man in S.C. Politics.

He is the consultant for the entire S.C. House Republican Party. He also represents Nikki Haley, Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune, the Mayor of Charleston, S.C., and a who’s who name of State Representatives and State Senators in S.C.

His PAC, The Palmetto Truth Project, poured millions of dollars into Tuesday’s primary elections. The PAC’s desire was to completely eliminate the S.C. Freedom Caucus in the state. The goal was to replace this group with more left leaning candidates.

Here is a scorecard on how well Walter Whetsell performed yesterday.

Whetsell swept Horry County with his more liberal leaning incumbents of District 61 Rep. Carla Schuessler and District 106 Representative Lawyer Val Guest. Most other left leaning Republican candidates in the county ran unopposed.

The Upstate Scorecard went poorly for Walter Whetsell and his Palmetto Truth Project.

Having brewed for two plus years, the battle between the state House GOP Caucus, with PAC ad buys from the Palmetto Truth Project, and the S.C. Freedom Caucus played out in 32 districts. The Freedom Caucus clearly won.

Jay West, R-Anderson, who serves as assistant majority leader, lost to Lee Gilreath, a Freedom Caucus-allied candidate in Upstate House District 7. Powerful, long standing Representative William E. “Bill” Sandifer III lost to Freedom Caucus candidate Adam Duncan in Upstate House District 2.

Representative “Bill” Sandifer III has been a member of the House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee since 1995 and serves as its chairman. That all ended yesterday.

In House District 34, currently represented by state Rep. Roger Nutt, R-Spartanburg, who chose to run for state Senate, Freedom Caucus aligned candidate Sarita Edgerton won the primary with 40.43 percent. With 33.76 percent of the vote, GOP aligned Joanne LaBounty came in second.

Over $3 million spent in ad buys

Between the Palmetto Truth Project and the S.C. Freedom Caucus, over an estimated $3 million was spent in ad buys. In what was among the lowest turnout in S.C. voting history, only a handful of seats turned over.

For Walter Whetsell and the Palmetto Truth Project, South Carolina’s conservative upstate proved to be untouchable.

For the Freedom Caucus, the more liberal leaning Horry County candidates could not be taken from their perch.

The night was largely a stalemate. However, the Freedom Caucus scored the signature wins.

BIGGEST NEWS OF THE NIGHT

While the drama between these two played out, the biggest news of the night was the ouster of Democrat power player, Dick Harpootlian.

Harpootlian has been a long standing ally of Senator Luke Rankin, and a friend to Horry County’s RINO coast.

His previous positions include solicitor (district attorney) for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina from 1991 to 1995, and chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party from 1998 to 2003.

Harpootlian famously represented murderer Alex Murdaugh who was convicted of killing his wife and son. It was Murdaugh who helped S.C. Horry Senator Luke Rankin become S.C. Judiciary Chair.

Rankin beat his opponent Autry Benton by 10 points in yesterday’s primary.

SC JOURNALIST MANDY MATNEY ENJOYS A HARPOOTLIAN LOSS

Tina Hardee beats incumbent Calhoun

SCDOT to host Rail Plan Virtual Meeting

David Hucks
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SCDOT to host Rail Plan Virtual Meeting
Columbia, S.C. (June 11, 2024) – The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will host a virtual public meeting to provide an update on the state’s efforts to plan for the future of rail and gather public input on trends, needs, and opportunities that will impact rail over the next 20 years.
The South Carolina Statewide Rail Plan represents a long-term vision of statewide policy to improve freight and passenger rail. The Plan will assess the existing statewide rail system in South Carolina and identify opportunities to enhance rail safety and expand rail service.
Virtual Public Meeting via Zoom WebinarWednesday, June 26, 2024 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (EST) Zoom Webinar Registration:https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7zFdX-BWRlaeVM4mgMpdqQ This meeting will be held via Zoom Webinar and requires registration. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about how to join the Zoom Webinar. The presenter will control the unmute feature for attendees, but a chat feature will be available to participants throughout the meeting.
Members of the public who are unable to join the virtual public meeting will be able to watch a recording of the meeting online after the meeting (https://www.scdot.org/travel/freight-rail.aspx). The public will be able to make comments and ask questions via the chat feature during the virtual public meeting.
Public comments may be submitted any time on the project website at (https://www.scdot.org/travel/freight-rail.aspx), through email to [email protected], or by mail to David Gray, SCDOT, 1201 Main Street Suite 800, Columbia, SC 29201.
About SCDOTThe South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is the state agency with oversight of South Carolina’s network of highways and bridges, including responsibilities such as planning, design, construction, financing, and roadway safety. To ensure the nation’s fourth-largest highway system is prepared to serve the needs of South Carolina’s growing economy and population, SCDOT has developed a Strategic 10-Year Plan that addresses improvements to the state’s highway and bridge systems. Learn more about the future of rail at scdot.org. 

