South Carolina Lede

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 12, 2026: we continue our look at the Democrats in South Carolina ahead of the November election; we’re continuing our time on the campaign trail with Dr. Annie Andrews and hear again from national figures like Pete Buttigieg and Gavin Newsom; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 9, 2026: we hear from Congressman Jim Clyburn who was on Meet the Press discussing a variety of issues, including what it would take for Dr. Annie Andrews to win in November; we have comments from California Gov. Gavin Newsom who was at several events during his two-day swing last week; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 5, 2026: host Gavin Jackson brings you his exclusive one-on-one interview with former South Carolina Supreme Court Justice John Cannon Few in his first interview since losing the support of the General Assembly this past March in his attempt to get reelected to a second, 10-year term to the state Supreme Court; they talk about his career, his legacy, and the circumstances around that election process, as well as his thoughts on judicial elections; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 1, 2026: the Associated Press reports that on Congress’ to-do list is likely a stopgap funding bill to keep things funded through early December; we may see the Senate-approved, expanded Russian sanctions bill, named after Sen. Lindsey Graham; we’ll also be watching to see how Congress handles the pending deadline for the recriminalization of hemp-derived THC products; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 29, 2026: Sen. Darline Graham has won the U.S. Senate Republican nomination, defeating 5th District Congressman Ralph Norman in the special primary runoff; Graham will now face off against Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews, as well as libertarian and constitution party candidates in November; we hear from Norman, Graham, and supporters, and find out how she did it with analysis from communications strategist Rob Godfrey; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 25, 2026: we take you to Pres. Donald Trump’s rally for Sen. Darline Graham in Myrtle Beach last Friday; we also talk with the voters of Horry County about the election, who they’re backing, and their big issues; Gavin talks with NBC News’ Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki about pathways to victory in Tuesday’s runoff between Graham and Congressman Ralph Norman; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 22, 2026: we bring you highlights from the special U.S. Senate Republican primary runoff debate from this week.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 18, 2026: we are in the sprint to the August 25th U.S. Senate Republican special primary runoff between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman; we have more analysis of the race from USC's Dr. Kirk Randazzo; Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy was in town stumping for State Sen. Wes Climer, who was running for the 5th Congressional District; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 15, 2026: we are heading to the August 25 special U.S. Senate Republican primary runoff between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman; we hear from the two of them on election night; we also get analysis and a look ahead with political communications strategist Rob Godfrey; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 11, 2026: you’ve already heard from the candidates, now you’re going to hear from the voters on this special election day; we’ll also discuss Pres. Donald Trump’s influence on this race; host Gavin Jackson brings you clips from his visit to Joint Base Charleston, now Joint Base Lindsey Graham, on Monday; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 8, 2026: host Gavin Jackson introduces you to the top five candidates vying for the republican nomination for U.S. Senate on August 11 in the Senate special republican primary.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 4, 2026: we recap for you all the major moments from the celebrations of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s life in Washington and in Columbia over the past few days; we also look at the race to replace Graham on the November ballot, with nine certified candidates all vying for the nomination on August 11, and more likely the August 25 runoff; we have highlights from those candidates, who held their first stump on Saturday; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for July 25, 2026: we continue our look at the life and legacy of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham; we also look at the next steps for this senate seat, including the upcoming special primary election on August 11 where several people have already filed to run, with others expected; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for July 22, 2026: we look back at the life of and some moments of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s 30-plus years in public office, comments from his friends, family, and colleagues, and the people who are already looking to become the nominee in a lightning-quick special primary election.

