An advanced Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet in the United States went missing on September 17&nbsp;after a "mishap" forced a pilot to eject near the Charleston area of South Carolina state, the service said.

The pilot was being treated at a local medical centre, but the plane itself, which has a unit cost of almost $90 million, couldn’t be found as of Sunday evening, a spokeswoman from Joint Base Charleston said.&nbsp;

Initial reports claimed that the fighter jet could very well be flying during the immediate minutes following the pilot's ejection. It is yet not clear if the fighter jet is still flying in the air or has met a tragic crash.

"Emergency response teams are trying to locate the plane," said Senior Master Sgt. Heather Stanton, Wall Street Journal reported.

The jet was assigned to a Marine Corps training squadron. The Joint Base sent a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, asking the public to call the base if they found the aircraft.

"Based on the jet’s last-known position and in coordination with the FAA, we are focusing our attention north of JB Charleston, around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion," it added.

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We’re working with <a href="https://twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MCASBeaufortSC</a> to locate an F-35 that was involved in a mishap this afternoon. The pilot ejected safely. If you have any information that may help our recovery teams locate the F-35, please call the Base Defense Operations Center at 843-963-3600.
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The Marine Corps said it was gathering information on the matter and would be conducting an investigation.

There remains a possibility that the fighter jet could have ended up in the water.

This is not the first time that such an event has occurred.&nbsp;

In 1989, a MiG-23 traveled over 900 kilometers through Europe after its pilot ejected, eventually crashing in Belgium.

Responding to the development, local congressperson Nancy Mace wrote on X: "Now that I got that out of the way. How in the hell do you lose an F-35? How is there not a tracking device, and we're asking the public to what, find a jet and turn it in?"

The F-35 Lightning II stands out as one of the most secretive fighter jets available, excelling in its capacity to function within hostile airspace with minimal risk. This remarkable attribute predominantly hinges on its stealth capabilities.

In contrast to common misconceptions, stealth doesn't render an aircraft completely invisible. Rather, it intricately complicates an adversary's ability to identify, track, or target the aircraft through a blend of design, tactics, and cutting-edge technology.

Despite its substantial dimensions, spanning 51 feet in length and 35 feet in width, the F-35 isn't a small aircraft. Its design, however, is strategically oriented toward redirecting radar energy away from its point of origin.

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An advanced Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet in the United States went missing on September 17 after a "mishap" forced a pilot to eject near the Charleston area of South Carolina state, the service said.

An advanced Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet in the United States went missing on September 17 after a "mishap" forced a pilot to eject near the Charleston area of South Carolina state, the service said. The pilot was being treated at a local medical centre, but the plane itself, which has a unit cost of almost $90 million, couldn’t be found as of Sunday evening, a spokeswoman from Joint Base Charleston said. Initial reports claimed that the fighter jet could very well be flying during the immediate minutes following the pilot's ejection. It is yet not clear if the fighter jet is still flying in the air or has met a tragic crash. "Emergency response teams are trying to locate the plane," said Senior Master Sgt. Heather Stanton, Wall Street Journal reported. The jet was assigned to a Marine Corps training squadron. The Joint Base sent a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, asking the public to call the base if they found the aircraft. "Based on the jet’s last-known position and in coordination with the FAA, we are focusing our attention north of JB Charleston, around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion," it added. We’re working with @MCASBeaufortSC to locate an F-35 that was involved in a mishap this afternoon. The pilot ejected safely. If you have any information that may help our recovery teams locate the F-35, please call the Base Defense Operations Center at 843-963-3600. — Joint Base Charleston (@TeamCharleston) September 17, 2023 × The Marine Corps said it was gathering information on the matter and would be conducting an investigation. There remains a possibility that the fighter jet could have ended up in the water. This is not the first time that such an event has occurred. In 1989, a MiG-23 traveled over 900 kilometers through Europe after its pilot ejected, eventually crashing in Belgium. Responding to the development, local congressperson Nancy Mace wrote on X: "Now that I got that out of the way. How in the hell do you lose an F-35? How is there not a tracking device, and we're asking the public to what, find a jet and turn it in?" The F-35 Lightning II stands out as one of the most secretive fighter jets available, excelling in its capacity to function within hostile airspace with minimal risk. This remarkable attribute predominantly hinges on its stealth capabilities. In contrast to common misconceptions, stealth doesn't render an aircraft completely invisible. Rather, it intricately complicates an adversary's ability to identify, track, or target the aircraft through a blend of design, tactics, and cutting-edge technology. Despite its substantial dimensions, spanning 51 feet in length and 35 feet in width, the F-35 isn't a small aircraft. Its design, however, is strategically oriented toward redirecting radar energy away from its point of origin. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: F-35B fighter jet goes missing after pilot safely ejects

Receiving the gift of a lifetime on his birthday, 72-year-old&nbsp;Leonard Mack, a South Carolina resident was finally exonerated on Monday (September 5) after being wrongfully convicted of raping a Westchester County teenage girl, nearly five decades ago.&nbsp;

In one of the videos going viral on social media platforms, Mack can be seen hugging State Supreme Court Judge Anne E. Minihan who overturned his 1976 conviction.&nbsp;

Dubbed the longest wrongful conviction in American history by the Innocence Project, which led the campaign to absolve&nbsp;Mack, the&nbsp;conviction had left him languishing in prison for more than seven years.

“This is your day. You’ve waited much too long for it,” Minihan told him. “In what we do the stakes are very high and it’s important to get it right.”

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“Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, I’m free at last.” Leonard Mack, exonerated after 47 years. This is the longest wrongful conviction overturned by DNA in U.S. history. <a href="https://t.co/0rvYk3YMMd">pic.twitter.com/0rvYk3YMMd</a>
— Innocence Project (@innocence) <a href="https://twitter.com/innocence/status/1699080540345839695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Leonard Mack has finally been exonerated after 48 yrs! Leonard was wrongfully convicted of rape in 1975, and served his entire 7.5 yr sentence. Since then, Leonard has lived with the stigma of being wrongly labeled a criminal. Today, he can FINALLY enjoy his freedom! <a href="https://t.co/BWAReTFuTr">pic.twitter.com/BWAReTFuTr</a>
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/AttorneyCrump/status/1699252781083689226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Advanced DNA testing came to Mack's rescue&nbsp;and proved that he was not behind the attacks. Instead, it was revealed that the heinous acts were performed by a sex offender who&nbsp;recently confessed to the disturbing crimes, said the&nbsp;Westchester District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

"We were able to prove Mr Mack’s innocence, in large part, due to our independent Conviction Review Unit’s commitment and Mr Mack’s unwavering strength fighting to clear his name for almost 50 years. This exoneration and the&nbsp;new DNA evidence&nbsp;confirm that wrongful convictions are not only harmful to the wrongly convicted but also make us all less safe," the DA's office added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/20-years-since-the-opening-of-guantanamo-bay-the-infamous-us-prison-443983" target="_blank">WATCH | 20 years since the opening of Guantanamo Bay, the infamous US prison</a>

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<h2>Police used aggressive tactics&nbsp;</h2>

Mack, a Vietnam veteran, was only 23 when he was convicted of the 1975 gunpoint sex assaults on two Greenburgh teenagers in the woods near a local high school. Despite having a strong alibi, the police used aggressive tactics to get witnesses to identify him and wrongfully won a conviction.&nbsp;He was found guilty of raping one teen girl and trying to rape another.

“Today has been a long time coming. I lost seven-and-a-half years of my life in prison for a crime I did not commit and I have lived with this injustice hanging over my head for almost 50 years," said Mack after having his name cleared.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-two-men-wrongly-imprisoned-for-17-years-declared-innocent-to-receive-900k-in-compensation-585182">Also read |&nbsp;US: Two men wrongly imprisoned for 17 years declared innocent; to receive $900k in compensation</a>

“It changed the course of my life,&nbsp;everything from where I lived to my relationship with my family. I never lost hope that one day that I would be proven innocent. Now the truth has come to light and I can finally breathe. I am finally free.”

After coming out of the court, an elated Mack said: “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, I’m free at last.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Receiving the gift of a lifetime on his birthday, 72-year-old Leonard Mack, a South Carolina resident was finally exonerated on Monday (September 5) after being wrongfully convicted of raping a Westchester County teenage girl, nearly five decades ago.

