South Carolina's Department of Social Services announced that over 176,000 households who missed their food benefits for November due to a federal shutdown will receive them on Friday. The state distributes SNAP benefits on a rolling basis, so the shutdown did not block aid to all of the nearly 550,000 people the program helps feed. The law ending the shutdown included funding for the program through September 2026. The state's donation-supported emergency response fund will continue to accept money until all SNAP recipients have received their benefits.

The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum has seen a surge in visitors since it opened an exhibit telling the story of South Carolina soldiers in the Vietnam War. The exhibit includes artifacts from the war, as well as interviews with veterans who fought in the war. The museum has seen a 50% increase in annual attendance since the exhibit opened, and now draws over 41,000 visitors per year. The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, and on the first Sunday of the month.

South Carolina Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace has pledged to focus on strengthening the port's cargo base and prioritizing opportunities for immediate growth, rather than long-cycle infrastructure. The Port of Charleston has seen strong economic development wins, with ocean carriers showing confidence in its capabilities within the Southeast market. However, Mallace acknowledged that challenges persist, including a freight recession and volatility in the port market. Despite this, he is optimistic about the port's potential to engineer above-market growth and deliver non-traditional growth initiatives.

A rule barring books containing "sexual conduct" from school libraries in South Carolina has been deemed unconstitutional by teachers and K-12 librarians, according to a federal lawsuit filed on Tuesday. The lawsuit argues that the rule violates students' First Amendment rights to receive information and is too vague to understand. The rule has led to the removal of 21 books from classrooms and shelves, and the lawsuit claims that it has had a "chilling effect" on librarians, who are afraid of losing their jobs and teaching licenses for violating the regulation. The ACLU is asking a judge to return the books to shelves while the case is heard in court.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has reopened 99% of the 900 state roads that were closed following Hurricane Helene last year. SCDOT collected 5.4 million cubic yards of debris and repaired over $50 million in road and bridge damages. The state government has appropriated $35 million to match federal funds for the recovery. The SCDOT team has worked alongside federal, state, and local partners to get South Carolina back on track following the storm.

South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette spoke to the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce last Friday. The event was part of the Chamber’s First Friday Lunch series, a networking event for local business leaders. The luncheon also included the announcement of the Leadership Greer Class 46.

The South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act came into effect on September 1, with a 180-day grace period before law enforcement will issue tickets for violations. The law prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a mobile device with any part of their body while driving, or using it to read, compose or transmit texts, emails, app interactions, or website information.

Prisma Health appoints Anthony Jackson as senior vice president of service lines and chief community officer.