By Seanna Adcox | Editor-in-chief
Happy Friday! We are now 10 days into the state’s new fiscal year. Budget negotiators are set to return to Columbia on Tuesday. Whether they can reach an agreement on a new state budget remains unknown. Amid the impasse, state government keeps operating under what’s called a continuing resolution that maintains spending under the budget approved last year.
“Prior to Clemson’s final decision, Dr. Ayers stepped back from consideration in order to remain fully committed to the University of Georgia. When circumstances changed, conversations resumed…” - Clemson board Chairwoman Kim Wilkerson on why Benjamin Ayers wasn’t on the list Clemson previously released as the three finalists for president.
Money to revitalize downtown Myrtle Beach is again one of the House's largest earmarks in a state budget that legislators are still negotiating. (File photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
By Skylar Laird
A historic bridge, improvements to Myrtle Beach’s downtown and a center to learn about Medal of Honor recipients are the top recipients of more than $300 million the House wants to spend on local projects. The House’s list of earmarks is a major sticking point in the ongoing negotiations over state spending. So, I asked Skylar to delve into the list and write about it.
Clemson University’s governing board selected University of Georgia provost Benjamin Ayers as the college’s 16th president. (Photo illustration courtesy of Clemson University)
By Jessica Holdman
Clemson University’s governing board selected University of Georgia provost Benjamin Ayers as the college’s 16th president. The decision came four days after trustees’ first pick told them he didn’t want the $1.2 million offer after all. Ayers’ salary will be less. He starts Aug. 1.
A portion of state Highway 133 over an inlet of Lake Keowee collapsed in July 2025. The bridge reopened in March following a fast-tracked replacement. (Photo courtesy of the SCDOT)
By Skylar Laird
A $23.5 million federal grant will make a dent in the cost of replacing 18 bridges across nine counties. Replacing old and deteriorating bridges is a top priority for the Department of Transportation. The state budget still under negotiations could put more than $200 million additional toward the effort.
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