Russ McKinney

Reporter, Producer
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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.

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Stories

  • File photo: S.C. House of Representatives chamber

    S.C. House Passes FY 20-21 State Budget

    March 13, 2020
    The state is on its way to having a record state budget. The House of Representatives this week approved next year’s state spending package, and for the first time it totals over $10 Billion . The state’s soaring population coupled with an exceptionally strong economy is...
  • Bipartisan group of State Senators discuss final passage of the School Improvement Bill at the Statehouse on March 5, 2020.

    S.C. Senate Finally Passes Education Bill

    March 06, 2020
    After two years of work and eight weeks of gridlock on the floor of the State Senate … Senators this week were finally able to pass the sweeping School Improvement Bill. Education Committee Chairman Gregg Hembree called it a long, and arduous journey. The bill aims to...
  • File photo of the S.C. Senate in session

    After 7 Weeks, S.C. Senate Limits Debate on Education Bill

    February 28, 2020
    The S.C. State Senate this week voted to limit debate on the massive public school improvement bill. Senators have been considering the bill for seven weeks. Senate leaders hope to move to a final vote on the bill next week.
  • Santee Cooper sign

    Santee Cooper's Future Back for Debate at the State House

    February 14, 2020
    For the past several years the issue that’s dominated the state legislature has been the future of Santee Cooper, the state-owned public power utility. Santee Cooper in effect produces electricity for over two million customers in the state. State lawmakers have been...
  • University of SC sign. Credit Real Tough, Real Stuff [CC BY-NC-SA 2.0] via Flickr

    Lots of Debate But Little Movement on Several Education Bills

    February 07, 2020
    Four weeks into this year’s session of the state legislature there has been lots of debate, but little movement on several education bills. The Senate is slowly working its way through the massive School Improvement Bill with no end of debate in sight. Senators have turned...
  • SC Senate in session on January 30, 2020.

    S.C. Senate Continues Debate on School Improvement Bill

    January 31, 2020
    Teacher Bill of Rights Defeated When the State Senate re-convenes next week it will begin its’ third week of debate on an omnibus School Improvement Bill. For the past two years it’s been the General Assembly’s first priority. It aims to update an array of state policies to...