Receiving the gift of a lifetime on his birthday, 72-year-old Leonard Mack, a South Carolina resident was finally exonerated on Monday (September 5) after being wrongfully convicted of raping a Westchester County teenage girl, nearly five decades ago. In one of the videos going viral on social media platforms, Mack can be seen hugging State Supreme Court Judge Anne E. Minihan who overturned his 1976 conviction. Dubbed the longest wrongful conviction in American history by the Innocence Project, which led the campaign to absolve Mack, the conviction had left him languishing in prison for more than seven years. “This is your day. You’ve waited much too long for it,” Minihan told him. “In what we do the stakes are very high and it’s important to get it right.” “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, I’m free at last.” Leonard Mack, exonerated after 47 years. This is the longest wrongful conviction overturned by DNA in U.S. history. pic.twitter.com/0rvYk3YMMd — Innocence Project (@innocence) September 5, 2023 × Leonard Mack has finally been exonerated after 48 yrs! Leonard was wrongfully convicted of rape in 1975, and served his entire 7.5 yr sentence. Since then, Leonard has lived with the stigma of being wrongly labeled a criminal. Today, he can FINALLY enjoy his freedom! pic.twitter.com/BWAReTFuTr — Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) September 6, 2023 × Advanced DNA testing came to Mack's rescue and proved that he was not behind the attacks. Instead, it was revealed that the heinous acts were performed by a sex offender who recently confessed to the disturbing crimes, said the Westchester District Attorney’s Office. "We were able to prove Mr Mack’s innocence, in large part, due to our independent Conviction Review Unit’s commitment and Mr Mack’s unwavering strength fighting to clear his name for almost 50 years. This exoneration and the new DNA evidence confirm that wrongful convictions are not only harmful to the wrongly convicted but also make us all less safe," the DA's office added. WATCH | 20 years since the opening of Guantanamo Bay, the infamous US prison Police used aggressive tactics Mack, a Vietnam veteran, was only 23 when he was convicted of the 1975 gunpoint sex assaults on two Greenburgh teenagers in the woods near a local high school. Despite having a strong alibi, the police used aggressive tactics to get witnesses to identify him and wrongfully won a conviction. He was found guilty of raping one teen girl and trying to rape another. “Today has been a long time coming. I lost seven-and-a-half years of my life in prison for a crime I did not commit and I have lived with this injustice hanging over my head for almost 50 years," said Mack after having his name cleared. Also read | US: Two men wrongly imprisoned for 17 years declared innocent; to receive $900k in compensation “It changed the course of my life, everything from where I lived to my relationship with my family. I never lost hope that one day that I would be proven innocent. Now the truth has come to light and I can finally breathe. I am finally free.” After coming out of the court, an elated Mack said: “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, I’m free at last.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Watch | Cleared of wrongful rape conviction after 47 years, man hugs judge, cries 'I'm free'

South Carolina's state senate approved an anti-abortion bill that would ban most abortions at about six weeks, a period when most people are unaware they are pregnant.

South Carolina legislators pass abortion bill

The South Carolina Senate approved a bill on Tuesday (May 23) that would ban most abortions after around six weeks of pregnancy. That's the time most women don't even know if they are pregnant.

The South Carolina Senate approved a bill on Tuesday (May 23) that would ban most abortions after around six weeks of pregnancy. That's the time most women don't even know if they are pregnant. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the bill was sent to Governor Henry McMaster, who promised to sign it. Tuesday's proposal restores a ban South Carolina had in place when the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v.Wade last year- a ban that, once it took effect, was overturned by the state’s highest court as it violated the state Constitution’s right to privacy. The report said that Republicans have been searching for an answer to that ruling because it left abortion legal through 22 weeks of pregnancy and there was a sharp rise in the number of abortions taking place in the state. Are there any exceptions to the newly approved bill? The bill approved on Tuesday includes exceptions for fatal fetal anomalies, the patient’s life and health, and rape or incest up to 12 weeks. Doctors could face felony charges carrying two years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine, AP reported. ALSO READ | North Carolina legislature overrides 12-week abortion ban veto, makes it law Vicki Ringer, the director of public affairs for Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, said that after Tuesday's vote, her organisation would file a request for a temporary restraining order once Governor McMaster signs the bill. The bill was passed after the South Carolina House backed off a proposal to ban abortion almost entirely at conception. It also came after three Republican women urged other leaders of their party to adopt a 12-week abortion ban as they fought additional restrictions one month after helping filibuster a near-total ban. Six-week proposal not enough time: Three Republican senate members The "sister senators"- three Republicans, one Democrat, and an independent leader, who are the only women in the chamber, entered the State House Tuesday to rousing cheers from abortion rights supporters gathered on the main floor. The three Republicans said the six-week proposal did not give women enough time to make a decision. They also criticised changes like requiring child support beginning at conception as ridiculous. Republican Senator Katrina Shealy endorsed a 12-week ban as a “real compromise.” Shealy and Republican Senator Penry Gustafson pushed back on assertions that they (the three Republicans) are not true Christians because of their positions. “We in the South Carolina Legislature are not God. We do not know what’s going on in somebody else’s life. We do not have the right to make decisions for someone else,” Shealy said. Meanwhile, the Senate's 15 Democrats, unified against both abortion bans, largely let the Republican majority debate the issue among themselves. Currently, abortion remains legal through 22 weeks in South Carolina, though other regulations largely block access after the first trimester at the state’s three clinics. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: South Carolina passes six-week abortion ban. Details here

Republicans in Florida are pushing for a bill to ban discussion of menstruation below sixth grade. Wyoming recently banned the sale of abortion pills. South Carolina has proposed a bill to punish abortion with the death penalty. What is happening in the U.S? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Florida considers ban on discussion of menstruation

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Members of the South Carolina state house are considering a bill that would make a woman who has an abortion in the state eligible for the death penalty.

Death penalty for abortions is on the table in South Carolina

An American woman from Greenville, South Carolina, was arrested on the suspicion of taking abortion pills to terminate her pregnancy.

The incident was first reported in October 2021—before the Joe v. Wade judgement was overturned in June 2022. At the time, the then-33-year-old woman was admitted to a hospital after experiencing labour pains.

She had delivered a stillborn foetus at about 25 weeks and four days of pregnancy. The staff claimed in an incident report that the woman self-administered abortion pills in an attempt to end her pregnancy.

Following this, an arrest warrant was issued in September 2022 against the woman, and then subsequently, she was arrested in February 2023, according to the Greenville police department. It’s not clear why authorities charged the woman now.

South Carolina is among the three states where self-managed abortion is a punishable offence even though terminating pregnancy is legal until 20 weeks gestation period. The other two states are Nevada and Oklahoma.

Incidentally, South Carolina was also the first to bring charges on behalf of a foetus successfully against a pregnant person.

Local abortion agencies have raised concerns over the incident.

“We support and endorse folks accessing [safe] abortion care if that feels right for them. The salient point for us for this case is: was this person choosing to allegedly self-manage because they didn’t feel like they had access to different kinds of abortion care?” a spokesperson for the Carolina&nbsp;Abortion&nbsp;fund told Guardian.

&nbsp;“Criminalising pregnancy outcomes generally is very, very dangerous for everyone,” it added.

The Greenville police department said that the woman after being arrested was subsequently released the next day after making $2,500 bail. She awaits trial.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An American woman from Greenville, South Carolina, was arrested on the suspicion of taking abortion pills to terminate her pregnancy. The incident was first reported in October 2021—before the Joe v.

An American woman from Greenville, South Carolina, was arrested on the suspicion of taking abortion pills to terminate her pregnancy. The incident was first reported in October 2021—before the Joe v. Wade judgement was overturned in June 2022. At the time, the then-33-year-old woman was admitted to a hospital after experiencing labour pains. She had delivered a stillborn foetus at about 25 weeks and four days of pregnancy. The staff claimed in an incident report that the woman self-administered abortion pills in an attempt to end her pregnancy. Following this, an arrest warrant was issued in September 2022 against the woman, and then subsequently, she was arrested in February 2023, according to the Greenville police department. It’s not clear why authorities charged the woman now. South Carolina is among the three states where self-managed abortion is a punishable offence even though terminating pregnancy is legal until 20 weeks gestation period. The other two states are Nevada and Oklahoma. Incidentally, South Carolina was also the first to bring charges on behalf of a foetus successfully against a pregnant person. Local abortion agencies have raised concerns over the incident. “We support and endorse folks accessing [safe] abortion care if that feels right for them. The salient point for us for this case is: was this person choosing to allegedly self-manage because they didn’t feel like they had access to different kinds of abortion care?” a spokesperson for the Carolina Abortion fund told Guardian. “Criminalising pregnancy outcomes generally is very, very dangerous for everyone,” it added. The Greenville police department said that the woman after being arrested was subsequently released the next day after making $2,500 bail. She awaits trial. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

American woman arrested for self-administering abortion pills

Richard "Alex" Murdaugh, the disbarred lawyer in South Carolina, who is accused of murdering his wife and son, admitted on Thursday (February 23) that he had lied to investigators about his whereabouts on the night of the killings. However, he has denied any guilt.

The high-profile trial is into its fourth week. Murdaugh told the court that he did not shoot his wife Maggie (52) or son Paul (22). Both of them were gunned down near&nbsp;the dog kennels on the family's estate on June 7, 2021.

"I didn't shoot my wife or my son anytime, ever," Murdaugh said in response to questions from his lawyer Jim Griffin, who wrapped up his questioning in mid-afternoon on Thursday. "I was nowhere near Paul and Maggie when they got shot," he added.

"On June 7, I wasn't thinking clearly. I don’t think I was capable of reason and I lied about being down there. And I'm so sorry that I did," Murdaugh testified.

During roughly two hours of cross-examination before the judge recessed for the day, the lead prosecutor focused on Murdaugh's financial crimes, in an apparent effort to establish his dishonesty. The prosecution will continue its examination on Friday.

Murdaugh, the scion of an influential South Carolina legal family, was indicted by a grand jury in July on two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon in connection with the shootings. He pleaded not guilty.

The murders have been subject to intense media coverage given the political influence of the Murdaugh family in the low-lying region of South Carolina in which they took place, as well as a string of scandals hanging over the defendant, once a prominent personal injury attorney in the state.