Stand by: host Gavin Jackson is back from Europe and working on the next South Carolina Lede. Check back soon for the latest episode!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for July 14, 2026: We bring you part two of Pulitzer prize winning author Jon Meacham’s recent speech and conversation at the two-day, Revolutionary Ideas symposium at Dock Street Theatre in Charleston on June 25, 2026.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for July 7, 2026: we bring you part one of Pulitzer Prize winning author Jon Meacham’s recent speech and conversation at the two-day, Revolutionary Ideas symposium at Dock Street Theatre in Charleston on June 25, 2026.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for July 4, 2026: we take time to reflect on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America; we’ll visit a key battlefield and talk with veterans excavating another; we’ll also hear from Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian Jon Meacham; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for June 30, 2026: we give you an update on what happened in the statehouse last week when both the Senate and House came back for a day to take up conference committee reports.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for June 27, 2026: we take you on the final two weeks of the gubernatorial runoff primary trail; we also look at how Attorney General Alan Wilson won a decisive victory in securing the Republican nomination over Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for June 23, 2026: we have segments from host Gavin Jackson’s most recent interviews with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and A.G. Alan Wilson; Gavin also caught up with Wilson moments after Pres. Donald Trump also endorsed him, in addition to Evette, just days before the runoff; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for June 20, 2026: we bring you some highlights from the Republican gubernatorial runoff debate between Lt. Gov. Pam Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson; we also have some cuts from the 1st Congressional District Republican runoff between Charleston County Councilwoman Jenny Costa Honeycutt and state Rep. Mark Smith; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for June 16, 2026: we look at the ongoing endorsement game leading up to the June 23 runoff; we also continue to look at the runoff races in the First Congressional District; we have highlights from a May forum the Democrats participated in; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for June 13, 2026: we look at what happened on primary election night; we hear from folks on the trail, including the two republican gubernatorial candidates in the June 23 runoff; we also have analysis from Winthrop University political science professor Dr. Scott Huffmon and strategic communications consultant Rob Godfrey; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for June 9, 2026: host Gavin Jackson takes you through his last week on the 2026 gubernatorial campaign trail.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for June 6, 2026: we bring you highlights from the Republican and Democratic gubernatorial debates that Gavin Jackson moderated this week as we enter the sprint to the June 9 primary.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for June 2, 2026: we look at the last Republican gubernatorial debate; Lt. Gov. Evette got Pres. Trump’s endorsement, and he let the cat out of the bag on who her running mate MAY be; we look at new polling and early voting numbers: and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for May 30, 2026: we bring you the highlights from the attorney general debate that host Gavin Jackson moderated on May 27.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for May 26, 2026: the Senate kills the redistricting effort after the chamber failed to block a Democratic backed filibuster; 14 Republicans joined the 12 Democrats to kill the bill on the White House’s redistricting push to change South Carolina’s congressional map; we take you from where we last left off to how it died Tuesday afternoon; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for May 23, 2026: we talk with several Statehouse reporters about the latest redistricting action from the week as the House spent long days moving the new congressional map through to the Senate, where it’s currently being debated; we look at what else happened during this session; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for May 20, 2026: we continue our focus on the congressional redistricting debate in the special session called by the governor; as of our taping, early Tuesday afternoon, the House is poised to give a key second reading to the new map this evening after a rules change was passed largely along party lines Monday evening; we also have analysis from Winthrop University Political Science Professor Scott Huffmon; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for May 16, 2026: we are post-sine die, but are in a rare extra session that has been called by the governor for lawmakers to continue the effort to change the state’s seven congressional districts at the behest of President Donald Trump. We, again, dedicate the pod to exactly what is happening because, unlike past redistricting efforts, the public has been shut out from this process as military and absentee ballots continue to be cast ahead of the June 9 primaries.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for May 12, 2026: we talk a little bit more about redistricting ahead of moves this week; we also bring you more of our candidate conversations with Republican Rom Reddy who’s looking to be the next governor of our fair state; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for May 9, 2026: we’re bringing you everything we have right now on an expedited redistricting push by Statehouse Republicans, all at the behest of the White House, with a week left in the legislative session.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede forMay5,2026:we continue our look at the Republican gubernatorial field with Attorney General Alan Wilson; we also talk with the new state election commission director Conway Belangia about the upcoming primaries; we look atthe agreement the state has signed with the U.S. Dept. of Justice over sensitive voter information; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for May 2, 2026: we look at what happened in this third-to-last week of the legislative session; will a U.S. Supreme Court decision on Louisiana’s congressional maps lead to mid-cycle redistricting here? We hear from Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey and House Speaker Murrell Smith on the final six legislative days of session; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 28, 2026: we’re looking at two of the Republican candidates running for the party’s nomination on June 9 and for the win in November, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and 5th District Congressman Ralph Norman; while we are in a full sprint to sine die, we wanted to look at these two candidates as we start rolling out our profiles on several statewide candidates; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 25, 2026: we look at the second Republican gubernatorial primary debate that took place this week in Charleston.

