South-Carolina

SC politicians respond to continued shutdown over including subsidies in spending plan

Published

5 months ago

October 16, 2025

Press Room

SC politicians respond to continued shutdown over including subsidies in spending plan

South Carolina politicians are active in Washington amid a government shutdown and upcoming 2026 elections.
A new poll shows a tight Republican gubernatorial race, while Sen. Lindsey Graham leads in the Senate primary.
Republicans and Democrats in the state’s congressional delegation blame each other for the ongoing shutdown.

A temporary spending plan to get the government back up and running continues to stall out in the Senate as the shutdown becomes one of the longest in U.S. history.

South Carolina’s politicians have been active in Washington D.C. and at home advocating for an end to the shutdown. Many of these same politicians are also in the midst of campaigns as the 2026 governor’s race, Senate and congressional elections all approach.

This week’s About Politics takes a look at how South Carolina’s members of Congress are pushing to end a shutdown, new polling numbers ahead of the election, and a key endorsement one House member earned from the president.

New poll on the gubernatorial and Senate races

Quantus Insights, a polling and election forecasting organization, conducted a survey of South Carolina Republican voters ahead of next year’s gubernatorial race. Their poll of 600 registered Republican voters show tight margins between three Republican candidates: Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (District 1).

According to the Oct. 7 poll, the majority of surveyed Republican voters are still unsure who they support as South Carolina’s next governor with 35% of respondents stating they are undecided. About 17% said they support Evette’s campaign compared to Mace’s and Wilson’s 16%.

U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-District 5), racked up 11% of support from survey takers while State Sen. Josh Kimbrell (SC- District 11) earned 5%.

Quantus Insights also surveyed the 600 registered Republican voters on the 2026 Senate race.

Three Republicans are running in the Senate primary race so far: Graham, Greenville businessman Mark Lynch and Project 2025 author Paul Dans.

About 58% of survey respondents said they support Graham’s campaign compared to 15% who support Lynch and 7% who support Dans. About a fifth of the survey respondents said they are still undecided on who they support for Senate.

Lindsey Graham addresses shutdown on Meet the Press

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R- South Carolina, appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Oct. 12, where he spoke to host Kristen Welker about several topics, including wars overseas and the government shutdown.

Welker asked Graham if he supports the mass federal worker layoffs announced by the Trump administration during the shutdown, to which Graham said that decisions have to be made when there is no money coming in. He also said he opposed to the continued healthcare subsidies — the core of the spending plan disagreements.

“To my Democratic friends, I am not going to vote to extend these subsidies,” Graham said. “Let’s have a rational discussion, but not with the government shutdown. It’s up to you.”

Outcry over impacts of shutdown on military families

The U.S. government shutdown has surpassed its second week, and one of the most direct impacts of a shutdown is to military families whose military paychecks were in limbo. Some received pay on Oct. 15, while other service members did not.

Twenty seven Republican members of Congress, including South Carolina Reps. William Timmons (SC- District 4), Joe Wilson (SC-District 2) and Sheri Biggs (SC-District 3), wrote a letter to Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Oct. 15, urging him to pass a temporary spending plan to help military families. The letter called out the furlough of more than 334,000 Department of Defense civilian employees and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ limited operations.

“You have made it clear to the American people that shutting down the government is justified in pursuit of your political ends, regardless of the cost to military readiness and the well-being of servicemembers and veterans,” the letter stated. “Your political tactics are putting military members, veterans, and their families at risk.”

The government shutdown has reached a 16th day, making it tied for the third longest shutdown in U.S. history. A Senate vote on a House-passed spending plan failed for the 10th time on Oct. 16.

Clyburn responds to continued shutdown

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, South Carolina’s only Democratic member of Congress, has refuted his peer’s statements that Democrats are responsible for the shutdown. Clyburn posted on X stating that the Trump administration is using the shutdown as a way to fire federal works and halt government services, while placing the blame on Democrats.

“The Trump Admin. is using the shutdown as a pretext to arbitrarily fire federal workers and upend government services while simultaneously blaming Democrats for federal workers going without pay,” Clyburn stated. “Trump and Republicans are responsible for the shutdown, firings, and chaos. Period.”Clyburn has also been a firm advocate for continuing health care subsidies under the American Rescue Plan Act, saying that without them, South Carolina families will suffer.

“$2,571. That’s how much health care premiums will increase next year for an average family of four in South Carolina on a healthcare.gov plan,” Clybrun posted. “Democrats want to end this shutdown and prevent that from happening. Republicans should join us.”

President Trump endorses Timmons’ campaign

President Donald Trump posted his endorsement of Timmon’s reelection campaign on Truth Social on Oct. 14. Timmons was elected to serve the 4th Congressional District in November 2018 and is up for reelection in the 2026 midterms.

Trump wrote in the post that Timmons knows what it takes to ensure law and order and is a strong supporter of the military and law enforcement. He also commended Timmons’ stance on tax cuts, border security and second amendment rights.

