Palmetto State News

There were 2,406 VA home purchase loans issued in South Carolina in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024 totaling $807.5 million, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Senators question administration's decision to withhold aid from Israel

Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), the top Republicans of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees overseeing the Departments of State and Defense, have written to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. They are seeking clarification on the Administration's decision to withhold certain assistance from Israel.

VA provides 3,003 home loans in South Carolina totaling $988.4 million in Q1

The U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) issued 3,003 home loans totaling $988.4 million in South Carolina during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans' Affairs Home Loans Index.

South Carolina AG urges regular hearing tests during Better Hearing and Speech Month

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has urged consumers to prioritize their auditory health during Better Hearing and Speech Month this May. As a veteran and long-standing member of the National Guard, Wilson is well aware of the importance of protecting one's hearing.

Senators Scott and Bennet lead celebration of National Charter Schools Week

U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) have spearheaded a resolution to celebrate National Charter Schools Week, highlighting the significant contributions of charter schools to the academic environment.

South Carolina men arrested on child sexual abuse material charges

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Nicholas Michael Lehner, 25, of Summerville, S.C., and Davron Ulugbekovich Madaminov, 22, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., on five total charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office and Mount Pleasant Police Department conducted the arrests in these unrelated cases. Homeland Security Investigations, also a member of the state's ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.

Bill proposed to extend Hospital at Home waiver program for five years

U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) have introduced the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act of 2024, a piece of legislation aimed at extending the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver program for five years. The bill aims to continue the successful trajectory of the program, which has been shown to reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and alleviate pressure on hospitals.

Attorney General Wilson joins lawsuits against electric-truck mandates

By Palmetto State News | May 14, 2024

Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined two lawsuits aimed at halting the imposition of electric-vehicle mandates on truck owners and operators across the United States. The legal actions are targeted at both the Biden administration and the State of California.

Governor McMaster and Lt. Gov. Evette's schedule for May 13, 2024

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The schedules for Governor Henry McMaster and Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette on Monday, May 13, 2024, include significant events. At 9:00 AM, Lt. Gov. Evette is set to participate in the SC7 Coastal Clean Up with PalmettoPride at Hurls’ Rock Park, located at 1905 S. Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Lindsey Graham, Donald Trump criticize Biden's stance on Israel aid

Senator Lindsey Graham has been commended for demonstrating that Israel still has steadfast allies in Washington, despite the Biden administration's decision to freeze key military aid. On Thursday, Graham introduced a resolution, co-sponsored by 47 other GOP senators, condemning Biden’s announcement and urging him to fulfill Israel’s military-aid requests.

Weekly schedule for South Carolina's Governor and Lieutenant Governor announced

The schedules for the week of May 13, 2024, for Gov. Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Pamela S. Evette, and First Lady Peggy McMaster have been announced.

Senator Scott's nuclear licensing act gains widespread support

U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has garnered support from a variety of South Carolina and national stakeholders for his Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act. The proposed legislation aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by eliminating outdated processes currently required when reviewing new nuclear reactor applications.

Southern Wall Products to establish first South Carolina operation in Anderson County

Southern Wall Products, Inc., a manufacturer of drywall finishing products, has announced its decision to establish the company's first South Carolina operation in Anderson County. This move represents a $23 million investment and is expected to create 28 new jobs.

Average VA Purchase Loan amount in South Carolina declines from Q4 2023 to Q1

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for South Carolina in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $335,604, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index

Governor McMaster to discuss end of legislative session at press conference

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster is scheduled to hold a press conference at the State House to discuss the conclusion of the legislative session. The briefing will take place on Monday, May 13 at 2:00 PM. The location for this event is the South Carolina State House, specifically in the Governor's Office located at 1100 Gervais Street, Columbia, S.C.

Sen. Scott supports FAA reauthorization bill promising growth for South Carolina

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) cast his vote in favor of a bill designed to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its aviation programs for the next five years. The legislation contains key provisions aimed at enhancing safety measures and fostering growth within the aviation industry, which would subsequently bolster South Carolina's overall economy.

Senators urge Biden to oppose ICC's political targeting of Israel

U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has joined six of his colleagues in a bipartisan effort to send a letter to President Biden. The senators are urging the president to strongly oppose the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) efforts to politically target Israel following the Jewish Nation’s response to an unprovoked terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7.

Senators introduce resolution against withholding weapons for Israel