Russ McKinney
Russ McKinney
Reporter, Producer
Russ McKinney has 30 years of experience in radio news and public affairs. He is a former broadcast news reporter in Spartanburg, Columbia and Atlanta. He served as Press Secretary to former S.C. Governor Dick Riley for two terms, and for 20 years was the chief public affairs officer for the University of South Carolina.
Stories
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The State House Gavel: Health care bill moves forward, Senate GOP leader talks priorities
February 21, 2025Welcome to Friday. It's another cold day in South Carolina, so sit by the fire and curl up with The State House Gavel, a daily reporter notebook by reporters Gavin Jackson, Russ McKinney and Maayan Schechter that previews and captures what goes on at the Statehouse while... -
The State House Gavel: SC House panel scratches off lottery to pay for K-12 vouchers
February 20, 2025Happy Thursday. As we always like to remind readers, today is the "Friday" of the legislative week. And, as another reminder, we're ending Week 6. A quick note of some of what you need to know for Thursday: -
The State House Gavel: SC senators grill treasurer's office over $1.8B error
February 19, 2025Happy Wednesday. A few quick notes to lead us in midweek. South Carolina's First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brook Andrews is now acting U.S. attorney after now-former U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs, tapped by former President Joe Biden, was essentially fired due to the... -
The State House Gavel: SC House panel takes up Lottery-funded voucher bill
February 18, 2025Happy Tuesday. We hope everyone had an enjoyable Presidents' Day weekend. Welcome to Week 6 of the South Carolina legislative session. Of note: Gov. Henry McMaster will make a Cabinet appointment announcement at 2:30 p.m. and on Wednesday he's headed to DC for the National... -
The State House Gavel: New SC money projections, DOGE bill gets 1st nod
February 14, 2025Happy Friday. You and we made it through Week 5 of the legislative session. It's also Valentine's Day. So, after you read The State House Gavel, put down your phone and go tell everyone about how much you love The State House Gavel. -
The State House Gavel: SC's direct car sale bill skids off the tracks
February 13, 2025Happy Thursday, the final day of the legislative week. It's too cold for a lengthy intro, so we figure we'll just get into what happened at the Statehouse on Wednesday and what you need to know to start your day on Thursday (Apparently, there will be thunderstorms. Thanks...