South Carolina Lede

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 21, 2026: we have a bit of an econ pod as we discuss the economy with Dr. Joey Von Nessen; we have a Gavin Open Seas Maritime Report (GOSMAR) with SC Ports CEO Micah Mallace; we also visit Scout Motors’ newly opened training facility and talk costs and labor; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 18, 2026: we spoke with House Speaker Murrell Smith and Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey about what the final four weeks of session hold; we get the annual state of the judiciary update; we have a 2028 watch with another potential candidate visiting our state this week and another definitively ruling out 2028; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 14, 2026: we look at the Senate Finance Committee’s version for the budget and hear from the state’s chief economist on how healthy revenues are; we hear from SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell on a major groundbreaking for the I-95 bridge over Lake Marion; Sen. Lindsey Graham has one fewer challengers; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 11, 2026: we continue our look at energy in South Carolina, specifically the future of nuclear, the demand of data centers, and what elected officials are trying to do to regulate them.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede forApril7,2026:we’retaking a bit of a deep dive on energy for this spring break!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 4, 2026: we look at the first South Carolina GOP debate that took place on April 1 in Newberry; we have highlights from the debate, as well as post-debate interviews from three of the four candidates; we also caught up with South Carolina GOP Chairman Drew McKissick before the candidates took the stage; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 31, 2026: we look at the final filings for some major statewide races, and one big surprise in a congressional race; we recap additional Statehouse moves from last week as we stare down week 12 in Columbia; assistant US Attorney Sheria Clarke’s nomination to the federal bench was before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee last week; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 28, 2026: we look at two other candidates who have jumped in the governor’s race, including a Democrat; the first SCGOP governor’s debate is next week—but not everyone will be on stage; we look at some of the major legislative moves this week, including the so-called Bathroom Bill that is now on its way to the Governor’s desk; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 204, 2026, we look at the legislative week ahead with the House back in along with the Senate and more.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 21, 2026: were going to keep this pod pretty tight with our reporter round table. But we taped that discussion before we had a 12-hour long Senate day on Wednesday, and before the THC hemp bill passed on Thursday afternoon. Yes, me and Maayan were in the Senate til midnight. It’s totally thrown off my week, hence the abbreviated episode.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 18, 2026: we’re still talking hemp-derived THC drinks and maybe gummies; we look at some of the top filings so far for major races, including the senate and congress, and a newcomer emerges for the governor’s race; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 14, 2026: the House has passed its $15.4 billion budget as well as an income tax reduction bill; the Senate continues to debate the hemp THC drink regulation bill; Congressman Jim Clyburn announced his bid for an 18th term; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 10, 2026: it’s budget week in the House and the Senate is taking up hemp regulations this week; we hear from Sen. Lindsey Graham about the latest on Iran; we also get a national/midterm/election vibe check with our good friend AP National Politics reporter Meg Kinnard; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 7, 2026: we have South Carolina updates on the war with Iran, including from Sen. Lindsey Graham; we look at the state Supreme Court election that wasn’t; Rep. Nancy Mace is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 3, 2026: we hear from Sen. Lindsey Graham about joint strikes launched by American and Israeli forces against Iran on Saturday; we have some additional insight from Winthrop University political science professor Dr. Scott Huffmon; former President Joe Biden was in Columbia last week; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 28, 2026: we recap week seven of the legislative session, including action on bills dealing with personal income tax reductions, the Ten Commandments, hemp-derived consumables, redistricting, and NIL deals; Lt. Gov. Pam Evette dropped a new campaign ad touting the endorsement of Gov. Henry McMaster; we hear from Winthrop University Political Science Professor Scott Huffmon; and more!

On this episode of the SC Lede for February 24, 2026: We continue our coverage of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson with an update on memorial plans. We also have from Congressman Jim Clyburn and Camden Mayor Vincent Sheehen about their new books.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 21, 2026: House Freedom Caucus members try and impeach a solicitor; the expanded homestead exemption bill advances; the SC Supreme Court race gets a HUGE curveball; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 17, 2026: we sit down with Senate Minority Brad Hutto and House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford about the legislative session so far and what they hope to accomplish in a Republican supermajority Statehouse; two big national Democrats are heading to the Palmetto State later this month; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 14, 2026: we have a major endorsement in the Governor’s race; Attorney General Alan Wilson drops a new ad; we recap the major activity from week five of the legislative session; and more!