Prosecutors have said Murdaugh killed his wife and child to generate sympathy and distract from an array of financial crimes for which he is also facing criminal charges, an alleged motive that Murdaugh's lawyers have argued does not make sense.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Richard "Alex" Murdaugh, the disbarred lawyer in South Carolina, who is accused of murdering his wife and son, admitted on Thursday (February 23) that he had lied to investigators about his whereabouts on the night of the killings.

Richard "Alex" Murdaugh, the disbarred lawyer in South Carolina, who is accused of murdering his wife and son, admitted on Thursday (February 23) that he had lied to investigators about his whereabouts on the night of the killings. However, he has denied any guilt. The high-profile trial is into its fourth week. Murdaugh told the court that he did not shoot his wife Maggie (52) or son Paul (22). Both of them were gunned down near the dog kennels on the family's estate on June 7, 2021. "I didn't shoot my wife or my son anytime, ever," Murdaugh said in response to questions from his lawyer Jim Griffin, who wrapped up his questioning in mid-afternoon on Thursday. "I was nowhere near Paul and Maggie when they got shot," he added. "On June 7, I wasn't thinking clearly. I don’t think I was capable of reason and I lied about being down there. And I'm so sorry that I did," Murdaugh testified. During roughly two hours of cross-examination before the judge recessed for the day, the lead prosecutor focused on Murdaugh's financial crimes, in an apparent effort to establish his dishonesty. The prosecution will continue its examination on Friday. Murdaugh, the scion of an influential South Carolina legal family, was indicted by a grand jury in July on two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon in connection with the shootings. He pleaded not guilty. The murders have been subject to intense media coverage given the political influence of the Murdaugh family in the low-lying region of South Carolina in which they took place, as well as a string of scandals hanging over the defendant, once a prominent personal injury attorney in the state. Prosecutors have said Murdaugh killed his wife and child to generate sympathy and distract from an array of financial crimes for which he is also facing criminal charges, an alleged motive that Murdaugh's lawyers have argued does not make sense. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: At murder trial, Murdaugh admits to lying earlier but denies killing wife, son

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is expected to start her campaign for the 2024 Republican Presidential nomination this month, following which she will be contending against former US President Donald Trump.

US: Indian-American Nikki Haley poised to enter 2024 Presidential race

Former US President Donald Trump finally embarked on his first campaign swing of 2024 Presidential elections. The former President kicked off his campaign trail which stops in two key early voting states - New Hampshire and South Carolina.

US: Donald Trump kicks off 2024 Presidential campaign, first candidate to do so

Forecasters expect Hurricane Ian to cause life-threatening storm surges in the Carolinas. This comes after the hurricane left a trail of devastation in Florida where at least 21 people have been left dead.

WION Climate Tracker: South Carolina prepares for Hurricane Ian; Cubans protest amid power blackout

WION Climate Tracker: Cyclone Ian makes landfall in South Carolina

The US National Hurricane Center said that Hurricane Ian made landfall in South Carolina on Friday (September 30) after leaving a trail of destruction across Florida.&nbsp;

The centre of Hurricane Ian made landfall at 2:05 pm (1805 GMT) near Georgetown, South Carolina. At that time, the hurricane sustained winds of 85 miles per hour, making it a Category 1 hurricane.&nbsp;

According to the NHC, Ian could bring severe gusts and a "life-threatening storm surge" of up to seven feet for residents of the Carolina coast.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mr-putin-dont-misunderstand-what-im-saying-biden-warns-russian-president-vladimir-putin-521342">'Mr Putin, don't misunderstand what I'm saying': Biden warns Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;

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Earlier today, police navigated flooded roads on Pawleys Island, South Carolina: <a href="https://t.co/EGugEb31cb">pic.twitter.com/EGugEb31cb</a>
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/weatherchannel/status/1575946585447464970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Wind gusts as high as 92 mph were recorded Friday around lunchtime at Shutes Folly, South Carolina, in the Folly Island Channel just east of downtown Charleston by a <a href="https://twitter.com/weatherflow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@weatherflow</a> station <a href="https://t.co/H7iBp45CAJ">https://t.co/H7iBp45CAJ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/scwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#scwx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ian</a> <a href="https://t.co/JfyJKslt4z">pic.twitter.com/JfyJKslt4z</a>
— Breaking Weather by AccuWeather (@breakingweather) <a href="https://twitter.com/breakingweather/status/1575943842003550225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The storm surge at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, from Hurricane <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ian</a> is preliminarily the highest on record at 4.19 feet, beating Hurricane Joaquin in 2015 and Hurricane Florence in 2018, which previously held the record. <a href="https://t.co/9m6HFNrJUR">https://t.co/9m6HFNrJUR</a> <a href="https://t.co/wnXD9KDepH">pic.twitter.com/wnXD9KDepH</a>
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Ian regained hurricane power over the Atlantic after weakening to a tropical storm when it went over Florida, where it wreaked billions of dollars' worth of damage.&nbsp;

"Listen to all the warnings and directions from local officials and obey their instructions," the president of the United States Joe Biden encouraged residents of South and North Carolina to take precautionary steps.&nbsp;

We're just starting to witness the scope of the disaster in Florida, which has been devastated by the storm and is home to at least 21 documented fatalities, Biden said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-annexes-four-occupied-regions-ukraine-accelerates-nato-membership-bid-521280">Putin annexes four occupied regions; Ukraine accelerates its NATO membership bid</a>&nbsp;

"It's likely to rank among the worst in the nation's history," Biden said of Ian, which ploughed into Florida's southwest coast on Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane, just short of the most potent on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale.&nbsp;

"It's going to take months, years to rebuild," Biden said. "It's not just a crisis for Florida. This is an American crisis."&nbsp;

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Join me as I deliver remarks on the ongoing federal response efforts for Hurricane Ian. <a href="https://t.co/QfHBWclriY">https://t.co/QfHBWclriY</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1575905284517773321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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We know the families of Florida are hurting. And our entire country hurts with them. 
 
We’re going to build Florida back, no matter how long it takes. <a href="https://t.co/Pz7Dee69Fe">pic.twitter.com/Pz7Dee69Fe</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1575892063111061504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Rescuers were busy helping survivors in Florida on Friday, and the Coast Guard reported that it had carried out 117 boat and helicopter rescues.&nbsp;

In Florida, the storm left hundreds of people in need of assistance, many of whom were stranded in flooded homes.&nbsp;

Over a thousand rescuers, said to governor Ron DeSantis, are checking on homeowners as they travel "up and down the shore."&nbsp;

He said,&nbsp;"Rescue personnel have gone to more than 3,000 homes in the hardest hit areas, going door to door to check on the occupants."&nbsp;

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The US National Hurricane Center said that Hurricane Ian made landfall in South Carolina on Friday (September 30) after leaving a trail of destruction across Florida.

The US National Hurricane Center said that Hurricane Ian made landfall in South Carolina on Friday (September 30) after leaving a trail of destruction across Florida. The centre of Hurricane Ian made landfall at 2:05 pm (1805 GMT) near Georgetown, South Carolina. At that time, the hurricane sustained winds of 85 miles per hour, making it a Category 1 hurricane. According to the NHC, Ian could bring severe gusts and a "life-threatening storm surge" of up to seven feet for residents of the Carolina coast. ALSO READ | 'Mr Putin, don't misunderstand what I'm saying': Biden warns Russian President Vladimir Putin THIS is what storm surge looks like. #Ian Earlier today, police navigated flooded roads on Pawleys Island, South Carolina: pic.twitter.com/EGugEb31cb — The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) September 30, 2022 × Wind gusts as high as 92 mph were recorded Friday around lunchtime at Shutes Folly, South Carolina, in the Folly Island Channel just east of downtown Charleston by a @weatherflow station https://t.co/H7iBp45CAJ #scwx #ian pic.twitter.com/JfyJKslt4z — Breaking Weather by AccuWeather (@breakingweather) September 30, 2022 × The storm surge at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, from Hurricane #Ian is preliminarily the highest on record at 4.19 feet, beating Hurricane Joaquin in 2015 and Hurricane Florence in 2018, which previously held the record. https://t.co/9m6HFNrJUR pic.twitter.com/wnXD9KDepH — Breaking Weather by AccuWeather (@breakingweather) September 30, 2022 × Ian regained hurricane power over the Atlantic after weakening to a tropical storm when it went over Florida, where it wreaked billions of dollars' worth of damage. "Listen to all the warnings and directions from local officials and obey their instructions," the president of the United States Joe Biden encouraged residents of South and North Carolina to take precautionary steps. We're just starting to witness the scope of the disaster in Florida, which has been devastated by the storm and is home to at least 21 documented fatalities, Biden said. ALSO READ | Putin annexes four occupied regions; Ukraine accelerates its NATO membership bid "It's likely to rank among the worst in the nation's history," Biden said of Ian, which ploughed into Florida's southwest coast on Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane, just short of the most potent on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale. "It's going to take months, years to rebuild," Biden said. "It's not just a crisis for Florida. This is an American crisis." Join me as I deliver remarks on the ongoing federal response efforts for Hurricane Ian. https://t.co/QfHBWclriY — President Biden (@POTUS) September 30, 2022 × We know the families of Florida are hurting. And our entire country hurts with them. We’re going to build Florida back, no matter how long it takes. pic.twitter.com/Pz7Dee69Fe — President Biden (@POTUS) September 30, 2022 × Rescuers were busy helping survivors in Florida on Friday, and the Coast Guard reported that it had carried out 117 boat and helicopter rescues. In Florida, the storm left hundreds of people in need of assistance, many of whom were stranded in flooded homes. Over a thousand rescuers, said to governor Ron DeSantis, are checking on homeowners as they travel "up and down the shore." He said, "Rescue personnel have gone to more than 3,000 homes in the hardest hit areas, going door to door to check on the occupants." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hurricane Ian makes landfall in South Carolina after pummeling Florida

One of the congressmen who supported the original six-week ban is very troubled by the news that South Carolina is exploring a new, nearly absolute abortion ban.

