South Carolina listeners are following several major developments this week, beginning with a renewed debate over abortion access. Lawmakers are set to hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 323, dubbed the Unborn Child Protection Act, on October first in Columbia. If passed, this bill would go far beyond the current six-week restriction, banning almost all abortions in the state, repealing exceptions for rape, incest, and fetal anomaly. Advocacy groups including the ACLU and the League of Women Voters have called the bill extreme and unconstitutional, warning it could also impact contraception, in-vitro fertilization, miscarriage management, and speech related to abortion care according to reporting by WCIV and the ACLU of South Carolina. The bill is moving through subcommittees now and is expected to be a priority for lawmakers in the new year.

In local government, Charleston County is considering new zoning rules aimed at preserving the historic Ten Mile community. After a close vote by the Planning Commission, the proposal now heads to the County Council. Supporters hope these new regulations will restrict development, protect existing culture, and preserve the area’s heritage in the face of intense growth, as highlighted by The Daily News Now.

On the economic front, Charleston is set to welcome a major business expansion. Construction Resources, a leading supplier for designers and builders, has announced a flagship design center in Mount Pleasant. Slated to open in spring 2026, the new facility will centralize premium brands for everything from countertops to lighting. In Columbia, innovative mixed-use projects are changing the city’s downtown landscape with Gather COLA, a newly announced food and market hall, and Coastal Crust Wood-fired Pizza preparing to open its first location in the capital, as reported by Charleston Daily and Columbia Business Report. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s construction sector continues to face persistent labor shortages. The Carolinas Associated General Contractors reveal that more than four out of five firms report difficulty filling both craft and salaried positions, spurring expanded training and workforce initiatives statewide.

In community news, Dorchester District Two schools are being recognized this semester for outperforming state averages in math and English. Administrators attribute their success to data-driven tactics and a renewed focus on teacher support. Across the region, public safety is under review after several incidents including another shooting at Charleston’s Bridgeview Village complex and a delayed police response to a home burglary in Mount Pleasant. In response, local officials are pledging changes to improve emergency services and rebuild community trust.

Infrastructure improvements continue with new and modernized schools opening across the state, enhancing learning environments for thousands of students. Noteworthy projects include updated and expanded facilities throughout the Ch

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South Carolina faces several major developments this September, with political headlines dominated by a proposed Unborn Child Protection Act that could become one of the toughest abortion bans in the nation. According to The Charleston Daily and the ACLU of South Carolina, this controversial bill would eliminate virtually all exceptions, criminalize sharing abortion information, and potentially impact contraception and miscarriage care. The public hearing is scheduled for October 1 in Columbia and has drawn strong reactions from both supporters and civil rights groups stating the bill would set far-reaching legal precedents.

On the state’s economic front, Peabody Engineering recently announced a $9.2 million expansion in Pickens County. As reported by the Governor’s Office, this plastics manufacturer will add 20 new jobs by enlarging their facility in Liberty. The company’s CEO praised South Carolina’s supportive business climate and lower operational costs as key drivers of their ongoing investment. Broader state economic indicators show healthy momentum with employment at record highs. The Department of Employment and Workforce noted that 9,000 jobs were added in July, especially in professional and technical fields, accommodation, and food services, even as the unemployment rate edged up to 4.2 percent due to more people entering the labor market.

There are also significant community and educational updates. Dorchester District Two schools are celebrating improved performance, exceeding state averages in English and math, which school leaders attribute to data-driven strategies and robust teacher support. Meanwhile, in Lancaster County, Cogito Academy, a new public charter school, secured $31.5 million in tax-exempt bonds for a permanent facility slated for completion in spring 2026, according to the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority. Infrastructure and development projects continue apace, such as the recently unveiled South Island Market, a mixed-use project near Charleston, which will include businesses, restaurants, office space, and new housing.

In local government, Charleston County is considering new zoning protections for Ten Mile, a historically Black community, hoping to balance growth and heritage preservation after a Planning Commission vote in favor of these measures. On the public safety front, Charleston’s Bridgeview Village experienced its third shooting incident this year, intensifying resident concerns and demands for enhanced security. Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant’s police are under review following criticism for a delayed burglary response, prompting department reforms to improve future response times.

Regarding weather, South Carolina experienced a rare early September chill, offering listeners a taste of fall well ahead of schedule, as noted by Charleston Daily.