NAGR Statement on Hunter Biden Gun Conviction

David Hucks
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NAGR Statement on Hunter Biden Gun Conviction

The National Association for Gun Rights statement on Hunter Biden Gun Conviction

June 11, 2024

Washington, D.C.- For decades, the Gun Control Act (GCA) and the National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) System have functioned to strip gun rights from millions of Americans without due process.

These same gun control laws, which Hunter Biden is guilty of violating, are the same laws now being abused to federally-bar Donald Trump from possessing a firearm for the rest of his life.

These are also the same failed laws that stripped Second Amendment rights from 264,000 veterans without due process. In total, over 16 million Americans are on the FBI’s failed “no-guns” NICS list. 

Right now, the Biden family is getting a taste of their own anti-gun medicine.

But so is Donald Trump who’s “take the guns first” comments during a 2019 push to expand these federal gun control laws resulted in Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) putting the bill on President Biden’s desk for signature in 2022. 

Make no mistake, John Cornyn’s rush to add more names to the “no-guns” NICS list is the reason Donald Trump’s gun rights are in jeopardy today.

Meanwhile, these anti-gun laws only ensure drug lords like Hunter Biden — who do not care about what the law says either way – will continue to be armed and dangerous while ordinary law-abiding gun owners continue to lose their gun rights every day at the hands of corrupt bureaucrats like Alvin Bragg.

These gun control laws should not exist. This should be a wakeup call for the entire Republican Party and GOP lawmaker to stop abandoning the Second Amendment.

The National Association for Gun Rights is calling on Donald Trump, Speaker Johnson, and Senators McConnell and Cornyn to publicly embrace a repeal of the GCA and NICS failed federal gun control laws once and for all.


         The National Association for Gun Rights is the nation’s largest “no compromise” pro-gun organization, with 4.5 million members nationwide.

Forestbrook, CF, Conway residents speak against Child Transgender Mutilation

David Hucks
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Forestbrook, CF, Conway residents speak against Child Transgender Mutilation

Child Transgender Mutilation press event held at Conway Courthouse today.

A group of 25 residents ranging from Carolina Forest, Forestbrook, Conway and across Horry County held a press conference today.

Residents raised concerns about Child Transgender Mutilation amid a growing amount of support for the issue from Horry County politicians associated with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

Schuessler ally Mayor Brenda Bethune supports child transgender surgery

Two years ago, Myrtle Beach Mayor spoke out firmly in support of child transgender surgery. State-wide fights between Carla Schuessler, S.C. Republican establishment members, and the Freedom Caucus over whether a January legislative bill should have made the procedure a felony.

Establishment members, including Carla Schuessler, joined S.C. Democrats in stating the surgical procedure should be considered a misdemeanor, and not a felony.

Schuessler’s stance upset voters in her conservative Carolina Forest, Forestbrook, and Conway District 61 precinct.

It was only after a push by nationally known Riley Gaines that the S.C. Republican establishment moved to make the surgery a felony.

Schuessler initially voted with the Democrats. (see above) Y was to table the bill that would make the surgery a felony.

Today, those residents spoke out, asking District 61 voters to vote against child mutilation surgeries, chemical surgeries and against Carla Schuessler.

Endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle lays nest near Myrtle Beach

David Hucks
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Endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle lays nest near Myrtle Beach

An endangered and rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle laid her eggs at Huntington Beach State Park, S.C. this past Wednesday.

Members of South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts (SCUTE) found the nest. SCUTE is a team of volunteers who protect sea turtle nests. The group posted:

Huntington Beach State Park gets a rare Kemps Ridley sea turtle nest! Just hours ago, Ranger Mike announced finding the rare crawl and nest on the HBSP beach. The Kemps is the most rare of the species that we track. Last year for example, out of 6596 nests in South Carolina, there was only one Kemps nest found in the state (Hilton Head Island) and this year the only other KR nest recorded so far is at Botany Bay Island *. Congratulations HBSP and SCUTE family! (Did I say “rare” enough ?)

The Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, scientifically known as Lepidochelys kempii, is one of the smaller species of sea turtles and also among the most endangered. Nesting primarily along the Gulf of Mexico, these turtles have a fascinating life cycle and face numerous threats that have led to their precarious status. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, its importance to our ecosystems, and the conservation efforts taking place to ensure its survival.

Understanding the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

The Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle is distinctive for its olive-gray color and heart-shaped shell, known as a carapace. This species is critically endangered, with its population having plummeted due to human activities.

Characteristics and Behavior

Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles are known for their unique mass nesting behavior called “arribada,” which means ‘arrival’ in Spanish. During these events, thousands of female turtles come ashore simultaneously to lay their eggs. This spectacle primarily occurs along the beaches of Rancho Nuevo in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, although they can also be found nesting in smaller numbers along the Gulf coast of the United States, including areas like Huntington Beach State Park SC.

Habitat and Diet

These turtles typically inhabit the shallow coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico but are known to migrate as far north as Nova Scotia. Their diet consists mainly of crabs, but they also consume jellyfish, mollusks, and a variety of other marine organisms.

The Plight of the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

Despite their fascinating nature, Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles face numerous threats that have led to their endangered status.

Human Impact and Threats

The primary threat to the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle is human activity. Incidental capture in commercial fishing gear, particularly shrimp trawls, has had devastating impacts on their population. Additionally, coastal development and pollution have degraded their nesting beaches and foraging grounds.

Conservation Efforts

In response to the steep decline in their numbers, conservationists have implemented various strategies to protect this species. Efforts include the use of turtle excluder devices (TEDs) on fishing nets to allow trapped turtles to escape, strict protection of nesting beaches, and head-start programs where hatchlings are raised for a period before being released into the wild.

The Role of Huntington Beach State Park SC

Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina has now become an important site for the conservation of the sea turtle. Volunteers and park staff monitor the beaches for nesting activity, protect nests from predators, and educate the public about the importance of conservation efforts.

The Importance of Conservation

The decline of the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle has broader implications for marine ecosystems.

Ecosystem Impact

Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine environments. For example, their grazing helps to regulate the growth of seagrass beds and their predation on jellyfish helps to keep those populations in check. The loss of the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle could have cascading effects throughout the ecosystem.

The Global Effort

Conservation of the sea turtle is a global endeavor, with countries around the Gulf of Mexico and beyond participating in efforts to protect this species. International cooperation is crucial, as these turtles do not recognize political borders in their migrations.

Responsible Beach Habits

If you live near or visit coastal areas, be mindful of your impact on the beach. Keep beaches clean, dispose of trash properly, and avoid disturbing marked sea turtle nests. During nesting season, minimize beachfront lighting, which can disorient hatchlings making their way to the sea.

Practical Benefits of Collapsible Bollards in Urban Traffic Management and Pedestrian Safety

David Hucks
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0
Practical Benefits of Collapsible Bollards in Urban Traffic Management and Pedestrian Safety

The increase in population and vehicles has led to more traffic congestion and security concerns. Cities worldwide are seeking innovative solutions to manage these challenges efficiently. Bollards have become a significant measure, serving as barriers and tools to organize spaces, safeguard pedestrian areas, and guide traffic flow.

Cities use collapsible bollards for more than just blocking areas. This article explores their practical uses, from enhancing security to unexpected benefits in traffic management, such as reducing vehicle speeds and preventing illegal parking, and adding to urban aesthetics. Each section will reveal how bollards, often unnoticed, play central roles in creating safer and more organized urban environments.

