University institutes may not always grab headlines, but their impact can be felt far beyond campus. These organizations bring together students, faculty, and community members to explore big ideas, host thought-provoking events, and sometimes even shape public policy. While you might be familiar with popular centers focused on athletics, history, business, or health sciences, South
South Carolina is one step closer to citizens in every school district having easy, online access to the meetings of their local school boards. During its August 5, 2025, meeting, the South Carolina State Board of Education passed new model policy language for local school boards to use in crafting their own policies regarding live-streaming
On November 3, 2026, South Carolina will hold its next gubernatorial General election. In other words, a new individual will be selected as the Palmetto State’s 119th governor next year. And the race is already making the headlines, over a year out! Governor Henry McMaster, the incumbent, will not be able to run again due
In a bold step forward, Montana has become the first state to secure the “Right to Compute,” a law that could influence the future of technology, personal freedom, and economic innovation. Senate Bill 212, signed into law in April 2025 by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (R), affirms that individuals and businesses have a constitutional right
This column by Palmetto Promise President & CEO Wendy Damron was originally published in FitsNews. When most Americans think of biotech and the Carolinas, they immediately imagine North Carolina and its famous “Research Triangle” hub of labs and universities. But increasingly, they ought to take some advice from the billboards dotting I-95 — and look
This week, on August 5, 2025, the South Carolina State Board of Education approved Superintendent Ellen Weaver’s request to take control of the Jasper County School District. The board’s vote allows the South Carolina Department of Education to dissolve the locally elected school board and assume full operational control of the district. The decision comes
BMW’s massive Spartanburg plant has something special under the hood. Powering its plant includes a system that reduces reliance on an already overtaxed energy grid. So why have you never heard about it? And more importantly, is it just a virtue-signaling venture, or is it a small glimpse into the future of independently produced power
As the American automotive industry continues to evolve, several new manufacturers have pursued an alternative go-to-market strategy to the traditional franchised dealer model by creating their own retail operations and selling directly to customers. That list includes Tesla, now one of the world’s biggest automakers, along with growing startups like Rivian and Lucid. It also
For years, Palmetto Promise Institute has supported Direct Primary Care (DPC) as a key reform to improve healthcare access, affordability, and doctor-patient relationships in South Carolina. With the introduction of H. 3966 by Rep. Davis (R-Moncks Corner), the General Assembly has another opportunity to solidify legal protections for this innovative care model. This legislation comes