“Congressman William Timmons is doing a truly fantastic job representing the wonderful people of South Carolina’s 4th Congressional District,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Oct. 14. “William Timmons has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

South Carolina senators back restrictions for medication abortions

Graham led a group of 50 other Republican senators, including Sen. Tim Scott, in writing a letter to the Food and Drug Administration that called for a greater restriction to medication abortions.

The letter was addressed to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Martin Makary. It urged them to review the FDA approval of a generic version of mifepristone. The senators argue that medication abortions can cause risks of serious medical complications, while undermining pro-life laws and states’ rights.

“Every month, thousands of abortion drugs are shipped into states that have otherwise limited access to abortion after Dobbs, degrading pro-life laws at the state level across the country,” the letter states. “Pro-life states have been forced to defend their citizens against radical abortion extremists.”

The Republican senators urge health officials to suspend the approval of new mifepristone generics pending a safety review, reinstate an in-person dispensing requirement for the drug, and suspend the distibution of the drug and its generics.

Bella Carpentier covers the South Carolina legislature, state, and Greenville County politics. Contact her at bcarpentier@gannett.com

Source link

Click to comment

South-Carolina

House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling

Published

9 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling

HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — The House ethics committee announced Monday it is investigating Representative Nancy Mace, the South Carolina Republican, for potentially improper reimbursement.

Mace may have sought and received reimbursements for Washington property expenses that were greater than the costs she actually incurred. The congresswoman has taken issue with the reliability of the committee’s evidence, however.

The committee began its investigation following a December referral from the House Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), an independent body that reviews allegations of misconduct. The OCC recommended that the committee investigate Mace’s reimbursement activity since there is “substantial” reason to believe she acted unethically – potentially in violation of House rules, standards of conduct and federal law.

Bills and statements from early 2023 to mid-2024 show that Mace overbilled the House for over $9,000 during that period, the OCC said. She allegedly requested the maximum reimbursement each month, at times receiving over a thousand dollars more than what she was entitled to, although the details of her finances are murky. Mace owned the property with her fiancé, who may have helped pay for it, according to the OCC.

“Based on the information available to the OCC, it appears Rep. Mace was reimbursed amounts exceeding the actual costs incurred for the DC Property during several months in 2023 and 2024,” the office said in its report.

“Further, if Rep. Mace did not pay for 100% of expenses related to the DC property – a determination the OCC could neither reach nor reject due to the Congresswoman’s lack of cooperation – this would increase the disparity between the amounts Rep. Mace was reimbursed and her actual expenses incurred.”

Mace’s lawyer, William Sullivan, Jr., wrote in response to the report in December that the OCC’s conclusions were “fundamentally flawed.” The report appeared to include unverified assertions and materials from the congresswoman’s former fiancé, who has a history of abusive and retaliatory behavior toward her, Sullivan said. The couple’s relationship ended in late 2023 to protect Mace’s “safety and wellbeing,” he noted.

“The Referral Report’s reliance on material and information originating from [the former fiancé] is therefore deeply problematic,” Sullivan wrote. “[The fiancé’s] personal motives, documented misuse of legal process, and demonstrated willingness to advance distorted or incomplete narratives about the Congresswoman raise substantial concerns about the accuracy and fairness of any claims premised upon or aligned with his accounts.”

The ethics committee is in the initial stage of its investigation and is gathering more information before advancing.

Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.

Source link

South-Carolina

How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | March 3

Published

21 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | March 3

The college basketball slate on Tuesday will include Mike Sharavjamts and the South Carolina Gamecocks (12-17, 3-13 SEC) hosting Nate Ament and the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers (20-9, 10-6 SEC) at Colonial Life Arena, with the matchup tipping at 6 p.m. ET.

See more details below, including how to watch this game on SEC Network.

Here’s everything you need to prepare for Tuesday’s college hoops action.

South Carolina vs. Tennessee: How to watch on TV or live stream

Game day: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Game time: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Arena: Colonial Life Arena
TV Channel: SEC Network
Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Tennessee vs. South Carolina stats and trends

Tennessee is averaging 80.1 points per game (87th-ranked in college basketball) this year, while ceding 69.2 points per contest (62nd-ranked).
The Volunteers are dominating when it comes to rebounding, as they rank third-best in college basketball in boards (40.1 per game) and second-best in boards allowed (25.8 per contest).
Tennessee ranks 32nd in the country with 17.0 assists per game.
The Volunteers are committing 11.6 turnovers per game (240th-ranked in college basketball). They are forcing 10.6 turnovers per contest (231st-ranked).
Tennessee is making 6.8 threes per game (279th-ranked in college basketball). It has a 34.3% shooting percentage (167th-ranked) from three-point land.
With 7.9 threes conceded per game, the Volunteers rank 196th in the country. They are giving up a 30.5% shooting percentage from three-point land, which ranks 29th in college basketball.
Tennessee is attempting 41.3 two-pointers per game this year, which account for 67.7% of the shots it has taken (and 76.2% of the team’s baskets). Meanwhile, it is attempting 19.7 three-pointers per contest, which are 32.3% of its shots (and 23.8% of the team’s buckets).