Now that the consequences of the abortion ban are coming to light, State representative Neal Collins as per Jezebel regrets voting for it.&nbsp;

The law came into effect in June but was temporarily blocked on August 17.

A video is now going viral on social media, and in it, Collins appears to be fighting back tears.

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I’m haunted by this South Carolina Republican, Rep. Neal Collins, realizing that the anti-abortion bills he supported are now forcing women and girls to carry nonviable pregnancies at risk of sepsis, death, and loss of the uterus. All these outcomes were inevitable and predicted. <a href="https://t.co/w9z3qbvTNI">pic.twitter.com/w9z3qbvTNI</a>
— Mark Joseph Stern (@mjs_DC) <a href="https://twitter.com/mjs_DC/status/1562093978488639489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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This is from a recent public hearing for the House Judiciary Committee on proposed legislation that would outlaw the majority of abortions in South Carolina.

Watch |&nbsp;'Women's health, lives are on the line,' Joe Biden signs new executive order on abortion

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Apparently, just two weeks after the law came into effect Collins was contacted by a doctor regarding a 19-year-old who was receiving treatment at a nearby emergency room.

When the pregnant teen's water broke at 15 weeks, she went to the emergency department. However, due to the six-week limit, doctors were unable to perform a dilation and evacuation surgery, which could have spared her a great deal of pain and potential infections.

"The attorneys told the doctors that because of the fetal heartbeat bill, because that 15-week-old had a heartbeat, the doctors could not extract [the fetus]. So their only choices were to admit the 19-year-old until that fetal heartbeat stopped" or discharge her.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-provides-unborn-foetus-rights-of-a-person-just-weeks-after-taking-away-basic-rights-of-women-503579">Georgia provides 'unborn foetus' rights of a person, just weeks after taking away basic rights of women</a>

The doctor told Collins that the heartbeat could've continued, for "seconds, minutes, hours, maybe days."

"What we do matters," said Collins, appearing to hold back tears.

The 19-year-old was eventually discharged by the doctors, to deal with the loss "on her own"&nbsp;even as she faced a 50 per cent risk of losing her uterus. She also had a 10 per cent chance of developing sepsis and dying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-pregnancy-complications-amid-abortion-row-in-the-us-509316">Explained: Pregnancy complications amid abortion row in the US</a>

“That weighs on me. I voted for that bill. These are affecting people,” Collins added. “That whole week I did not sleep.”

As per the Associated Press, the committee decided to advance an almost complete abortion ban to the House floor in a vote of 13-7.

(With inputs from agencies)

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One of the congressmen who supported the original six-week ban is very troubled by the news that South Carolina is exploring a new, nearly absolute abortion ban.

One of the congressmen who supported the original six-week ban is very troubled by the news that South Carolina is exploring a new, nearly absolute abortion ban. Now that the consequences of the abortion ban are coming to light, State representative Neal Collins as per Jezebel regrets voting for it. The law came into effect in June but was temporarily blocked on August 17. A video is now going viral on social media, and in it, Collins appears to be fighting back tears. I’m haunted by this South Carolina Republican, Rep. Neal Collins, realizing that the anti-abortion bills he supported are now forcing women and girls to carry nonviable pregnancies at risk of sepsis, death, and loss of the uterus. All these outcomes were inevitable and predicted. pic.twitter.com/w9z3qbvTNI — Mark Joseph Stern (@mjs_DC) August 23, 2022 × This is from a recent public hearing for the House Judiciary Committee on proposed legislation that would outlaw the majority of abortions in South Carolina. Watch | 'Women's health, lives are on the line,' Joe Biden signs new executive order on abortion Apparently, just two weeks after the law came into effect Collins was contacted by a doctor regarding a 19-year-old who was receiving treatment at a nearby emergency room. When the pregnant teen's water broke at 15 weeks, she went to the emergency department. However, due to the six-week limit, doctors were unable to perform a dilation and evacuation surgery, which could have spared her a great deal of pain and potential infections. "The attorneys told the doctors that because of the fetal heartbeat bill, because that 15-week-old had a heartbeat, the doctors could not extract [the fetus]. So their only choices were to admit the 19-year-old until that fetal heartbeat stopped" or discharge her. Also read | Georgia provides 'unborn foetus' rights of a person, just weeks after taking away basic rights of women The doctor told Collins that the heartbeat could've continued, for "seconds, minutes, hours, maybe days." "What we do matters," said Collins, appearing to hold back tears. The 19-year-old was eventually discharged by the doctors, to deal with the loss "on her own" even as she faced a 50 per cent risk of losing her uterus. She also had a 10 per cent chance of developing sepsis and dying. Also read | Explained: Pregnancy complications amid abortion row in the US “That weighs on me. I voted for that bill. These are affecting people,” Collins added. “That whole week I did not sleep.” As per the Associated Press, the committee decided to advance an almost complete abortion ban to the House floor in a vote of 13-7. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'That weighs on me. I voted for that bill': Lawmaker regrets voting for abortion ban

The newest episode in the sad disintegration of what was once a proud and outwardly content dynastic family is Alex Murdaugh, a legal heir to the state of South Carolina, who has been charged with killing his wife and son at their house last year. Murdaugh, 53, continues to face more charges in county jail. When he will be charged with killing his wife Maggie and son Paul is still unknown.

The gunshot murders of South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh's wife and son set off a series of inquiries, peculiar events, and legal manoeuvres that have lasted the past 13 months. But even before that, Murdaugh's life was silently disintegrating in the background. He was allegedly lying to almost everyone in his life while also stealing money, abusing medications, and urgently attempting to dodge a detailed audit of his finances connected to a case regarding the death of his kid.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-ranked-second-worst-place-in-world-to-move-by-immigrants-survey-497332">New Zealand ranked second-worst place in world to move by immigrants: Survey</a>

In the recording of the 911 call he made that evening at 10:07 PM, he can be heard screaming to the dispatcher, "I need the police and an ambulance immediately. My wife and child were recently severely shot."

It is still unknown why Murdaugh would have killed his wife and kid, but at the time of their murders, the lawyer was drowning in debt as a result of severe opiate addiction. &nbsp;As a result of this,&nbsp;his wife's&nbsp;gift checks bounced at charity luncheons, so she&nbsp;had started speaking with divorce attorneys.

Alex was fired from his law practice in the months following the killings of Maggie and Paul over allegations that he had stolen millions of dollars over several years. Then, in an apparent attempt to pull off a life insurance scam for the benefit of Murdaugh's surviving son, Buster, he hired a distant cousin to pretend to shoot him. Since then, authorities have restarted inquiries into two further unsolved killings that involve the family.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The newest episode in the sad disintegration of what was once a proud and outwardly content dynastic family is Alex Murdaugh, a legal heir to the state of South Carolina, who has been charged with killing his wife and son at their house last year.

The newest episode in the sad disintegration of what was once a proud and outwardly content dynastic family is Alex Murdaugh, a legal heir to the state of South Carolina, who has been charged with killing his wife and son at their house last year. Murdaugh, 53, continues to face more charges in county jail. When he will be charged with killing his wife Maggie and son Paul is still unknown. The gunshot murders of South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh's wife and son set off a series of inquiries, peculiar events, and legal manoeuvres that have lasted the past 13 months. But even before that, Murdaugh's life was silently disintegrating in the background. He was allegedly lying to almost everyone in his life while also stealing money, abusing medications, and urgently attempting to dodge a detailed audit of his finances connected to a case regarding the death of his kid. Also Read: New Zealand ranked second-worst place in world to move by immigrants: Survey In the recording of the 911 call he made that evening at 10:07 PM, he can be heard screaming to the dispatcher, "I need the police and an ambulance immediately. My wife and child were recently severely shot." It is still unknown why Murdaugh would have killed his wife and kid, but at the time of their murders, the lawyer was drowning in debt as a result of severe opiate addiction. As a result of this, his wife's gift checks bounced at charity luncheons, so she had started speaking with divorce attorneys. Alex was fired from his law practice in the months following the killings of Maggie and Paul over allegations that he had stolen millions of dollars over several years. Then, in an apparent attempt to pull off a life insurance scam for the benefit of Murdaugh's surviving son, Buster, he hired a distant cousin to pretend to shoot him. Since then, authorities have restarted inquiries into two further unsolved killings that involve the family. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scamster to murderer: South Carolina legal heir charged with wife and son's murder

Donald Trump scored a significant victory in South Carolina even without contesting as eight of his preferred candidates won their primaries in the state. Trump backed candidates also won in Nevada and North Dakota. Russell Fry who Trump had supported convincingly ousted Tom Rice who was a five-term representative and had voted to impeach trump last year

Trump wins big in South Carolina

Severe storms have wreaked havoc in Southern part of US, three people have lost their lives as a result of violent storms. South Carolina and Georgia are among the worst affected by the storms, government buildings and houses have been destroyed

Severe storms wreak havoc in South US, government buildings and houses destroyed

After being stopped by police in South Carolina in July, a Black man was ordered to lie on the ground. When he did not do so quickly, because he has metal rods and pins in his leg and hip, an officer stomped on the back of his head.