Looking ahead, South Carolina listeners should watch for ongoing legislative debates on reproductive rights, the Supreme Court election process

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South Carolina listeners have been following a busy week in state news, marked by major legislative updates and community developments. According to the Municipal Association of South Carolina, the state legislature has passed Act 42, reforming liquor liability laws for bars and restaurants, a crucial shift to address rising premiums that had led to business closures. The General Assembly tracked 290 bills this session with topics such as boat taxes and municipal election processes, while Act 24 enables North Charleston and other areas to fund redevelopment projects and invest in affordable housing and infrastructure with increased flexibility. The legislature is also gearing up for a significant October hearing on Senate Bill 323, an extreme abortion ban that has drawn sharp criticism from groups like the ACLU of South Carolina and the League of Women Voters, underscoring a contentious policy debate that could shape the state's legal landscape.

In government news, the race is on for a seat on the South Carolina Supreme Court, as current Justice John Few faces an unusual challenge from three contenders, including former House Speaker Jay Lucas. The Judicial Merit Selection Committee will screen candidates this fall, with legislators voting in March 2026. The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking the state’s voter registration list to examine federal compliance, adding another layer to election-related oversight.

Business headlines include Peabody Engineering’s $9.2 million expansion in Liberty, which will create 20 jobs and add 48,000 square feet to its facility. Peabody CEO Mark Peabody praised the state’s support for manufacturing, echoing sentiments from Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey about South Carolina’s “sustained success.” Employment continues to climb statewide, with the Department of Employment and Workforce reporting 9,000 new jobs added in July and the labor force participation rate rising to 57.7 percent. While the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2 percent, officials note the increase results from more South Carolinians entering the job market.

Community news features South Carolina’s newly launched statewide math initiative, distributing free five-year access to the digital platform Zearn Math to all public schools in a move to boost student proficiency, as covered by Tegacay Sun. The Department of Social Services has also received federal approval for a Community Pathway for Parents as Teachers, making South Carolina the first in the Southeast with this direct-access child and family support program, hailed as a national model.

Infrastructure projects are advancing, with Construction Resources announcing a flagship design center in Charleston to open in 2026, bringing together multiple product categories and an exclusive stone and tile showroom. Public safety remains a focus, and some localities are leveraging new legislative tools to invest in community reinvestment and redevelopment.

Significant weather events have held

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South Carolina begins September with several significant headlines capturing the attention of listeners across the state. According to South Carolina Public Radio, the state’s Supreme Court announced it will soon hear arguments in a closely-watched property rights case, marking a major development in land use disputes. Meanwhile, the Grand Strand area is in clean-up mode after a string of strong storms struck coastal communities late last week, but no major injuries were reported.

At the State House, the South Carolina legislature’s 2025 session has been marked by bold moves to regulate new sectors and address workplace protections. One of this year’s most sweeping changes involves the hemp-derived consumables industry. A legislative package of three bills, H.3935, H.3924, and H.4004, will require all manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of hemp-derived consumable products to be state-licensed beginning July 1, 2025. According to CannabisRegulations.ai, these new laws put strict definitions and compliance measures in place, focusing on safety testing, product labeling, and licensing requirements, fundamentally transforming how hemp-based edibles, beverages, and related products are sold.

Paid family leave access remains a hot topic. The state’s top lawyers recently issued an opinion supporting at least six weeks of paid time off for teachers and state employees experiencing a stillbirth, according to the Associated Press. While this opinion is not yet legally binding, sponsors in the General Assembly signal that explicit legislation addressing this gap is a top priority for 2026. This comes as more workers in South Carolina now have access to paid parental leave following legislative changes passed over the last two years, as reported by the National Partnership for Women & Families.

South Carolina’s business community continues to plan for the future with the Blueprint 2035 initiative, which leverages population growth and aims to align education, workforce development, and infrastructure. The York County Chamber of Commerce reports this roadmap is shaping efforts from tax reform to innovation, as businesses and education partners work to address gaps in childcare, housing, and skills training. In Columbia, the real estate market is seeing transformation through projects like luxury lakefront communities, mixed-use town centers, and the highly anticipated Crystal Lagoons development, noted in a recent YouTube business spotlight.

