South Carolina Lede

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 31, 2026: we look at Gov. Henry McMaster’s ninth and final State of the State address; we also hear from Hopkins Democratic Rep. Jermaine Johnson with the Democratic message and reaction from House Speaker Murrell Smith; we take a look at some House and Senate floor activity over a bathroom bill and DUI bill, respectively; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 27, 2026: we continue to look at the future of the S.C. Dept. of Transportation as both chambers seek to reform and better fund the agency; we have new polling from the Republican gubernatorial campaign trail; we get a checkup with the leadership of MUSC about the demands of our growing and aging state, expansion efforts, and their proposed comprehensive cancer center; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 24, 2026: we recap some of the biggest legislative moves this week in the Senate and the House; we recently heard from the governor and Statehouse leadership on what’s needed in the next governor to continue the major growth our state has seen; and is Congressman Jim Clyburn running again? We have some answers; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 20, 2026: we hear from some potential 2028 Democratic presidential hopefuls; we remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; we also have major campaign trail updates; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 17, 2026: we recap the first week of the 2026 legislative session, which includes action on big bills like abortion, DUI, bathrooms, taxes, and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 13, 2026: our exclusive sit-down interview with Senate Republican leadership, including Senate President Thomas Alexander, Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, and Labor, Commerce, and Industry Chairman Tom Davis; we have a wide-ranging interview for you previewing what Senate Republicans who hold a 32 to 14 supermajority in the Chamber plan to do this final year of the two -year session; we’ll discuss taxes, abortion legislation, data center concerns, energy concerns and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 10, 2026: our special live Lede taping from this week featuring House Speaker Murrell Smith; we also hear from Statehouse reporter Maayan Schechter as we preview the 2026 legislative session; we discuss the key issues that are expected to shape South Carolina; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 6, 2026, we give you the Lede 2026 economic outlook for South Carolina, thanks to USC Darla Moore School of Business research economist Dr. Joey Von Nessen.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 20, 2025: host Gavin Jackson is joined by guests A.T. Shire and Maayan Schechter to discuss what’s in and what’s out for 2026.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 16, 2025: a preview from House Speaker Murrell Smith and other members of House Republican leadership on their priorities for 2026; a South Carolinian is set to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate; the measles outbreak continues to rage in the Upstate; and more!