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!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 10, 2026: we hear from Sen. Lindsey Graham on sanctuary cities and the latest on his Russian sanctions bill; we look at the fallout from President Donald Trump’s social media post depicting the former president and first lady as primates; we get the latest regional economic pulse from Richmond Fed President & CEO Tom Barkin; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 7, 2026: President Donald Trump has endorsed in on one of, if not, the most critical statewide races this year; we look at major bills that moved this week, including the abortion pill bill, and DUI bill, and what happened to the hemp bill; we also have some committee action for you, including remarks from the first subcommittee hearing on the comprehensive data center regulation bill; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 3, 2026: we catch up with some of our favorite statehouse reporters for a vibe check on the legislative session as we kick off week four; we look at what’s on tap and get a look at two polls for the SC Republican gubernatorial nomination, as well as fundraising numbers for several congressional races; and more!

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!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 12, 2025: our live lead taping from Mount Pleasant and Hobka Brewing. Enjoy the conversation we had with the Post & Courier’s Caitlin Byrd!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 9, 2025: we continue our look at infrastructure with a reporter on what the SCDOT needs to keep up with the state’s record-breaking growth; we hear from Congressman Jim Clyburn on redistricting efforts happening in states around the country; Victoria Hansen has a deep-dive look on the state of South Carolina’s shrimping industry; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 6, 2025: the spread of measles continues to balloon in the Upstate so we talk with Dr. Linda Bell about efforts to limit the spread; we have a GOSMAR update and hear a bit more from Ports CEO Micah Mallace amid a dip in volumes; a major rift blew up on the gubernatorial campaign trail on Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s staff; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 2, 2025: we have an exclusive sit-down with South Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Justin Powell for our annual look at transportation infrastructure in our growing state--the challenges, accomplishments, and where the state heads next; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 22, 2025: we look at the Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee that failed to advance that restrictive abortion bill this week; we delve into a damning investigation into former House Rep. RJ May and the Freedom Caucus; we also get an update on projected revenues lawmakers will have to appropriate with next year; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 18, 2025: we preview some of the legislative meetings happening this week, including the screening of judicial candidates and a hearing on what would be the most restrictive abortion law if passed; we hear from Sen. Lindsey Graham on the shutdown ending, the looming healthcare debate, and potential conflict in Venezuela; we also have a 1st congressional district update for you; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 15, 2025: we continue our look at Election 2026 and tackle the latest major news out of Washington with the end of the federal government shutdown; we welcome AP National Politics Reporter Meg Kinnard and South Carolina Public Radio Statehouse and political reporter Maayan Schechter to join the conversation; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 11, 2025: we take a hard pivot from news and politics to food and beverage as four South Carolina restaurants were awarded Michelin stars, and several more were given prominent designations in the Michelin Guide; we talk with Hannah Raskin, one of the South's most preeminent voices in the South's food, beverage, and dining culture scene; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 8, 2025: we continue our look at the ramifications of the federal government shutdown and hear from Congressman Russell Fry and Sen. Lindsey Graham; we continue to look at the ramifications of federal decisions, including a report from Maayan Schechter on the impacts to South Carolina farmers; Congresswoman Nancy Mace is suing the Charleston International Airport while she faces an ethics complaint filed against her; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 4, 2025: we look at the latest drama from the gubernatorial campaign trail, including Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s security meltdown; we have the latest on the government shutdown; Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell provides an economic update while cutting rates; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 1, 2025: we look at the federal government shutdown, the lapse in SNAP benefits, how the state is responding, and how it will affect 560,000 South Carolinians; Republican gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Alan Wilson rolled out his law and order platform; state Democratic Rep. Jermaine Johnson jumps into the race for governor; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for October 28, 2025: we have some breaking Democratic campaign trail news on the gubernatorial front and updates on several other state campaigns as well; we have the latest on the drama involving leadership at the State Election Commission; SNAP benefits are about to disappear for more than half a million South Carolinians as the government shutdown continues; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for October 25, 2025: A.T. Shire and Sean Birch take the wheel while host Gavin Jackson is under the weather. The two discuss Halloween decorations, costumes, candy, and another live Lede in the works!