On the education front, South Carolina has announced a major statewide math initiative giving all public schools five-year access to the Zearn Math platform, a move covered by Tega Cay Sun. The hope is to boost student proficiency, enhance classroom learning, and equip students for future workforce needs. Across the Lowcountry, the Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary, offering exhibitions and educational series highlighting the region’s history and culture, accordi

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South Carolina is ringing in September with a slate of major changes and developments impacting daily life, the state’s economy, and the political landscape. Topping headlines this week is the start of South Carolina’s Hands-free and Distracted Driving Act, which makes it illegal for drivers to hold their phones while operating a vehicle. According to ABC News 4, police will issue warnings for the first 180 days, but after that, fines and license points will apply, with exceptions only for hands-free use and emergencies. Lawmakers pursued this measure amid annual statistics showing distracted driving contributes to more than 20,000 crashes in the state, and to avoid losing up to 50 million dollars in federal road funding.

On the political front, the U.S. Department of Justice has demanded that South Carolina turn over its voter registration list by September 5th to assess compliance with federal rules, as reported by South Carolina Public Radio. The request, which includes voter and election official data, has sparked debate over privacy and state-federal boundaries. Governor Henry McMaster supports the DOJ’s request, but the state’s Democratic Party calls it a dangerous federal overreach. Meanwhile, Attorney General Alan Wilson is once again making news, asking the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a Berkeley County school case over transgender bathroom access and opposing federal directives on school privacy policies, as covered by SC ETV.

The state’s economy remains a strong talking point, with recent announcements revealing both headwinds and expansion. The Business Narrative reports two significant mill closures by Canfor Corporation in Estill and Darlington this August, even as Hampton Lumber plans its first East Coast sawmill in Allendale County. Manufacturing employment has grown 17 percent over the past decade, according to the Manufacturing Technology Series, with more than 60,000 jobs added between 2017 and 2023. Greenville, a focal point for industry growth, is also drawing national business attention with upcoming leadership events and continued population growth, as covered by the Birmingham Business Alliance.

Public safety and technological change are top of mind following the Aflac Incorporated cybersecurity incident, though no systems were reported compromised. Lockheed Martin plans to reduce their Greenville workforce by roughly 10 percent following the end of an F-16 Air Force contract. In community news, the state is preparing for new digital infrastructure projects, highlighted by Cielo Digital Infrastructure’s investment in Cherokee County, which signals South Carolina’s ambition to become a tech innovation hub.

Education discussions have heated up after a high-profile court appeal regarding transgender student rights in schools, and the state’s attorney general is taking the lead nationally in debates about parental rights and school policies, as noted in recent SC ETV reports.

Although no recent severe weather events

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South Carolina has seen an active week, with several events shaping its political landscape, business community, education sector, and overall public safety. In the headlines, state officials are urging earthquake preparedness after an unusually active weekend, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. The region has experienced regular seismic activity, and this push adds to a year already marked by weather-related challenges, including the deployment of South Carolina’s Urban Search and Rescue team to Texas for flood response and ongoing monitoring of tropical systems.

In state politics, the South Carolina legislature reconvened for committee meetings this past week—while no major votes were taken, the Economic Development and Utility Modernization Ad Hoc Committee met to discuss updates on key policy priorities, as listed by the statehouse. Budget negotiations and policy changes remain on the horizon, and political dynamics continue to draw attention as officials navigate education funding and economic planning.

South Carolina’s business sector faces both growth and transitions. The University of South Carolina announced a ten-year partnership with Nike, boosting the state’s brand in collegiate athletics, as reported by Columbia Business Monthly. Nuclear innovation is also in the spotlight as The Nuclear Company has partnered with USC's College of Engineering, investing up to five million dollars in research, workforce development, and education initiatives to establish South Carolina as a key national hub for advanced nuclear energy. Meanwhile, Canfor Corporation confirmed it will permanently close sawmills in Darlington and Estill starting August, marking significant job losses, yet Hampton Lumber’s expansion into Allendale County offers hope for future employment opportunities. Lockheed Martin has announced a ten percent job reduction in Greenville after a major contract change, reflecting wider shifts in the state’s manufacturing sector. Cielo Digital Infrastructure’s first South Carolina project in Cherokee County signals continued interest from tech infrastructure investors.

Public safety remains a concern following nine traffic fatalities on state roadways over a recent weekend, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Authorities continue to stress caution on highways as the state’s population and traffic volumes grow. On the community front, partnerships between The Nuclear Company and USC signal direct investment in education and workforce opportunities, including new research centers, internships, and high school science programs. Infrastructure improvements are ongoing, with road and utility modernization discussions at both the local and state levels. While Greenville continues to set the pace with high employment and a growing, well-educated workforce, efforts to modernize and expand public spaces and university facilities are bringing broad benefits statewide.