The man, Clarence Gailyard, 58, will receive $650,000 in compensation from Orangeburg, South Carolina the city announced Wednesday.

Body camera footage from July 26 shows Gailyard being stopped by Officer David Lance Dukes. The officer points a gun at Gailyard, who is on his hands and knees.

In the video, Dukes, who was later fired, yells, “Get on the ground!” He then stomps on Gailyard, causing his forehead to hit the ground.

Gailyard sustained a head injury. He was stopped by the police that day after “an erroneous 911 call placed stating someone out there had a gun,” his lawyer, Justin Bamberg, said.

Gailyard, who has had rods and pins in his body since being struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle a few years ago, was holding a piece of wood wrapped in duct tape that he used to keep stray dogs away when he went walking, Bamberg said.

In a statement Wednesday, the city said that in addition to an apology, Gailyard would receive the compensation paid by the city’s insurance carrier. City officials said that the city would also establish a citizens’ task force to “provide oversight and guidance with regard to interactions” between residents and the Orangeburg police.

Sidney Evering, Orangeburg city administrator, said in a statement that the “vast majority” of the city’s police officers “do their jobs with honor and ensure that the citizens they are entrusted to protect and serve are treated fairly and with respect.”

He added, “However, when an officer falls short of these expectations and conducts themselves in ways unbecoming to their department and the city, that officer must and will be held accountable. That’s exactly what we have done in this instance.”

Dukes was fired after an investigation into the encounter and was charged with first-degree assault and battery. His lawyer and the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday night.

At a news conference in August, Gailyard said he was still in pain. “Every time I look in the mirror and see the scar on my face, it is not OK,” Gailyard said.

In a statement to the city Wednesday, Bamberg said that Gailyard was “pleased to put this very troubling incident behind him.”

“We appreciate how quickly Orangeburg city leadership moved to make this right by Mr. Gailyard,” Bamberg said. “I’ve handled numerous cases involving police violence previously, and rarely have I seen a city swiftly accept responsibility and also work to ensure that this never happens to another person.”

Bamberg said he gave credit to Aqkwele Polidore, a sergeant who was at the scene in July, “who refused to cover for a co-worker.”

“This incident should give all good officers around the country a positive sign that it is OK to take a stand against police brutality in your agencies,” Bamberg said. “Amazing things can happen when dedicated law enforcement officers choose what’s right over what’s ‘blue.’ ”

Bamberg also credited the city of Orangeburg for “changing its police department for the betterment of both its own officers and the citizens it serves.”

“This is what progress looks like,” he said.

After being stopped by police in South Carolina in July, a Black man was ordered to lie on the ground. When he did not do so quickly, because he has metal rods and pins in his leg and hip, an officer stomped on the back of his head.

After being stopped by police in South Carolina in July, a Black man was ordered to lie on the ground. When he did not do so quickly, because he has metal rods and pins in his leg and hip, an officer stomped on the back of his head. The man, Clarence Gailyard, 58, will receive $650,000 in compensation from Orangeburg, South Carolina the city announced Wednesday. Body camera footage from July 26 shows Gailyard being stopped by Officer David Lance Dukes. The officer points a gun at Gailyard, who is on his hands and knees. In the video, Dukes, who was later fired, yells, “Get on the ground!” He then stomps on Gailyard, causing his forehead to hit the ground. Gailyard sustained a head injury. He was stopped by the police that day after “an erroneous 911 call placed stating someone out there had a gun,” his lawyer, Justin Bamberg, said. Gailyard, who has had rods and pins in his body since being struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle a few years ago, was holding a piece of wood wrapped in duct tape that he used to keep stray dogs away when he went walking, Bamberg said. In a statement Wednesday, the city said that in addition to an apology, Gailyard would receive the compensation paid by the city’s insurance carrier. City officials said that the city would also establish a citizens’ task force to “provide oversight and guidance with regard to interactions” between residents and the Orangeburg police. Sidney Evering, Orangeburg city administrator, said in a statement that the “vast majority” of the city’s police officers “do their jobs with honor and ensure that the citizens they are entrusted to protect and serve are treated fairly and with respect.” He added, “However, when an officer falls short of these expectations and conducts themselves in ways unbecoming to their department and the city, that officer must and will be held accountable. That’s exactly what we have done in this instance.” Dukes was fired after an investigation into the encounter and was charged with first-degree assault and battery. His lawyer and the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday night. At a news conference in August, Gailyard said he was still in pain. “Every time I look in the mirror and see the scar on my face, it is not OK,” Gailyard said. In a statement to the city Wednesday, Bamberg said that Gailyard was “pleased to put this very troubling incident behind him.” “We appreciate how quickly Orangeburg city leadership moved to make this right by Mr. Gailyard,” Bamberg said. “I’ve handled numerous cases involving police violence previously, and rarely have I seen a city swiftly accept responsibility and also work to ensure that this never happens to another person.” Bamberg said he gave credit to Aqkwele Polidore, a sergeant who was at the scene in July, “who refused to cover for a co-worker.” “This incident should give all good officers around the country a positive sign that it is OK to take a stand against police brutality in your agencies,” Bamberg said. “Amazing things can happen when dedicated law enforcement officers choose what’s right over what’s ‘blue.’ ” Bamberg also credited the city of Orangeburg for “changing its police department for the betterment of both its own officers and the citizens it serves.” “This is what progress looks like,” he said.

Black man stomped by South Carolina officer will receive $650,000 settlement

Hurricane Isaias lumbered up the South Carolina coast Monday, bringing some wind and rain to the Charleston area but potential danger to the Grand Strand.

Storm Isaias batters Carolinas | Tropical storm warning extended to rhode island | WION

When students in Greenville, South Carolina return to school on August 24th, the environment will look much different. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, student class sizes will be reduced to comply with CDC guidelines.

Schools prepare for socially distant classrooms

At least two individuals killed and eight others are injured after a predawn Sunday shooting at Lavish Lounge, a bar and nightclub in Greenville County, South Carolina.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-walmart-shooting-kills-2-people-4-wounded-309110">Also read: Walmart shooting kills 2 people; 4 wounded</a> 
 
Police believe more than one shooter fled the chaotic scene at the Lavish Lounge club before deputies arrived. A very large crowd had packed into the establishment for "some type of Fourth of July concert," Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis told an early morning press conference.

According to security officials, Lavish Lounge has a history of crime and a large volume of calls for deputies to be sent to the property.

Two sheriff's deputies were passing by the club shortly before 2 am and heard shooting and saw a commotion, in a crowd of about 200 people, Lewis said.

They called for backup and emergency services and went into the club, trying to evacuate people and see if it was still an active shooting, but the shooter or shooters fled, Lewis said.

Around 200 people were present at the Lavish Lounge, and the club violated an executive order from government that says South Carolina nightclubs are required to be shut down due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

At least two individuals killed and eight others are injured after a predawn Sunday shooting at Lavish Lounge, a bar and nightclub in Greenville County, South Carolina.

At least two individuals killed and eight others are injured after a predawn Sunday shooting at Lavish Lounge, a bar and nightclub in Greenville County, South Carolina. Also read: Walmart shooting kills 2 people; 4 wounded Police believe more than one shooter fled the chaotic scene at the Lavish Lounge club before deputies arrived. A very large crowd had packed into the establishment for "some type of Fourth of July concert," Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis told an early morning press conference. According to security officials, Lavish Lounge has a history of crime and a large volume of calls for deputies to be sent to the property. Two sheriff's deputies were passing by the club shortly before 2 am and heard shooting and saw a commotion, in a crowd of about 200 people, Lewis said. They called for backup and emergency services and went into the club, trying to evacuate people and see if it was still an active shooting, but the shooter or shooters fled, Lewis said. Around 200 people were present at the Lavish Lounge, and the club violated an executive order from government that says South Carolina nightclubs are required to be shut down due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. (With inputs from agencies)

Two killed, eight wounded after US nightclub shooting

A US Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft crashed during a training mission in South Carolina, killing the pilot.

US F-16 fighter jet crashes in South Carolina

Pete Buttigieg, the former small-city Indiana mayor and first openly gay major presidential candidate said that he was dropping out of the Democratic race, following a crushing loss in the South Carolina primary where his poor performance with black Democrats signalled an inability to build a broad coalition of voters.

Pete Buttigieg drops out of Democratic Presidential race

A large group of mostly African-American women gathered at a Columbia, South Carolina church on Friday (February 28), the eve of the state's pivotal primary election.