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for October 21, 2025: we take you to the No Kings Day protest in Columbia, where thousands gathered on Saturday; we jump on the campaign trail with Lt. Gov. Pam Evette in Newberry; we take a look at the redistricting efforts going on across the country, including in nearby North Carolina; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for October 18, 2025: we revisit the 1000-year flood that rocked the state, and specifically the Midlands, 10 years ago; we hear from some of the people closest to that tragedy including a well-known South Carolina Public Radio voice never heard on this podcast before; we have a little update on the shutdown—it’s still going on; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for October 14, 2025: we wrap up our Washington week coverage with interviews PBS News Hour’s congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins and WSJ’s Josh Dawsey; we get some good insight on Congress and the Trump administration from two reporters closest to the action; we also have new campaign trail fundraising numbers and polls; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for October 11, 2025: our exclusive sit-down interview with Sen. Lindsey Graham. We were fortunate to get some time with him during a tricky little week.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for October 7, 2025: The Lede is in Washington, DC this week! The U.S. Supreme Court begins its new term; we look at DOGE SC; we take a deep look at the latest on domestic violence in this state with Sara Barber at SCCADVASA as we begin Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for October 4, 2025: the federal government remains shutdown; we hear what Congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Nancy Mace told hundreds at the Turning Point USA Clemson University chapter; the ACLU of SC is suing Clemson over their firing of a professor for exercising his first amendment right; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 30, 2025: we look at a hearing on a controversial and restrictive abortion ban bill before a Senate subcommittee; a look at a possible government shutdown and who could be affected in our state; Scott Morgan continues our look back on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 27, 2025: we look at some governor’s race bickering over an ad; separately Sen. Lindsey Graham drops a new tv ad; we drill down on the economy with our go-to research economist Dr. Joey Von Nessen with the USC Darla Moore School of Business; the state has another confirmed case of the measles; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 23, 2025: we look at the abrupt removal of the state election commission director Howard Knapp; we get an update on illicit drug trends in the state from the DEA; we also have some new polling on the governor’s race; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 20, 2025: we continue to look at the political and constitutional fall out of the assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk; we hear from a leading constitutional law professor discuss the First Amendment; we recently spoke with strategic communications consultant and former campaign hand Rob Godfrey who gives his initial read on the 2026 governor’s race; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 16, 2025: we continue our look at the fallout of the assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk; we hear from Sen. Lindsey Graham who was on NBC’s Meet the Press, as well as Utah Gov. Spencer Cox; gubernatorial candidate Rep. Nancy Mace yells at a colleague on the House floor over gender affirming care; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 13, 2025: a special back-to-school edition of the Lede recorded live at Rock Hill Brewing in Rock Hill, S.C., featuring Associated Press national politics reporter Meg Kinnard and Winthrop University political science professor Dr. Scott Huffmon.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 9, 2025: updates on statehouse activity, including the latest with former state Rep. RJ May who is set to go on trial in a month; a new CBS News poll on how Americans feel about National Guard troops in Washington and potentially other cities; a look at some economic data ahead of the Fed’s meeting next week on interest rates; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 6, 2025: we look at the new hands-free cellphone driving law; the Epstein files were the talk of the first week back in Washington, including among several of our lawmakers in the delegation; we have some spicy campaign trail activity as gubernatorial candidates continue to vie for President Donald Trump’s endorsement; and more!