Palmetto State News

Gov. Henry McMaster, along with Lt. Gov. Pamela S. Evette and First Lady Peggy McMaster, has released their schedule for the week of October 7, 2024. On Monday, October 7 at 2:30 PM, Governor McMaster held a media briefing with state emergency management officials to update the public on South Carolina's response to Hurricane Helene at the South Carolina Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia.

Senate Republicans condemn Iran-backed Hamas; reaffirm support for Israel

One year after the terrorist attacks on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of Americans, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and the entire Senate Republican Conference have condemned Iran-backed Hamas for its actions. They have expressed support for Israel's right to self-defense and called for the release of American hostages still held by Hamas.

Senators reaffirm support for Israel on one-year anniversary of October 7 attacks

On the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel, U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham, Joni Ernst, and 47 other Senate Republicans have issued a statement condemning Hamas for its actions and reaffirming support for Israel. The senators denounce violent antisemitic protests and emphasize Israel's right to self-defense.

Team South Carolina Days announced for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts

In response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Governor Henry McMaster, and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette have announced a series of Team South Carolina Days. These events aim to provide residents with access to essential federal, state, and nonprofit resources as the state begins its recovery process.

Analysis: South Carolina one of 25 states banning boys from playing girls’ high school sports

By Palmetto State News | Oct 6, 2024

As President Biden revealed new rules regarding Title IX protections in April of 2024, which redefined “sex” to include “gender-identity,” an analysis by Palmetto State News shows that South Carolina is one of 25 states that ban boys from playing in girls’ high school sports.

VA Purchase Loans in South Carolina average $337,496 for Q2

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for South Carolina in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $337,496, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Lawmakers press DOJ for action on illegal voter registration

U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, alongside Senator Bill Hagerty from Tennessee and Congressman Andy Biggs of Arizona, has publicly criticized U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland over the Department of Justice's handling of illegal aliens registering to vote in American elections. They expressed concern about reports of non-citizens participating in federal elections and noted a lack of response from the DOJ to their inquiry sent on July 12, 2024.

FEMA commits resources following devastation in South Carolina

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has committed to visiting Aiken County and the Savannah River area in South Carolina. This decision follows a conversation between Graham and a FEMA representative, where he urged immediate contact with local officials due to significant devastation in the region.

Governor McMaster to visit Edgefield for hurricane recovery briefing

Governor Henry McMaster is scheduled to visit the Edgefield County Emergency Management Agency today. He will receive a briefing from local emergency management officials on their recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. This will be followed by a media availability session.

Graham meets with Edgefield officials on hurricane recovery

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham met with officials in Edgefield, South Carolina, to discuss the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The meeting included Edgefield Mayor Ken Durham, State Representative Bill Hixon, General Van McCarty of the South Carolina National Guard, and Sheriff Jody Rowland.

South Carolina ranks 27th in average VA home loan amount in 2023

With $325,312 in issued loans, South Carolina ranked 27th for the average amount of a VA home loan in 2023, according to figures provided by the Veteran Affairs Home Loans Index.

Governor McMaster to update on Hurricane Helene response

Governor Henry McMaster is set to address the public alongside state emergency management officials regarding South Carolina's response to Hurricane Helene. The media briefing is scheduled for today, Thursday, October 3, at 2:30 PM.

Senator Graham addresses aid efforts after Hurricane Helene briefing in Aiken

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina attended a briefing in Aiken with state and local officials at the Aiken County Emergency Management Center regarding Hurricane Helene. After the meeting, he spoke with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Dominion Energy.

Lt. Gov. Pamela S. Evette to assess hurricane recovery efforts in South Carolina

Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette is set to visit Point of Distribution (POD) sites in Aiken and Edgefield counties on Friday, October 4, 2024. These PODs are crucial components of South Carolina's recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, serving as centralized locations for residents to obtain food, water, and other essential emergency supplies.

Graham urges Biden to address ongoing port labor strikes

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has urged President Joe Biden to intervene in labor strikes occurring at ports nationwide. Graham expressed concerns about the impact of these strikes on recovery efforts in South Carolina and North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.

Governor McMaster briefs President Biden on hurricane recovery efforts

Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina has a busy schedule today, Wednesday, October 2, 2024. At 1:20 PM, he is set to brief President Joe Biden on the state's recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. This meeting will take place at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greer, South Carolina. Media representatives who wish to cover this event are required to RSVP with the White House.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette to speak at disaster relief event in Columbia

Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette has a scheduled engagement on Thursday, October 3, 2024. She will be speaking at Serve & Connect’s Disaster Relief Packing event. The event is set to take place at Walmart located at 5420 Forest Drive in Columbia, South Carolina, starting at 10:00 AM.

Senator Graham visits Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative amid storm recovery efforts