South Carolina voters break a sweat dancing ahead of critical primary

Former vice president Joe Biden won the South Carolina primary on Saturday, reviving his flagging campaign and positioning himself as the leading rival to frontrunner Bernie Sanders in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Former vice president Joe Biden won the South Carolina primary on Saturday, reviving his flagging campaign and positioning himself as the leading rival to frontrunner Bernie Sanders in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. All of the major television networks projected the 77-year-old Biden as the winner in South Carolina just minutes after polls closed in the state at 7:00 pm (0000 GMT). The networks did not provide any vote totals but the early projections were an indication that Biden had scored a decisive win in the state where he was counting on heavy support among African-American voters. A South Carolina victory was seen as crucial to Biden's hopes of challenging Sanders, the 78-year-old senator from Vermont, for the spot on the Democratic ticket in November against Republican Donald Trump. Sanders has been the clear frontrunner in the race having won both New Hampshire and Nevada after finishing in a virtual tie in Iowa with former South Bend, Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg. Biden finished fourth in Iowa, fifth in New Hampshire and second in Nevada and he desperately needed a win in South Carolina ahead of next week's "Super Tuesday," when 14 states go to the polls. One-third of the delegates who formally choose the Democratic nominee at the July party convention will be up for grabs on Super Tuesday. "The biggest question is whether this will slingshot Joe Biden into victory in some Super Tuesday states," said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Biden, who served for eight years as vice president to Barack Obama, America's first black president, was the favorite in South Carolina, the first state with a substantial African-American electorate to hold a primary contest. Speaking before the result was announced, Biden said he hoped South Carolina would propel him into national contention. "I think I'll do well," he told CNN. "It's been the launching pad for Barack and, I believe, for me."

Biden revives White House hopes with South Carolina victory

Presidential contender Joe Biden told South Carolina’s Democrats on Friday that they can take control of the White House if they pick “the right nominee” to face President Donald Trump.

“If you send me out of here with a victory that’s significant then I think I’m going to be the next nominee,” he said at Wofford College in Spartanburg. “We really can’t afford to let Donald Trump have four more years.”

It was a message of hope for Democrats who widely dislike the sitting president, but also for a campaign much in need of hope.

A win in South Carolina’s fourth in the nation nominating contest on Saturday would be a big boost to Biden’s chances of being the Democratic nominee to run against Trump on Nov. 3. Biden faces candidates including front-runner Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist.

At a rally in North Charleston, Trump urged his Republican supporters to vote in the Democratic primary to ensure he faces the weakest possible opponent, which is allowed in South Carolina.

“Who the hell is easier to beat?” Trump asked of the crowd. He ultimately said the answer was Sanders.

<div>Here’s what else happened on the campaign trail on Friday:</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

<div>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rivals-question-front-runner-sanders-electability-at-rowdy-south-carolina-democratic-debate-282776">Rivals question front-runner Sanders' electability at rowdy South Carolina Democratic debate</a> 
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<div>FIRST IN LINE</div>

<div>
Before Trump took the stage in North Charleston, his fiercest supporters had been waiting for hours - even days.

Packing blankets, chairs and coolers, thousands waited to enter the rally, some of them having camped out to attend.

Richard Snowden was in his usual place, first in line. Dressed in a crisp suit and tie, the 68-year-old retired restaurant and nightclub businessman from Florida said he arrived on Tuesday for what would be his 66th Trump rally.

“I’m competitive, obviously. And I like being number one,” he said.

Trump decided to hold a rally here even though the state’s Republican Party canceled its nominating contest to ensure the president faced no opposition as he seeks re-election.

The evening marked the third Trump event for Snowden’s girlfriend, Trish Asselta, who said she’s already hooked.

“The energy that everyone portrays is just a feeling that you just can’t explain. I mean, he energizes everyone,” she said.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/oysters-and-politics-on-the-menu-in-south-carolina-282932">Oysters and politics on the menu in South Carolina</a>

CORONAVIRUS CRITICISM

Earlier in the day, Biden, Sanders and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg joined the chorus of prominent Democrats criticizing the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, which expanded to six new countries and sent global stock markets tumbling again on Friday.

At a campaign event in Sumter, South Carolina, Biden accused Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who is overseeing the government response to the outbreak, of misleading the American public about the virus threat.

“Trump and Pence decided that the public health experts cannot inform the public on their own what’s going on,” Biden said. “Now the president won’t let other people tell the truth.”

Sanders slammed Trump for holding the North Charleston rally rather than remaining in Washington to address the situation.

“Why is he here? He’s here to try and disrupt the Democratic primary,” Sanders said in St. George. “How pathetic and how petty can you be?”

Bloomberg pointed to the sharp stock market drop as a sign of concern about Trump’s competence.

“The stock market has plunged partly out of fear (about the virus) but also because investors have no confidence that this president is capable of managing the crisis,” Bloomberg said in Memphis, Tennessee.

Bloomberg, a late entrant in the race for the White House, has not competed in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina, and is pinning his hopes on Super Tuesday nominating contests next week in Tennessee and 13 other states.

There are 62 confirmed cases of the virus in the United States, including people repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan, U.S. officials said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-appoints-vice-president-mike-pence-man-in-charge-of-coronavirus-response-282971">Donald Trump appoints Vice-President Mike Pence man in charge of coronavirus response</a>

COUNTING ON SOUTH CAROLINA

Biden continued to show signs of growing strength ahead of Saturday.

His campaign celebrated a $1.2 million one-day online fundraising haul, the most contributed by small-dollar internet donors since his campaign launch last year, when similar contributions added up to more than $6 million.

A Monmouth University poll released on Thursday showed Biden with heavy support from black South Carolina voters, who make up about 60% of the state’s Democratic electorate.

He was buoyed as well by an endorsement from U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who was the 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee under Hillary Clinton. Virginia votes on Tuesday.

In Sumter, undecided voter Marybeth Berry, 44, told Biden that she sees a “fire” in some of his rivals and asked what drives him.

He responded “decency and honor” and added that he hates to see the “abuse of power” against vulnerable people.

Berry said she thought Biden’s answer was “very, very good” and “powerful,” and that she was leaning toward him after hearing him speak, but added she was also considering Sanders.

<div>Her husband, Christopher, an Army veteran who met Biden when he served in Iraq, was already convinced. He voted for Trump in 2016 but is supporting Biden this time.</div>

Biden had poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire and finished a distant second place in Nevada.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bernie-sanders-scores-decisive-win-in-nevada-biden-heading-to-second-place-282175">Bernie Sanders scores decisive win in Nevada, Biden heading to second place</a>
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Presidential contender Joe Biden told South Carolina’s Democrats on Friday that they can take control of the White House if they pick “the right nominee” to face President Donald Trump.

Presidential contender Joe Biden told South Carolina’s Democrats on Friday that they can take control of the White House if they pick “the right nominee” to face President Donald Trump. “If you send me out of here with a victory that’s significant then I think I’m going to be the next nominee,” he said at Wofford College in Spartanburg. “We really can’t afford to let Donald Trump have four more years.” It was a message of hope for Democrats who widely dislike the sitting president, but also for a campaign much in need of hope. A win in South Carolina’s fourth in the nation nominating contest on Saturday would be a big boost to Biden’s chances of being the Democratic nominee to run against Trump on Nov. 3. Biden faces candidates including front-runner Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist. At a rally in North Charleston, Trump urged his Republican supporters to vote in the Democratic primary to ensure he faces the weakest possible opponent, which is allowed in South Carolina. “Who the hell is easier to beat?” Trump asked of the crowd. He ultimately said the answer was Sanders. Here’s what else happened on the campaign trail on Friday: Also read: Rivals question front-runner Sanders' electability at rowdy South Carolina Democratic debate FIRST IN LINE Before Trump took the stage in North Charleston, his fiercest supporters had been waiting for hours - even days. Packing blankets, chairs and coolers, thousands waited to enter the rally, some of them having camped out to attend. Richard Snowden was in his usual place, first in line. Dressed in a crisp suit and tie, the 68-year-old retired restaurant and nightclub businessman from Florida said he arrived on Tuesday for what would be his 66th Trump rally. “I’m competitive, obviously. And I like being number one,” he said. Trump decided to hold a rally here even though the state’s Republican Party canceled its nominating contest to ensure the president faced no opposition as he seeks re-election. The evening marked the third Trump event for Snowden’s girlfriend, Trish Asselta, who said she’s already hooked. “The energy that everyone portrays is just a feeling that you just can’t explain. I mean, he energizes everyone,” she said. Also see: Oysters and politics on the menu in South Carolina CORONAVIRUS CRITICISM Earlier in the day, Biden, Sanders and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg joined the chorus of prominent Democrats criticizing the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, which expanded to six new countries and sent global stock markets tumbling again on Friday. At a campaign event in Sumter, South Carolina, Biden accused Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who is overseeing the government response to the outbreak, of misleading the American public about the virus threat. “Trump and Pence decided that the public health experts cannot inform the public on their own what’s going on,” Biden said. “Now the president won’t let other people tell the truth.” Sanders slammed Trump for holding the North Charleston rally rather than remaining in Washington to address the situation. “Why is he here? He’s here to try and disrupt the Democratic primary,” Sanders said in St. George. “How pathetic and how petty can you be?” Bloomberg pointed to the sharp stock market drop as a sign of concern about Trump’s competence. “The stock market has plunged partly out of fear (about the virus) but also because investors have no confidence that this president is capable of managing the crisis,” Bloomberg said in Memphis, Tennessee. Bloomberg, a late entrant in the race for the White House, has not competed in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina, and is pinning his hopes on Super Tuesday nominating contests next week in Tennessee and 13 other states. There are 62 confirmed cases of the virus in the United States, including people repatriated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan, U.S. officials said. Also read: Donald Trump appoints Vice-President Mike Pence man in charge of coronavirus response COUNTING ON SOUTH CAROLINA Biden continued to show signs of growing strength ahead of Saturday. His campaign celebrated a $1.2 million one-day online fundraising haul, the most contributed by small-dollar internet donors since his campaign launch last year, when similar contributions added up to more than $6 million. A Monmouth University poll released on Thursday showed Biden with heavy support from black South Carolina voters, who make up about 60% of the state’s Democratic electorate. He was buoyed as well by an endorsement from U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who was the 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee under Hillary Clinton. Virginia votes on Tuesday. In Sumter, undecided voter Marybeth Berry, 44, told Biden that she sees a “fire” in some of his rivals and asked what drives him. He responded “decency and honor” and added that he hates to see the “abuse of power” against vulnerable people. Berry said she thought Biden’s answer was “very, very good” and “powerful,” and that she was leaning toward him after hearing him speak, but added she was also considering Sanders. Her husband, Christopher, an Army veteran who met Biden when he served in Iraq, was already convinced. He voted for Trump in 2016 but is supporting Biden this time. Biden had poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire and finished a distant second place in Nevada. Also see: Bernie Sanders scores decisive win in Nevada, Biden heading to second place

On the trail: Biden aims for 'significant' South Carolina win, Trump urges supporters to intervene

Surging Democratic presidential front-runner Bernie Sanders came under withering fire in a boisterous debate in South Carolina on Tuesday, as rivals attacked the high cost of his ambitious economic agenda and warned he would cost the party the White House and control of Congress.

