News & Commentary

Mar 18, 2024

State House Dispatch: March 18, 2024

Budget tricks, unconstitutional school vouchers, and stronger protections for free speech

By Paul Bowers

"State House Dispatch: March 18, 2024. This Week Under the Copper Dome." Text appears over a pink and blue-tinted image of the South Carolina State House dome.
Mar 08, 2024

Anatomy of a smear campaign

How right-wing lawmakers, media, and dark-money interest groups teamed up to harass and intimidate school librarians

By Paul Bowers

"Anatomy of a Smear Campaign: How right-wing lawmakers, media, and dark-money interests teamed up to harass and intimidate school librarians." The text is on a red and tan striped background. Photos of Reps. Thomas Beach and April Cromer appear below.
Mar 04, 2024

State House Dispatch: March 4, 2024

Erosion of civil liberties in schools, denial of care for trans South Carolinians, and an actually good drug policy

By Paul Bowers

"State House Dispatch: March 4, 2024. This Week Under the Copper Dome." Text appears over a teal and blue image of the South Carolina State House dome.
Feb 27, 2024

State House Dispatch: Feb. 27, 2024

Budget season, voting rights, and trans rights on the line

By Paul Bowers

"State House Dispatch: Feb. 27, 2024. This Week Under the Copper Dome." Text appears over a yellow and blue-tinted image of the South Carolina State House dome.
Feb 19, 2024

State House Dispatch: Feb. 19, 2024

We’re celebrating some small wins from last week, with a realistic view of what’s ahead

By Paul Bowers

"State House Dispatch: Feb. 19, 2024. This Week Under the Copper Dome." Text appears over a red-tinted image of the South Carolina State House dome.
Feb 12, 2024

State House Dispatch: Feb. 12, 2024

Trans rights, medical marijuana, book censorship, and 'a traditional approach to history’

By Paul Bowers

"State House Dispatch: Feb. 12, 2024. This Week Under the Copper Dome." Text appears over an orange-tinted image of the South Carolina State House dome.
Feb 10, 2024

Dangerous books, South Carolina schools, and me

Let me tell you a story about a book they want to ban

By Paul Bowers

"Dangerous books, South Carolina schools, and me." The headline appears above a pile of books: Native Son, Slaughterhouse-Five, Beloved, Sold, and Stamped.
Feb 07, 2024

All hearts on deck: Defend trans kids on 2/14

3 ways to stand up to the attack on trans rights

By Paul Bowers

A Valentine's-style card reads, "All hearts on deck: 3 ways to stand up to the attack on trans rights"
Feb 05, 2024

State House Dispatch: Feb. 5, 2024

‘Pro-birth’ accountability, medical marijuana, minimum wage for incarcerated workers, and more

By Paul Bowers

"State House Dispatch: Feb. 5, 2024. This Week Under the Copper Dome." Text appears over a blue-tinted image of the South Carolina State House dome.