Looking ahead, South Car

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South Carolina faces a bustling news week as officials urge earthquake preparedness following a series of small but noticeable earthquakes over the weekend. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division emphasized the recurring nature of seismic activity and called for families to develop response plans and secure heavy furniture. Meanwhile, Governor Henry McMaster continues to play a prominent role on the statewide and regional stage. He recently authorized the deployment of South Carolina’s Urban Search and Rescue team to Texas to assist in flood relief efforts, a move that underscores the state’s commitment to disaster response cooperation, as highlighted on the state’s emergency management website.

Active policy discussions continue in the state’s legislature, with ad hoc committee meetings focusing on economic development and utility modernization this week, while a subcommittee examined education and cultural affairs. Political maneuvering remains lively as Attorney General Alan Wilson launches his campaign for governor, setting the stage for what’s expected to be a highly competitive race.

On the business front, South Carolina remains an attractive destination for major investments. Cielo Digital Infrastructure recently announced a significant new data center project in Cherokee County, reflecting the state’s efforts to position itself as a regional technology hub, according to The Business Narrative. Continued growth in construction and real estate has propelled the state to the top of the national chart for GDP growth in the first quarter of 2025, reports the Carolinas AGC, with the construction industry alone leading personal income gains. However, there are some employment concerns as Lockheed Martin confirms a 10 percent workforce reduction at its Greenville plant due to federal contract changes.

Community infrastructure continues to see robust development. The South Carolina Department of Transportation recently broke ground on the long-awaited I-95 widening project, a multi-year effort to improve a critical highway corridor and accommodate the state’s rapid population and economic growth. Education also gets a boost, with the University of South Carolina partnering with the Nuclear Company in a multimillion-dollar initiative to support nuclear workforce development, promote research, and position the state as a leader in advanced nuclear innovation. USC will match private investment with funds from grants and industry partners, establishing new programs to attract and prepare future engineers and scientists.

Public safety remains a concern as well, as state officials reported nine traffic fatalities on South Carolina roadways over just one weekend, according to the Department of Public Safety. Meanwhile, schools, local governments, and law enforcement agencies are adjusting to population and economic growth, looking for ways to maintain safety and quality of life.

Weather has been notably active, with SCEMD tracking Tropical

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South Carolina is making headlines with public safety efforts, key legislative reforms, major business investments, and some tense moments for local communities. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is partnering with law enforcement from Georgia and North Carolina for Hands Across the Border, a region-wide crackdown designed to prevent impaired driving around Labor Day. This is part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, bringing coordinated checkpoints and heightened patrols across state lines, especially in border counties like Jasper and Horry.

On the political front, the South Carolina General Assembly recently concluded a productive session, highlighted by significant reforms targeting school choice, education scholarship accounts, and new policies for teacher recruitment and retention. According to ExcelinEd in Action, the legislature responded swiftly to a state Supreme Court decision by passing S 62, which restores and expands education scholarship accounts, strengthening both private and public school choice. Lawmakers also committed nearly seventy-five million dollars to bolster new K–12 math standards and sustain cell phone-free classrooms, reflecting a focus on student achievement and classroom environment.

Business and economic news remains robust in South Carolina. The state continues to attract significant capital with high-profile expansions announced by Charles River Laboratories in Charleston County, ATI in Chesterfield, and Arclin in Dillon. The South Carolina Department of Commerce highlights that companies like Brawo USA are also investing, with a twenty-three million dollar expansion in Laurens County expected to create new jobs. Groundbreak Carolinas notes that South Carolina’s tourism and manufacturing sectors remain economic anchors, even as volatility in labor and supply costs present ongoing challenges. The state’s recent success in recruiting high-tech firms and expanding advanced manufacturing has positioned it as a leader in capital investment and job creation for 2025.

Community safety was in the spotlight this week as the University of South Carolina’s main campus in Columbia went on high alert after reports of an active shooter near the Thomas Cooper Library. The Economic Times and FOX News report that, following a credible report, law enforcement responded quickly, and a campus-wide shelter-in-place alert was issued. Fortunately, authorities found no evidence of a shooting, and there were no reports of gunfire, though two people suffered minor evacuations-related injuries. University leadership emphasized their commitment to caution and public safety.

