Palmetto State News

As of August 2024, South Carolina experienced a 21.7% increase in prices of goods and services since January 2021, compared to the nationwide trend of a 20.3% increase.

Defense Credit Union Council: Proposed credit card bill could increase fraud risk for South Carolina veterans

The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) told South Carolina's U.S. senators in May that proposed credit card regulations would “risk military financial readiness,” and the council is now saying the bill could “jeopardize veterans’ financial security.”

Senator Lindsey Graham receives "A+" rating from National Shooting Sports Foundation

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has been awarded an "A+" rating by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). Graham is among eight senators named to NSSF's inaugural Congressional Dean’s List, which honors members of Congress for their efforts to protect and preserve the Second Amendment during the 118th Congress.

Scott and Rubio introduce bill targeting PRC-linked battery companies

U.S. Senators Tim Scott and Marco Rubio have introduced the Blocking Bad Batteries Act, which aims to prevent the U.S. Department of State from procuring batteries produced by certain companies linked to the People's Republic of China (PRC). This move seeks to address concerns similar to those raised by Huawei's integration into global telecommunications networks.

Price gouging law activated in South Carolina due to Hurricane Helene

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that the state's price gouging law is now in effect following Gov. Henry McMaster's declaration of a state of emergency due to Hurricane Helene.

Senator Graham introduces Religious Education Week resolution

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has introduced a resolution to designate October 6-12, 2024, as "Religious Education Week." The initiative aims to celebrate and highlight the importance of religious education and the institutions involved in providing such instruction.

Google announces $3.3B expansion creating hundreds of jobs across South Carolina

Google has announced plans to expand its presence in South Carolina by establishing two new data center campuses in Dorchester County and expanding its existing data center campus in Berkeley County. The company's combined investment of $3.3 billion is expected to create hundreds of new jobs across both counties.

Senator Lindsey Graham urges shift in U.S.-Ukraine military strategy

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham issued a statement today following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, D.C. Graham emphasized the need for a shift in military strategy to support Ukraine more effectively.

VA provides 2,306 home purchase loans in South Carolina in Q2

There were 2,306 VA home purchase loans issued in South Carolina in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024 totaling $778.3 million, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Graham introduces bill aiming to limit birthright citizenship

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has introduced a bill aimed at restricting birthright citizenship in the United States. The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2024 targets the practice of granting citizenship to children of illegal immigrants and those on temporary visas.

South Carolina governor declares state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene

Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency for South Carolina in anticipation of Hurricane Helene. The executive order, numbered 2024-24, activates the state's Emergency Operations Plan and instructs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to coordinate with relevant state agencies to prepare for potential requests for assistance from local officials and county emergency management leaders.

Senator Tim Scott leads effort with new act aimed at boosting community investments

U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the leading Republican on the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, is spearheading new legislation aimed at revitalizing businesses within communities and broadening access to capital markets for all Americans. The Empowering Main Street in America Act is designed to enhance capital formation avenues that create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Senators urge Biden-Harris administration to address migrant children program abuses

U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) have sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, urging them to address abuses in the administration's unaccompanied migrant children program. The senators are calling for cooperation with Congress to resolve issues within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which has reportedly failed to comply with subpoenas and information requests from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Governor McMaster forms working group for updated state water plan

Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2024-22 to establish the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC). This initiative aims to create a state water plan that balances South Carolina's economic and environmental interests, addressing increased demand from significant economic development and population growth.

Irmo woman charged with financial crimes against nursing home resident

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that Rose Sherrie Davis, 64, of Irmo, SC, has been charged with multiple offenses related to the exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The charges include one count of Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, one count of Financial Identity Fraud, two counts of Financial Transaction Card Fraud (value more than $500 in a six-month period), and one count of Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent (value $10,000 or more). Davis was taken into custody at the Charleston County Detention Center on September 20, 2024.

Smartpress announces $9.6 million investment creating 150 jobs in South Carolina

Smartpress, a commercial online printing company, has announced plans to establish its first South Carolina operation in Spartanburg County. The $9.6 million investment is expected to create 150 new jobs.

Senator Tim Scott discusses economic plans at Punchbowl event