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This edition of the South Carolina Lede for February 26, 2021, features: the latest research on COVID-19 immunity; a look at legislative priorities and what happened this week at the statehouse; the state’s tourism director gives us an update on South Carolina’s top economic driver; and much more.

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South Carolina’s ports are one of its’ major economic engines with over a $63 Billion impact on the state’s economy each year.

In an effort to maintain the Port of Charleston’s competitiveness with other east coast ports, the State Senate this week approved a resolution authorizing the state to borrow up to $550 Million to allow the S.C. Ports Authority to complete the new Hugh K. Leatherman terminal on the Cooper River.

De-escalating Disability explores the intersectionality of autism, race, policing.

On this fourth installment, we take a closer look at policing in South Carolina, speak with the head of the state's criminal justice academy, and hear what others on the frontline of the law are doing to improve relations with the communities they serve.

The song "Lift Every Voice and Sing" has long been regarded within the African-American community as the Black national anthem. Its lyrics reflect a life of struggle, but also perseverance and faith. Many, like Army veteran Harrison Jenkins, first learned the song in church and/ or grade school.  By the time time he was in highschool, the Berkeley County native was singing the song as a member of the school's chorus- where it was mandatory to learn the song in its entirety.

This edition of the South Carolina Lede for February 20, 2021, features an in-depth look at the journey taken by the so-called "fetal heartbeat" abortion bill from the state legislature to Gov. Henry McMaster's desk for his signature this week — as well as the temporary block a federal judge placed on the new law just one day after its passage.

It's almost midnight and Henry Darby is stocking shelves at a Walmart in North Charleston.  He zips down the aisles unraveling cans from plastic packaging, eyeing them like a puzzle and then putting them in just the right place.

He lives the advice his family gave him growing up in this community.

"They always taught me whatever your hands find to do, do it."

Darby has found something to do alright.

De-escalating Disability explores the intersectionality of autism, race, policing.

On this episode, we hear what one mother is telling her son with Autism Spectrum Disorder about interacting with police and how she feels officers aren't prepared enough to handle such a situation without it possibly turning into a tragedy.

With their distinctive makeup and and personas and wild stage shows, few rock bands are as recognizable as KISS.  The group has attracted legions of fans over the last half-century.  John Downs of Charleston took his interest a step beyond fandom, and has amassed a collection of hundreds of items since 1977.  

For ways you can help, scroll down to the bottom of this story.

On the upside, South Carolina is a bounteous food state. We grow almost 5 million acres worth of food on 25,000 farms and have excellent trade partnerships with food growers in other states. There is no shortage of fresh and healthy food available.

Two caveats: The abundance of food also includes an abundance of junk, and while there is plenty of healthy food, there also is a shortage of people who can access it.

This edition of the South Carolina Lede for February 16, 2021, features: a look at the latest COVID-19 numbers and vaccination efforts across the state; a discussion of the importance of Black history with Dr. Bobby Donaldson, professor of history and director of the Center for Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina; an update on the state of South Carolina's economy; and much more.