Surging Democratic presidential front-runner Bernie Sanders came under withering fire in a boisterous debate in South Carolina on Tuesday, as rivals attacked the high cost of his ambitious economic agenda and warned he would cost the party the White House and control of Congress. In a debate that featured candidates repeatedly shouting over one another and ignoring their time limits, Sanders' opponents united in attacking the independent senator and self-avowed democratic socialist as a risky choice to lead Democrats against Republican President Donald Trump in November. "Bernie will lose to Donald Trump, and Donald Trump and the House and the Senate and some of the statehouses will all go red," billionaire former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, adding that would be "a catastrophe." Pete Buttigieg, the moderate former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, criticized Sanders for the shifting estimates on the costs of his proposals such as government-run healthcare and questioned how he could get his agenda passed. "I can tell you exactly how it all adds up. It adds up to four more years of Donald Trump," Buttigieg said, adding that a Sanders race against Trump would be devastating to the country. "If you think the last four years has been chaotic, divisive, toxic, exhausting, imagine spending the better part of 2020 with Bernie Sanders versus Donald Trump," Buttigieg said. Sanders defended his ability to pay for costly programs such as Medicare for All, which would replace private health insurance with a government-run program, and said he was raising issues supported by the American people. "My favorability nationally, I believe, is the highest up here," Sanders said in a reference to opinion polls, adding he beat Trump in most national surveys. "If you want to beat Trump, what you're going to need is an unprecedented grassroots movement of black and white and Latino, Native American and Asian, people who are standing up and fighting for justice. That's what our movement is about," Sanders said. Sanders has taken command of the race after strong showings in the first three nominating contests in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, and the debate was the last chance for his opponents to try to stop his momentum before Saturday's South Carolina primary and next week's 14 vital Super Tuesday contests. Even Elizabeth Warren, a senator from Massachusetts and progressive ally of Sanders who is trying to revive a struggling campaign, took a swing at her old friend. "I think I would make a better president than Bernie. And the reason for that is that getting a progressive agenda enacted is going to be really hard," she said. "I dug in, I did the work, and then Bernie's team trashed me." Senator Amy Klobuchar said neither Sanders nor Warren had shown the leadership in the Senate to accomplish much. "It matters if you can actually get things done," she said. Bloomberg defends against Warren attacks Bloomberg, who turned in a shaky performance in his debut debate last week in Nevada, was sharper this time, defending his treatment of women after Warren attacked what she said was his history of making sexist comments. He said he had been wrong to make jokes that women who worked for him found offensive. “I don’t remember what they were,” he said. “If it bothered them, I was wrong, and I apologize.” Bloomberg referred to reports that U.S. intelligence officials believe Russia is trying to help Sanders. "Vladimir Putin thinks that Donald Trump should be president of the United States, and that’s why Russia is helping you get elected so you lose to him," Bloomberg told Sanders. Sanders shot back: "Hey Mr. Putin, if I'm president of the United States, trust me you're not going to interfere in any more elections," in reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sanders was criticized for his recent comments praising aspects of the late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro's leadership in Cuba, but said he opposed authoritarianism all over the world. "When dictatorships - whether it is the Chinese or the Cubans - do something good, you acknowledge that. But you don't have to trade love letters with them," he said. Sanders, who is Jewish, also drew the anger of the pro-Israel American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) lobby group and its supporters over the weekend when he said he would skip its meeting, labeling it a platform for "bigotry." During the debate, he said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "a reactionary racist." The pressure for a strong performance was high for all of the contenders. Joe Biden, the national front-runner not so long ago, needs to win South Carolina to keep his campaign alive and said he expected to finish first on Saturday. Biden has been counting on his traditional strong support from black voters, who make up about 60 percent of the Democratic electorate in the state. "I'm here to earn it. But, folks, I intend to win in South Carolina, and I will win the African-American vote here in South Carolina," Biden said. Billionaire activist Tom Steyer warned the party was headed to danger with either Sanders or Bloomberg on top of the ticket. "We are looking at a party that has decided that we’re either going to support someone who is a democratic socialist or somebody who has a long history of being a Republican," Steyer said, a reference to Bloomberg. "I am scared, if we cannot pull this party together, if we go to one of those extremes, we take a terrible risk of re-electing Donald Trump."

Rivals question front-runner Sanders' electability at rowdy South Carolina Democratic debate

Oysters and politics were on the menu on Tuesday (February 25) for residents of the Palmetto State. Just outside Greenville, South Carolina, residents filled a local restaurant for a traditional oyster roast, while more than 200 miles (321 km) south in Charleston, the Democratic presidential candidates were on the debate stage as the state prepares for its primary election this Saturday (February 29).

Oysters and politics on the menu in South Carolina

Today in History: Articles of Confederation, Apollo 14 and more!

US&nbsp;presidential candidate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bloomberg-trump-to-air-dueling-super-bowl-ads-272836">Michael Bloomberg</a> told reporters he is ready to spend much of his vast fortune to oust Republican President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">Donald Trump</a> from the White House in 2020, rejecting criticism from rivals for the Democratic nomination that the billionaire is trying to buy the US&nbsp;election.

Ranked by Forbes as the eighth-richest American, Bloomberg has flooded US&nbsp;airwaves and social media feeds with messages that he stands the best chance to beat Trump, spending more on campaign ads since he launched his campaign in November than his main Democratic rivals have over the last year.

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Today, people all over the nation are showing their support for our campaign, and I couldn't be more honored, grateful and hopeful for our future. 
 
Together, we will defeat Donald Trump. 
 
Together, we will rebuild America. 
 
Together, we will <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GetItDone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GetItDone</a>! <a href="https://t.co/jMmIcKExTv">pic.twitter.com/jMmIcKExTv</a>
— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeBloomberg/status/1216082774249164800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Number one priority is to get rid of Donald Trump. I'm spending all my money to get rid of Trump," Bloomberg told reporters aboard his campaign bus on Saturday, during a nearly 300-mile (483-km) drive across Texas, one of the 14 states that will vote on Super Tuesday on March 3.

"Do you want me to spend more or less? End of story."

US&nbsp;Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-swing-district-democrats-back-joe-bidens-presidential-bid-272511">Elizabeth Warren</a>, one of the leading Democratic presidential contenders who has vowed to get money out of politics, blasted Bloomberg when he launched his campaign with a $37-million TV advertising blitz, accusing the former New York City mayor of trying to buy American democracy.

"These are just political things they say, hoping they catch on and they don't like me doing it, because it competes with them, not because it's bad policy," Bloomberg said.

After entering the race late and missing the first six Democratic debates, Bloomberg generally sits fifth in national public opinion polls behind <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-leader-ready-to-pass-impeachment-trial-rules-without-democrats-272835">Joe Biden</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-gives-lawmakers-formal-notice-of-iraq-strike-amid-complaints-from-democrats-272196">Bernie Sanders</a>, Warren and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-candidate-warren-discloses-details-of-past-legal-work-showing-2-million-in-compensation-267187">Pete Buttigieg</a>.

But not just the two liberal standard-bearers of Warren and Sanders, all of the four are too liberal to beat Trump, Bloomberg said.

"One of the reasons I'm reasonably confident I could beat Trump is I would be acceptable to the moderate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texass-greg-abbott-becomes-first-to-refuse-refugees-order-given-by-president-donald-trump-273510">Republicans</a> you have to have," said Bloomberg, a former Republican who made his fortune selling financial information to Wall Street firms.

"Whether you like it or not, you can’t win the election unless you get moderate Republicans to cross the line. The others are much too liberal for them and they would certainly vote for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-curbs-trumps-war-power-amid-iran-tensions-273283">Donald Trump</a>."

After a late entry into the race, he is skipping the first four Democratic nomination contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina all due to take place in February.

Instead, Bloomberg is waging a nationwide campaign to capture delegates in later contests such as Texas, which will be the second-largest prize among the 14 Super Tuesday states.

