State News
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 · Pickens
U.S. Presence in Strait of Hormuz Increases Amidst Tensions with Iran
The United States has increased its naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. This action follows statements regarding maritime security in the region. The U.S. aims to monitor vessel activity.
Iranian Politician Claims Tehran Will Maintain Authority Over Strait of Hormuz
Ebrahim Azizi stated Iran intends to control passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The statement comes amid ongoing geopolitical concerns regarding maritime traffic in the region. The Strait of Hormuz represents a vital shipping route for global oil supplies.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Jaguars Trade Lawrence; Bengals Acquire Additional Draft Capital
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Cincinnati Bengals acquired these assets in exchange.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Celtics Rout Sixers by 32 Points in Game 1
The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 128-96 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 28 points. Boston now leads the series 1-0.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Braylon Mullins Withdraws from NBA Draft, Returns to UConn
UConn guard Braylon Mullins, previously ranked No. 17 on ESPN's NBA draft board, announced he will return to the Huskies for his sophomore year. Mullins looks to improve his draft stock with another season at UConn.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Lionel Messi's Argentina Career: A Look Back
ESPN conducted interviews with key figures to explore Lionel Messi's international career with Argentina. The oral history investigates the circumstances surrounding his choice to play for Argentina.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
MLB and MLBPA Meet to Discuss Collective Bargaining Agreement
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association convened this week to start negotiating terms for the next Collective Bargaining Agreement. Key topics under discussion include the possibility of a salary cap and mechanisms to prevent a potential lockout.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
LeBron James' Future with Lakers Uncertain Despite Playoff Appearance
LeBron James' performance and the Lakers' playoff run have highlighted the complex relationship between the star player and the franchise. While a return seems logical, several factors could influence James' decision for the upcoming season.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Steelers Await Rodgers' Decision Amid Deadline Reports
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly seeking a commitment from quarterback Aaron Rodgers by a specific deadline. The team aims to finalize their quarterback plans before the upcoming season. Rodgers' decision will significantly impact the Steelers' strategy.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Reigns and Fatu Sign Contract, Brawl on WWE Raw
Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu formalized their World Heavyweight Championship match for Backlash with a contract signing on WWE Raw. The event ended with a physical altercation as Fatu executed the Tongan Death Grip.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Dante Fowler Signs With Seahawks After Lawrence's Super Bowl Pitch
Dante Fowler Jr. signed with the Seattle Seahawks after DeMarcus Lawrence reportedly convinced him he could win a Super Bowl with the team. Fowler and Lawrence were teammates on the Dallas Cowboys from 2022-2023.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Arsenal Edges West Ham 1-0 After VAR Disallows Late Equalizer
Arsenal defeated West Ham 1-0 after a late West Ham goal was disallowed by VAR for a foul on the Arsenal goalkeeper. The win puts Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League standings.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Projected NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Field Released: Florida Holds Top Seed
The first projected 76-team field for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is out. Florida currently holds the top overall seed, according to bracketologists.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Top 25 Teams: Potential Award Candidates
Several players across the top 25 teams are emerging as potential candidates for prestigious national awards. Each team has a standout player whose performance places them in contention for individual accolades.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Penn State Football Undergoes Changes in Campbell's First Four Months
Head Coach Matt Campbell has implemented changes within Penn State's football program during his first four months. The focus is on player development and a renewed emphasis on recruiting. The impact on the team's performance remains to be seen.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Power Four Football: Top Newcomers to Watch in 2026
Several new faces are expected to play key roles for Power Four football programs in 2026. These additions, whether through recruiting or the transfer portal, could significantly impact team performance.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
NCAA Proposal Grants Bowl Eligibility Flexibility to 5-7 Teams Meeting Academic Standards
The NCAA football oversight committee approved a proposal granting conferences flexibility in selecting 5-7 teams for bowl games. These teams must meet specific academic requirements to be considered. The measure aims to fill bowl vacancies when not enough traditionally eligible teams are available.
Wednesday, February 18, 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Columbia Track Champs Shatter Attendance Records in SC
Record-breaking crowds packed Spring Valley High School in Columbia for the SCHSL state track and field championships, signaling a surge in South Carolina high school athletics. Emerging stars from Spring Valley, Boiling Springs and beyond dazzled spectators with blistering sprints and record pursuits. The event underscores the Palmetto State's growing passion for youth sports.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Charleston's $2B Boom: Magnolia Landing Reshapes Waterfront
A $2 billion mixed-use megaproject along Charleston's Ashley River is igniting a construction frenzy, promising 4,000 homes, offices and parks amid surging demand from remote workers.[1][2][3] Developers broke ground after decades of planning on a former Superfund site, signaling South Carolina's Lowcountry as a hotbed for growth.[5] With phase one underway, the first residents could arrive by 2027.[4]
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
McMaster's Bond Reform Law Targets Repeat Violent Offenders in South Carolina
Governor Henry McMaster signed House Bill 3532 into law, fundamentally reshaping how South Carolina handles repeat offenders charged with violent crimes. The legislation imposes mandatory 100% bonds and up to five additional years in prison for suspects who commit crimes while already released on bond for violent offenses, closing what officials call the state's "revolving door" of repeat criminals.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026