Enhanced Security

To address the issue of increased security in urban areas, cities are using bollards as strong protective barriers in busy places with pedestrians and vehicles. Bollards primarily act as sturdy barriers to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian zones or hitting important structures – a growing threat today.

Bollards have a dual purpose; they enhance security by blocking unwanted vehicle access and reducing the risk of accidents or intentional attacks, while also maintaining the city’s appearance. These barriers come in various designs and materials, blending seamlessly into the environment. They are discreet yet firm protectors, forming the first line of defense against potential threats and providing a sense of safety for people in public spaces.

Traffic Control

In busy cities, placing bollards strategically helps manage the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, reducing traffic jams and improving safety. By setting up these strong posts in key areas like crowded streets, intersections, and busy walkways, cities can guide and control traffic smoothly. This thoughtful placement not only slows down vehicles to prevent traffic jams but also creates safe paths for pedestrians, ensuring they can walk around the city without risk.

Besides regulating traffic, bollards encourage orderly behavior. Both drivers and pedestrians get used to the new traffic patterns, leading to smoother coexistence. Bollards also act as a safety measure, preventing accidents by stopping vehicles from entering pedestrian areas unexpectedly. Additionally, they protect buildings and outdoor dining spaces from accidental collisions. 

Aesthetics

Beyond their practical uses, bollards significantly enhance the visual appeal of urban areas. City planners can choose from various styles and materials that blend with local architecture and improve the overall look of public spaces. This selection process goes beyond function, focusing on the aesthetic contribution to urban design.

Thoughtfully designed bollards, whether sleek and modern or sturdy and traditional, become key elements of city beautification. They add a structured, artistic touch to streets and contribute to a cohesive visual experience that improves the pedestrian experience. When city planners select bollards, they create environments that are both safe and visually attractive, demonstrating their commitment to protection and aesthetics.

Versatility

Bollards are versatile tools that work well in various urban settings like sidewalks, plazas, and during events such as public gatherings, outdoor markets, and festivals. These strong yet subtle structures can be easily installed and removed based on the changing needs of pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

This flexibility not only addresses immediate logistical challenges but also ensures minimal disruption to daily urban life. Bollards can be crafted from different materials like steel, concrete, or plastic, allowing for aesthetic customization to blend with urban design. Their easy setup and removal make bollards ideal for temporary events where quick installation is important.

Cost-Effectiveness

When focusing on economic factors, bollards offer numerous benefits such as security and aesthetics, and they are also cost-effective. Installing bollards is significantly cheaper than undertaking large-scale infrastructure projects like road widening or building new intersections. Bollards are sturdy and simple in design and function, which helps reduce the costs typically associated with urban developments.

Their relatively low initial cost is further offset by the minimal maintenance they need after installation, often requiring only occasional cleaning or repainting. For the ongoing urban challenge of managing busy high-traffic areas, cities find bollards to be an effective and economical solution. Additionally, as multi-functional assets with low ongoing costs, bollards are a smart investment compared to more complex, expensive alternatives, making them a preferred choice for urban planners.

Bollards, though often overlooked, are vital in addressing the growing challenges of traffic congestion and security in urban areas. They enhance safety by preventing unauthorized vehicle access and protecting pedestrians and structures. Beyond security, bollards effectively manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of city spaces. Their versatility and cost-effectiveness make them a practical solution for dynamic urban environments. By integrating bollards into city planning, urban areas can achieve safer, more organized, and visually appealing public spaces, highlighting the benefits of these simple yet essential structures.

Entire CCMF crowd breaks out in “We Want Trump” chant

David Hucks
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Entire CCMF crowd breaks out in “We Want Trump” chant

Last night at the Carolina Country Music Festival, a crowd of over 35,000 fans broke out in “We Want Trump” chants.

The chant was led by S.C. Lt. Governor Pam Evette.

“We Want Trump”

The chant had to cause some consternation from Myrtle Beach’s liberal Mayor Brenda Bethune. She financially and politically backed Nikki Haley in the S.C. primary.

CCMF is also sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

The chant surely caused issues there as well. MBACC has two DEI Board Members on the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Board. MBACC is a powerful political organization that largely promotes liberal RINOS like Carla Schuessler and Luke Rankin.