Tennessee vs. South Carolina Odds and Spread

Spread Favorite: Volunteers (-8.5)
Moneyline: Tennessee (-437), South Carolina (+328)
Total: 143.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 1:12 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.

Source link

South-Carolina

Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas

U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have caused a sharp rise in global energy prices.
Analysts predict gas prices will rise in the U.S., including in South Carolina.
The conflict has disrupted oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global transit route.
South Carolina’s average gas price remains lower than the national average, which is approaching $3 per gallon.

An escalating conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in March 2026 has initiated a sharp rise in global energy prices.

Analysts predict a significant uptick in U.S. gasoline prices, including in South Carolina, which often has some of the lowest gas prices in the country.

As of March 2026, AAA reports the national average for regular gasoline is $2.997 per gallon.

Based on projections released earlier this year in the Short-Term Energy Outlook, 2026 was initially forecast to have lower gas prices than 2025. With an expected 6% decrease, translating into approximately a 20-cent-per-gallon drop.

However, due to the conflict, these projections are now uncertain, and prices may not follow the anticipated trend.

“The national average price of gasoline has climbed for a fourth straight week, driven primarily by seasonal tightening and broader market dynamics,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

In the week ahead, De Han stated, gasoline prices are likely to face heightened upward pressure as seasonal trends continue and markets navigate this evolving geopolitical landscape, with the national average poised to reach the $3-per-gallon mark for the first time this year.

“Looking ahead, markets will now begin reacting to this weekend’s U.S.-Iran attacks, which have elevated geopolitical risk premiums even in the absence of immediate supply disruption,” said De Haan. “Oil prices have firmed as traders assess the potential for further escalation, and while fundamentals such as inventories and refinery activity remain important anchors, the risk of broader instability, particularly involving key transit routes, has injected fresh uncertainty into energy markets.”

Here’s what South Carolinians need to know.

How much is gas in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s average gasoline price remains significantly lower than the national average.

In South Carolina, the average price for regular gasoline currently stands at $2.666 per gallon, according to AAA. Mid-grade gasoline is priced at $3.099, premium gasoline is $3.494, and diesel is priced at $3.505.

Gas price hikes anticipated as bombing continue in Iran

South Carolina drivers should consider filling up their gas tanks soon to avoid potential price spikes.

Analysts expect crude oil, which ended trading on Friday, Feb. 27, at about $67 a barrel, to open this week at $90 or higher as traders process the news that Iranian forces have restricted traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Why are gas prices rising?

Iran is a major oil producer, and the ongoing conflict has disrupted the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world’s oil passes, according to reports from USA TODAY.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned vessels to avoid the area, and major shipping companies like Maersk have suspended all crossings. Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates send most of their oil exports through there.

This disruption has and could continue to reduce supply, driving prices up as demand remains steady.

“Too many global economies depend on that corridor to remain blocked,” De Haan said. “Markets price high transaction costs and additional uncertainty, he says, but he is not expecting full closure.”

If access through the strait is limited for an extended period, prices could rise “materially above $100/barrel,” said analysts at TD Securities in a March 1 note.

On the other hand, if access through the strait is guaranteed and hostilities cease, the added costs to account for the extra risk could evaporate in a matter of weeks, the TD team wrote.

“If it becomes clear this week that the tensions with Iran are short-lived, then oil prices will come back to the 60s,” said Rob Thummel, portfolio manager at $9 billion investment manager Tortoise Capital, in emailed remarks to USA TODAY.

Has South Carolina hit highest record average gas prices?

Despite the current spike in gas prices due to the conflict, South Carolina has not yet surpassed its highest recorded average prices, according to AAA.

The record for regular unleaded gasoline in the state was $4.609 per gallon on June 12, 2022.

Diesel hit a peak of $5.638 per gallon on June 10, 2022.

March gas price outlook: What drivers need to know about gas prices

As reported by USA TODAY on Feb. 28, the national average for U.S. gas prices is likely to push above $3 a gallon on March 2 for the first time this year.

Over the next couple of weeks, prices will likely hit at least $3.10 to $3.15 a gallon.

There’s also a normal seasonal increase in gas prices around this time of year, driven by seasonal pipeline maintenance, the transition to more expensive summer-blend fuel, and an increase in driving, according to GasBuddy analysis.

Rob Thummel, portfolio manager at $9 billion investment manager Tortoise Capital, expects gas prices to rise in roughly the same rate as oil prices over the coming weeks.

If crude jumps 10%, gas prices will as well, said Thummel.

Upstate SC Gas landscape

According to GasBuddy, in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, gas prices have shown similar trends to the national average, with drivers experiencing gradual increases at the pump.

Upstate South Carolina stations are adjusting prices in response to crude oil fluctuations and seasonal factors. Here’s the latest prices as of Mondy, March 2 at noon: