State News
Monday, May 4, 2026 · North Charleston
Midlands planners get $325K to expand Congaree firefly access
A regional planning group has secured a $325,056 grant to develop a tourism strategy around Congaree National Park's legendary synchronous fireflies, hoping to ease the lottery crunch that leaves thousands disappointed each May. The two-year initiative will balance expanding access to the natural light show with protecting the delicate habitat that makes the phenomenon possible.
Charleston Federal Case Targets $517M Coastal Drug Seizure
Federal prosecutors in Charleston are pursuing charges against smugglers tied to a massive $517 million cocaine haul seized at sea, linking international cartels to South Carolina's shores. The operation, involving Coast Guard interdictions off Ecuador, underscores the Lowcountry's role in major trafficking networks. With life sentences on the line, the case highlights ongoing threats to coastal communities.
Monday, May 4, 2026
NFL Draft Day 2: Key Selections and Notable Trades
Day 2 of the NFL Draft concluded with multiple teams making significant selections and executing strategic trades. Analysts have identified potential value picks and perceived reaches among the drafted players. Focus now shifts to Day 3 and the remaining picks.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Rockets Defeat Lakers 115-96, Averting Sweep
The Houston Rockets avoided a sweep, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 115-96 in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series. Reed Sheppard led the Rockets, while Deandre Ayton had 19 points for the Lakers before being ejected.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Myrtle Beach Resort OK'd Despite Wetland, Dune Worries
Horry County Council has approved a sprawling beachfront resort in Myrtle Beach, fueling a clash between tourism booms and coastal safeguards. Critics decry risks to fragile wetlands and dunes amid South Carolina's rapid growth. As development surges, locals question if economic gains justify environmental costs.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Columbia Track Championships Draw Record Crowds as SC Athletes Set Standards
South Carolina's high school track and field championships in Columbia attracted the largest attendance in state history, showcasing elite performances across multiple classifications. The meet highlighted the remarkable progress of the state's athletic infrastructure and the caliber of talent competing at the highest levels of South Carolina prep sports.
Monday, May 4, 2026
SC Universities Land $10M to Train Nursing Faculty Amid Shortages
South Carolina universities are receiving $10 million in state funding to bolster nursing educator programs, targeting the state's critical teacher and nurse shortages. The initiative offers tuition reimbursements and salary boosts to recruit faculty for public institutions. As vacancies decline and out-of-state teachers flock to SC, this could reshape healthcare education.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Charleston Port Sets Sail: Record Cruise Traffic Lifts SC Economy
The Port of Charleston is experiencing a surge in cruise ship traffic this spring, with Virgin Voyages' massive Valiant Lady becoming the largest vessel ever to dock at the historic terminal. The influx of thousands of passengers is expected to generate significant revenue for local hotels, restaurants, and attractions across the Holy City.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Gamecocks Blast Campbell 16-7, Punch Ticket to Columbia Regional Finals
The South Carolina Gamecocks baseball team unleashed a 16-run offensive barrage Sunday evening to defeat Campbell 16-7 and claim the Columbia Regional title. With hot bats firing on all cylinders at Founders Park in Columbia, USC advances to host the Regional Finals. Gamecock fans are buzzing as their squad eyes another deep NCAA tournament run.
Monday, May 4, 2026
South Carolina Sees Respiratory Illnesses Plummet After Winter Surge
South Carolina's flu and RSV cases have plunged dramatically since the peak winter surge, state health officials report, crediting robust vaccination rates and seasonal shifts. With hospitalizations down and activity levels returning to baseline, public health experts urge continued vigilance. The decline brings relief to strained hospitals from Columbia to Charleston.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Boeing Breaks Ground on $1B Expansion in North Charleston, Adding 1,000 Jobs
Boeing has broken ground on a transformative $1 billion expansion at its North Charleston campuses, poised to create over 1,000 high-paying jobs amid South Carolina's booming aerospace sector. The project ramps up 787 Dreamliner production to 10 planes monthly by 2026, signaling confidence in the Lowcountry's manufacturing prowess. Local leaders hailed the milestone as a win for the Palmetto State's economy.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Clemson's Hauser Drills 56-Yard FG to Steal ACC Title from SMU
In a heart-stopping finish at Bank of America Stadium, Clemson's Nolan Hauser nailed a record 56-yard field goal as time expired to clinch a 34-31 victory over No. 8 SMU in the ACC Championship. The win vaults the No. 18 Tigers into the College Football Playoff with a potential first-round bye. South Carolina's football pride soars as Clemson adds another trophy to its Death Valley legacy.
Monday, May 4, 2026
SC House Panel Advances Bill Banning Foreign Adversaries from Buying State Land
South Carolina lawmakers are moving to shield farmland and real estate from foreign adversaries like China and Russia amid national security fears. A House panel approved the measure targeting owners linked to those nations, spotlighting concerns over 800 acres already held. The bill heads to the full House as 36 states enact similar protections.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Lexington Police Hunt for Kidnapped SC Teen at Gunpoint
A 17-year-old Lexington boy was dragged from his home at gunpoint by two armed men Sunday night, sparking a frantic search across the Midlands. Authorities describe Corvin Gardner as 5-foot-8 with a distinctive forearm tattoo and urge tips to 803-358-1557. No motive has surfaced as community fears mount.
Monday, May 4, 2026
CDC-Convened Panel Examines Link Between Bullying and Suicidal Behavior in Youth
A special issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health explores the connection between bullying and suicide-related behaviors in young people. The effort was coordinated by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expert panel.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Listeria Infections Pose Risk to High-Risk Groups, Health Officials Say
Listeria, a bacteria found in some foods, can cause severe illness, especially among pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Health officials are monitoring potential outbreaks.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Prescription Painkiller Overdose Deaths Increased Among Women, CDC Reports
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a significant rise in prescription painkiller overdose deaths among women. The study, covering 1999 to 2010, highlights a critical public health concern. The report did not explore causality.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Manchester City Interested in Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi
Manchester City is reportedly pursuing Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi. The potential transfer fee is rumored to be around £69 million.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Second Amendment's 'The People': Courts Grapple with Definition
The Second Amendment guarantees the right of 'the people' to bear arms, but the courts are actively debating who exactly constitutes 'the people.' Recent rulings are examining the inclusion of felons, minors, and non-citizens in this definition.
Monday, May 4, 2026
Browns Declined Cowboys' Trade Offer, Selected Spencer Fano in 2026 NFL Draft
The Cleveland Browns rejected a trade offer from the Dallas Cowboys during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Cleveland then selected offensive tackle Spencer Fano with the ninth overall pick.
Monday, May 4, 2026