SC News

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!

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported one new case of measles that was a result of international travel. The state's outbreak is still set to end April 26.

Fewer than 6,000 cotton-top tamarins remain in the wild. Riverbanks Zoo is playing a key role in their care and conservation.

Golden Harvest Food Bank announced that its Summer Harvest program will expand into the six South Carolina counties it serves.

A Facebook video shows Desmond Levon Brown, 29, burning a puppy alive.

As the state's largest food bank, Harvest Hope provides more than 25 million meals on average across the Midlands, Pee Dee and Upstate.

Mike Switzer interviews Rob Cheng, founder and CEO of PC Matic and recipient of the 2025 Dr. Charles Townes Individual Achievement Award.

Mike Switzer interviews Rob Cheng, founder and CEO of PC Matic and recipient of the 2025 Dr. Charles Townes Individual Achievement Award.

Statehouse reporters Gavin Jackson and Maayan Schechter are back at the Capitol reporting what you need to know when lawmakers are in Columbia. They'll post news, important schedules, photos/videos and behind-the-scenes interviews with policymakers.

South Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states. A quarter of residents are 60 or older, and demand for in-home care is rising.