Rep. Carla Schuessler is a past MBACC Board Chairwoman.

The “We Want Trump” chant was so loud it could be heard town-wide.

About the Carolina Country Music Festival

The Carolina Country Music Festival (CCMF) is a highlight of the summer season. It’s a premier event that brings together country music fans from all over.

Set against the backdrop of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the festival offers more than just music. It’s a vibrant celebration of country culture, with food, fun, and a fantastic lineup of artists.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the festival. From parking to performances, we’ve got you covered.A vibrant crowd enjoying the Carolina Country Music Festivalby Gabriel Gurrola (https://unsplash.com/@gabrielgurrola)

What is the Carolina Country Music Festival?

The Carolina Country Music Festival is a four-day event. It’s held annually in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The festival features a mix of country music’s biggest stars and up-and-coming artists. It’s a must-visit for any country music fan.

Beyond the music, the festival offers a range of activities. These include meet and greets, merchandise booths, and a variety of food and drink vendors.

In short, CCMF is a celebration of all things country.

When and Where: Dates and Location

The festival typically takes place in early June. Exact dates vary each year, so it’s best to check the official website.

The location is the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. This oceanfront setting offers stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere.

In essence, the Carolina Country Music Festival combines great music with a fantastic beach vacation. It’s a unique experience not to be missed.

The Lineup: Stars of Country Music

The Carolina Country Music Festival is known for its impressive lineup. It features a mix of rising stars and established country music artists.

Past festivals have seen performances from A-listers like Luke Bryan and Toby Keith. Each year, the festival promises a diverse range of acts to suit all country music tastes.

Why Myrtle Beach? The Festival’s Cultural Significance

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is more than just the host of the Carolina Country Music Festival. It’s a city with a rich cultural heritage.

The festival adds to this cultural tapestry. It brings together music lovers from all walks of life.

In essence, the festival and Myrtle Beach are a perfect match. They both embody a love for music, community, and celebration.

Sun News goes digital! Prints only two days per week

David Hucks
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Sun News goes digital! Prints only two days per week

Chris Segal, Managing Editor of the Myrtle Beach Sun News, told the company’s readers yesterday:

We are going through another change. We will transition to a 24/7 digital product and modify our print delivery to two days a week.

Starting Aug. 12, the Sun News newspaper will be delivered on Wednesdays and Sundays. The US Postal Service will put the paper in your mailbox.

Those who grasp the connections between government, sunlight, the press, and public trust understand the significance of this local change.

According to the latest poll on news media, 68% of Americans put little to no trust in the news.

Gallup Oct. 23, 2023 poll:   29% of U.S. adults have “not very much” trust, while a record-high 39% register “none at all” in the media reporting news honestly, fairly and accurately.

This nearly four in 10 Americans who completely lack “none at all” in trusting the media is the highest on record by one percentage point in America’s history.

AS A RESULT:

Trust in Government: Government holds among the lowest trust measures in nearly seven decades of polling. Last year, only 20% said they trusted the government just about always or most of the time. Sep 19, 2023

Trust in Lawyers: Jan 31, 2024 — 16% of Americans rate lawyers’ honesty and ethical standards as “high” or “very high,” according to a Gallup poll taken in December.

Trust in the judicial system: An increasing number of Americans see the courts as a political institution.   Trust in the court systems has eroded over the past 5 years and is now in free fall among Blacks, Latinos, and Republicans after the Donald Trump show trial in NY.

FREE SPEECH VS. FREE WILL

Both Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter, and Elon Musk, the current owner of X, agree that social media platforms are analyzing users and programming them. Dorsey and Musk say these platforms are robbing Americans of their Free Will. Hear Dorsey below.

Mandy Matney, famous for her coverage of the Murdaugh Murders, took issue with the Sun News on June 5th.

The Sun News came away from the Conway, S.C. Mica Miller press conference with the above headline. Matney once worked for McClatchy at the Island Packet. McClatchy also owns the Myrtle Beach Sun News who wrote the above headline.

As we reported last week concerning the decline of the Washington Post, paywalls, like those used by the Sun News and the Washington Post, diminish readership.

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