Innovation in education and industry is also moving forward. The Nuclear Company has announced a partnership with the University of South Carolina’s Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, pledging up to five million dollars for joint research in nuclear energy, workforce development, and public outreach. This alliance is ex

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South Carolina enters late August with several noteworthy headlines and significant developments shaping the state’s direction. Governor Henry McMaster recently authorized the deployment of 200 South Carolina National Guardsmen to Washington, D.C., underscoring the state’s ongoing engagement with national security needs, according to the governor’s official office. In economic news, South Carolina led the nation in real GDP growth in the first quarter of the year, supported by continued interest from both major manufacturers and innovative startups. This momentum is evident in the news that Arclin, a materials science company, and FabLogix, a pipe fabrication firm, have both announced expansions in Dillon and Spartanburg counties respectively, reflecting confidence in the state’s business environment.

South Carolina’s state legislature reconvened this week after a period of calm, setting a packed agenda that includes appointments, veto override votes, and efforts to align state law with new federal guidelines, as noted by the Carolinas AGC Weekly Legislative Update. Notably, bills impacting development application timelines and zoning regulations are under review, aiming to make processes more predictable for both developers and local governments. However, some county commissioners have voiced concerns that proposed measures could limit the authority of local governments to make land use decisions tailored to their communities.

Infrastructure has taken center stage with the South Carolina Department of Transportation breaking ground on a record $825 million project to widen I-95 from US 278 to the Savannah River. Governor McMaster praised the investment, asserting that improved roadways are crucial to continued economic growth and public safety, as reported by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Complementing these upgrades, a new round of RIA grants totaling $45.8 million is now open, with the majority earmarked for essential water, sewer, and stormwater improvements across various communities.

In education, Tri-County Technical College announced that a renewed $25 million state investment will allow low- or no-cost tuition for students entering high-demand career fields. Governor McMaster said this move secures South Carolina’s long-term success by ensuring families benefit from high-paying jobs and businesses have access to a skilled workforce. Apprenticeships and partnerships with local industries continue to bolster training and employment pipelines for young South Carolinians.

On the business front, South Carolina saw 56 companies recognized in the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, with R2P Innovations in Ladson earning fifth place nationally for its explosive growth in manufacturing bulletproof doors, and Charleston-based White Leaf Provisions being noted for supplying clean-label foods. This recognition highlights the state’s growing reputation as an incubator for fast-growing, resilient companies.

In public safety, the South Carolina Departm

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South Carolina is marking a dynamic summer with major developments spanning infrastructure, business growth, government updates, education, and public safety. According to the Associated Press, the state Department of Transportation has broken ground on a significant $825 million widening project for Interstate 95, easing traffic bottlenecks at the Georgia state line. This is part of a broader push fueled by an increased gas tax, which has driven the annual highway construction budget from $2.7 billion to almost $7 billion over the past decade. Improvements are visible not only on major interstates but also on local roads, with more than a quarter of South Carolina’s 41,000-mile network repaved. Interstate projects, such as the $2 billion overhaul in Columbia and planned upgrades around Charleston, reflect South Carolina’s rapid population growth and a shift in transportation priorities from fixing potholes to tackling congestion.

Turning to the Statehouse, the first regular session of the 126th General Assembly has adjourned, but signals from the Statehouse Report suggest that lawmakers will soon reconvene to address lingering policy topics. Government officials are mulling changes to local zoning and development regulations that could reshape the authority of local governments regarding land use, though nothing has yet reached final passage.

South Carolina’s economy is surging, with Charleston Business reporting that 56 companies from the state appear on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing U.S. firms. Notably, R2P Innovations in Ladson placed fifth nationwide for its explosive 19,560 percent growth in manufacturing bulletproof doors. Companies like ATI, Hampton Lumber, and Rolls-Royce have announced multimillion-dollar expansions across multiple counties, promising to bring hundreds of new jobs and expanded economic opportunity, as highlighted by the Department of Commerce.

Community news spotlights education and workforce initiatives. Clemson University, through its partnership with STEM Global Action, has engaged over 1,300 families and 700 schools in a statewide push to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, and math among K-12 students. An upcoming STEM SC event is set for August 23 in Greenville, aiming to further hands-on learning and career development for young South Carolinians. Additionally, SC Biz News has featured local higher education leaders for their strategies to address workforce preparation and the evolving needs of students amid funding and enrollment shifts.

On the public safety front, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported seven fatalities on roadways during the weekend of August 8th. The issue of road safety remains critical as infrastructure expands to meet growing demand. Meanwhile, festivals and community activities are in full swing, as Soda Citizen notes, with events like the Lowcountry Jazz Festival and the Southern 500 NASCAR race drawing large crowds across the state.

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