The days of subminimum wage in South Carolina are over. The state law phasing it out, which was passed in 2022, took effect at the beginning of August. Everyone knows that it is getting harder to buy things such as groceries and clothes as prices continue to rise.

Surviving on minimum wage is nearly impossible. But for many years, people with disabilities in our state were paid even lower than minimum wage. Individuals were paid as little as 5 cents an hour in “work activity centers” across South Carolina.

As of Aug. 1, that was stopped, thanks to disability champions state Sens. Katrina Shealy and Tom Davis and Reps.

Neal Collins and Bill Sandifer. We still have a long way to go with disability rights in this state, but we have taken a huge step forward. HEATHER BLACKWELL West Columbia Biggest surprise: The world has caught up with the United States in basketball.

Best individual performances : The Belgium woman who won gold in the marathon and bronze in both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters; Steph Curry and, of course, Simone Biles. Gender parity: It was the most gender-balanced Summer Games in history, including boxers, skateboarders and karate combatants. Changing times: Europe is now multiracial, much like the United States and Canada.

Continuing benefit: Title IX rolls on. Women won 60% of the U.S.

medals, including gold for the soccer and basketball teams. Not once noticed: The absence of any Russian flags. No award?: Tom Cruise should have received some sort of medal.

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