News & Commentary

Mar 13, 2026

Statehouse Dispatch: March 16, 2026

Helping pregnant women in prisons, safe spaces for cops, and some budget antics

By Paul Bowers

"Statehouse Dispatch: March 16, 2026." Photo of the South Carolina Statehouse dome tinted orange and yellow.
Mar 10, 2026

‘Keep pushing’: USC international student who faced deportation completes PhD in chemistry

Matthew Ariwoola came to South Carolina to do life-saving chemistry research. He isn’t letting the Trump administration stop him.

By Paul Bowers

Dr. Matthew Ariwoola in a cap and gown
Mar 06, 2026

Statehouse Dispatch: March 9, 2026

During House Budget Week, a bathroom bill advances and a classroom censorship bill looms on the horizon

By Paul Bowers

"Statehouse Dispatch: March 9, 2026"
Mar 04, 2026

I’m a foster and adoptive parent. Here’s why I oppose S. 540.

South Carolina Senate Bill 540 would redefine child abuse in state law to allow harmful treatment of trans children

By Jace Woodrum

Jace Woodrum, a white man in a gray suit, speaks into a microphone in a Statehouse committee room with a crowd of people sitting behind him
Mar 03, 2026

5 ugly facts about ICE collaboration in South Carolina

Local police are surrendering local control, jeopardizing their budgets, and harming public trust by partnering with ICE

By Paul Bowers

Collage of police wearing riot masks
Mar 02, 2026

Statehouse Dispatch: March 2, 2026

Vaccine exemptions, photo ID for school enrollment, harming trans youth, and a ‘HALO’ for cops

By Paul Bowers

"Statehouse Dispatch: March 2, 2026. This week under the copper dome." Background photo of the South Carolina Statehouse dome tinted dark orange and blue.
Feb 21, 2026

Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 23, 2026

The enemies of freedom are relentless. So are we.

By Paul Bowers

"Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 23, 2026. This Week under the copper dome." Background photo of the South Carolina Statehouse dome tinted green and blue.
Feb 17, 2026

Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson

The Rev. Jesse Jackson (1941-2026) was a South Carolina icon and a champion of civil rights for all people. He believed in the power of a rainbow coalition, a patchwork quilt of Americans from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and identities laboring for a better tomorrow. May we all carry on that work together.

By Paul Bowers

Jackson speaks on a radio broadcast from the headquarters of Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) at its annual convention. July 1973, photograph by John H. White
Feb 13, 2026

Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 16, 2026

Forcing local cops to do ICE’s dirty work? More attacks on trans youth? Keep your eyes on the Statehouse this week

By Paul Bowers

"Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 16, 2026. This week under the copper dome." Background photo of the South Carolina Statehouse dome tinted dark red and blue.