South Carolina listeners woke up this week to a fast-moving slate of headlines. Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency as Tropical Disturbance 94L and Tropical Storm Imelda tracked near the coast, prompting ongoing preparations and careful monitoring by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Though Imelda’s path has shifted away from direct impact, officials still urge caution as hurricane season remains active, according to CBS News and the SCEMD. Recent wildfires also continue to affect communities, with a ban on outdoor burning still in place in Pickens County.

On the government front, the state legislature wrapped up action on House Bill 3309, bringing notable changes to the energy sector. The bill, which has now become law, introduces new requirements for the Public Service Commission and consumer advocacy related to utilities, expanding oversight and mandating an annual review of regulatory agencies. Dominion Energy will also be required to evaluate and potentially convert its Wateree Generation Station to biomass-fired generation, reflecting the state’s increasing interest in renewable energy strategies.

Local governments across the state are enacting new policies aimed at housing and economic growth. The City of Darlington is introducing a Housing Incentive Program that will launch October 1, stimulating affordable home development and aiming to revitalize neighborhoods over the next two years, as reported by Columbia Business Monthly. Meanwhile, Cherokee County is set to welcome its first major data center project, with Cielo Digital Infrastructure selecting the area for a new development. This marks an important step for the region’s growing technology sector.

Business activity in South Carolina continues to accelerate, with several companies announcing significant investments and job creation statewide. Alita, an AI-driven healthcare technology firm, is setting up operations in Charleston County, creating new jobs and innovations in medical administration. Riverstone Logistics is relocating its headquarters to York County, hiring 159 new employees and expanding final-mile delivery and freight brokerage services. On the manufacturing front, ATI is expanding in Chesterfield County, while Fine Organics and Eurocharm Group are building out their first U.S. and North American facilities, respectively, promising dozens of new jobs and opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Despite growth, the employment picture has seen challenges. Lockheed Martin will reduce its Greenville workforce by about 10 percent following the U.S. Air Force’s decision not to extend the F-16 depot sustainment contract, signaling possible ripple effects in local defense manufacturing.

Community news highlights advances in education and infrastructure. Three new charter school campuses opened in time for the school year, including Discovery School at Myrtle Beach, bringing expanded STEM and social-emotional learning to local students. Roebuck Elementary is underway with a major renovation project, promoting modernized and collaborative learning spaces for future classes. On public safety, federal assistance has been secured to support wildfire response near Myrtle Beach, and the USDA designated Horry County a primary natural disaster area, providing much-needed relief for affected farmers.

Looking ahead, listeners can expect continued vigilance as hurricane season intensifies and South Carolina officials prioritize disaster preparedness in coastal and inland counties. The weeks to come will also reveal how new energy policies shape utility oversight, and local governments move forward on infrastructure and housing projects. South Carolina’s business community remains active, with ongoing announcements around technology, manufacturing, and healthcare innovation.

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