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Thank you for spending part of your weekend with me, Austin! <a href="https://t.co/u8UidNtflR">https://t.co/u8UidNtflR</a>
— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeBloomberg/status/1216113830176198657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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At campaign events in San Antonio, Austin and Dallas in Texas on Saturday, Bloomberg said his bipartisan nature made it more likely he could deliver on his pledges to expand health insurance coverage, fight climate change and reduce gun violence.

While his speeches drew modest crowds of no more than a few hundred in Austin and fewer still in San Antonio, many who attended said they were independents or former Trump supporters who had learned about Bloomberg through his massive advertising campaign.

"He’s better than Trump," said Marcelo Montemayor, 75, who listened to Bloomberg speak at a taco restaurant in San Antonio.

Montemayor voted for Trump in 2016 but worries the president’s conservative appointees to federal courts could undermine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-supreme-court-leaves-kentucky-abortion-restriction-in-place-267309">abortion rights</a>.

Bloomberg's television ads have dominated the airwaves both nationwide and in Texas.

Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump Vs Michael Bloomberg: The battle of the millionaires

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In the top four media markets in the Lone Star State, which include Houston and Dallas, Bloomberg has spent more than $15 million on television ads through mid-January, said Mark Jones, a political scientist at Houston's Rice University, who analyzed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-us-presidential-candidates-stand-on-breaking-up-big-tech-258654">Federal Communications Commission</a> records on ad buys.

That exceeds the combined spending nationwide by Democratic frontrunners in 2019, according to a Wesleyan Media Project analysis of Kantar/CMAG television ad data through mid-December.

And for this year's Super Bowl broadcast on February&nbsp;2 in Miami, Trump and Bloomberg both plan to air a 60-second television commercial, a prime example of their ability to devote vast resources to reach millions of viewers.

Trump campaign officials said the campaign paid $10 million for air time. Last year’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-commissioner-david-stern-dies-at-77-made-league-truly-global-brand-271536">National Football League</a> championship game drew nearly 100 million viewers.

"You can't get to 330 million people by shaking hands. Television is still the magic medium," Bloomberg said.

"If the Super Bowl wasn't a place to get to an awful lot of people they wouldn't be charging a lot, or nobody would be paying it. This is capitalism at work."

US presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg told reporters he is ready to spend much of his vast fortune to oust Republican President Donald Trump from the White House in 2020, rejecting criticism from rivals for the Democratic nomination that the billionaire is trying to buy the US election.

US presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg told reporters he is ready to spend much of his vast fortune to oust Republican President Donald Trump from the White House in 2020, rejecting criticism from rivals for the Democratic nomination that the billionaire is trying to buy the US election. Ranked by Forbes as the eighth-richest American, Bloomberg has flooded US airwaves and social media feeds with messages that he stands the best chance to beat Trump, spending more on campaign ads since he launched his campaign in November than his main Democratic rivals have over the last year. Today, people all over the nation are showing their support for our campaign, and I couldn't be more honored, grateful and hopeful for our future. Together, we will defeat Donald Trump. Together, we will rebuild America. Together, we will #GetItDone! pic.twitter.com/jMmIcKExTv — Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) January 11, 2020 × "Number one priority is to get rid of Donald Trump. I'm spending all my money to get rid of Trump," Bloomberg told reporters aboard his campaign bus on Saturday, during a nearly 300-mile (483-km) drive across Texas, one of the 14 states that will vote on Super Tuesday on March 3. "Do you want me to spend more or less? End of story." US Senator Elizabeth Warren, one of the leading Democratic presidential contenders who has vowed to get money out of politics, blasted Bloomberg when he launched his campaign with a $37-million TV advertising blitz, accusing the former New York City mayor of trying to buy American democracy. "These are just political things they say, hoping they catch on and they don't like me doing it, because it competes with them, not because it's bad policy," Bloomberg said. After entering the race late and missing the first six Democratic debates, Bloomberg generally sits fifth in national public opinion polls behind Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Warren and Pete Buttigieg. But not just the two liberal standard-bearers of Warren and Sanders, all of the four are too liberal to beat Trump, Bloomberg said. "One of the reasons I'm reasonably confident I could beat Trump is I would be acceptable to the moderate Republicans you have to have," said Bloomberg, a former Republican who made his fortune selling financial information to Wall Street firms. "Whether you like it or not, you can’t win the election unless you get moderate Republicans to cross the line. The others are much too liberal for them and they would certainly vote for Donald Trump." After a late entry into the race, he is skipping the first four Democratic nomination contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina all due to take place in February. Instead, Bloomberg is waging a nationwide campaign to capture delegates in later contests such as Texas, which will be the second-largest prize among the 14 Super Tuesday states. Thank you for spending part of your weekend with me, Austin! https://t.co/u8UidNtflR — Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) January 11, 2020 × At campaign events in San Antonio, Austin and Dallas in Texas on Saturday, Bloomberg said his bipartisan nature made it more likely he could deliver on his pledges to expand health insurance coverage, fight climate change and reduce gun violence. While his speeches drew modest crowds of no more than a few hundred in Austin and fewer still in San Antonio, many who attended said they were independents or former Trump supporters who had learned about Bloomberg through his massive advertising campaign. "He’s better than Trump," said Marcelo Montemayor, 75, who listened to Bloomberg speak at a taco restaurant in San Antonio. Montemayor voted for Trump in 2016 but worries the president’s conservative appointees to federal courts could undermine abortion rights. Bloomberg's television ads have dominated the airwaves both nationwide and in Texas. Watch: Donald Trump Vs Michael Bloomberg: The battle of the millionaires × In the top four media markets in the Lone Star State, which include Houston and Dallas, Bloomberg has spent more than $15 million on television ads through mid-January, said Mark Jones, a political scientist at Houston's Rice University, who analyzed Federal Communications Commission records on ad buys. That exceeds the combined spending nationwide by Democratic frontrunners in 2019, according to a Wesleyan Media Project analysis of Kantar/CMAG television ad data through mid-December. And for this year's Super Bowl broadcast on February 2 in Miami, Trump and Bloomberg both plan to air a 60-second television commercial, a prime example of their ability to devote vast resources to reach millions of viewers. Trump campaign officials said the campaign paid $10 million for air time. Last year’s National Football League championship game drew nearly 100 million viewers. "You can't get to 330 million people by shaking hands. Television is still the magic medium," Bloomberg said. "If the Super Bowl wasn't a place to get to an awful lot of people they wouldn't be charging a lot, or nobody would be paying it. This is capitalism at work."

Democrat Michael Bloomberg: 'I'm spending all my money to get rid of Trump'

Singer-songwriter Justin Bieber and model Hailey Baldwin, who are all set to tie the knot for a second time, have kick-started their wedding festivities in South Carolina.

Singer-songwriter Justin Bieber and model Hailey Baldwin, who are all set to tie the knot for a second time, have kick-started their wedding festivities in South Carolina. The `Sorry` singer, the 22-year-old model and several of their guests checked into the Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina, a source told Us Weekly. In a number of photos obtained by the Daily Mail, Bieber and Baldwin kicked off their wedding festivities with a cocktail party and rehearsal dinner, which took place on Sunday evening. While the Grammy-winning singer looked casual in a white polo and black pants, the model turned heads in a white off-the-shoulder dress and Jimmy Choo heels. She rounded off her look with a bow in her hair, which matched the bows on the back of her stilettos. View this post on Instagram Omg!! Justin Bieber e Hailey Bieber chegando no jantar de ensaio do casamento. #justinbieber #haileybieber #BiebersWedding 👰🤵🏼🎩 A post shared by Larissa Lira (@beliebersbrasilbackup) on Sep 30, 2019 at 9:50am PDT × View this post on Instagram Omg!! Justin Bieber e Hailey Bieber chegando no jantar de ensaio do casamento. #justinbieber #haileybieber #BiebersWedding 👰🤵🏼🎩 A post shared by Larissa Lira (@beliebersbrasilbackup) on Sep 29, 2019 at 9:28pm PDT × Days before their second wedding, Bieber shared two throwback photos with Baldwin."My wife and I where it all began," the singer wrote alongside a photo of the pair as teenagers, which he shared on Friday. View this post on Instagram My wife and I :) where it all began A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Sep 27, 2019 at 5:07pm PDT × Two days later, Bieber, who seems pretty excited about the upcoming nuptials, shared a second picture, which included his mother, Patti Mallette, and Hailey`s parents, Stephen and Kennya Baldwin."Me and the wife! and the in laws. Thanks for lettin ur daughter marry a savage like me," he wrote. View this post on Instagram Me and the wife! and the in laws !! Thanks for lettin ur daughter marry a savage like me 🥶🥶🥶🥰🥰🥰🥰😜😜😜 A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Sep 30, 2019 at 2:09am PDT × Hailey celebrated her bachelorette party with her friend Kendall Jenner on September 25."They were having a great time. Every time we saw Hailey, she was hysterical laughing. She looked like she was having the time of her life. She was glowing and looked amazing," an eyewitness at Ysabel restaurant in Los Angeles told Us Weekly. Bieber and Hailey, who first met in 2009, sparked romance rumours in 2015. After calling it quits, Bieber reunited with his on-again, off-again girlfriend Selena Gomez. However, Gomez and Bieber split in March 2018. Hailey and Justin reconciled their on-and-off relationship in May 2018. They walked down the aisle for the first time at a courthouse in New York City in September 2018. The couple`s first nuptials came three months after they got back together.

Justin Bieber, Hailey Baldwin kick-start wedding festivities in South Carolina

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