South Carolina Lede

August 3, 2021 — Clemson University Philosophy and Biological Sciences Professor Dr. Kelly Smith joins us to talk UFOs, aliens, and deep space. Smith is one of the leaders of the emerging community of scholars exploring the social and ethical issues surrounding space exploration and life on other planets.

July 31, 2021 — Joey von Nessen, research economist with the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business, joins us w what the Palmetto State's economy is facing during the pandemic.

July 27, 2021 — The Associated Press' Meg Kinnard joins us to look at the 2022 South Carolina governor's race.

July 24, 2021 — The latest on the spread of COVID-19 in the Palmetto State; an update on Associated Press Reporter Meg Kinnard's battle with cancer; and much more.

July 20, 2021 — A look at controversial monuments and memorials in the Palmetto State; details about a new investment in reshoring critical parts of the PPE supply chain in South Carolina; one Prisma Health expert speak out about a potential upcoming COVID-19 surge; and more.

July 17, 2021 — Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Director of Public Health Dr. Brannon Traxler on recent increasing COVID-19 numbers; South Carolina has the lowest recidivism rate in the country; positive; the latest campaign news; and more.

July 13, 2021 — Gov. Henry McMaster's quarrel with the Biden administration over COVID-19 vaccine outreach efforts; recent fundraising numbers for the 2022 South Carolina governor's race; the latest COVID-19 data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC); and more.

July 3, 2021 — The changing politics of Darlington County; Gov. Henry McMaster weighs in on the ending of federal unemployment benefits; a look at federal earmarks which could benefit South Carolina infrastructure; and more.

June 29, 2021 — A look at some of the state budget vetoes Gov. Henry McMaster issued last week; Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) announces his 2022 reelection bid; the history of the South Carolina statehouse grounds; and more.

June 26, 2021 — The latest on Washington dealmaking involving infrastructure and police reform; SC Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling gives us updates the death penalty in South Carolina; Gov. Henry McMaster signs the new COVID Liability legislation into law; and more.

June 22, 2021 — We dig into the $11 billion state budget heading to Gov. Henry McMaster's desk this week, speak with state Rep. Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington) about the problems facing the SC Department of Juvenile Justice, learn about getting vaccinated while pregnant, and much more.

June 19, 2021 — We look at the finalized state budget SC lawmakers agreed to this week, take the pulse of the Palmetto State's economic recovery, hear the latest on the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19, and more.

June 15, 2021 — We look at Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to Greenville, SC this week; what's being done to curb drug use and abuse in the Palmetto State; Spoleto Festival USA General Director Nigel Redden's final festival; and more.

June 12, 2021 — We look the at Biden Administration's push to get Americans vaccinated against COVID-19, including an interview with US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. Also on this episode: the latest on the state budget passed by the House; SC Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel breaks down recent worrisome crime statistics; Gov. Henry McMaster and other state officials announce a new workforce training program; and more.

June 8, 2021 — Gov. Henry McMaster does not renew the state's COVID-19 pandemic-related state of emergency; the latest on millions of dollars in broadband projects set to be awarded in South Carolina; Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) continues his calls for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus in China; and more.

June 5, 2021 — A look at the latest COVID-19 data in the state; an update on the new state budget currently working its way through the SC House of Representatives; another Democratic candidate joins the 2022 gubernatorial race; and more.

May 29, 2021 — Emergency experts weigh in on the 2021 hurricane season, which starts next week; the controversial Heritage Act goes before the state Supreme Court; Charleston County settles with the family of Jamal Sutherland; and more.

May 25, 2021 — We discuss the slew of crime news in the state over the past week, including the capture of a wanted fugitive and a mass shooting in North Charleston. Also in this episode: a look at the status of police reform legislation a year after the death of George Floyd; Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) and USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack share information about a new program to help minority farmers; and much more.

May 22, 2021 — Data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) about teen COVID-19 vaccination rates; the latest state economic news; advice from South Carolina State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell for businesses still mandating mask use; and much more.

May 18, 2021 — We discuss the latest South Carolina political news, speak with a cybersecurity expert about the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, hear how parents feel now that adolescents as young as 12-years-old are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines, and more.